allNetDevices: Samsung's Linux Handheld Details Emerge

Mar 02, 2000, 16:21 (14 Talkback[s])

Details of Samsung's Linux-based handheld aimed at consumers have started to emerge.

The device, called Yopy, is clearly aimed at the consumer market, according to details at the company's Web site. The ARMLinux-based device will be about the size of other palm-sized handhelds and will have, at base, a similar feature set of personal information management tools and voice recording capabilities.

However, the device will be more powerful than most handhelds, with a 4-inch, 240 by 320 pixel true color screen, 32MB of RAM and a 206MHz, 32-bit processor. It also will have an embedded Web browser.

In addition, the device will have a CompactFlash slot, built-in support for MP3 audio and MPEG video and will weigh 225 grams. It supports wireless modems but has no built-in wireless capabilities.

Initial release is expected in late second quarter. The company released no pricing information, but unconfirmed stories indicate it could be as low as US$99.

While a plethora of Linux-based devices have been announced, virtually all are larger tablet-sized or set-top devices. Compaq reportedly has developed a Linux palm-sized prototype but has disclosed no plans to bring it to market.

Related Stories:

• PC World: Handheld Linux Device Debuts(Feb 29, 2000)
• ZDNET UK: CeBIT 2000: Yopy is first Linux PDA(Feb 26, 2000)