First International Computer (FIC) says its new full-function webpad is powerful enough “to truly marshal the possibilities of a wireless world.” The AquaPAD+ is optionally available with embedded Linux, and boasts built-in 802.11g, IrDA, PCMCIA, dual-USB, and an optional Bluetooth USB dongle.

(Click here for larger view of the FIC AquaPAD+)

FIC was an early customer of Transmeta CPUs, and first shipped the original Crusoe-powered AquaPAD in September of 2001, installed with Midori Linux.

According to FIC, the AquaPAD+ targets applications such as point-of-sale systems, e-books, GPS navigation, hospital diagnostic services, warehouse inventory management, etc. Additionally, in the near future, the company says that “AquaPAD+ is going to expand its function to home AV entertainment device.”

FIC demonstrated a Vassili portable media player based on Linux and an AMD Alchemy processor at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas this January.

The AquaPAD+ takes wireless communications very seriously, on the theory that mobile communications must be flexible communications. Built-in WiFi 802.11g, for example, “allows you to access network and download MP3 music or MPEG movie video in incredible high speed.” And, FIC says, “With the external USB Bluetooth dongle, AquaPAD+ can easily communicate with any Bluetooth enabled devices. Even if you were in car, with the expansion PCMCIA slot, AquaPAD+ can be turned into a GPS navigation system which guides you all along the road.” IrDA is also built-in.

The AquaPAD+ is based on an 800MHz to 1GHz Transmeta TM5900 Crusoe microprocessor, along with 128MB or 256MB of SO-DIMM DRAM (expandable to 512MB). It has an 8.4-inch touch-screen LCD with SVGA 800 x 600-pixel resolution, and provides a VGA output connector for use with an external monitor. An on-screen virtual keyboard utility is provided, and hand-writing recognition is optional. The device also offers a choice of 1.8-inch hard drive or CompactFlash socket.

The webpad measures 10.6 x 6.3 x 1.0 inches and weighs about 2.6 pounds. It's powered by a smart 4-cell, 2400mA Lithium-Ion battery pack, which provides three hours of battery life, according to the company. Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows XP are available as OS alternatives.

Summary of key AquaPAD+ features and functions:

• Processor — Transmeta TM5900, 800MHz to 1GHz
  
• Memory — 128MB or 256MB SO-DIMM standard, expandable to 512MB
  
• Display:
  • 8.4-inch LCD with touch screen
    
  • VGA port for additional CRT or LCD display
• Audio:
  • AC'97 3D audio
  • audio output jack
  • built-in speaker and microphone
• Storage:
  • 20GB 1.8-inch slim HDD
  • CompactFlash (64MB default)
• Expansion:
  • one PCMCIA Cardbus Type II socket
  • two 2.0 USB ports; one standard, one mini
• Physical:
  • size — 10.6 x 6.3 x 1.0 inches (268.5 x 160 x 26 mm)
  • housing — Mg.-Aluminum material
  • weight — approx. 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg)
  • battery — 4-cell, 2400mA Lithium-Ion battery pack; three hours of battery life (typical)
  • regulatory compliance — FCC/CE EMI; UL/C-UL/TUV safety

Transmeta in May sold off its Crusoe chip line to Hong Kong-based technology firm Culterecom.

 
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