The assets associated with AMD's low-cost Personal Internet Communicator (PIC) have been acquired by Data Evolution Holdings, whose subsidiary manufactures a line of Windows CE-based notebook computers. Neither terms of the deal, nor insight into what is in store for the device, were disclosed.

The PIC has been demonstrated running Linux, although versions of the device that were sold along with Internet service packages in developing nations reportedly blocked Linux at the BIOS level.

Data Evolution subsidiary Data Evolution Corp. (DEC) produces the Clio NXT and Cathena mobile computers. The former is claimed to be the world's only full-sized, Windows CE-powered, convertible notebook; the latter, which also runs Windows CE, is described as an ultralight notebook computer that targets vertical applications in education and government.

AMD in 2004 introduced the PIC as an aspect of its 50×15 program, which aims to provide 50 percent of the world's population with Internet access by 2015. However, after failing to generate “material revenue” from the product, AMD quietly killed the PIC late last year. The device runs Windows CE on an AMD Geode processor.

AMD touted the PIC as a compact, low-cost “consumer appliance”
Data Evolution has not said what it plans to do with the newly-acquired PIC assets. However, in a statement, DEC CEO Robert Sowah said, “This is an exciting acquisition for DEC. We are aggressively pursuing our thin client strategy, part of which calls for expansion into high-growth markets. Adding the PIC product design to our portfolio of products is a significant step in that direction.”

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