The following information about a new Linux-based PDA has been provided by Master Integrated Appliances Co., Ltd. (Taipei, Taiwan), the developer of the device . . .

Master Integrated Appliances Co., Ltd. (MasterIA) recently demonstrated a new thin and lightweight Linux-based PDA at the Intel Developer Forum held in Taiwan. The device, like many recently introduced PDAs, is based on Intel's 206MHz StrongARM SA-1110 system-on-chip processor, and has a full-color 320×240 pixel TFT LCD screen plus expansion slots for CompactFlash Type II and SmartData (SD) cards. Internal resources include 32MB RAM for program operation, and either 16MB or 32MB of Flash memory for program and data storage.

The MasterIA PDA's operating system is based on Linux kernel 2.4, with a user interface built on Trolltech's Qt Palmtop Environment. Its application software includes a comprehensive PIM suite — addresses, calendar, host sync, text editor, and “pocket office” — plus multimedia functions. Opera's browser, used for web access, supports Chinese, Japanese, and Korean web page browsing. In addition to handwriting recognition, the device also provides onscreen virtual Chinese, Japanese, and Korean keyboards.

MasterIA has implemented what it calls “Dynamic Speed Scaling” (DSS), which the company claims results in roughly twice the battery life of Compaq's iPAQ PDAs.

The MasterIA PDA measures 130 x 80 x 18 mm and weighs approximately 170 g (includes 900 maH Li-on battery).

Additional photos and information are available at the MasterIA PDA website.

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