Monday, June 30, 2003
MiTAC Introduces Mio 339, 558 Pocket PCs
Posted by Crystal Eitle in "HARDWARE" @ 12:30 PM
MiTAC has officially announced two new Pocket PCs, the Mio 339 and the Mio 558.
"Sharing 400 MHz Intel PXA255 processors, the Mio 339 and 558 are respectively aimed at consumers and business users - emphasized by the inclusion of a digital camera in the former, and integrated Bluetooth and 802.11b in the latter.
Sporting 64 MB of RAM and a 3.5", 16-bit (65,536 colours) transflective TFT display, the Mio 339 is a successor to MiTAC's 338 and 338 Plus models and bears a close resemblance to these design-wise. In addition to having had its specifications upgraded, however, the Mio 339 also includes a brand new integrated digital camera which lets users both shoot still pictures and record limited amounts of video. Also included in the Mio 339 is an SDIO capable SD/MMC Card expansion slot. Additionally, the handheld boasts a consumer-grade infrared port and comes bundled with software which allows it to serve as a universal remote control for a variety of home appliances.
The Mio 558 shares many of the specifications of the Mio 338, including its processor, the amount of RAM available and its display. However, there are also significant differences, represented by the additional inclusion of a CompactFlash Type II expansion slot, as well as integrated support for Bluetooth and 802.11b - uniquely, without implementing an external antenna."
I sure hope these come to the U.S.; the specs look great. The 339 has an SDIO slot and an integrated camera, making it the second Pocket PC (along with Viewsonic's announced V36) to sport this feature. The 558 has dual slots and integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (as well as that ever-elusive jog dial!). Both Pocket PCs are petite and aesthetically pleasing, as well. The only thing that may be a dealkiller for some people on the 558 is the screen; it appears that it uses a reflective screen, not a transreflective one. Another potential drawback to the 558 is that it only has mono sound. I don't know where manufacturers got the notion that it's okay to only have mono sound in devices aimed at businesses; I think they underestimate consumer interest in these models.
Specs for the 558
Specs for the 339
"Sharing 400 MHz Intel PXA255 processors, the Mio 339 and 558 are respectively aimed at consumers and business users - emphasized by the inclusion of a digital camera in the former, and integrated Bluetooth and 802.11b in the latter.
Sporting 64 MB of RAM and a 3.5", 16-bit (65,536 colours) transflective TFT display, the Mio 339 is a successor to MiTAC's 338 and 338 Plus models and bears a close resemblance to these design-wise. In addition to having had its specifications upgraded, however, the Mio 339 also includes a brand new integrated digital camera which lets users both shoot still pictures and record limited amounts of video. Also included in the Mio 339 is an SDIO capable SD/MMC Card expansion slot. Additionally, the handheld boasts a consumer-grade infrared port and comes bundled with software which allows it to serve as a universal remote control for a variety of home appliances.
The Mio 558 shares many of the specifications of the Mio 338, including its processor, the amount of RAM available and its display. However, there are also significant differences, represented by the additional inclusion of a CompactFlash Type II expansion slot, as well as integrated support for Bluetooth and 802.11b - uniquely, without implementing an external antenna."
I sure hope these come to the U.S.; the specs look great. The 339 has an SDIO slot and an integrated camera, making it the second Pocket PC (along with Viewsonic's announced V36) to sport this feature. The 558 has dual slots and integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (as well as that ever-elusive jog dial!). Both Pocket PCs are petite and aesthetically pleasing, as well. The only thing that may be a dealkiller for some people on the 558 is the screen; it appears that it uses a reflective screen, not a transreflective one. Another potential drawback to the 558 is that it only has mono sound. I don't know where manufacturers got the notion that it's okay to only have mono sound in devices aimed at businesses; I think they underestimate consumer interest in these models.
Specs for the 558
Specs for the 339
