Next-Generation Clio Coming in April

Data Evolution now says the Clio NXT will be released in April.

The Clio NXT is an updated version of a device that skirts the line between handheld, laptop, and tablet PC.

It was announced in November, but at that time Data Evolution didn't reveal what it would cost, and would only say it would be available sometime in the first half of 2005.

The company now says the Clio NXT will cost $1,000. However, Data Evolution will hold a pre-order incentive program from January 4 until February 4, during which this device will cost $800.

BSQUARE Helping with the Design

Earlier this month, Data Evolution announced that it has hired BSQUARE Corporation to help it design the Clio NXT.

BSQUARE is providing extensive hardware design, platform software, application software, and quality assurance testing.

BSQUARE was the creator of the the Power Handheld, a cellular wireless handheld with a VGA screen that ran Windows CE. It was withdrawn from the market early this year.

More About the Clio NXT

The Clio NXT will sport a rotating screen that will allow it to either be used as a traditional laptop or as a tablet (see picture below). It will include both a nearly full-size keyboard and on-screen handwriting recognition.

The original Clio was released back in 1999, and a lot of progress in mobile hardware has been made since then. The next-generation Clio will have many features not available in the original, such as built-in Wi-Fi, a larger screen, a 400 MHz Intel XScale processor, industry-standard USB connectivity, and multiple memory card slots.

The first Clio had little or no multimedia capabilities, while the upcoming model will have an MP3 player and audio input/output ports.

The Clio NXT will run Microsoft's Windows CE .NET 4.2 Professional operating system.

Related Links

• BSQUARE Leaving the Handheld Market