i-mate Preparing Line of ''Ultimate'' High-End Windows Mobile Devices

Retailer i-mate is planning the launch of five new very high-end Windows Mobile devices in a wide variety of form-factors, including a micro-notebook and a Pocket PC flip phone.

Top row, left to right: i-mate Ultimate 5150, 6150, and 7150. Bottom row, left to right: 8150 and 9150.

The new line, called the "Ultimate" series, will all share nearly identical specifications but very different form factors when they launch later this year.

All five models will include Windows Mobile 6.0, a 520 MHz XScale processor, VGA screen, 128 MB of RAM, 256 MB flash memory, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, quad-band GSM/EDGE, and tri-band UMTS/HSDPA.

Further specs include a jog dial, stereo FM radio, 2.0 megapixel camera, video output, 1400 mAh battery, and a MicroSD slot.

According to spec sheets acquired by Spanish-language site TodoPocketPC, the devices will be available with either an 850/1900/2100 MHz 3G radio for Cingular, or in an 850/1700/2100 variation for T-Mobile's upcoming 3G network.

Breakdown by Model

Differentiating the various devices are their design, form-factor, and screen size.

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The 5150 will have a vertical sliding design covering a numeric keypad, and a 2.8 inch display. The 6150 will be nearly identical, but will dispense with the sliding mechanism, opting for a plain tablet design with no keyboard.

The 7150 (see image at left) changes significantly, featuring a mini-notebook design with a 3.8 inch display, twist-and-flip screen, large keyboard, and 2.2 inch external OLED screen, all in a size which is only 0.7 inches thick, and almost half the total size of the similar HTC Universal.

MobilMania.sk has produced a number of hands-on pictures of the 7150 model, showing off its portrait and landscape modes, as well as what appears to be a second camera for video-conferencing functions.

• Click here to see the Ultimate 7150's spec sheet

The 8150 is similar to the 5150, but features a fixed number pad, smaller 2.6 inch screen, and is just 0.46 inches thick, making it likely the thinnest Pocket PC phone on the market.

Last but not least, the Ultimate 9150 is a clamshell phone-style device with a 2.6 inch main display and 1.2 inch external OLED. While there have been several Windows Smartphone-based clamshell designs, most notably the HTC Str Trk (sold by i-mate as the SmartFlip), this is the first Pocket PC phone to be built in such a form-factor at least since the ill-fated Motorola MPx.

• Click here to see the Ultimate 9150's spec sheet

Pricing and Availability

Pricing information and an exact release date are currently unknown for any of the models in the Ultimate line; however, they are likely to debut at price matching their very high-end specifications.

More information can be found on i-mate's web site.