Two New Redfly Versions Unveiled: Lighter or More Multimedia Savvy

Celio Corp has just taken the wraps off two new versions of its Redfly Smartphone Terminal. One of these is lighter and less expensive, while the second adds the multimedia support customers have been asking for.

The Redfly C8 is a laptop-shaped device that can be used to give a Windows Mobile device a larger display, full keyboard, mouse, and USB ports. Essentially, it turns a smartphone into a subnotebook.

The upcoming Redfly C7 will have a 7-inch display and a lightweight battery that provides up to five hours of performance. This version will weigh less than 1.5 lbs. and cost less than the other versions.

The major change in the second model announced today, the Redfly C8N, is a new multimedia port that allows an iPod, iPhone , Zune, or digital camera to use the Smartphone Terminal's 8-inch screen to display video or images. Aside from this, it is essentially unchanged from the original model, which it will replace.

Pricing and Availability

The Redly C7 will sell for $229, while the C8N will retail for $300. These prices are considerably less than the original version once sold for.

The adapter C8N users will need to plug in external video devices will sell for $19.95.

Both of these new models will debut the week of Dec. 1. They can be pre-ordered now from select Celio resellers listed at getredfly.com including: eXpansys and Amazon.com.

More about the Celio Redfly

Although at first glance this model resembles a subnotebook, the Redfly works completely differently. It serves as an accessory for a smartphone, and does not act as a stand-alone computer.

When Celio's device is connected to a Windows Mobile phone, either by Bluetooth or USB, any application on the smartphone is shown on the Mobile Companion's 800-by-480-pixel (WVGA) display without modification or synchronization. The user is then able to interact with that application through a large keyboard and trackpad or mouse.

The C8 and C8N versions can run for eight hours on a single charge, or some of their battery power can be transferred to the smartphone. As previously mentioned, the upcoming C7 will have a five hour battery life.

The weight and screen size is different between the two new versions of the Redfly, but the overall size is the same: 9 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 1 inch thick. Both versions use the same keyboard.

With the exception of the new new Media port that's only on the C8N, these devices have the same ports: two USB 2.0 and VGA Out.

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