Fujitsu Shows Off New PDA Concept Device (Pictures)

Is this thing hot or what? Fujitsu, who recently launched two new Loox models in Europe, has a concept device that features a 4" SVGA screen (800 x 600 pixels), built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and an integrated camera, amongst other things.

Here are a few pictures to whet the appetite...

Not bad huh? I wouldn't mind browsing web sites at 800x600 on a device of this size. I'm starting to get conflicted with this technology. At home I have a PC with a large flat panel display. On the road and at work I use a high res Inspiron in addition to various PDAs. I sometimes get stuck not wanting to lug the notebook somewhere, but wanting more functionality and a larger display from my PDA. This Fujitsu device looks like it could fill that gap for me. But am I really that geeky that I need four computing devices? I guess so!

Here's the official English version press release.

Fujitsu Labs Unveils Prototype of Compact PDA with 4-inch SVGA Display

November 7, 2003 (TOKYO) -- Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd announced that it built a prototype wireless LAN-capable compact personal digital assistant (PDA) featuring a 4-inch SVGA LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.

It has 802.11b wireless LAN, Bluetooth and infrared communication capabilities so that it can access directly to a LAN or virtual private network (VPN) without using any communication tool. It enables users to access PCs inside the office or home from outside, and to use data remotely.

As a compact-size PDA, it is the world's first to have a 4-inch SVGA display and capability of browsing contents for a PC, according to the company.

The field-sequential color display expresses colors by switching RGB at high speed without using color filters, which helps improve resolution levels compared with conventional PDAs. When viewing contents designed for the normal PC screen size, this will save users from frequent scrolling or viewing the entire screen in reduced size, the company said.

As it comes with a Compact Flash card socket, it is accessible for public telephone networks using a card-type PHS. Also, it is compatible with Remote Desktop, PC remote control function supported by Microsoft Corp, and VNC, a remote display system, distributed by AT&T Corp. It allows users to securely view files and operate/control applications via encrypted private network or the Internet, from outside home.

Fujitsu Laboratories plans to develop various business solutions, using this prototype compact PDA.

For example, it has an idea to connect the PDA and PCs, home gateways and network services. Also, it has plans to develop sensors of devices such as a contactless IC card and radio frequency identification (RFID) system.

Technologies such as location-information technology and user interfaces suitable for use with more high-resolution displays will also be developed, the company said.