November 29, 2000

Another hybrid
Nokia previews phone/PDA

As we discussed in a recent print-edition article, compelling phone/PDA devices are starting to arrive (see "Shapes of things to come").

Nokia has now joined the fray by unveiling what it calls a mobile multimedia terminal. The 9210 Communicator, a pocket-sized device for corporate and personal users, integrates a GSM phone, a high-resolution color display, a full keyboard, and even office applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

The Communicator is a dual-band EGSM900/1800 device that weighs just 244 grams, yet features advanced cell-phone, fax, email, calendar, and imaging capabilities. In addition, the WAP-enabled device can access Web pages while on the fly through the use of a Web browser that supports frames as well as Java applets. Supporting HSCSD (high-speed circuit-switched data) at speeds of up to 43.2 kbits/sec, the device is scheduled for introduction in GSM markets serving Africa, Asia, and Europe beginning next year.

Running Symbian's EPOC operating platform with PersonalJava support, the Communicator incorporates a 16-Mbyte memory card that can be used to store third-party software packages ranging from corporate applications to entertainment content. In addition, the Communicator offers SyncML software that can remotely synchronize calendar, contacts, and to-do lists.

Supporting 4096 colors, the high-resolution display offers desk and background images that can be customized to meet the individual tastes and requirements of each user. The machine also boasts support for wireless imaging, giving users the ability to save pictures in an electronic photo album. The pocket-sized device comes with a lithium-ion battery that claims to deliver 10 hours of talk time and 230 hours of operating time under optimum conditions.

—Mark Long, News Correspondent