Intel is targeting StronARM at portable computing applications that require LOW POWER dissipation with no need to run legacy x86 code.
Currently, Intel has design wins for Compaqs iPAQ handheld device running the new version of Windows CE.
I'm one of the lucky few to have an iPaq. I am QUITE IMPRESSED. Something like this would have been flat-out Star Trek Science Fiction 15 years ago.
206 MHz Strong ARM, 32 Meg RAM, 16 Meg flashable ROM (for OS & built-in programs like Pocket IE, Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Money, a suite of PIM programs that sync with Outlook 98/2000, Windows Media Player, a Picture Viewer, Microsoft Reader, etc), 12-bit color (16-bit would be nicer but you really can't tell much of a difference) reflective TFT screen that is actually easy to read in direct Phoenix sunlight, LOUD built-in speaker & stereo jack (people buy a pocket amplifier for HP & Casio), voice notes, Microsoft Transcriber (a real winner in handwriting recognition), Lithium-Polymer battery that's about the size of a business card and 2mm thick (but not user replaceable), etc. Microsoft and Compaq have a real winner in this machine. Now if people could actually get them...
A benchmarking site (http://www.pencomputing.com/WinCE/PPC/PocketPC.html) says that measures out at 141 VAX MIPS.
As far as PocketPC OS (WinCE 3.0) goes, it's Microsoft's SOP: version 3 gets it right. Oh, and you can get Embedded Visual Basic and Embedded Visual C++ for $0.00 + $7.50 s/h from Microsoft. They say allow 4-8 weeks for delivery but I got mine in three days. |
