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BRIGHTHAND
article (FEB 2004)
FlipStart
Blurs the Line Between Handheld and Laptop
With some devices, the line between
handheld computer and laptop computer can be very blurry. Such a device is
Vulcan Inc.'s upcoming product, the FlipStart.
This runs a full version of Windows XP, but it is just slightly bigger
than Sharp's clamshell Zaurus line. It has a 1024-by-600-pixel display,
but its keyboard is so small it must be used with the thumbs.
Many of the specifications of the
FlipStart sound like a laptop. It uses a 1 GHz processor and includes 256
MB of RAM and a 30 GB hard drive. It even uses the traditional laptop
design.
But there can be no doubt this is
no typical laptop. It is 5.8 inches wide, 4 inches tall, and 1 inch thick.
It weighs 1 pound. It includes a built-in trackpad so it can be used
without a mouse.
The FlipStart has integrated
802.11b/g Wi-Fi wireless networking and a USB 2.0 port. Optional features
include Bluetooth and Ethernet.
It's main screen is 5.6
inches, but the consumer has the option of getting the Low-Power
Interactive Display module. Among other features, this includes a small
screen on the outside of the device that gives access to email, calendar
information, and the MP3 player. However, its main screen is not a touch
screen.
This device includes a 1.3
megapixel digital camera.
Vulcan has not yet said when the
FlipStart will cost. The release is expected before the middle of this
year.
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