Digifriends M3 handheld coming to Sprint's WiMAX? [U]
updated 04:45 pm EDT, Tue June 10, 2008
Digifriends MID in US soon
(Updated with follow-up) The Digifriends M3 MID (Mobile Internet Device) that was unveiled at CES 2008 will be coming to the US market "very soon," according to yesterday's reports that had Digifriends USA's project supervisor Peter Kim as the source. The Korean company's device will likely be offered under contract through Sprint's Xohm WiMAX network as well as NextWave. The device features a 4.8-inch touchscreen with WSVGA (1024x600) resolution and a host of wireless connection options apart from WiMAX, including Korea's WiBro, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 2.0.
The device allows Internet browsing but it is made unique as a number of accessories and peripheral devices can be attached to it, including a keyboard, stand and speakers. The first two also double as battery extenders. Other specs of the M3 MID unit itself include an Intel Atom chip running at 1.2GHz, 1GB of RAM, and a 1.3-inch hard disk drive with capacities rated at between 30 and 60GB. The M3 MID supports DMB in Korea and 1Seg in Japan, the sole supporting markets for each respective mobile TV format. Two digital cameras are built into the device, including a 2MP camera for capturing still images on the back of the unit and a 0.3MP webcam on the screen side for video chats.
A choice of operating systems includes Windows XP or Vista, or the Linux interface that would keep the costs down. Neither pricing nor a set release date have yet been revealed. [via Pocketables]
Update: Digifriends tells Electronista that Pocketables' report is inaccurate. The M3 maker has made contact with both NextWave and Sprint but hasn't signed any deals with either company at this point.
