PocketMatrix

In 2004 Asus will launch a high-end PDA with everything one could expect from a new PDA.

Here's the specs for the new A716:

INTEL Xscale PXA255 400Mhz
Windows Mobile 2003
64MB of RAM (58 usable)
Bluetooth and WiFi
Extensions SD and CF
135x77x17,6 mm for 170 grams

Check for a photo of the device.

The ultimate gaming PPC will still be the A620 even then. Ok, it will have SD expension but I wouldn't change the A620 for this that is for sure.[/code]

Ooh, I like the Asus A8100 Smartphone, more.

The way I look at, this is the A620 all over again, except that it addresses all the criticisms (i.e., it now has CF and SD, plus it has both BT and Wi-Fi. In my view, it is not a next gen PPC, but perfects the 2003 generation of PPCs, save for the fact that it still only has 64 MB of RAM. Good job, ASUS, but when it's available I will go for a VGA PPC with WM2004.

BTW, 716? WTF?

Drex

There's really little point in having more than 64MB of built-in RAM. Everyone and their mother has an SD or CF memory card to which you install programs and games, and can store your memory. Not that more isn't better, but 64MB of RAM is not something that would hold me up considering I have a 1GB Microdrive and two 256MB SD Cards that I've collected over the years.

I really wish the Motorola MPx2000 (the smartphone) or whatever it's called had bluetooth. Nothing has bluetooth but Sony-Ericsson.

James, I agree with you for the most part. Except in one aspect: some programs run better from main memory than from a storage card. For example, I find that Morphgear runs better from main memory than from my CF card. With more memory available, I can install more programs into main memory, and just store large files to the storage cards. As programs become larger, this might become an issue. Other than that, you're right--64 megs should be plenty.

Drex

drex.

the a710 was supposed to come out this summer with the a620. It was based on the casio e-3000 that asus had built with most of those features that you see now on the a716. The problem, asus figures it much to big to bring to the US, so it was branded under NEC and is being sold in Japan under their brand.

The a716 is still not on the road map for asus products in the US. It was redesigned totally and specs seem to be lower than what the a710 was supposed to be. I'll find out shortly what is coming into the US..... The A710 was supposed to have gsm/gprs and a gps and tv receiver..... so, lets see whats really going to end up in the A716 and if it'll even reach the states......

I think their new smartphone/pocket pc the a-8000's got a better shot to be seen here.

Asus will release more info on these to their resellers this week.

Justin
PROPortable