The NPD-10JWL from Hitachi is not just a PDA. According to Hitachi, it belongs in a whole new category of devices: Mobile Multimedia Communicators. This new device category is fitting for this particular item, which is using technology almost straight off of the drawing board.

First of all, gone is the StrongARM processor from Intel that we usually see in such devices. It has been replaced by the new Intel CPU, the PXA250 applications processor based on Intel Xscale microarchitecture. The other new technology? The new Microsoft OS, Windows CE .NET, Japanese Version. From this alone, you can tell that Hitachi is taking no prisoners with this device.

Foraging still further ahead, the NPD-10JWL also comes 802.11b wireless-ready, built-in antenna and all. So put together, what do these components of this device mean? Handheld devices are becoming more and more like their desktop cousins. With .NET, enterprise users can access the same applications for PCs, servers and Web services. And with the added wireless capability, they can constantly update databases without having to periodically sync up.

The NPD-10JWL also comes with a 3.5 inch reflective TFT LCD with front light that shows off more than 65,000 colors. It is equipped with 32 MB of RAM and a MultiMediaCard/SD card slot and USB connector. PC and CF card slots are optional. Standard applications include IE 5.5, Windows Media Player, Inbox, Windows Messenger, ActiveSync, PictureViewer, Memo Pad, PIM software, Clock, Calculator, and Memory Card backup.

The measurements are as follows: 3 x 4.25 x 0.7 inches and 5.5 oz.

Pricing and Availability

The NPD-10JWL will be available in the Japanese market in April 2002. Pricing will be based up enterprise application.

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