So where's the Clio NXT?

We've always not-so-secretly coveted a Clio — no, not a Clie — the Windows CE-powered (if the word "powered" can be used rather loosely) subnotebook from a few years back. Sure, it couldn't do a whole lot, but we still think it's one of the best-designed portable computers ever. So, we really would like to be able to check out the Clio NXT, the next-gen model being developed by Data Evolution, which bought the rights to the product from original maker Vadem. The NXT, which keeps the original Clio's flip-screen and tablet/notebook capabilities, is said to include WiFi, an 800x600 display, SD, CF and PCMCIA slots, and, yes, Windows CE. Darren Humphries of SmartMobileAssets wonders where the NXT is, and points out that he's spoken with Data Evolution CEO Robert Sowah, who promised him a review unit to check out, but has recently stopped returning his calls. We're hoping that Sowah is just too busy working on the NXT launch (it's not supposed to be out until April, so they've still got time to roll it out on schedule) to get back to Darren, and that the NXT will be out on time. Oh, and Bob (we can call you Bob, right?), if you're reading this, we'd like a review unit, too.

[Via PocketPC Thoughts]

[Mac @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I picked up one off of Ebay years ago and absolutely loved it. Sharp licensed these from Vadem and sold them as the Mobilon TriPad PV-6000. Aside from a couple minor cosmetic changes (most notably the name Sharp on the cover) they were identical. Beautiful machine, especially once you found one of the handful of PCMCIA ethernet adapters for it. Used it for email and light browsing from my recliner for a long time.

[Kenny @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Qhy not XP Tablet PC edition? That would actually be pretty killer.

Remember the sony picturebooks that had like 5" screens and Windows 2000 Pro ?

[cacophony @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Anybody know if there are wifi cards/drivers supported under wince 2.x? This could be a cool home remote control, yes?

[fishpatrol @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

It'd be a very cool home remote. Worth trying out, unless perhaps someone develops VNC for the PSP. The fewer single-use gadgets around the house the better.

[Josh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I used to own one of these - gave it away. Was too slow to handle a WEP-protected WiFi connection reliably, and was *way* too slow to be a useful terminal client. Too bad, because it was almost the perfect kitchen computer (can fold up like an easel and stand on the counter).

[bob @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I have one of the old ones, it's now in a drawer since I use a real laptop instead. The downside was the browser and I resorted to using terminal server to make life managable. It used to lockup on me and the touchscreen was flaky but when it worked it was nice, using the touch screen made web browsing a nice experience.

I think that the time is past unless it's like 200 bucks (american), you can get a cheap laptop for 500 bucks.

[bobby hill is husky @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I just want to know, where's the next Carmi spamvertisponse??

[Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Does anyone have the wirelss drivers for the old Clio, because i have one but want to get wireless on it. Also can you use g or do you have to use b? Thanks.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I've been using an AmbiCom WL11000C-CF 802.11b card (compact flash format by way of a basic CF to PCMCIA adapter) in both a Clio 1000 and a Clio 1050 for about three years with almost no trouble.

I tired a lot of the intermediate fixes suggested elsewhere (e.g. old Orinoco/Compaq WL100 drivers with newer PCMCIA 802.11b cards) but none of them seemed to work properly and i couldn't find any other companies whose cards still explicitly support CE 2.11

Good luck!

[Hugh simpson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I'm a reporter who also owns a Sharp Mobilon PV 6000. I'm in the process of researching where to find the right WiFi card for this unit and also a new battery. Any suggestions?

[Bob @ Dec 29th 2005 12:44PM]

Anyone else have the video cable problem? After a while, can't say how long since all I get are used ones, the screen gets lines, funny colors, missing areas, etc. I traced it to the video cable connecting the screen to the board. It's a ribbon cable that runs through one of the side hinges. Over time, flexing seems to cause the cable to fail. I've had it happen to three units (Sharp 6000 and two Clio 1050's)so I don't think it was just an isolated incident. Anybody know of replacement cables? Does the Clio NXT fix this problem?