Tatung's mysterious Windows Mobile-powered UMPC / PPC hybrid spotted

We're really digging these UMPC / PPC hybrids that seem to be popping up every so often, and even though those full-fledged (and overpriced) first generation UMPCs didn't exactly shake up the mobile computing world, we're a forgiving bunch. Presumably similar in function to HTC's Athena X7500, this mysterious Tatung device will apparently sport a longer battery life than those tried-and-true UMPCs, have "instant on" capabilities, and feature Windows Mobile 5.0. We can only hope that it sports at least a few connectivity options, but until CES (hopefully) discloses a bit information, the pics snapped (click on through for more) at Computex will have to do for now.

[Via PocketPCThoughts]

[Chris Merchant @ Jan 1st 2007 6:52PM]

I'm taking bets on how long the hype for this one lasts.

Starting... now.

Chris

[Tommo_UK @ Jan 1st 2007 7:25PM]

What is the point of these devices, and why do all the rumour sites go ga-ga about them when nobody's interested in them? Solutions in search of problems.

[PAUL @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:31PM]

WHAT IS BIG IS THE NEW TECH,HAND HELD NO WIFI ALWAYS ONLINE NO CELL PHONE PROVIDER AND YOU CAN USE IT WHILE FLYING . FULL PAGE TRUE INTERNET DSL SPEED. OH AND YOU CAN GET IT FOR FREE WITH A 2 YEAR 39.DOLLAR PLAN.TRUE WIRELESS TECH ,FIRST OF ITS KIND!

[Pistachio @ Jan 1st 2007 7:59PM]

I'm calling shenanigans on this one.

That looks like Windows Mobile 5 for Smartphones, not PocketPCs. Note the Start button on the bottom (PocketPC is on the top). The title bar is also missing, which is in Smartphone and PocketPC. Something is very odd here.

I wouldn't get your hopes too high on this one.

[Geoffrey @ Jan 1st 2007 8:10PM]

I agree with Pistachio. Besides having the "Start" hot-key at the bottom, there is a profile item on the screen, which is another SmartPhone feature.

[Leo @ Jan 1st 2007 8:40PM]

Yes I agree, I don´t see the hype.

Leo
/http://fundamentalreading.blogspot.com/

[Peggy Farabaugh @ Jan 1st 2007 9:53PM]

Too many gadgets! I'm looking to consolidate everything into 1 good small gadget. Haven't found anything that works well enough yet, but will keep reading. Thanks for keeping us posted,
Peggy Farabaugh
www.VermontWoodsStudios.com

[Canadian_Bacon @ Jan 1st 2007 10:20PM]

Shenanigans!
Not on their website! The "Music Hopper" is however, so the entire thing can't be all faux. Anyways, does anyone even own anything by tatung other then me? Ive got an oooooold Tatung monitor that is total crap. Actually, I never believed they were a real company, I assumed they were some clone producer or something.

[liquid @ Jan 2nd 2007 3:56AM]

dont really see the point in this thing using WM5, might as well just get a wm5 smartphone or pda. And unless this thing runs windows its no umpc, just a big ass pda.

[gfar @ Jan 2nd 2007 6:57AM]

How big is that thing? Any dimensions?
If it's too big for a pocket, you might as well have a laptop.