H9 UMPC runs Linux

So, Vistagami isn't really your thing, and that Pepper Pad line never really caught your eye. Beijing Peace East Technology Development, Inc. is taking another shot your UMPC dollar with its new H9 7-incher. BPETD is calling this one the "world's first" Linux UMPC, and while we assume Pepper might take issue with that statement, there's no denying that this one would look quite at home among a lineup of Origami units. Unfortunately, a Linux OS isn't the only difference between the H9 and its Windows-based counterparts. Under the hood there's a mere 520MHz Intel PXA270 processor, 20GB HDD, 64MB ROM and 128MB of SDRAM, though connectivity is decidedly spiffier, with GPS, WiFi, GPRS / CDMA, PCMCIA and SD card support. The 7-inch touchscreen runs at a respectable 800 x 480, and the usual accouterments of headphone jack, microphone and built-in speakers are included. The OS purports to feature all those snazzy functions you might need from such a handheld, but from the looks of things it isn't incredibly polished. Of course, we have no idea if we'll be even seeing this thing outside its native China anyways, or how much it might cost were it to make it to these shores.

[applesucksLeo @ Feb 5th 2007 12:07PM]

Those specs make me want to run right out and buy one ;)

[Ken Schwencke @ Feb 5th 2007 12:11PM]

I guess I'll be the first to say that this seems strikingly similar to the Nokia 770/N800 in both power and appearance. Wonder how similar this flavor of linux is to Nokia's Tablet OS? Looks identical.

[Chris @ Feb 5th 2007 12:19PM]

that's what I was thinking, the interface even looks a lot like maemo.

this might be one worth trying to import

[R-R @ Nov 16th 2007 2:15PM]

Problem is this one won't fit in any pockets...
That's the problem with the current breed of umpc (beside maybe the OQO2 which i didn't touch yet), if i have to get a bag, why not get a laptop?

[Kev50027 @ Feb 5th 2007 12:44PM]

Why do the specs look so bad? I think they're decent for a Linux machine. Depending on the distro, Linux generally doesn't require half the horsepower of Windows or Mac.

[Chris @ Feb 5th 2007 1:25PM]

folowup says $490 each in lots of 500 or more

people in #maemo on freenode also seems to think this is a slightly reworked Maemo distro as well, the one for Nokia's devices.

[hobgoblin @ Feb 5th 2007 1:59PM]

this one smells of N800 indeed.

still, thats the nice part about linux ;)

i hope they try to ship it world wide as it appear that they more or less took a N800, stripped the webcam and stuffed a whole lot of other stuff in it.

i wonder how much bulkier it is compared to the N800...

[Karel Jansens @ Feb 5th 2007 5:48PM]

Well, the N800 has a 4.1 inch 800x480 screen, while the H9's is 7 inch.

FYI: the 225dpi of the N800's screen really makes text look as if it was printed on the screen. This experience will be a lot "watered down" on the H9.

[mj @ Feb 5th 2007 3:36PM]

It's un upside down Nokia N800! Demon spawn! RUN!!!! NOOOO!!!!

[Khaytsus @ Feb 6th 2007 9:26AM]

Slightly blocky verses tiny. I'll take slightly blocky. Thanks. Besides, it's still around 150dpi.

[Omegaone @ Feb 6th 2007 1:13PM]

"dpi" ... or "dots per inch" refers to ink and paper... the printing industry... screen resolution is measured in "ppi"... or "pixals per inch" ... there is a difference!