Asus unveils Windows Mobile-powered A626 PDA

Although most everyone stopped giving the PDA any sort of love a long time ago, the same firm that has been rolling out svelte graphics cards and exotic laptops hasn't forgotten about the digital assistant. Not too long after busting out a pair of GPS-enabled PDAs, Asus is looking to satisfy those still stuck in last century with the A626, and while the stainless steel motif and 1.57-centimeter thick casing aren't too shabby, the innards are quite uninspiring. Sure, we're confident the 3.5-inch anti-glare touchscreen looks good up close, but considering that this thing can't even pull double duty as a phone, we can't envision too many takers. Beneath the hood you'll find an Intel XScale 312MHz processor, Windows Mobile 5.0, 128MB of Flash ROM, 64MB of RAM, integrated WiFi / Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, built-in microphone, and a set of speakers tweeters to blast out those audible alerts. Interestingly, it can be used as a Bluetooth remote for handling those board room presentations, and the subway ride could become a bit less boring thanks to its ability to play back WMV, WMA, and MP3 files, but we're going on the assumption that most of the folks in the US (and select areas of Europe) won't much mind the fact that Asus hasn't even released a price yet.

[Via PocketPCThoughts]

[akijikan @ Mar 14th 2007 12:20AM]

if it ain't a phone, it ain't SHIT! If you're not going to make it a phone you at least got to throw something juicy in there, but there are pda-phones that spec better than that on the PDA side alone.

[Mike @ Mar 14th 2007 12:23AM]

seriously, start putting a few gigs of memory in these things or stop making them! if i'm going to carry a PDA, i better at least be able to listen to some mp3s and watch a few movies on it. a few start/stop/pause/ff/rw wouldn't hurt either...

[Squirrel @ Mar 14th 2007 8:38AM]

OR, it could just be a cheap PDA? You know, everyone doesn't spend hundreds of dollars for their gadgets.

[skonofvulcan @ Mar 15th 2007 2:58AM]

I've been looking for a real PDA for a while. I don't know why anyone in there right mind would want a cell phone in there PDA. How can you possibly continue reading something in your PDA and answer a call if the phone is in it at the same time? Especialy anoying is the short battery life on cell phones. I still use my Palm m515 for reading eBooks and get about 2.5 to 3 hours a day reading for 6 or 7 days before having to recharge. I only talk 1 to 2 hours on my cell phone and have to charge it every single day. If I combined the two I'd hate to see what the battery life would be like. Plus if your cell dies your out your PDA and cell phones do die all the time. Mine tend to last 9 months to a year but I have freinds that go through 1 a month. There ain't no way I am switching PDA's and the data on them every year let alone ever 6 months or so.

[mil @ Apr 5th 2007 8:02PM]

I'm actually w./ skonofvulcan. Not everyone sees having their phone combined with their pda as a good thing. Maybe I'm one of the very few hoping that there will continue to be a market for good pdas minus the phone.
I want my cell to be small and sleek. I don't want to talk into a chunky smartphone. And I want my pda to have a decent sized nice screen because I do a lot of work w./ graphics. I want to be able to look at my pda while I'm on the phone.
And I agree about battery life. If I were using the same gadget for phone and pda, I'd be charging the thing 3x a day.

[Daniel @ May 19th 2007 2:35PM]

I install home theater systems, multi-zone whole-house audio, video surveillance, and home automation systemsand I can say unequivocally, there is DEFINATELY a need for a PDA-only device. The A626 is almost the perfect solution - my only gripe is with it's screen resolution b/c the home automation software I run requires 640x480. This is easily solved by installing a screen resolution emulator, which allows the PDA to run the required software, and function as a whole-house remote control via 802.llb/g connectivity. Imagine being able to walk around your entire house and control the HVAC, lighting, pool/spa, sprinkler system, whole-house audio system, video surveillance system, garage doors, attic gable fans, or whatever your heart desires, from the A626. Pretty slick! Perhaps most folks who groan over the lack of a phone, camera, etc...are not aware of how well suited this PDA is for a task that would simplify their lives in ways they never thought possible.

[Tracey @ Jan 3rd 2008 3:04PM]

Daniel,

Your comment about the Asus a626 is very intriguing.....I'm about to purchase one b/c I want a standalone PDA (sans the phone) but what you said has really got me thinking.....however I don't have the first clue on how to implement your suggestion. Can you help me?
Your comment:
"....my only gripe is with it's screen resolution b/c the home automation software I run requires 640x480. This is easily solved by installing a screen resolution emulator, which allows the PDA to run the required software, and function as a whole-house remote control via 802.llb/g connectivity. Imagine being able to walk around your entire house and control the HVAC, lighting, pool/spa, sprinkler system, whole-house audio system, video surveillance system, garage doors, attic gable fans, or whatever your heart desires, from the A626. Pretty slick!"

Thanks much!
Blessings,
Tracey

[Daniel @ Jan 3rd 2008 4:58PM]

Tracey,
There is a third-party app that will emulate 640x480 resolution on the ASUS - the company is NYDITOT (http://www.nyditot.com/Home.asp). I installed the emulator on my 626 and it works well with my home automation software interface. If you are interested in home automation, etc...you can contact me directly at [e-mail], and view my website at www.crescendohometheater.com.
Cheers,
Daniel