The Palm Foleo. Yes, it really pushes the definition of what we normally talk about here – it’s neither a full-fledged laptop nor is it a UMPC. It’s called a “Mobile Companion” and those looking for a UMPC or an ultraportasble laptop would probably be disappointed with it, but those who are looking for a simple lightweight device for email, some light document editing, and web browsing might just be happy.
Just to refresh your memory, it should be coming out in the next few months, sports a scaled down Linux as the Operating System, has a 10″ widescreen display (1024×600), weighs under two and a half pounds, and has a battery life of around five hours.
No matter how you look at it, it’s going to be an interesting device to watch in the $500-$600 range (especially considering the cost of UMPCs, etc., potentially coming down).
Anyways, more details were released at LinuxWorld this week:
– CPU: Intel/Marvell PXA27x running at 416MHz
– Graphics: Marathon 2700G (can hook to external monitor)
– Memory: 128MB for running applications/OS (256MB for storage)
– Additional Storage: Support for up to 4GB Compact Flash cards and 2GB Secure Digital cards (some are reporting it can read 4GB SD cards as well)
– Even more additional storage: The USB port supports USB mass storage devices (FAT16 or FAT32)
– Network/Wireless: Open, WEP, WPA, and 802.1X Enterprise
Source: Brighthand (who also reports that retail packaged editions were available for developers signing Non-disclosure Agreements).