Tiny iKIT notebook features 2.8-inch screen

Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:18AM EDT

See Comments (70)

Well, calling it a "notebook" may be a stretch, but I can still say for a fact that I'm anxious to get my hands on IMOVIO's iKIT, a £99 (about $161) miniature PC with a teensy 2.8-inch LCD that some are dubbing a sub-netbook or sub-subnotebook. While it won't run Word, it does pack quite a punch for its diminutive size.

The iKIT, officially dubbed a "Pocket Mobile Companion," is a familiar, if miniaturized, clamshell device with a QWERTY keyboard, Linux OS, Wi-Fi, 0.3-megapixel webcam, and a mini-USB port. It has 64MB of RAM and supports storage on regular SD cards (up to 8GB in size), and it's preloaded with apps, including the usual contact managers, messaging systems, a media player, and the Opera Mini web browser. It's really designed to be used as alternative to your cell phone for mobile email and messaging needs, but given all its capabilities and features, the idea that it can replace your laptop -- at least some of the time -- isn't that much of a stretch.

It's not, however, a replacement for a cell phone: The iKIT doesn't include voice features nor a cellular radio. Its only connectivity option is Wi-Fi (plus Bluetooth), unless you plug a WWAN adapter into the USB port or connect it to something else via Bluetooth.

Sadly, iKIT won't be showing up at Best Buy anytime soon. The British company is hoping to partner with wireless carriers or other companies to sell the device as an add-on or alternative to an expensive phone or laptop. It's unlikely that IMOVIO will bring the device to market on its own, sadly.

Someone at Asus needs to jump on this immediately!

Full press release and specs available here

Comments on Tiny iKIT notebook features 2.8-inch screen

Post a Comment

Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

  • 26 Posted by fishingzelda on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    Remember the Clie from Sony .... I just loved that early PDA device ... this one sounds a bit like it but not as good looking ... but to have everything in one device now and only have to carry around one power source is really advantageous ... i.e. iphone et. al.

  • 27 Posted by mat5471 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    Make sure you bring a magnifying glass...LOL

  • 28 Posted by jeff0529@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    meh. My phone has a bigger screen. Plus, I'd rather get a subnotebook with an 8" screen for $300. Useless product in my eyes.

  • 29 Posted by angelvasq2006 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    This is wack its 2 small now a 5/by/4 inches would be nice, i fix computers, and i once had a tiny laptop my sister gave me from China, it was nice and small, and you could fit it in a pocket book. Was only a P-3 and i just sold it on Craigslist for 200.00 This is 2-small and for me to repair something that small i would charge you up big time.... lol

  • 30 Posted by wesleytj on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:43PM EDT Report Abuse

    How the heck could anybody type on a keyboard that small? And who wants to try to read something on a screen that small? Miniaturization for its own sake is NOT a goal in and of itself!

  • 31 Posted by d7wl on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    Why not just get an iPhone. Then you wouldn't have to have that AND a cell phone.

  • 32 Posted by reevestpdx on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    Kind of like an iPod touch with less storage, less cool, for less money?

  • 33 Posted by dahgutone on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:34PM EDT Report Abuse

    It something High Schooler should be using as a start. it would be great for taking notes.

  • 34 Posted by hunteraang on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    This doesn't make any sence. How would one text on somthing that small? That is no bigger than | | ^^^ That. Seriously. How would that work?

  • 35 Posted by ke7auw on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    Perfect for the HAmRadio enthusiast. good one Linux puppy is a darn small OS too.

  • 36 Posted by hunteraang on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    This doesn't make any sence. How would one text on somthing that small? That is no bigger than | | ^^^ That. Seriously. How would that work?

  • 37 Posted by irhee on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:24PM EDT Report Abuse

    But why would someone carry this and a cellphone with browsing functions...it seems a bit redundant.

  • 39 Posted by charexer on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    i will stick to my paper notebook for now. it does the job just fine

  • 40 Posted by dlongpole20 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    My modded HTC Mogul can do all of this and more

  • 41 Posted by rocknratt@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    i think it is the bomb........i would love to have one..........i also think linux is awesome...i run it on my home pc.......it is way better than windows ever thought of being............with linux you never have to worry bout someone hacking into your stuff.........nor do you have to worry about viruses.................again it is the bomb.........also everything is free program wise.........no one out there making a fortune off of you..............rock on

  • 42 Posted by angelvasq2006 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:54PM EDT Report Abuse

    That would be cool, if you know you have to do time, just tuck it, and you would be the only guy in prison on My-Space... lol

  • 43 Posted by rapier84 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    Yes, please someone or some company jump on this one. I think with the prevalence of WiFi in some countries it makes a useful alternative for people whom wish to stay connected and not have an all in one device (where failure of one component likely spells the end of $500 of investment).

  • 44 Posted by shic122 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:19PM EDT Report Abuse

    Cool! I can't wait until it's out! That would be so useful.

Post a Comment

Sign In to Post a Comment

My Tech

Please enable your browser's cookies to activate the My Tech column.

Also on Yahoo! Tech

Computers Home Office Wi-Fi & Networking Phones & PDAs Cameras & Camcorders TV & Home Theater Portable Audio
 

Site Map | Tour | Subscribe to Yahoo! Tech

Question and Answer content at Yahoo! Tech is written by Yahoo! users at Yahoo! Answers. Yahoo! does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. For more information, read the Full Disclaimer.

Opinions expressed by the Advisors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Yahoo! Inc. Yahoo! receives no compensation from any manufacturer or distributor nor does it compensate any Advisor for the coverage of any product or service in any Advisor's content.