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!
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.
-
2 Posted by jrs72 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:42PM EDT Report Abuse
How do you press the buttons on the key board if it is only 3 inches. one press and you will have pressed half of the buttons on the keyboard. I agree with sjpelusi Waste Of Money. i mean come on for $161 your better off to spend more money and get a real laptop. this thing you could lose in your pocket.
-
3 Posted by mccwho on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:13PM EDT Report Abuse
I believe Palm already tried this idea, They lost a lot of money. True theirs was a lot more expensive, but still if you can not run a full OS on it then the cost of this combined with the cost of a phone almost equals the cost of a smart phone. Why carry two devices, unless there really is a big advantage. I think the Nokia N810 is much more useful, and you can actually get it now.
-
4 Posted by michaelkoehler@ymail.com on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:18PM EDT Report Abuse
Since I carry a relatively simple cell phone, this gizmo appeals to me alot. Cheaper than an iTouch, smaller than an Eee, it's something I can carry all the time.
-
5 Posted by darqdamsel on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:36PM EDT Report Abuse
Cute. It might be usefull if you can call someone on it.
-
6 Posted by ale211142 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:49PM EDT Report Abuse
this is not good dell inspiron mini 9 is way better and this laptop doesnt suport gaming.
-
7 Posted by ar2931@ymail.com on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse
epic faliure in the making
-
8 Posted by jeanniepitts1974 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:31PM EDT Report Abuse
i think this is great.let;s see more; I can only see what's really next.jeannie floyd.longview texas.
-
9 Posted by degaswilson on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:40PM EDT Report Abuse
What's going to happen is by the time it gets to the USA market - it will have so much added cost onto it, it would sell for the average price of a laptop. Hundreds of dollars.
-
10 Posted by erbearxx on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:55PM EDT Report Abuse
Darqdamsel, it's called an iphone or some type of smart phone, that already exists. This is simply a very small computer. Smart phones have the same amount of options as this deal, except you can actually use it to call people. I think rogueist has the right idea. If they make it so you can add memory and use Microsoft products like word, then possibly it is a great idea. Until then, it's a waste of money when things just like it that have more options are already available.
1 Posted by rogueist on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:49PM EDT Report Abuse
If they can make something like that for only $99 and release it in the US and have multiple SD slots in it, one slot for the OS and at least 2 for storage, and 2 USB 2.0 ports, we will have a winner. That way I can roll my own OS, and put in how much permanent and temporary storage I want.