O2 unveils compact PocketPC phone

UK mobile phone network O2 is to bring a more compact version of its XDA II PocketPC phone, through the device will initially only be made available to its Far Eastern customers.

Dubbed the XDA II Mini, the device is based on a 416MHz Intel XScale PXA272 processor, 64MB of RAM and 64MB of ROM. It runs Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, PocketPC Phone Edition, to give the OS its full title.

The compact, iPod-like, 10.8 x 5.8 x 1.8cm, 150g device sports a 2.8in, 240 x 320, 16-bit colour LCD - slightly smaller than the usual 3.5in job PocketPCs ship with - and a 1.3 megapixel camera.

Expansion comes courtesy of an SD IO card slot - O2 Asia is bundling a 256MB card with the handheld - so there's potential for Wi-Fi connectivity to be added to the Mini. However, it does incorporate Bluetooth, tuned to the 1.2 spec.

The Mini is also a tri-band GSM/GPRS handset capable of operating on the 900, 1800 and 1900MHz bands. O2 said it will run for 180 hours on stand-by or provide 4-5 hours' talk time. The handset supports 40-voice polyphonic ringtones.

The XDA II Mini will be more familiar to European PDA and smart phone buffs as the T-Mobile MDA Compact. It will also go on sale in Europe later this month as the i-mate Jam for around £400, SIM-free, less with connection. O2 XDA II Mini pricing depends on which territory you buy it in. In Singapore, for example, the Mini costs SGD1168 (£367/$714).

All these devices are produced by Taiwanese PDA-phone specialist HTC. ®

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