Hitachi debuts new Pocket PC phone

Hitachi today unveiled its new Multimedia Communicator Pocket PC, a converged device (phone plus PDA) that runs the Pocket PC Phone Edition software and will run on Sprint's enhanced PCS Network (CDMA 1x RTT). The Multimedia Communicator includes an integrated camera, keyboard and phone features in one device.

Hitachi's Multimedia Communicator will operate on Sprint's high-speed network.

The device will include Pocket Outlook (for contacts, calendar and e-mail inbox functions), pocket versions of Microsoft Word and Excel, Pocket Internet Explorer (Web browsing), Windows Media Player, and a phone dialer. The device runs on an Intel XScale 400MHz processor, and features a full-color TFT screen, QWERTY-style keyboard and embedded camera. It has a replaceable rechargeable battery.

The Multimedia Communicator is expected to be sold in the first half of 2003 through Sprint, the companies said. For more information, go to Hitachi's Web site. Pricing on the device will likely be determined by Sprint, and has not yet been announced.

Click here for a larger view of the new phone (opens in new window).