| UMPC features camera, sliding keyboard |
Apr. 09, 2008
 Gigabyte has launched a UMPC that runs either Windows Vista or Windows XP on a Via C7-M ULV processor. The M704 features a seven-inch touchscreen display, 1.3 megapixel camera, a sliding QWERTY keyboard, 768MB of DDR2 RAM, and a 60GB hard drive, Gigabyte says.
(Click here for a larger view of Gigabyte's M704)
As our pictures show, the 1.7-pound M704 has a somewhat unusual form-factor. Its QWERTY keyboard, which is divided into two halves, slides out from beneath the screen. The device also offers a mini-touchpad, plus dedicated buttons for functions such as changing volume and display resolution. When slid shut, the UMPC resembles an overgrown phone or PDA.
Gigabyte's M704 resembles an overgrown slider phone
Gigabyte specifies a Via C7-M ULV processor, clocked at 1.2GHz. This is combined with the VX700 companion chip, integrating Via's VN800 northbridge and VT8237 southbridge functionality, and providing 2D and 3D graphics acceleration.
The M704 has an apparently non-expandable 768MB of RAM. Meanwhile, storage is provided by a 4200rpm, 60GB hard drive. The device also has a multi-format card reader that could be used to add memory or transfer pictures from a camera.
Gigabyte's UMPC has a seven-inch touchscreen display, with 1024 x 600 WXGA resolution. Above the screen, there's a 1.3 megapixel camera, which can be used either as a webcam, or to take pictures via a dedicated shutter release button. A DVB-T television receiver module is a forthcoming multimedia option, according to Gigabyte.
The M704 offers 802.11b/g wireless networking, and a GPS module will be available in the future, says Gigabyte. Meanwhile, the device can be attached to an optional dock that features a modem and a variety of ports: USB 2.0, VGA, IEEE1394, audio out, and 10/100 Ethernet.
Via's C7-M ULV has a TDP (thermal design power, or maximum power dissipation) of approximately seven watts. Without specifying the size of the M704's battery, Gigabyte claims the device can run for more than four hours on a charge.
Features and specifications listed by Gigabyte for the M704 include:- Processor -- Via C7-M ULV, clocked at 1.2GHz
- Memory -- 768MB of RAM
- Display -- seven-inch touchscreen, with 1024 x 600 resolution
- Storage -- 60GB hard disk drive
- Networking -- 802.11b wireless LAN, wired Ethernet via dock
- Other I/O:
- I/O on base unit not specified, but includes docking connector
- USB 2.0 (via dock)
- VGA output (dock)
- RJ45 connector for modem (dock)
- IEEE1394 (dock)
- audio out (dock)
- Expansion -- multi-format card reader (presumably including SD, CompactFlash, and Memory Stick)
- Dimensions -- 7.5 x 4.7 x 1.1 inches (190 x 120 x 28mm)
- Weight -- 1.7 pounds
Gigabyte did not list pricing or availability for the M704, but the device appears to be available now. It can be ordered with either Windows Vista or Windows XP.
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