| UMPC squeezes in optical drive |
Apr. 08, 2008
 Singapore-based Kohjinsha has announced an ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) that features an integrated optical drive and a touchscreen that pivots into tablet position. The "SR8KPO6S" has a seven-inch display with 1024 x 600 resolution, 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and a 60GB hard drive, says Kohjinsha.
(Click here for a larger view of Kohjinsha's SR)
 Kohjinsha's SR measures 9.2 x 7 x 1.3 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds, and seems to be one of the smallest portable computers ever to include an optical drive (right). The drive both reads and writes CDs and DVDs, and is compatible with double-layer DVD+R and DVD-R media.
The Windows Vista-based SR's convertible design provides it with a standard keyboard and touchpad, plus a seven-inch touchscreen display. The screen has 1024 x 600 resolution, LED backlighting, and pivots to fold down over the device's keyboard. At that point, the UMPC can be operated via stylus alone.
Kohjinsha's SR pivots into a tablet configuration
Like other UMPCs such as the HTC Shift, the SR uses Intel's 800MHz, Pentium M-based A110 processor, along with the "GU" version of the company's 945 Express Chipset laptop northbridge, and a "u" version of its ICH7 I/O Controller Hub laptop southbridge. (For more details of this chipset, see our earlier coverage, here.)
Kohjinsha's UMPC also includes a 60GB hard drive, of unspecified speed and form-factor. Other ways of expanding the unit's storage include a three-way reader that supports Memory Stick, CompactFlash, and SD cards.
The SR comes with a 2600mAh battery that Kohjinsha claims can operate the computer for up to 3.5 hours. An optional 5200mAh battery is claimed to more than double the device's endurance, at 7.2 hours. To save on power, the SR has a separate switch that disables the drive when it isn't required, according to the company.
Features and specifications listed by Kohjinsha include:Processor -- Intel "Stealey" A110 clocked at 800MHz
Memory -- single SODIMM slot, filled with 1GB of 400MHz DDR2 DRAM
Display -- 7-inch pivoting touchscreen display with 1024 x 600 resolution
Storage -- 60GB hard disk drive, CD/DVD reader/writer
Keys -- standard keyboard, plus stick pointer, touchpad, and power switches for Bluetooth and the optical drive
Networking:WLAN -- 802.11b/g
- LAN -- 10/100 Ethernet
- PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
Other I/O:- 2 x USB
- VGA port
- microphone and headphone jacks
Expansion -- 3-way reader supporting Memory Stick, CompactFlash, and SD formats
Battery type/life:- 2600 mAh battery/3.5 hours
- 5200mAh battery/7.2 hours
Dimensions -- 9.2 x 7 x 1.3 inches
Weight -- 2.4 poundsThough Kohjinsha did not release pricing or availability information, the SR8KPO6S appears to be available now. A device based on it, Vye's Mini-V S37, is set to be offered in the U.S. at the end of April for approximately $1,500, according to the latter company. For more information, see the Vye website, here.
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