VIA powers MTube handheld prototype

Reportedly scheduled for production in 2009, Taiwan’s Science and Technology Advisory Group’s recently unveiled MTube prototype is shaping up to be an interesting cross between a fully connected PMP and a "handheld notebook" running Linux on a 1.0GHz VIA C7-M processor. If released in its current state, the 3.35" x 3.35" x 0.79" device will tip the scales at 5.3 ounces and feature a 2.8" VGA touchscreen, 8GB of internal flash memory, 4-hour battery life, and both wi-fi and WiMAX connectivity.   

The MTube is supposed to be able to "perform normal notebook functions," but 1) I don’t understand what that means and 2) I don’t see how it would be possible.

A 2.8" inch is generous for a DAP with video capabilities, but a bit on the small side for a full-fledged PMP and, frankly, quite silly for a "handheld notebook" or anything with web-browsing capabilities (where’s the browser icon?). And if the screen is touch-enabled, then the interface seems pretty unfriendly to fingertips. I’d like to see its input method. On-screen thumboard? Stylus-based hunt and peck?

I’m not sure the specs are going to cut it in 2009 either.

Interesting . . .

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