Sophia Systems unveils Peartree MID reference platform
One of the 20 companies recently named as MID vendors that caught my attention was Sophia Systems, who today unveiled a Centrino Atom MID reference platform and development kit called Peartree.
The "complete reference platform" includes 1) a main unit (above) that features a 5-inch WSVGA touchscreen, 4GB SSD, 1GB of RAM, camera, and various wireless interfaces and 2) a rather unsightly expansion unit (below) that attaches to the back and gives Peartree a 40GB hard drive, GPS receiver, and more ports.
The main unit measures 6.0 x 3.7 x 1.2 inches and is expected to ship with optional Linux and Vista BSPs as early as next month.
Direct Insight, Sophia’s European distributor, explains that the system is "aimed at developers of UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), MID (Mobile Internet Device) and touch terminal type products across a broad range of market sectors." Linux Devices adds that the unit is designed to "allow software and hardware development for both MIDs and UMPCs," so don’t expect to ever find Peartree at Amazon.
Update 10.01.08: Hands on and inside the Peartree MID
