Display:240 x 320 pixels, 3.5 inches, 4:3 ratio (~114 ppi density)
Camera:1.3 MP
Battery:
Released:Released 2004, Q4
H2: Get to Know the PDA2: A Throwback to i-mate's Revolutionary Pocket PC
The PDA2 by i-mate may have been released in 2004, but it still remains a groundbreaking device in the world of handheld computers. With its impressive specs and features, this Pocket PC has undoubtedly paved the way for modern smartphones and tablets. Let's take a closer look at this innovative device that took the market by storm in the early 2000s.
H3: The Basics
The PDA2 was unveiled in 2004's fourth quarter, making it one of the most anticipated gadgets of the year. It runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE PocketPC – the first operating system specifically designed for handheld devices. Coming in at 190g with a thickness of 19mm, this device was lightweight and portable, making it ideal for users on-the-go.
H3: Network and Dimensions
The PDA2 was built with GSM technology, supporting 2G bands of GSM 900/1800/1900. It also had Class 10 GPRS for internet connectivity. In terms of size, the device measured at 130 x 69 x 19 mm and weighed just 190g – making it one of the most compact and lightest devices of its time. It also came with a Mini-SIM slot, allowing users to easily access their mobile networks.
H3: Display and Platform
One of the highlights of the PDA2 was its 3.5 inch TFT resistive touchscreen display with 65K colors. With a screen resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a 4:3 ratio, this device was truly advanced for its time. It also had handwriting recognition technology, allowing users to input text or commands through handwriting rather than physical keys.
Under the hood, the device ran on an Intel XScale PXA272 520 MHz processor, providing efficient and fast performance. It also had a Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE PocketPC operating system – a groundbreaking feature for handheld devices back then.
H3: Storage and Camera
The PDA2 came with 128MB RAM and an MMC/SDIO slot, allowing users to expand the memory up to 2GB. This was impressive considering the average storage capacity of devices at that time. It also had a 1.3 MP main camera for taking photos and videos. Although it may not seem like much now, having a camera on a handheld device in 2004 was considered a huge deal.
H3: Battery Life and Connectivity
Despite its numerous features, the PDA2 had a decent battery life. It had a removable Li-Ion 1300 mAh battery that could last up to 150 hours on standby and 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time. In terms of connectivity, the device had Wi-Fi 802.11b and Bluetooth v.1.2, making it easy for users to connect to the internet and other devices wirelessly. It also had an infrared port and a proprietary USB port for data transfer and charging.
H3: Other Features
Aside from its technical specs, the PDA2 also had a few other features that made it stand out from other devices in the market. It had a loudspeaker and downloadable polyphonic ringtones for personalized alerts. It also had a WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML browser (PocketIE), allowing users to access the internet and browse websites. For entertainment purposes, the device had a built-in MP3/MP4 player and could also view PDF and PowerPoint files. Lastly, it had a voice memo function, perfect for jotting down quick notes or reminders.
H3: Discontinuation and Legacy
The PDA2 may have been a revolutionary device, but it was eventually discontinued after a few years. However, its legacy remains as it paved the way for modern smartphones and tablets that we use today. Its features and specs were a groundbreaking change in the world of handheld devices, and we owe a lot to i-mate's PDA2 for shaping the technology we know and love today.
In conclusion, the PDA2 may have been a blast from the past, but it will always be remembered as one of the most innovative Pocket PCs of its time. From its advanced technology to its impressive features, this device truly made a mark in the history of handheld devices. Despite being discontinued, it will always have a special place in the hearts of technology enthusiasts and a key player in the evolution of mobile devices.
i-mate PDA2 Full Specifications
Network
Technology
GSM
2G bands
GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS
Class 10
EDGE
No
Launch
Announced
2004, Q4
Status
Discontinued
Body
Dimensions
130 x 69 x 19 mm (5.12 x 2.72 x 0.75 in)
Weight
190 g (6.70 oz)
SIM
Mini-SIM
Display
Type
TFT resistive touchscreen, 65K colors
Size
3.5 inches, 53 x 71 mm, 37.9 cm2 (~42.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution
240 x 320 pixels, 3.5 inches, 4:3 ratio (~114 ppi density)
Other
Handwriting recognition
Platform
OS
Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 SE PocketPC
CPU
Intel XScale PXA272 520 MHz
Memory
Card slot
MMC/SDIO, up to 2 GB
Internal
128MB RAM, 64MB ROM
Main Camera
Single
1.3 MP
Video
Yes
Selfie camera
Other
No
Sound
Loudspeaker
Yes
Alert types
Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones
3.5mm jack
No
Comms
WLAN
Wi-Fi 802.11b
Bluetooth
v.1.2
Positioning
No
Infrared port
Yes
Radio
No
USB
Proprietary
Features
Sensors
Browser
WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (PocketIE)
Other
Pocket Office
MP3/MP4 player
PDF, PPT viewer
Voice memo