Toshiba's e740 is the first PDA to feature Intel's XScale processor, capable of speeds up to 400MHz. Check out our first take.
With its new Pocket PC e740, Toshiba becomes the first handheld manufacturer to deliver a device with Intel's new XScale processor as well as built-in wireless connectivity. In the US, Toshiba's concentrating on 802.11b, while in Europe Bluetooth e740s will rule the roost. Toshiba must have taken the description of Australia as "The lucky country" to heart, as we get a choice of either model. We've just received our review unit and are still busy putting it through its paces, but here are our early impressions. We'll have a full review up shortly.
What's XScale?
Pocket PC enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the new XScale chip. The one inside the e740 can run at speeds up to 400MHz, but, as the name implies, can scale back its speed to conserve battery life when performing less demanding tasks. We're a tad disappointed to report that the speed difference is not immediately apparent to the user. The few applications that we've used so far run just like they do on other Pocket PCs such as the e310. However, according to Toshiba, the new processor architecture is what enables some of the PDA's unique features, such as the integrated Wi-Fi radio.
The 178gm e740 looks similar to the less expensive e310, but it's slightly thicker, which allows room for both Secure Digital and CompactFlash Type II expansion slots for adding storage cards and accessories. In addition, Toshiba will offer an expansion pack that attaches to the bottom of the device and provides a VGA output for giving PowerPoint presentations on an external monitor or projector, as well as a USB host interface for adding USB devices such as keyboards. According to Toshiba, this attachment uses less battery power than CompactFlash VGA adaptors.
Bigger batteries
Expansion doesn't stop there, though. The e740's rechargeable lithium-ion battery is replaceable, and Toshiba will offer a larger battery pack for those who need more uptime between charges.
In most other respects, the e740 doesn't mess with success. It uses a 3.5-inch reflective LCD that's capable of more than 65,000 colors (16-bit) and comes with 64MB of RAM and 32MB of ROM. One feature to note is that the e740 uses the ATI Imageon 100 2D graphics chip. ATI claims that the chip will provide better 2D graphics and smoother video playback while using less battery power.
We're pretty impressed with the e740 out of the box, but we'll withhold our final recommendation until we've completed our testing. At the time of going to press, Toshiba Australia was yet to finalise pricing, but expected the e740 to sell for less than AU$1600. We also expect to see other XScale- powered Pocket PCs from different manufacturers later this year, and we'll have impressions of those models as soon as we get our hands on them.
Toshiba Pocket PC e740
Company: Toshiba Australia
Price: Under AU$1600
Distributor: Selected resellers
Phone: (02) 9887 6000
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