Linux-powered CD-ROM PDA from NEC

NEC Personal Products has announced a stripped-down Linux PDA (or should we say tablet PC?), the Lookpal, which is primarily designed for web browsing, listening to music, and viewing images and documents (via Picsel Technologies' document browser, also found in Sharp's forthcoming FOMA SH900i phone). The Lookpal is the first of a planned Lookclub series, which will aim to offer something more intuitive and less intimidating to novices than a PC.

The Lookpal is powered by an Intel PXA 255 400 MHz processor, and has 64MB of ROM and 32MB of RAM. Screen is an 8.4-inch, 640x480 pixel, 65,536 colour TFT. Also includes a CD-ROM drive. Has a LAN port and a 56k modem built in. Size is 243 x 161 x 34 mm, weight 1.1 kg, battery life a rather disappointing two hours. Price is Y68,250 including tax. Available now in Japan.

Forthcoming this year is a smaller version, the Looklet, with a 4.3-inch screen and presumably no CD-ROM drive.

[Via K-Tai Watch (Japanese)]