Multimedia Pen Computing Arrives

If your mobile application requires access to a large amount of data, there are basically two ways to get to it: connect to a back-end server using a wireless link (expensive and slow), or take it with you. The second option is now possible thanks to an innovative notebook/pentop multimedia computer introduced by Panasonic at CeBIT ’94.

The German model number is CF-V21P, however, Panasonic has also christened it with a friendlier name: the CD-Note. As the name implies, the CD-Note features a fully-integrated 3.5″ (8 cm) CD-ROM drive. Note that this drive accepts CD’s smaller than the industry standard 5.25″, however you can optionally add an external CD-ROM drive for full compatibility with existing applications.

Even so, the 3.5″ drive is capable of holding a sizeable amount of data: 180 MB which corresponds roughly to 100,000 pages of text, 600 images, or 21 minutes of video. And since CD-ROM’s are removable, this translates to an effectively unlimited potential for pre-stored data. This flexibility creates new possibilities for using pen computers for advanced multimedia presentations. The drawback is that all information on CD-ROM is set and unchangeable. However, for certain applications, this may in fact be an advantage.

The CD-Note is available with a choice of processors ranging from the Intel 486SX at either 25 or 33 MHz, to a speedy 486DXII running at 50 MHz. Memory options range from 4 MB to 20MB, which may be needed for certain multimedia applications. In addition, the design of the CD-Note enables you to swap the 3.5″ CD-ROM with a regular 3.5″ floppy, or an additional battery pack in a matter of seconds.

The screen options for the CD-Note—a 9.5 inch black and white LCD, a 10.4 inch monochrome model, a 9.5 inch LCD for black and white images and stylus input, and a 10.4 inch TFT color display—reflects that pen computing is only one option for using the computer. In fact, the device features a full-size keyboard in the unit’s conventional clamshell casing.

Only German prices were available at the show, and range from DM 5298 for the black and white LCD version, to DM 9298 for the TFT color screen computer. For more information, contact Panasonic Deutschland GmbH at (040) 85 49-0, (040) 85 49 28 55 (fax).