Two new Pocket PCs are in the works from MiTAC: one will run Pocket PC 2003 and has a digital camera, the second is a Phone Edition device with a CompactFlash expansion slot.
According to information inadvertedly posted by Taiwan-based Pocket PC manufacturer MiTAC on its web site, the company is about to expand its line of Pocket PCs with two new and previously top-secret devices. Revealing technical specifications and details, the information paints a picture of the upcoming Mio 339 and Mio 728 models - the first of which will run Pocket PC 2003, and the latter of which is a Phone Edition device with a CompactFlash expansion slot.
 | A rear view of MiTAC's new Mio 339, revealing its integrated digital camera
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The Mio 339 will essentially be an upgraded version of MiTAC's recently launched Mio 338 Plus model, as it is powered by a 400 MHz Intel XScale processor and comes with 64 MB of NAND Flash ROM and 64 MB RAM (of which 32 MB are user accessible). With a 3.5" 16-bit transflective display and measuring 122 x 73 x 13 mm, its physical appearance closely resembles that of the Mio 338 Plus - but with one important difference: it boasts an integrated digital camera.
 | The Mio 728 will be MiTAC's first attempt at a Phone Edition device
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Fitted to the back of the Mio 339, the digital camera will let users snap pictures in VGA resolution as one of the very first Pocket PCs to offer such functionality. Other notable features of this handheld include a consumer grade IR port, which indicates that the Mio 339 could be supplied with remote control software, and its SDIO capable SD/MMC expansion slot.
Running Pocket PC 2003, the Mio 339 will offer some benefits over the Mio 338 Plus. Although the operating system and its functionality has not yet been officially announced by Microsoft, sources say features will include a re-architected version of Pocket Internet Explorer for improved performance, support for Windows Media 9, enhanced support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, a redesigned connection manager and more.
Compared to the Mio 339, the other Pocket PC MiTAC has in the works - the Mio 728 - appears to be rather bulky. Measuring in at 137 x 76 x 22 mm and weighing 180 g, the 728 is a Pocket PC Phone Edition heavyweight which sports a CompactFlash Type II slot for expansion purposes.
The Mio 728 is powered by a more conventional 206 MHz Intel StrongARM processor, and offers dual-band GSM 900/1800 MHz and GPRS to users. It comes with 32 MB of ROM and 64 MB of RAM, and has a 3.5" 16-bit TFT display - all of which is powered by a whopping 1500 mAh Lithium Ion battery, capable of offering up 12 hours of PDA operation time and 3 hours of talk time according to MiTAC's specification sheet.
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