Motorola's latest device is the second in its push to bring Linux to mobile communications. Java + Linux + EDGE make up the new Motorola A780.
Motorola is targeting mobile business users with its latest wireless device, the A780, with a Linux-based handset with Java and EDGE connectivity.
 | The A780 sports Java over Linux on the EDGE
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Like its predecessor the Motorola A760, the A780 runs on a Linux kernel for its core functionality and then provides a Java virtual machine on which most applications run. That allows Motorola to save time and money on a proprietary OS while still allowing developers considerable flexibility, especially if Motorola makes it possible to write directly to the underlying Linux system rather than just to the Java system atop it.
The communicator itself is a clamshell design, with a clear window in the top cover that, when closed, reveals a portion of the 240 x 320 color TFT touchscreen display. Naturally it includes conventional handheld PIM functionality, backed by 48 MB of memory, and as with many such devices includes a 1.3 megapixel digital camera. Near-field connectivity is provided by Bluetooth, while WAN connectivity is provided by a quad-band GSM/EDGE radio. A speakerphone is also included.
Included software also includes support for viewing PDF and Microsoft Office files, a full-HTML browser, and support for speaker-independent voice dialing. Not surprisingly there is also support for MP3 playback and both video recording and playback, as well as MMS.
The A780 also ships with Motorola's MotoSync software, which provides secure, over-the-air (OTA) synchronization with corporate email and PIM servers. MotoSync supports POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, and SyncML for data synchronization, and Motorola plans to expand it to include support for major corporate email and messaging solutions as well as allowing for remote configuration and management. MotoSync will also be available for other Motorola models shortly.
The Motorola A780 will be available in fourth quarter of 2004. Pricing will vary with the carrier.
A high-resolution image of the A780 is available on the following page.
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