SlashGear Japan
The mysterious T-swivelling MID that was mistakenly identified by some as the Palm Roteo has been correctly traced back to Compal, in the shape of their Tabasco MID concept. On show at Computex 2008 back in June, the non-working handheld was meant to demonstrate a 4.5-inch (or 5-inch) touchscreen device with a 3.2-megapixel rear camera with 2x optical zoom and flash plus a front-facing webcam.
It’s possible that this is the prototype of the follow-up device to Compal’s JAX10, better known as the aigo P8860, Gigabyte M528 and SFR M! PC Pocket. Jenn from Pocketables has tracked down details on the Compal KAX12, which was meant to be demonstrated at CES 2009 by Chinese firm Marasst; the company now claims it will not be showing the KAX12.
There’s no confirmation on whether the swivelling MID in the photos is the same device as the Compal KAX12, but it’s certainly possible. The Palm rumor likely came about because of the concept’s keyboard, which looks like that of a Treo, and the company’s previous rumored use of Compal in manufacturing the Treo Pro.
[via Pocketables]
One Response to “Compal Tabasco is mysterious T-Swivel MID: coming to CES 2009?”
Slippy December 17, 2008
The Compal order is NOT just rumored, But Compal makes huge numbers of diverse devices. They are a ODM for Palm.
The keyboard doesn’t just look like a palm keyboard but has several unique Palm specific keys. For example that “p” symbol on the very lower left key — which no other maker has ever used.
My guess is Palm does have a novel form factor in the works. This maybe an early version or it may not be, but still Nokia has just patented a few full screen swivel up schemes.
NeutralSo this maybe an intentional leak by Palm to warm up for a much more developed, elegant and smaller variation of the design for its press events in January.