Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) are entering the voice domain of smartphones with a value proposition of a full PC functionality and ability to make voice calls – not only VoIP calls. Willcom, the last-standing PHS carrier in Japan, has made device differentiation its main weapon to protect its small turf from grabs by three national cellular carriers - NTT DoCoMo, KDDI au and Softbank. So far this strategy combined with the introduction of flexible voice and data plans and targeted marketing works just fine for Willcom – it was even able to grow its user base a little to 4.5 million in 2007. Having relied on close partnership with device manufacturer Sharp, Willcom has a long history of wooing the rather conservative handset market of Japan with innovative designs and form factors of its devices. For instance, its W-ZERO3 introduced in 2005 was a big hit in Japan, spotting a QWERTY keyboard for the first time. This time, Willcom is the first to introduce Willcom D4 – a pure-cut MID with voice function built-in. Of course, the data-centric form factor will limit the usage scenarios of making phone calls with this device, but enclosed headsets and Bluetooth should enable users to make phone calls when in stationed position. Still, this device will not replace the voice-centric mobile phones but most likely will play a complementary role for some niche segments in both consumer and enterprise markets. Windows Mobile-based smartphones are most likely to be affected by such MIDs if more introduced on a global scale in a long run.
| Specs | |
|---|
| Model: | WS01SH |
| Carrier: | Willcom |
| Maker: | Sharp |
| OS: | Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1) |
| CPU: | Intel Atom processor Z520 (1.33GHz) |
| Chipset: | US15W |
| System bus (memory): | 133MHz (533MHz) |
| Main memory: | 1GB (DDR2-533, PC2-4200 supported) |
| Display: | 5" Wide TFT LCD (WSVGA supported, LED backlight) |
| Keyboard: | 64-key full keyboard |
| Touchpad: | illumination-enabled touchpad |
| HDD: | 40GB (1.8", Ultra ATA/100) |
| WLAN: | IEEE 802.11b/g |
| Bluetooth: | Ver.2.0+EDR |
| GPS / Location: | GPS |
| Memory card: | microSD |
| TV tuner: | one-seg |
| Camera: | 2MP (autofocus) |
| Battery life: | TBD |
| Weight: | 470g (with standard battery) |
| Size (W x H x D): | 188 X 84 X 25.9mm |
| PHS: | W-SIM (W-OAM supported) |
Related Willcom Mobile Internet Device article:
Labels: Sharp, Willcom
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