New Lenovo Palm OS PDA Teaches English

A new Palm OS PDA from Chinese company Lenovo, runs the latest version of the Palm OS, has built in Chinese language support and a built in Chinese - English dictionary and tutorial applications.

The new machine runs a 200 Mhz Motorola MX1 ARM processor with a special chinese language version, Palm OS 5.3C. It has 16MB of RAM (8MB Flash) and a high resolution 3 inch 320x320 pixel TFT color screen (a monochrome model also appears to be available as well). It also has SD/MMC slot for memory expansion, iR and a USB sync port.

The handheld includes a English - Chinese dictionary and language software. It is intended as a machine to assist people in learning English. It includes the usual Palm OS software, a talking dictionary, MP3 player, and voice recording software. It has multiple data input options as well including Chinese Decuma and on-screen Graffiti 2.

The website, hi-pda, has a number of pictures and information in Chinese. The handheld is expected to cost RMB2000 (i.e. around US$250). It is expected to be a Chinese/Asian market device.

PalmSource has had its eyes fixed on the Chinese market as a large growth area. The company recently held a developer conference in China to much enthusiasm, and announced special chinese language versions of the Palm OS. There are almost 300 million current mobile phone users in China already. There is a large market in China for closed system English language dictionaries and translator devices. Lenovo is addressing this opportunity with a specifically purposed, low cost handheld with a english dictionary and language software.

Thanks to Tiger_bb for the tip & help.