IP: A-tip: A New Wearable "Wrist-Type" PC On Sale June 10th, 1998

[Dave Farber <farber@cis.upenn.edu>]

Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 18:40:17 -0600 (MDT)
From: Asian Technology Information Program <atip@atip.org>




A-tip: 15 May 1998: A New Wearable "Wrist-Type" PC On Sale June 10th, 1998


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ABSTRACT:The "Ruputer," the first wrist-watch type computer based on a
version of DOS and including PIM and other standard applications is
scheduled to go on sale here in Japan on June 10th, 1998. The diminutive
computer will strap on like a standard watch, but will not only include the
ability to read the time, but by utilizing the standard Graphical User
Interface for PC's with a basic PC computing architecture, will be able to
handle files, data, and applications similar to a desktop PC. Prices will
range from 38,000 yen ($292 at 130 yen/$) for the smaller sized MP110
Ruputer, to 48,000 yen ($369) for the Ruputer Pro.
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A web site was established by Seiko Insturments, Inc., on April 8, 1998, at
http://www.ruputer.com. Currently the information there can be found only in
Japanese. English language information is promised but no timetable is
established yet. Discussion groups with a limited following have been
established and there have been several standard start-up problems with
mailing lists. Otherwise, the site contains a wide range of detailed
information on specs, links to other mobile computing-related sites, and
ordering information.


Specs Two models of the Ruputer are initially slated for release, the
Ruputer MP110, and the Ruputer Pro, MP120. For both, the CPU is 16-bit and
the OS is W-PS-DOS, version 1.16. Main memory is 128KB, mask ROM is 512KB
and flash memory is 512KB for the MP110 and 2MB for the MP120. The display
is a 102 X 64 dot matrix STN LCD with EL back-lighting. An IR port,
utilizing the ASK protocol, can transfer data back and forth at 38,400bps. A
RS232C serial port is also included and can transfer PC data at 19,200bps.
The Ruputer is intended to be water-resistant.


The user interface includes four side buttons and a cursor pointer. The
first models will only be sold in Japan and will include Kanji ROM with
standard JIS Type 1 and 2 encoding to handle Japanese characters.


The Ruputer utilizes two Lithium batteries (CR2025) and has a battery life
of approximately four months, assuming use of display only one hour per day.
Total weight is approximately 67 grams.


Peripherals included in the package are a PC docking station called the
"DS-10," a CD-ROM with the latest versions of Ruputer PC Filer, Ruputer PC
Tool, and Ruputer PC PIM, plus other applications and utilities. A battery
holder is included as well as the Ruputer Pocket Guide, Quick Start Guide,
Users Manual, and PC Software Manuel.


The CD includes many PC applications that support connectivity with the
Ruputer.


Ruputer PC Filer File management software for the Ruputer with the same look
and feel of the Windows95 Explorer. Users can manage files stored in the
Ruputer's flash memory and drag-and-drop is possible when transferring files
and data over into Windows95 Explorer. Users can also erase, add, and backup
files, data, and applications on the Ruputer directly.


Ruputer PC Tool Users can customize the utilities on the Ruputer such as
world-time settings, graphical interface settings, sound file settings, and
user preferences.


Ruputer PC PIM The Ruputer PC PIM is a Personal Information Management
software package for use with Windows95 and includes six distinct
applications: scheduling, addressbook (graphical data copying possible),
work list, text memos, notebook, and family memos (graphical data copying
possible). PIM data can be edited directly on the Ruputer, of course, or
synchronized with a PC. All PIM applications are able to transmit data and
have password-protection mechanisms.


The Ruputer PC PIM can also link to Microsoft Outlook 97, Microsoft
Schedule+ version 7.0, and Lotus Organizer 97, however this utility is
scheduled to be sold separately.


A programming development environment is scheduled to be given to available
to developers by this July. Ruputer C Libraries and a C compiler along with
other programming tools with be possible on Windows95 machines.


Seiko Instruments, Inc., the maker of the Ruputer, is estimating 100,000
units sold over the first fiscal year.
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Copyright (c) 1998 by the Asian Technology Information Program (ATIP)
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