Mobile operator Orange has introduced the SPV M5000 to its catalogue. The device is based on the HTC Universal platform, and it is the first 3G UMTS Windows Mobile device model combining multiple wireless technology like Bluetooth, Wireless LAN, GSM/GPRS/UMTS (tri-band, WCDMA).
The SPV M5000 has a special touchscreen that can be opened to the side, like a mini-laptop, revealing a QWERTY keyboard. The same screen can be rotated and closed, turning the device into a standard Pocket PC form factor.
This new device also is the first Microsoft Windows Mobile-based device to provide live video calls over 3G networks. It will run the recently announced Windows Mobile 5 operatig system, including new security features, enhanced user interface and a new persistent storage memory that will allow users longer usage, with no risk of losing the memory's content.
The new Pocket PC is powered by an Intel CPU running at 520MHz processor, 96MB of ROM, 128MB of RAM, and an SD memory card slot. Orange says this device will offer 5 hours talk-time, and a standby period of 10 days. It weighs 285.0g.
Other operators have also announced similar devices (including T-Mobile Germany, Vodafone Germany and O2), but none have disclosed details on when the devices will be actually available for shipping.
