Hand-held computer for the masses

GIZMO GALLERY

The Simputer, an indigenious handheld for the masses, has been launched by PicoPeta Simputers Ltd. The Amida comes in three models with the cheapest 1200 model costing Rs 9,950.

Users can write onscreen in any language and e-mail the message. There's a built-in MP3 player, voice recorder, voice mail and compatibility with printers, scanners, the Ethernet, flash sticks, PDAs and so on.

To connect to the internet or use Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, users can link via the two USB ports using an external landline modem or a CDMA mobile. The Linux-based operating system and browser allow access to all websites.

Hindi and Kannada keyboards are available. Other features include a motion sensor that turns it into an e-book, allows zooms or landscape viewing with simple hand motion.

The Amida 1200 has 32 Mb Ram, a 206 Mhz processor and a grayscale 240x320 touch-screen. The 1600 and 4200 models both have 64 Mb Ram, plus IR Ports and built-in mikes/ speaker.

The 1600 is priced at Rs 12,500 and comes with a grayscale screen. The colour-screen 4200 model is priced at Rs 19,950. For more information, log on to http://www.amidasimputer.com

Check out this tiny camera

The 4-megapixel Casio Exilim EX-Z4U's is designed for shots on the fly. It has a tiny body, classic style and user friendly features. The EX-Z4U is less than an inch thick with a retractable lens to fits neatly into a normal pocket.

It's very light at 160 grams, with battery installed. The lens zooms to 3X and covers 35mm to 105mm in 35mm-camera terms. A 6 cm LCD occupies the rear-panel and the controls are logically located.

You can activate the zoom with a thumb movement while shooting one-handed.

The Exilim comes with 21 presets and a coupling software feature, which can stitch pictures together. The 10Mb in-built storage only holds 4 high-resolution pictures so you'll need the optional SD card.

It's bundled with a cradle which recharges the battery and links to a PC/Mobile for easy transfer.