Irvine, California-based AST Research Inc has launched a palm-top personal computer that it claims gives up to 100 hours of battery life on standard AA batteries. The GridPad 2390 features PalmPrint character-based handwriting recognition and is based around Geoworks Inc’s Geos MS-DOS-compatible operating system. It comes with a range of built-in software applications including Intuit Inc’s personal finance software, Pocket Quicken, and Palm Computing Inc’s personal information management software. Also included is America Online Inc access software, which gives access to a range of on-line information services as well as providing electronic mail and facsimile capability. All the software is stored on an embedded ROM chip. The 2390 is built around a custom 7.4MHz 8086-compatible CPU and liquid crystal screen from Casio Computer Co Ltd. Its 3.1 by 3.9 screen has a reoffering of 320 by 256 and 0.3mm dot pitch. There’s 1Mb of system RAM and 4Mb of ROM, upgradable to 5.2Mb via optional Type II PCMCIA boards. Three input-output slots are included: one RS-232C-compatible serial port for connecting with a personal computer, printer or external modem; a 2.5mm sub-miniature headphone jack for sound applications; and a built-in infra-red transceiver for wireless data transfer at up to 9,600 bps. The GridPad is available now at $550.
