Samsung Co Ltd’s Vortec (UK) Ltd arm, which specialises in notebook computers, will in May begin shipping in volume a portable computer smaller than the average Filofax, the company says. The Booklet PC resembles a typical notebook computer, but weighs in at but weighs in at just 2 lbs 3 oz and measures 8.7 by 6.3 by 1.2 thick. It is based on a 16MHz 80286LX processor – Advanced Micro Devices Inc’s low power consumption version of the Intel Corp 80286 – has 2Mb RAM expandable by memory card, 40Mb hard disk – with 60Mb and 80Mb options – and comes with DR DOS 6 in ROM. The liquid crystal display measures 6.3 by 4 and has 640 by 400 resolution. The keyboard is a full 65-key model, though no details on how tiny the keys are. Power is by rechargeable Nickel Cadmium or everyday alkaline batteries and, with various power-saving features, the thing is claimed to run for four hours. Aimed at the mobile executive, the Booklet PC includes an additional ROM-based application called PC diary this includes an alarm clock, scheduler, telephone-address list and memo pad. Interfaces include standard serial and parallel ports, 3.5 external floppy drive interface and a PCMCIA/JEIDA-standard IC card slot for memory, facsimile and data modem, network and other cards. Initial pricing is expected to be around UKP1,500. Vortec’s current line comprises five notebook lines, extending from 12MHz 80286 models costing as little as UKP1,000, to fully-featured A4-sized 80386SX models with scanner interface and memory expansion ports and 33MHz models with 128Kb cache memory, costing up to UKP3,300. Future plans, the company says, include battery-powered plasma displays and 80486 and colour models. The Brentford, Middlesex-based wholly-owned subsidiary of the Korean Samsung Co, pushed its products out via distributors including the well-known P&P Plc of Rossendale, Lancashire.
