Mitac is launching its first candybar smartphone in Europe, the multimedia-oriented Mio 8870. It features a camera, MP3 and video player, powered by a nippy 200MHz Intel PXA262 processor.
The tri-band handset incorporates a 0.3-megapixel camera that can also record video. With a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, shots can’t be turned into 4 x 6 prints but they can be shared with others using the digital album software provided. Video and MP3s playback is managed by Pocket Windows Media Player 9. Memory takes the form of 32MB RAM and 32MB flash ROM. Also, larger images and music files can be stored using the SDIO/MMC expansion slot. SDIO support means users can add Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a GPS receiver. This may come in handy, as the Mio 8870 lacks the integrated Bluetooth found in most smartphones.
The Mio 8870 is powered by the Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition for Smartphone operating system, which means the display can be switched between portrait and landscape modes. The 2.2-inch colour screen supports a resolution of 176 x 200 pixels. At 120g, it’s the same weight as the Orange SPV E200 candybar phone.
Unlike its clamshell sibling, the Mio 8390, it isn’t yet available in UK stores. The Mio 8870 is scheduled to debut in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg in November.
