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Just in time for that time of year. If you're tired of the same old channel flipping, maybe its time to try something new. Philips has a new twist on using the remote control by embedding control features into its new iPronto. iPronto continues Philips' line of enhanced remote control devices. Its latest remote control is a web tablet with embedded control functionality. Two questions immediately come to mind is whether the device is ergonomically designed for typical remote control and whether the price is worth the features.
iPronto comes in a compact size with dimensions of 9.4(w) x 7.0(l) x 0.9(h) in. and is lightweight at 31oz. The unit is designed to provide quick access to functions and screens that are used most often. The display is a touch screen TFT with 16 bit color and a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. Eight customizable buttons allow users to set up features and functions for immediate access. The unit also comes with a scroll wheel and stylus to navigate websites and screens. Not much information is available yet on its specifications. It is based on an Intel X-Scale processor and comes with 64 MB or RAM and 64 MB of Flash. SD/MMCard slots are available for memory expansion and the USB port allows for future optional peripherals. The unit is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery (no information yet on battery life or recharge time). Headphone, stereo speaker, and microphone jacks are available but no mention is made whether these are strictly for Internet usage or whether they also can be used in conjunction with A/V systems. An additional 5 buttons can be set up for features such as volume control, channel selection or muting. Network connectivity is through wireless 802.11b. An 802.11b PC card is used in conjunction with the PCMCIA slot for the mobile networking capability. Wireless Security can enabled using either 64 and 128 WEP encyrption. The IP address can be statically assigned or through DHCP. Software wise the unit comes standard with a browser, remote control software and macros to link together functionality. The remote control software uses the IrDA port to send out control functions to audio and video entertainment equipment. This software can be configured to learn control sequences for most A/V equipment on the market. It includes built-in code database, full code learning, and macros. Macros allow you to chain together command sequences to automate an entire process. The question is whether this device provides enough functionality to justify its price. A lower cost PocketPC or Palm device outfitted with a wireless card and remote control software would seem to be quite competitive in price and performance against iPronto. Pricing and Availability Check the Philips website to locate where to purchase iPronto. The web tablet retails at a high end cost of $1,699. (For access to more than 4,500 other hands-on product reviews on all variety of wired and wireless appliance and consumer devices, go to the iAppliance Web Portal Page. )
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