First International Computer Inc. has scheduled production of its WebPad device called the Aqua for this September. Powered by Transmeta Corp.’s much-anticipated Crusoe processor. Designed around Transmeta’s TM3200 Crusoe processor, Aqua will run Mobile Linux and feature Web browser software from Netscape Computer Corp, said company officials. Other features of the device include a 7.4-inch touch-screen display, 64M bytes of onboard main memory and an IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN module for connecting to the Internet via a base station. Weighing in at 700 grams (1.54 pounds), the device measures 245 by 150 by 25 millimetres. Aqua will mainly be sold under other brands than FIC, but the company estimated that retail price initially would be in the US$600 to $700 range. First International Computer, in Taipei, Taiwan can be reached at http://www.fic.com.tw/. Transmeta Corp., based in Santa Clara, Calif., is at http://www.transmeta.com.
Prices listed are in US currency.