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MobilePro 700

Where bigger is better

If your HPC mantra is "bigger is better," then the MobilePro 700 is perfectly suited to your needs. NEC's newest MobilePro is the largest HPC. It has so many top-notch features that you can't overlook it even if pocketability is a main concern.

Much to my delight, the MobilePro automatically powers up when you open the clamshell. A tiny, yet seemingly unbreakable, pin on the top half of the clamshell presses on a recessed sensor just above the keyboard to detect when the case is closed. This provides a hands-free power up, and is even more useful when coupled with the 'backlight on at key touch' setting in the control panel.

The MobilePro's outer casing has many additional design innovations the likes of which we've come to expect from NEC. Like the MobilePro 400/450, the 700 has excellent placement of the alert light, assuring that silent alarms can be seen with the case open or closed. New to the 700, NEC added the VoiceMemo feature originally made popular by Philips' Velo device. The microphone and activation buttons are located on the front of the device, and the switch performs double duty as it turns off alarms when the device is closed.

Bigger is better

Getting used to the 700's big screen on a HPC is like getting accustomed to a movie theater screen in your living room. The 640x240, 4-grayscale, backlit screen measures a whopping 7.3 inches diagonally. Combined with the laptop-sized keyboard, you might forget that you're using a HPC. NEC tops off this amazing feature set with a 33.6 hardware-based modem, so it won't slow the system when you're burning up the Internet.

The MobilePro has 8MB of RAM and 16MB of ROM, and runs on NEC's 54Mhz Vr4102 MIPS processor. But the biggest news to come out of this device is the reported 25 hours of battery life from 2AA alkaline batteries. When coupled with a built in trickle charging system, this gives new meaning to the term "powerhouse."

The MobilePro 700 is 9.65x4.8x1.22 inches and weighs a fraction less than 1.5 pounds. Think of a tall paperback book that weighs less than a hardcover.

A nonconformist's dream

The MobilePro 700 is ideal for users who aren't satisfied with out-of-the-box hardware and default software settings. The device has internal slots for RAM and ROM upgrades and separate external slots for PC Type II and CompactFlash cards. In addition to the desktop connection port, a VGA-out port provides a 256 color 640x480 option. A set of function keys at the top of the keyboard is pre-programmed to run built-in applications. But running the control panel's "MobilePro Settings" applet allows a user to reconfigure the keys and add new commands when a function key is pressed while the Control key is held. Plus, for the accountants-at-heart, NEC has configured a nearly square pattern of keys on the right side of the keyboard to alternate as a numeric keypad. All HPCs can suspend power after a time delay, but the MobilePro can be configured to suspend when you close the case. And, to prevent data loss on a memory card, users can disable a power down with a PC or CompactFlash card in the unit.

The MobilePro 700 comes fully stocked with AC, PC, RJ-11 and VGA-out cables, plus a set of alkaline batteries to get you going. NEC also provides an extra CD including Virtual Courier, pcAnywhere, Puma Intellisync, bFAX, CIC QuickNotes, and CompuServe Sprynet. And to keep you going, the MobilePro 700 is cover by NEC's MobileCare technical support which promises a fixed or replaced unit to you "anywhere in the world" in 72 hours. With a US$799 price tag, you can feel like a world class executive for far less than a single Armani suit.

But if all this power still doesn't satisfy you, NEC has a nice set of accessories: NiMH batteries, quick chargers, 16MB and 32MB memory upgrade modules, CompactFlash cards, and a carrying case. And, for forgetful or neglectful users such as myself, replacement cables and a stylus pack are available.

It's available immediately, so if you're an executive or power user that wants the ease of a laptop, but the portability and convenience of an HPC, the MobilePro 700 is for you. Call (888) 8NEC-NOW. -

- Dan Hanttula

NEC <www.necnow.com>