Product category: Microprocessors, Microcontrollers and DSPs
News Release from: National Semiconductor | Subject: Geode
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 25 November 2002
Conceptual platform fits between laptop
and PDA
This week at Comdex, National Semiconductor unveiled a new conceptual device for mobile office workers who need easy wireless access to all their office data and applications.
This week at Comdex, National Semiconductor unveiled a new conceptual device for mobile office workers who need easy wireless access to all their office data and applications, including Windows XP and video conferencing The Geode Extended Office (GXO), created in collaboration with Citrix Systems, combines key Internet, office and video-conferencing applications in a compact portable about the size of a framed 5 x 7in photograph
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 26 Mar 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Incorporating both Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless capabilities, the GXO is smaller, lighter and easier to carry than laptops.
It also provides a bright 6in TFT display with 1024 x 768 resolution.
The screen is four times the size and offers five times the resolution of a high-end PDA.
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Designers using the National Semiconductor Geode processor can now use both Microsoft's new Windows CE.NET operating system and National's development and reference platforms.
The GXO extends National's tradition of introducing conceptual consumer products at Comdex with National's key technology partners.
"The Geode Extended Office takes the concept of worker mobility to a new level of functionality and productivity", said Mike Polacek, Vice President of the Information Appliance Division at National Semiconductor.
"Today's PDAs suffer from small displays and are incompatible with software, content and corporate security requirements.
The GXO integrates PC-compatible software, ultra-low-power processing and wireless connectivity to ensure seamless interfaces to existing business infrastructure.
This small, full-featured package is easy to deploy, easy to use, and fun", Polacek said.
The GXO is a wireless thin client that uses 802.11b connectivity to access corporate wireless LANs and Bluetooth to access web-based and other information sources through cellular connections.
Utilising technology from Citrix, the GXO can remotely run enterprise applications and access data that are stored on a server.
The GXO is based on National's SC2200 Geode integrated system-on-a-chip.
Embedded inside this chip is a fully PC-compatible x86 processor that ensures software compatibility with Windows XP and other PC software.
The device is also enabled for both Citrix MetaFrame XP application delivery and management software and NFuse Elite Access Portal software.
In addition to running virtually all software applications, the GXO has more features than a PDA and more functional mobility than traditional notebooks.
Armed with a GXO, an account manager en route to a customer meeting could use the device to get driving directions via onboard mapping software and GPS navigation.
At the location, he or she could connect to web-based data at headquarters using a wireless 802.11b connection.
Before starting a meeting, he or she can check email, contact information and meeting details.
At the meeting, the account manager could connect to a projector and present the sales presentation using PowerPoint and use the GXO to print a copy of the presentation on a Bluetooth printer.
Finally, he or she could open an Excel spreadsheet and conduct a videoconference with the home sales office to confirm shipping, delivery and pricing.
The GXO measures 185 x 147 x 23mm and weighs just 710g.
Its features include: a SC2200 Geode processor; the full Windows XP operating system; an onboard digital camera for video conferencing; a 6in TFT display with 1024 x 768 resolution; a 10Gbyte Toshiba hard drive; 802.11b and Bluetooth connectivity; and the device is enabled for both Citrix MetaFrame XP and NFuse Elite.
"Easy-to-use multifunctional products are sure to be popular with a large portion of the computer-literate market", said market analyst Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies.
"The inclusion of standard protocols such as Bluetooth, 802.11b and the Windows XP OS, could transform National's conceptual device into a mainstream tool that can be used easily with existing systems and applications".
Working with world-class partners.
National Semiconductor continues to create enabling technology for information access devices that connect consumers and corporate users to information and entertainment.
Citrix Systems is a global leader in virtual workplace software and services that provide access to applications, information, processes and people on any device, over any network, anywhere, anytime.
"Citrix is working closely with National Semiconductor to develop a server-based computing solution that provides mobile professionals with real-time remote access to business-critical applications and data so they can be productive at the office or offsite", said Keith Turnbull, Vice President and General Manager of Citrix's mobility business unit.
"National's high-performance Geode processor and integrated analogue chipsets continue to drive the market for thin client systems that enhance mobility, manageability and security, while providing lower total cost of ownership".
Other National partners in the GXO project include CoCom International, which provides platform board design and industrial design; and Studio RED, which provides creative input on industrial design.
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