The National Semiconductor geode origami mobile communicator, a multifunction PDA, caused a stir at the Fall 2001 Comdex show in Las Vegas. With a thin pop-up display that pivots up and away from the keyboard into several positions, the unit incorporates Microsoft Win-dows XP Embedded and can be used as a digital camera, video camcorder, smartphone, Web browser, e-mail device, videoconferencing tool, and MP3 player, among other things.
"The Origami is a glimpse into the future," says Michael Polacek, vice president of National Semiconductor. But will the Origami work? The answer to that question depends largely on how the device handles wireless data for tasks such as Internet access and videoconferencing.
The first Origami device will ship in late 2002, and it will use the Bluetooth wireless standard for connectivity. The device's design allows it to be scaled for upcoming 2.5G and 3G cellular networks, such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). Pricing for the Origami has not been set yet.