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Is it a PDA or PC? Handheld-sized Windows XP devices like the model 01+ from OQO and the VGN-U70 from Sony answer both. A startup called DualCor Technologies offers the same response for its upcoming cPC mobile computer. It addresses the question from another angle however.

DualCor runs Microsoft’s' Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 and Windows Mobile 5.0 operating systems (OS) together on the 6.5 X 3.3 X 1.2-inch, 1.2-pound cPC. The purpose of the product is to combine the power of a desktop with the instant-on convenience and staying power of a PDA.

In addition, while the first model has 802.11g Wi-Fi built-in for connecting to WLANs and a phone jack to make Voice Over IP phone calls (perhaps?), the plan is for future models to include 3G cellular networking as well. So unlike other handtop (handheld/desktop hybrids), the cPC has the potential to be a smartphone too.

The device is clearly aimed at the enterprise and vertical markets.

Creative Strategies president Tim Bajarin says, “The DualCor cPC holds the potential to carve out its own place in the world of ultra portable computers and opens the door to a new category in global enterprise mobility. The strengths inherent within a product like the cPC could deliver serious benefits to the medical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as retail, transportation and even government and military.”

A comprehensive array of specifications support the cPC's two platforms.

There's two processors (1.5 GHz and 400 MHz); 1 GB of RAM; a 5 inch, 800 x 480 pixel resolution, 262 thousand color, touch screen display; three USB hi-speed 2.0 ports; a headset and phone jack; integrated Compact Flash Type II; mini-VGA port; speaker, microphone and mouse controls.

Instead of an integrated thumb-keyboard, like with the OQO model 01+, DualCor offers a full-size stowaway keyboard, just like the one available for most PDAs and smartphones. Other input options include a track-stick, user-programmable command keys and an adjustable display-angle docking system.

DualCor says cPC gets 8 hours of continued application use or 300 hours of standby time from its battery.

Switching between Windows Mobile and XP is purportedly as easily as tapping on an ying/yang icon. A couple of the advantages of integrating Windows Mobile include the ability for the cPC to receive push e-mail in standby mode and better battery life. The two Microsoft platforms share Outlook databases, so changes in one OS setting is always reflected in the other.

And since there's XP, the cPC can run the desktop editions of other Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) plus other enterprise applications; just like other handtops.

DualCore CEO & president Steve Hanley asserts, “By providing unmatched performance, unrivaled battery life and unprecedented functionality, we are confident the DualCor cPC will not only meet the needs of today’s mobile business professional but will redefine how they work.”

The first DualCore cPC model is due to ship this quarter for $1,500.