Update: Finally - Pocket PC 2003 SE Scheduled To Hit Japan's Shelves in July

Microsoft has officially announced the release to manufacturers of the Japanese version of 'Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software for Pocket PC' (hereafter Pocket PC 2003 SE) and Fujitsu has been the first to announce a device to ship mid-July. The v70 is very similar to the 720 announced overseas but does not feature Bluetooth, which is a disappointment. Still the 128MB memory, 64MB flash ROM (inc. 19MB flash disk), in-built WLAN, dual SDIO and CF card slots, VGA resolution screen, PXA 270 520MHz processor, 1.3 megapixal camera, USB host function, nice design and reasonable 165g weight, Japanist IME all make it a pretty attractive package. Other than Bluetooth, I can't think of anything more that could be expected given current standards other than the nice 4" screen of Toshiba's high end models rather than just 3.7" of the v70.

Although the release is announced as mid July, Fujitsu does have a record of delaying releases by long periods in Japan and overseas so we will see if it does actually hit the shelves as scheduled.

The press release only gives 'open price' but my guess would be just under the 70,000 yen mark. Less than 60,000 and I would be very impressed.

Update: The Fujitsu online shop has a staggering price of 83,700 yen - almost the same as a low end laptop! Price is 77,967 yen on Amazon Japan and you get a 10,000 yen Amazon voucher refund at the time of writing.


Links (Japanese only):

Pocket PC 2003 SE Release to Manufacturers
Microsoft Japan
Windows CE Fan

Fujitsu Loox v70:
Fujitsu Press Release
Fujitsu Product Page:
Fujitsu Online Shop
Windows CE Fan Article & Links