This isn't the first time we've heard about possible specs for the mintpass mintpad 2.0, upcoming successor to the original WinCE-based mintpad multimedia networking device, but things are starting to get a lot more interesting. While previous considerations included a metal body, larger screen, and built-in WiBro and GPS, the latest item added to the drawing board is Google's Android operating system.
Upon hearing this little rumor recently, I reached out to the account executive at mintpass to find out how likely it was that the open-source OS would actually be featured on the new device. His response? "Such things are being discussed for the second generation mintpad, but nothing is set for sure. I can tell you that the next generation mintpad will be quite high in specification, though."
Unfortunately, with the first-gen mintpad still struggling to make it to US shores (not counting the limited supply that was made available last month and has landed in the hands of more than just my own), it will probably be quite some time before we find out just how high to set our expectations.
We shall see…it would seem that the early adopters are less than enthused about the mintpad ver 1, especially the proxy browsing and the apparent inability to easily sync with PCs. If they could fix these 2 issues by moving to a standardized browser/OS and simply writing an interface so that PIM info could be easily moved back and forth to a full size (gasp !) or pocketable (yes..that’s better hazmat)PC then they might have a shot…otherwise it will fade away quickly.
Android for that thing would probably be a great idea.
Hopefully they’ll do a US version with 3G GSM and/or WiMax instead of WiBro. A physical keyboard wouldn’t hurt, either :-}
Jenn how’s your MintPad working out for you? Like Hazmat mention that if they can have this device be able to sync your PIM, browser favorites, and have a way to connect to internet either by Wi-Fi, BT, WiMax, etc… this would be a nice device to carry in your pocket and use it when you need it to search for info from the web at anytime. This would great when shopping in stores and want to do a search on something your shopping for.
I haven’t touched it since we got back from our vacation a few weeks ago. After I realized that I wouldn’t be able to finish my full review before we left, I took it with us thinking that I’d work on it while we were away (silly and naive!). When we got home, we started fixing up our house in preparation for out-of-town visitors and of course the baby. And then the Samsung Mondi came out, which is the only gadget I can think about now!
So the mintpad review is on the backburner, where it will either stay indefinitely or maybe until an official US release date is set.
By the way, browser favorites and internet via WiFi are both currently possible on the mintpad.
I think users would be much happier if the WinCE side of things worked more consistently (at the moment, only a very small number of CE apps are able to run properly). Most seem to be enjoying the memo/drawing feature, though, which is one of the aspects mintpass is most proud of.
I was interested in the Mintpad exactly until the moment I saw it ran Wince – no way I’m shelling out money for that crippled piece of crap. Android would make it at least a little more appealing.
Ow… kinda harsh.
It seems like a device with a lot of features. DesignFabulous (Andrew) from DAPReview.net is just finishing up an internship with MintPass working on the design of the MintPad 2 
, so maybe if you bribe him with cookies you can get some hints out of him. 
I suggested to him he offer to write a little guest editorial for pocketables, but I don’t know if he saw my suggestion. I may have said that they all love the Mintpad over here, so you might have to hide pratfall in a back room if he pops over. 
No, once he’s able to speak openly about the mintpad 2, it would definitely make more sense for him to do so at dapreview . . . unless he really, really, really likes cookies.
I *do* have easy access to macadamia nuts over here.
maybe they could make the original have Android as well. Wishful thinking there. I wouldn’t miss WinCE.