Toshiba to make Microsoft-based handheld computer

SEATTLE: Microsoft Corp. said on Monday that Japan's Toshiba Corp. is rolling

out its first handheld computer based on the Pocket PC platform, the software

giant's answer to rival Palm devices.

Toshiba claims its Genio device will be the first handheld computer to

feature two expansion slots, one for Compact Flash II and one for Secure Digital

add-ons.

"The reason that's important is you can have wireless connectivity and

external storage," Microsoft mobile devices division vice president Ben

Waldman, said in an interview.

Pricing details were not announced, but Pocket PCs made by other companies

run from $250 to $650. Toshiba is the 14th hardware maker to roll out a Pocket

PC device, but many of the others target specialized industries and do not

produce for consumers.

Toshiba will join Compaq Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Casio

Computer Co. Ltd. in targeting a broad audience, Waldman said. Nearly 2 million

Pocket PCs have been sold since the platform was launched in April 2000.

Based on a slimmed-down version of Microsoft's Windows operating system, the

devices offer color screens and music and video playback, in contrast to the

strategy of market leader Palm Inc. , whose slim, no-frills machines still

dominate the market.

(C) Reuters Limited 2001.