Wizpy handheld provides laptop functionality

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Turbolinux of Japan has started distributing its Wizpy digital media device to customers who ordered them from its website.

The Flash-based, USB device comes pre-loaded with a version of the Linux operating system and can be used to run the open source operating system on most computers.

The palm-sized device allows a user to access their own data and software from any pc, providing the functionality of a laptop without the size and weight. The device is available in 2 GB and 4 GB versions and includes the TurboLinux Fuji OS, the Firefox Web browser, the Thunderbird e-mail client, Skype Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service and OpenOffice 2.1.

Wizpy is also a digital audio player and features an FM radio, a voice recorder and a 1.7 inch screen for viewing e-books, pictures, movies and video files.

Wizpy is currently only available in Japan, but will eventually be distributed around the world.

The device will work with a USB 2.0-equipped PC configured to search for a boot-up CD - it may not be compatible with older machines. There are also compatibility issues with Macs which Turbolinux hopes to solve in future versions of the product.