Pepper Computer Inc. introduces the Pepper Pad 2 at the DemoMobile 2004. This Linux powered Web Pad is rather low-cost ($800) and geared towards consumers.

The 2.2 pound Pepper Pad 2 offers an 8.4-inch SVGA TFT LCD touchscreen with an 800 X 600 resolution. The system features 256 MB of SDRAM, 32 MB of flash memory, and a 20-gigabyte hard drive. It has a rechargeable lithium polymer battery with power management providing support for a day’s worth of activities, plus an AC power supply. The 802.11b+g Wi-Fi is complemented by Bluetooth, IR and a USB 1.1 port. It also features built-in stereo speakers and microphone, headphone jack and external mike, plus a D-pad for navigation. The entire package is ruggedized and splash-resistant.

Based on the Intel XScale PXA270 processor and 2700G multimedia accelerator processor, the Pepper Pad has an invisible operating system based on MontaVista Linux and Java, which are both enhanced and optimized for the Intel XScale processor.

The Pepper Pad 2 can be pre-ordered at Pepper.com now for $800. Shipments are scheduled for January 2005. More details on Pepper Computer Home Page.

See also the ruggedized GooRoo Rugboard and our Review of the Sony VGN-U50.