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A NirvanaPhone is a smartphone that includes the added capability of Video-out functionality. A smartphone is generally accepted as a device that has both cellular phone capability as well as the ability to run applications such as email and personal organizers. The NirvanaPhone is different than a standard smartphone in that it would also include a unique feature that provides a video connection to an external monitor. The external monitor could be a PC display, an LCD TV, or a video projector. This allows the NirvanaPhone to run applications that can utilize a full sized display at a higher resolution. An example could be for displaying HD movies when connected to a LCD TV. Or in combination with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse the NirvanaPhone could act as a Thin Client connected to a Virtual Desktop for business use.

History

The concept of using a smartphone as a PC has been around for a number of years. Some early smartphones such as the Nokia N93/N95 included a TV-out feature, however the resolution of the video was limited to NTSC which was only adequate for photo and low res video viewing. This resolution was not adequate for a PC Desktop like experience, nor did the phone support many applications. The iMate 8501/8502 was perhaps the first smartphone that provided a full 1024x768 XVGA resolution which could support a full desktop user interface. When combined with Desktop Virtualization software which allows a full PC image to run on a remote server, the iMate with a Receiver application installed could provide a full PC experience. In addition the display connection, a bluetooth keyboard and mouse could be used to fully interact with the Virtual Desktop as if it was a physical PC. iMate as a company however is no longer in business.

In 2010 a new generation of smartphones have been announced and many include the required Video-out capability to qualify as a NirvanaPhone. The HTC EVO phone includes HDMI capability which can output 720p resolution, high enough for Virtual Desktop usage. The Dell Streak also includes HDMI through a docking station. The iPhone 4 provide an optional VGA connector that can support up to 1024x768 resolution, also suitable for desktop experience when connected to an external monitor.

References

'Nirvana Phone' Treats the Phone as a PC( PC Mag Feb 2010 )

Nirvana Phone Lets You Leave Your Laptop at Home SlashGear ( Feb 2010 )

The ‘nirvana phone’ turns your phone into a portable computer ( Feb 2010 )

Nirvana phone provides the full desktop experience -- BYO keyboard and monitor (video)) ( Engadget Feb 2010 )

Demo: The Nirvana Phone in Action ( Youtube Jan 2010 )