Cell phone form factors haven't really changed all that much the past few years. That's why the Fujitsu F-04B (also called the Separate Keitai) is bound to get people to notice. Instead of flipping or sliding the phone to get to the keyboard, you're supposed to pull it out of its hiding place (your pocket, purse, bag or...oh crap...you dropped it in the aquarium) and attach it to the body.
It comes with two main parts, a touchscreen slate that can be used independently and a keyboard unit. The former sports a 3.4-inch display, a 12.2 megapixel camera (which is, apparently, a standard for high-end phones in Japan), built-in accelerator, Blu-ray recorder connectivity and dual TV tuners. We're not sure if it comes bundled with two keyboard units (there's one numeric and one QWERTY on the product photos) or if you have to choose one.
No magical tech is employed for the connection between the modules. They use Bluetooth to communicate with each other and magnets to physically lock the parts. The keyboards comes with an earpiece and a mic, allowing you to use it during calls, instead of the touchscreen slate. Battery life is rated at 8.3 hours of talk time.
Will this hit it big in Japan? We're not sure. As far as we know, clamshells are still the preferred form factor of the consumer market over there. I have to admit, though, detachable physical keyboards do sound neat for a touchscreen handset.
First shown off as a concept at the CEATEC exhibition in 2008, the Fujitsu F-04B has not only been manufactured, it's been priced (around $660) and slated for release (either March or April). It will come under wireless carrier NTT Docomo.
[via Mobile Crunch]
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Now that’s a really good looking piece of technology. I would definitely buy a Separate Keitai if it hits European market also.