i-mate reportedly working on an Intel-based, Windows 8 handset

The Dubai-based manufacturer i-mate might be planning a grand return to the smartphone scene after several years in the doldrums. According to a recent report, the company, which made a name for itself by selling HTC-made, Windows Mobile devices in the middle of last decade, is set to unveil an Intel Clover Trail based smartphone, which will boot Windows 8 Pro, not Windows Phone 8.

The smartphone will carry the name i-mate Intelegent. It is reportedly set to pack 2GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a 4.7" display of unknown resolution. The most important trick up the i-mate Intelegent's sleeve will be the ability to offer full Windows 8 experience via an optional docking system. The latter will offer a 23" touch-enabled display, keyboard, mouse, and a wireless tablet with 10" 1080p display.

The price of the smartphone alone is said to be $750. Should you choose to go for the desktop station, prepare to fork out $1,600.

According to the CEO of i-mate, Mr. Jim Morrison, there's a factory in California ready to produce 10,000 units a week of the Intelegent. The CEO also told the Seattle Times that the i-mate Intelegent will be showcased during MWC.

We are yet to catch a glimpse of the device in Barcelona though, so, given i-mate's troubled past, we would advise that you take more than the usual pinch of salt when threading through the report.

Source | Via