[image courtesy of SlashGear]

True device convergence is still something that most consumers are still waiting on.  Sure, smartphones — specifically the iPhone — have really come the closest to the end-all-be-all device.  Sometimes, though, you really need want a bigger screen to handle all of your multimedia and web surfing needs. So, while the verdict on the Camangi is still out and Apple’s iSlate-uberdevice  may be a hopeful March release (if you have an extra $1,000 to spare), Cydle hopes you give their 7-inch screened M7 a chance.

The M7 Mobile Internet Device (MID) from Cydle functions as an Internet search appliance, a digital photo frame and multimedia player (music and movies), and incorporates HDMI support.

Sounds pretty nice, right?  Let’s take a closer look at Cydle’s press release for more details.

Man Does Not Live By Search Alone: Cydle to Show M7 Mobile Internet Device, Combining Mobile TV,  Multimedia Player (and More) with Net Search Appliance at CES.

TORRANCE, Calif.  (Jan. 5, 2010) – For consumers searching for multifunction
nirvana, the new Cydle M7 Mobile Internet Device may be just what the media enthusiast ordered.

At 2010  International CES this week, Cydle (www.cydle.com>), the emerging leader in car-based multimedia systems and one of South Korea’s hottest consumer  electronics companies, will introduce the Cydle M7 Mobile Internet Device (MID),  an Internet search appliance with WiFi.  The company will be exhibiting in Booth Central 13041.

Featuring a 7-inch wide screen, the Cydle M7 enables users to search the Internet anywhere,  anytime – and do much more.  The unit provides subscription-free Mobile TV, in compliance with the ATSC digital standard for Mobile TV
technology.  Channel availability will vary based on location.  The M7 also
includes a multimedia player for music and movies, a digital photo frame, and HDMI support.

Eight GB of memory comes standard on the Cydle M7, expandable to 16GB.  Highly portable and ideal for hands-free operation, the unit features an embedded screen cover that acts as a stand when the device is in use, and supports both vertical and horizontal views.  The M7 is expected to carry a retail price of $199, with shipping slated for 2Q 2010.

“The Cydle M7 is the essence of versatility, combining a powerful Net search appliance with a multimedia player and Mobile TV —capabilities designed to appeal to travelers who want to take their sights and sounds with them,” said Woody Lee, U.S. director of sales, Cydle.   “The Cydle M7 is slim and light. With an embedded screen cover and stand, it’s perfectly portable.  And along with Cydle’s new P29A device, the M7 is among the first Mobile TV offerings to hit the market.”

Cydle’s line of wireless digital devices seamlessly integrate capabilities that combine navigation with entertainment – including GPS, Live HD Radio Traffic updates, HD Radio reception, rich multimedia, Bluetooth, WiFi, black box, Mobile TV technology and more.

About Cydle

Cydle (www.cydle.com>) is an emerging leader in car-based multimedia systems and one of South Korea’s largest consumer electronics companies.  Cydle devices combine GPS navigation Live HD Radio™ Traffic updates, audio and video entertainment, Bluetooth and more, turning every car into a haven for the driver. Established in 2006, Cydle is based in South Korea, with U.S. offices in Torrance, Calif.

So there you have it.  The M7 is coming sometime in the second quarter of the year for $199 with features that sound pretty impressive (and $800 cheaper than Apple’s dream machine, the iSlate).  Yeah, people will be sure to sell their souls moderately used gear for an iSlate when it arrives; but the M7, if it works smoothly, could certainly find a niche as the “Poor man’s” tablet-du-jour if it’s features are matched with smooth & stable performance