If anyone is interested, here is my friend's translation of the Press Release - Buddy WB4OMG
Press Release Beginner's model with D-Star, simple to set up 144/430 MHz audio band digital transceiver ID80 = hand-held model; ID880 = car model Prices (inclusive of tax) and projected release: 52,290 yen for the ID80; early Feb. ID-880D (50W) 62,790 yen; late Feb. ID-880 (20W) 59,640 yen; late Feb. Icom is set to release [the above-described models]. D-Star is a digital wireless communications system being promoted by JARL (Japan Amateur Radio League). Explains the value of digital: clear sound, interfaceable with the Internet, becoming common in Japan and abroad. These models will be easy even for beginners to use. The hand-held ID80 comes with an optional GPS mike that displays the user's current position and sends that information to the other person. With 5 watts of power and a 6-hour lithium ion battery (assuming 1-minute transmission, 1-minute reception, 8-minute waiting[??] times [I guess in the back-and-forth sense]), this model will appeal to people who like the outdoors. The car models are compact and have an easy-to-read display. They have a separate front panel [?] for easy set-up, with the front panel attachable [to the main body, I would assume] by magnets. For simplicity, the set-up processes for the hand-held and car models are similar. Thanks to D-Star, these models broaden the scope of potential users to include those who don't really know much about such things as frequencies and repeaters. MAIN FEATURES: - D-Star-based digital voice (DV) mode is standard. - GPS mike [as noted above] (They have a mike for the hand-held, sold separately. For the car models, buy a GPS receiver sold on the market.) - Compatible with D-PRS (And you need the respective GPS devices mentioned immediately above.) - Wide-area receiver using 495kHz-999.990MHz power bar[?] (Footnote: car models' lower range value is 118MHz.) - [Not absolutely sure of the last bullet point. I think they're saying that the hand-held model has some sort of guard that protects against water, assuming it's only drops. I.e., they're not guaranteeing it's waterproof.] ************** A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd= DecemailfooterNO62) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
