March 9, 2006

Smaller PCs - Not Tablets, Not Notebooks, Not SmartPhones...something different

Microsoft, Intel and its hardware partners are launching a new computer form factor, Origami or Ultra-Mobile Personal Computers, that's a hand held, full fledged computer. Competing directly with this is OQO's computer system with a similar form factor. This new line of computer is ideal for someone who wants a full fledged computer to run Windows applications but wants something that can fit into a small bag.

If your business is on the lookout for the PERFECT sized computer - maybe this is it. But I doubt it.

(right- Otto Berkes, general manager of Microsoft¬?s Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer (UMPC) Division, shows the Samsung Q1 Ultra-Mobile PC )

Expected costs are $600 - $1000.

Here's more details from Microsoft's press release:

They support mobile-tuned user interface features such as touch, pen and dedicated buttons as well as keyboards for convenient access to Windows-based applications on-the-go.

Although hardware designs will vary by manufacturer, UMPCs will all feature small, lightweight designs that are optimized for mobility and ease of input. According to current baseline physical specifications, Windows-based UMPC devices will weigh less than 2 pounds (.9 kilo), with a 7-inch (17.8 centimeters) screen size that offers the user a choice of text input methods. The touch-enhanced display can be used as an on-screen QWERTY keyboard (called dial keys) to navigate, or users can employ a stylus to input handwritten information. They can also input content with a traditional keyboard, linked either by USB port or wireless Bluetooth connectivity. UMPC devices will have a battery life of two and a half hours or more, and feature 30-60 GB hard drive for storage, with Intel Celeron M, Intel Pentium M or VIA C7-M processors. Some devices may include additional built-in features such as GPS, a webcam, fingerprint reader, digital TV tuners, and compact flash and SD card readers. UMPCs can be connected through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet networks. Some UMPCs will be able to connect via wide-area networking.

A UMPC is smaller, lighter and far more portable than most other fully-functional PCs. UMPCs are also the first to feature our Windows Touch Pack software that optimizes the touch screen user interface for smaller form factors to simplify navigation and ease-of-use while on the go It can be used in a hand-held mode of operation rather than on a desk top, and can be used in places and situations where notebook PCs can'?t. It also has a more flexible set of interaction and input methods, including a touch screen, stylus and hardware controls. A UMPC can easily be synchronized with a non-mobile, larger, primary PC at home or work, making it easy to take music, movies, photos, and Office documents on the go. The UMPC is also different from other small Windows XP-based PCs like the OQO and the Fujitsu LifeBook P1500D, which are designed for enterprise environments.

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