WIBRAIN Korea has announced the launch of its entry-level UMPC, the B1L, which runs on Ubuntu Linux. It has a VIA 1GHz processor, a 4.8-inch LCD display with a 1024 x 600 resolution.

The B1L comes in four different models, with distinct hard disk, CPU and memory specifications. On the Korean market, the B1L UMPC is available for prices that go from $400 to more than $500.

Some of the specifications for the B1 series are:

• Processor: VIA C7M ULV 1.2 GHz + VX700 (3D support) - on the B1L version the processor is at 1GHz.
• Memory: from 512MB DDR2 to 1GB DDR2
• Hard disk: from 30GB 4200RPM PATA to 60 GB
• Primary Battery: 4 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Keyboard: QWERTY 50 thumb keys
• Webcam and microphone jack
• Input/Output ports: 1 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0), Microphone in, Headphone jack, 24PIN connector
• Speakers: Integrated 2 channel stereo speakers
• Networking: 802.11b/g WLAN and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR

The Ultra-Mobile PC - UMPC - is a specification for a small form factor tablet PC, previously known as Project Origami. Ultra Mobile PCs usually sport a 20 cm or smaller touch screen with a minimum resolution of 800 x 480. The UMPCs are capable of running a full version of most PC operating systems, like Ubuntu or Windows. These devices have enough power to support audio, video and gaming, with rich support for web browsing and other communication and networking applications. The battery life of the UMPCs goes from 2 ½ hours to a - theoretical - maximum of 8 hours. The maximum of 8 hours was not reached by any UMPC until this day.

Although most of the UMPCs run Microsoft Windows, the Nokia N800 runs Linux Maemo, because there's no version of Windows that supports N800's non-x86 RISC-based dual-core CPU. The UMPC market is growing and the devices are getting cheaper, allowing more persons to buy these devices.