14 DAY TRIAL // One day after Intel showcased some prototypes of the Ultra Mobile PC devices, also known as Origami, at the Intel Developer Forum event, it was Microsoft's turn to disclose more information on the project.
The Redmond company came to CeBIT, Hanovra, with two models made by Samsung and Asus, running Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and featuring 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 those who got their hands on the Origami devices or studied the tech specs were not impressed with what they saw, Microsoft believes that they will be as popular as the mobile phones.
At least, this is what Bill Mitchell, Corporate Vice President at Windows Mobile Platforms, says about the devices showcased today.
"UMPCs are a new category of mobile PCs designed to support our increasing mobile lifestyles [?] The extremely mobile nature of these devices, together with the richness of Windows PC technology, combine to create a powerful platform for mobile communications, entertainment, gaming and new scenarios such as location-based services as well. The "Origami" project is really our first step toward achieving a big vision. We believe that UMPCs will eventually become as indispensable and ubiquitous as mobile phones are today."
There have been several UMPC configurations roaming the Internet, some of them too Sci/Fi, and others close to the real ones. One of the surprises announced by Microsoft is that some mobile devices will include VIA C7-M processors; up until now, everybody has talked about Intel being at the center of all the models.
According to the Redmond-based company, the UMPCs will have hard drives with capacities ranging from 30 to 60 GB, and some will include 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.
Microsoft also says that they will weigh less than 1Kg and feature 17.9 centimeter displays. Additionally, they will accept several input devices.
As we announced you yesterday, a fully charged battery will ensure approximately two and a half hours of operating time, but the press release mentions that it could be more than that.
Microsoft doesn't offers precise details about the prices, instead it offers a possible range, a little bit too wide we might add, between $600 and $1000.
