DailyTech - Intel Announces Ultra Mobile PC Category

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Gadgets Intel Announces Ultra Mobile PC Category
Brandon Hill (Blog) - March 7, 2006 9:45 AM

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6 comment(s) - last by MetaSyntacticV.. on Mar 8 at 4:05 AM

Intel wants us connected everywhere we go

Intel today announced what it calls the Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) platform. With this platform, Intel aims to bring small, thin, light and low-power devices that can keep you connected from anywhere. Intel is hoping that the UMPC platform will allow you to:

ACCESS content and information virtually anytime, anywhere
COMMUNICATE via email, IM, chat, or blogging
ENTERTAIN themselves with videos, games, music, pictures or TV on the go
BE PRODUCTIVE by monitoring office apps and tools

The devices will feature wireless connectivity, GPS support, full VoIP support and full PC compatibility. Intel states that more information will be available on the 9th – Microsoft states that it will release details of its Origami project on the 9th. Coincidence? I think not.

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I don't get it, how's this better than a to a PocketPC

By elmacedon on 3/8/2006 2:32:30 AM , Rating: 2

I bought a month ago, Toshiba e800 (4" VGA 640x480 screen, 128 ram + 64rom, double capacity battery up to 10hours of use) with additional 5GB seagate microdrive and 1GB flash, with bluetooth and wifi for like $500 (it's like $400 in the states). It comes with a cradle with USB host functionality on which you can plug USB hub and like have all sort of devices, keyboard, etc..)

How's a UMPC with it's 3x weight and 3x less battery life can be more portable? Not to mention it will be more expensive than your average laptop.

RE: I don't get it, how's this better than a to a PocketPC

By MetaSyntacticVariable on 3/8/2006 4:05:26 AM , Rating: 2

you have a point about it's portability - it all depends on the application mix you desire to run. the specs of the device would indicate that it
1) has an OS compatible with standard windows apps rather than pocket pc/ compact framework specific only
2) hardware sufficient to run said apps

if the end user desires that functionality (run any of their productivity(a) apps) then the pocket pc simply isn't an option.

That said many apps for the notebook/desktop market may not play nicely with the three key restrictions: input mechanism, screen real estate and battery life preservation.

(a) or indeed many of their leisure apps so long as they are not heavy 3D games dependent on a lighting graphics card

Parent

Video screen

By DarthPierce on 3/7/2006 10:17:21 AM , Rating: 2

I think this baby needs to support HUD glasses technology.... you can have the 60in virtual display for your ultra mobile pc, rather than a 4 inch screen.

(and you'll look like a tool, but let's ignore that)

Thick...

By elfurbe on 3/7/2006 10:57:48 AM , Rating: 2

Judging from that picture, that thing is THICK. No way I'm sold if it's that pudgy. I'll accept something Newton 2x00 sized as a maximum. Smaller within reason is fine, but bigger, no sir.