Ultra-Mobile PC
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Image:UMPC Samsung-Q1-Ultra.JPG
Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC
The Ultra-Mobile PC (abbreviated UMPC), previously known by its codename Project Origami, is a specification for a small form factor tablet PC. It was developed as a joint development exercise by Microsoft, Intel, and Samsung, among others. Current UMPCs typically feature the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, or Linux operating system and low-voltage Intel Pentium or VIA C7-M processors in the 1 GHz range.
FeaturesUltra-Mobile PCs have a 20 cm (7-inch) or smaller touch sensitive screen at a minimum resolution of 800 × 480. Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is used with slight tweaks to the interface to make it more suited for the small form factor. In addition, a software suite known as the Touch Pack Interface is included to make the interface more suitable for use of stylus as well as hand. The Ultra-Mobile PC is just a platform for which manufacturers can design any model they want, provided they meet or exceed the baseline specifications laid down by Intel and Microsoft. However, the UMPC will be capable of running a full version of most PC operating systems. When the UMPC was disclosed at CeBIT 2006, Samsung, ASUS, and Founder had near-complete devices on display. UMPCs with Windows XP installed will be able to run any software that has been written for the Windows XP platform, though the small form factor will mandate some changes to the interface. The standard Windows XP interface is the default, though a choice of having an interface more suited for the small form factor is available with the Touch Pack Interface. Due to the small size, most UMPCs do not feature a physical keyboard, but a virtual keyboard, known as DialKeys, is provided in the Touch Pack Interface. Also, since the device has standard USB 2.0 connectivity, external keyboards and mice can be attached. UMPC devices will include a 900 MHz Intel Celeron M, Pentium M, Core Solo or VIA C7-M processor, 256 MB to 1 GB of RAM, and a 30 to 160 GB hard disk, depending on the manufacturer. Other ultra mobile devices have been found with AMD Geode CPUs (Raon Digital Vega) or Transmeta Crusoe CPUs (OQO Model 01). Ultra-Mobile PCs can also feature Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, webcams, fingerprint readers, stereo speakers, TV tuners, or memory card readers. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Ethernet are all supported as well. UMPCs have enough processing power to support audio, video, and gaming, in addition to having rich support for browsing the internet as well as for other communication and networking applications. Windows Media Player will be included, with a special skin designed to provide a better experience on the small screen. The devices will also feature DirectX 9–class graphics, and all applications available for standard Tablet PCs are expected to be compatible. It is hoped that the prices of UMPCs will come down to the US$500 range. Battery life is expected to increase from the initial 2½ hours to 8 hours.[1] Most UMPCs are now available with Windows Vista although many new UMPCs come with the option to have Vista or XP Tablet PC Edition installed, one example of this is the Samsung Q1 Ultra which originally launched with only Vista versions, but has subsequently launched Windows XP versions.[2] While most UMPCs run Microsoft Windows, the Nokia N800 runs Linux Maemo because[citation needed] Microsoft does not have a version that support its non-x86 RISC-based dual-core CPU (ARM9-based general purpose CPU core and Texas Instruments DSP core). Currently it, the n810, the PepperPad, and the Eee PC are examples of UMPCs shipping with Linux. Several rugged model UMPCs emerged in 2007, including the GD-Itronix (Itronix) MR-1, Roper Mobile Technology's SwitchBack, and the small sized MobileDemand xTablet T8700 Rugged Tablet PC model. Pre-launch marketing campaignIn February 2006, a viral marketing campaign was quietly launched for the UMPC, then still referred to by its codename, "Project Origami". Speculation over "what is Origami?" and pictures of the rumored prototypes were passed around and covered extensively on Engadget, Scobleizer,[3] Thatedeguy[4] and other technology sites. Finalization of the Origami project was announced in time to keep the excitement level high for CeBIT. Much speculation positioned Origami as a portable gaming device that would directly compete with Nintendo's DS and Sony's PSP. This rumor gained credibility after videos were leaked showing Halo: Combat Evolved being played on a UMPC. While the movie was quickly taken down from its original source, mirrors exist on many other sites. Later in the week, the Associated Press confirmed that "Origami" was actually to be a regular PC with "limited gaming capabilities".[5] DialKeysA new text input method was implemented for the Ultra-Mobile PC. Consisting of two rings of keys around the lower corners of the screen, DialKeys is intended for use with the thumbs. Available devicesThe list of UMPCs on the market is growing beyond the first two available UMPCs: AMtek's T700 and Samsung's Q1. The AMtek unit is being sold worldwide through different OEMs. In the US it is the TabletKiosk eo v7110, agoPC ago7, and Azentek GB-810, in Europe the PaceBlade EasyBook P7 and its Label Origami, in Australia the TabletKiosk eo v7110 and the Pioneer DreamBook UMPC 700 and in Japan the PBJ SmartCaddie. In late August 2006, TabletKiosk launched a line of Intel based UMPCs, the eo i7210 and i7209. They followed this up in March 2007 with a ruggedized VIA based UMPC, the eo TufTab v7112XT.[6] OQO is also selling UMPCs. The OQO model 01 was actually launched well before the Ultra-Mobile PC craze began, but its specifications were very similar to the UMPC specifications. Latest devicesWibrain[1] launched the first UMPC model B1E and B1H in December 2007. And they launched the 2nd models of B1L series with Linux Ubuntu on Februay 27, 2008. Their starting price is around $500.00. Wibrain UMPC features 4.8 inch touch enabled LCD screen, 1024x600 resolution, 1.0 GHz or 1.2 GHz VIA C7M CPU, 512MB or 1GB memory, 30GB or 60GB harddisk, full qwerty keyboard, built-in WiFi((802.11b/g). In September 2006, Raon Digital launched the Vega running a AMD Geode LX800, 256MB of RAM, and a 30GB hard drive. It has a 4.3" screen, a 500MHz processor, and a battery life of 5.5 hours. It runs Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition and retails for 680,000 Korean won (U$700-750). However it does not have WiFi capability. In early October 2006 Samsung quietly launched the Q1B, bringing the Ultra Mobile platform closer to the vision that Microsoft created. The Q1b features a VIA C7-M ULV processor running at 1GHz, a 30% brighter screen, up to 5 hours of battery life, and a lower price point than the Samsung Q1. It also has optional modules for HSDPA or WiBro for ubiquitous internet connectivity in major cities around the world. Also a new UMPC on the market is the T770 from AMtek. It is a Windows Vista powered device with a 1200MHz processor and 1024MB of RAM. It has a 40GB hard disk (or 60GB on another cheaper brand, and also the same device) and a 7" screen. It is available for 899€ (the cheaper brand is 849€). Around the same date, CHIP.DE[7] featured an article about the R2H from ASUS, which runs a Windows Tablet PC edition OS on its Intel Celeron system. It has a VGA-TV output, GPS, 3 USB ports, 60GB hard drive and 512MB RAM. It also offers wired/wireless network capabilities. In Germany, its current price is 939€ at Amazon.de. In 2007, Bill Gates introduced the OQO model 02 in his keynote at CES 2007. The OQO model 02 is now shipping with a 5-inch/12.7-cm screen, EV-DO WWAN, Bluetooth, 802.11 a/b/g WiFi, running Microsoft Windows XP and Vista. OQO has won quite a few computer and design awards, including Guinness World Records recognition of OQO model 02 as the world's smallest fully functional computer. In August 2007, Raondigital launched their second UMPC 'EVERUN' which has built in WiFi and HSDPA. It use AMD Geode LX900. EVERUN is introduced as the UMPC with the longest battery life—as much as 6-7 hours with its standard battery and 12 hours with a large battery. Unlike its previous model 'VEGA', Everun has a full qwerty key pad, aesthetically similar to a Smartphone, which appeals to the mobile commuter. The price starts from US$799 at dynamism.com or 799 € at moboutlet.it. On September 17 2007, OQO launched the model e2[8] for the European audience with a localized keyboard, 1.6 GHz VIA C7-M processor, 120GB hard drive or a 32GB SSD option. The ASUS Eee PC [2] is a 0.92 kg Ultra-mobile PC with a 7-inch 800×480 pixel LCD screen, Linux or Windows XP, 2 to 16 GB SSD (solid state drive), 900 MHz Intel "Dothan" Celeron M CPU, 256 MB to 1 GB RAM, 4/5th size keyboard, touchpad, three USB 2.0 ports, 10/100 Mbit Ethernet port, built-in WiFi (802.11b/g), VGA monitor port, no optical drive, SD (Secure Digital) and Memory Stick card readers. Upcoming devicesThere are quite a few announced UMPCs that haven't hit the market yet. The Medion UMPC, WiBrain B1 UMPC, and Packard Bell EasyNote XS have all been announced and are scheduled to be on the market sometime this year. The Medion UMPC is a highly anticipated device featuring a 1GHz VIA processor, GPS, a TV tuner, and a slide-out keyboard. Makers of the CPUs found in most Ultra-Mobile PCs, VIA & Intel, are stepping up efforts to create new processors and chipsets that could result in devices with one tenth the power consumption compared to today’s laptops in 2008. In particular, Intel's Silverthorne processor (the successor to Stealy), which won't be available until 2008[9], will be a 45nm design and the first core designed from the ground up to be lower power. A recently announced device to be launched in February 2008 is the Everex CloudBook, which will sport a VIA C7-M processor, 7" screen, a full keyboard, a 30GB hard disk drive and the gOS Linux distribution [10]. It is based on the reference model by VIA called the Nanobook [11]. Hewlett-Packard recently dropped word in an "informal chit-chat" that it is now prepping its very first UMPC, which apparently could hit the market as early as late spring of 2008. The Norhtec Gecko running Linpus Linux [12]. UMPC accessoriesThere are currently several companies developing accessories exclusively for the 7" UMPC platform. These include carry cases, screen protectors, styli, protective bump cases and docking stations. In addition, several prototypes of "mounting solutions" have been previewed which permit the UMPC device to be mounted in the car, on the wall or attached to an adjustable arm. See also
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