The Littlest PCs

Not quite a laptop, not quite a smartphone, it´s the future of mobile computing

By Michael Myser Posted 07.05.2006 at 2:00 am 0 Comments

by Courtesy Samsung/Microsoft Courtesy Samsung/Microsoft

Launch the gallery by clicking the "Slideshow" button to the left.

Meet the ultra-mobile PC, a.k.a. UMPC: a seven-inch screen, Windows XP Tablet PC operating system, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, all in a book-size package that weighs less than two pounds. It´s the vision of the Origami Project team at Microsoft, which recently unveiled design concepts and software for the devices. All Origami-certified UMPCs will feature the Touch Pack, a
finger-friendly add-on to Windows XP with shortcut keys, large program icons and a split
on-screen keyboard for rapid typing with your thumbs.

Is this Microsoft´s answer to the iPod-a juiced-up, highly capable media player? Unlikely. Analysts say the company is just testing the waters for
consumer interest in the small (though not quite pocketable) devices. Want to be an early adopter? Launch the slideshow (above) to see the first three UMPCs expected to hit the market.