Microsoft UMPC and Project Origami
Project Origami finally revealed
Microsoft's Project Origami was finally revealed in March, 2006. The long standing hype and codename for the project was revealed to be Microsoft's development of two new devices that can run Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Essentially, these two new devices are just new tablet PCs. The Tablet PC is a curious mix of handheld and notebook occupying a computing space between the two devices. The Tablet PC is revisited every so often by portable computing manufacturers, but has never really been accepted by the mainstream.
The UMPC is more of a specification for a device that can run Microsoft's operating system than it is a device in and of itself. No, Microsoft isn't manufacturing these devices themselves, at least not yet. The two tablet PCs using the UMPC name are being manufactured by Asus and Samsung.
The overwhelming lack of interest in Microsoft's new devices is nothing short of underwhelming. For the time being, it's highly unlikely anyone will be beating a path to their consumer electronics outlet to buy the new UMPC devices. The devices are still too expensive when compared to other tablet PCs you can get that do just about the same for much less.
But project Origami / UMPC should be seen as a speculative move. As a platform for XP Tablet Edition, UMPC dictates some of the hardware specs in order to best showcase the software. If Microsoft has successfully interpreted (or manufactured) a future market for mobile computing, it will be there to fill that niche by default. Even if the UMPC itself doesn't make a splash at least Microsoft has kept its operating system relevant. But, will there be a future for UMPC?
The UMPC devices unveiled this month come from two manufacturers: Asus and Samsung. Weighing in at only 2.5 lbs, both units are only about an inch thick and around the size of a large paperback book. The first thing you'll notice is the wide 7" screen that runs at a resolution of 800 x 480. Like most Table PCs, the touch - screen is activated with a stylus for control. Activating an on screen keyboard will give you conventional QWERTY functionality for out - of - the - office productivity. Powered by Celeron M processors with a 60 GB hard disk and wi-fi support, the UMPC will have power unseen in most previous tablet offerings. Using Bluetooth to communicate with a cell phone that connects to a wireless high speed network (such as 3G), the UMPC could obtain internet access remote from any Wi-Fi hotspot. Although, if you have a handheld with the ability to create a Wi-Fi hotspot as many of the newer EV-DO compatible phones, you could use any less expensive portable computing device for internet access, e.g. a notebook computer with a Wi-Fi lan card. With a retail price from $600 to $1000, it's difficult to see this device taking off like a rocket straight out of the gate.
Interested in the UMPC? Be sure and check out the Nokia 770
Microsoft UMPC Features
- 60 GB storage
- WiFi and Bluetooth compatible
- Supports Microsoft Office, WMP10, Instant Messenger, Sling Meida
- Lith - io rechargeable battery with approx. 2.5 - 3 hour life
According to Microsoft, this device is going to draw in mainly business users who require a compromise between the mobility of a Pocket PC with the computing power of a notebook. The vision of Microsoft is for the UMPC to become as ubiquitous as cell phones today. However, until the price becomes more affordable for the average consumer, the high price for this device will continue to be one of its biggest obstacles to mainstream popularity.
Ultimately, the UMPC doesn't have to sell like hotcakes for Microsoft to enjoy the benefits of Project Origami. It's already opened the door to another Microsoft operating system and demonstrated what they can do. If the devices show any promise at all expect cheaper knock offs to rally forth. Powered by XP Tablet PC Edition or the future Vista for Tablet PCs, Microsoft won't complain if the devices themselves don't sell.