Ultra-Power: The Ultra Mobile PC Hits The Industry

It’s not a home PC…at least, it doesn’t look like one. But the Ultra Mobile PC, developed by Microsoft, Samsung Intel Corporation and other companies, is nearly as powerful and up to date as a typical low-end home or office computer. It is simply, a portable system for those who need more power than a regular PDA or Pocket PC can bring them, but can’t afford more hand room.

Having an Ultra Mobile PC is like having a more compact notebook computers. They say that UMPC's are as powerful as laptops but a lot more handy. Anyone who is always on the go and needs to use a computer that enables them to do basic computing tasks will definitely love the UMPC. Imagine having a compact and powerful computer with you wherever you go. That would be the ultimate mobile computing experience.

What Is The UMPC?

The UMPC is more or less the same size as a Pocket PC, though still smaller than a laptop. However, the UMPC promises to be just as powerful as a laptop system and as convenient as a PDA. Consider some of the specifics.

UMPCs use a low voltage 1 ghz processor (or via C7-M) that allows the use of Windows XP (tablet edition that is only slightly reconfigured to accommodate the smaller screen). Windows XP, naturally, has compatibility with virtually piece of software on the market. The UMPC has a 7-inch TFT touch sensitive screen, about twice the size of the normal PC display, with a minimum resolution of 800 x 400. These systems will be capable of holding as much as 1 gigabyte of RAM, and a 160 GB hard disk.

Just as a Pocket PC can encompass any PDA that meets Microsoft’s technical requirements, so a UMPC is just a platform model. Provided a manufacturer can meet the same or better specifications by Intel and Microsoft, the design can be improved upon. Ultra Mobile notebook and Ultra Mobile laptops could improve even more so in the coming years.

Features Of The Ultra Mobile PC

The size of the UMPC doesn’t lend itself to a keyboard, so a virtual touchscreen keyboard will be featured. However, like most portable PCs, a USB connection will be provided for a regular keyboard or mouse to function. Ultra mobiles also have the capability of Wi-Fi connectivity, webcam, GPS (for localized mapping, memory card readers, fingerprint readers and TV tuners for a complete PC no larger than a coconut.

Originally known as the top secret “Microsoft Origami” operation, now several companies are intent on releasing a superior UMPC design. Samsung, Asus and Founder are in the lead, with Samsung having already introduced the Samsung Q1 model in 2006.

What The Future Holds For The Little Giant

The future looks bright for the little giant, as 2007 promises to upgrade Windows XP to Windows Vista. Vista is another Windows operating system, guaranteeing to be more efficient and convenient than even the industry standard of Windows XP. Though the portable system is currently priced at over $1000.00, marketers and experts believe the price will drastically be reduced, perhaps by 50% in coming months. Battery life is also expected to improve, given that the predicted battery rate of the current system is less than 3 hours, compared to Pocket PC’s 8-10 hours.