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Ultra Mobile PCs - Samsung Q1 and Asus R2H are First to Market

The Ultra Mobile PC, created as a joint effort by Microsoft, Intel and Samsung, among others you surely would love to know, is an innovation in portable computer systems.  The platform of the UMPC is already being emulated by other companies and is expected to advance rapidly in 2007 and in upcoming years.

Originally referred to as Microsoft Origami, ironically, the system was thought to be a portable video game console in competition with the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.  However, the company was clearly going for a broader scope and has provided a much smaller powerful PC than has ever been seen before.

Samsung's Q1

As of this moment, the first released UMPC follow up to the platform is Samsung's own Q1.  Reaction the Q1 from the public was mixed.  Though many were impressed by its hardware capability and general design, others had concerns.  Some customers were dismayed by the price, since the device currently costs over $1000.00-the same price as a laptop, which is arguably more powerful.  Other criticisms were regarding Microsoft's advertising campaign.  Microsoft's teaser campaign was so effective at piquing curiosity, according to computer-savvy consumers, there may been a little bit of a letdown.  Samsung is already planning a new product based on the original ultra mobile notebook that presumably will be lower priced next time around such as Pocket PC. 

Asus R2H

Asus is also creating a new UMPC, the Asus R2H.  It is a small portable computer that is about the size of a portable video game console.  Though not launched yet, the device is said to have a fingerprint reader and GPS system (location tracking) built into the computer.  Like the platform UMPCs, the screen will be 7 inches and will have its own unique interface.  The system will feature wide connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, USB support, and high graphics capability for video conferencing.

Also in production is Founder's Mini-Note Ultra Mobile PC.  Founder hopes to attract consumers and businesses with a cool stylish design. 

The Future Of Ultra

Ultra mobiles (Tablet designs) and ultra mobile laptops are expected to skyrocket in 2007 an onward.  Soon Windows Vista will be included in newer UMPC models; Vista is the follow up to the highly successful Windows XP.

Ultra mobile technology is still relatively new with only a few companies actively improving upon the design.  But as prices drop and designs are tweaked, UMPCs are expected to be the next major shakeup in portable computing.