UMPC Talks/forums
Otto Berkes - Origami's Architect gives first look at Ultramobile PCs.
Otto Berkes is the architect (now general manager) behind the Ultra-Mobile PC
team, code-named Origami. We have a conversation about Origami and the vision
behind it. More on what was announced today is found here on Microsoft's
Presspass site.
Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), previously known by its codename Project Origami, is
a small form factor tablet PC. It was developed as a joint development excercise
between Microsoft, Intel, and Samsung, among others. It features Windows XP
Tablet PC Edition 2005 operating system and ultra low voltage Intel Pentium
processors, in the range of 1 GHz. The portability of the Ultra-Mobile PC is
likely appeal to international business travellers and global backpackers.
Ultra Mobile PCs have a screen size of 20 cm (around 7 inches) touch
sensitive screen at a minimum resolution of 800 x 480, and runs Windows XP
Tablet PC Edition. To make the interface suited for the small form factor, the
interface is slightly tweaked. 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 Microsoft. When the UMPC was disclosed as CeBit, 2006, Samsung, ASUS and
Founder had near-complete devices on display. Pricing is expected to be in
between $599 to $999.
UMPCs will, as they run Windows XP operating system, be able to run any software
that has been written for the platform, though the small form factor will
mandate some tweaks of 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 by using the Touch Pack Interface. Due to the small size,
it won't feature a keyboard, but a virtual keyboard, known as DialKeys, included
in the Touch Pack Interface, is provided. Also, since the device has standard
USB 2.0 connectivity, external keyboards and mice can be attached.
UMPCs will include 1 GHz Intel Celeron M, Pentium M or VIA C7-M processors, with
256 MB RAM, and will include 30 GB to 60 GB harddisks, depending on the
manufacturer. They could also feature GPS, webcam, fingerprint reader, TV tuner
and memory card reader. 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 minor tweaks to provide a better experience on the small screen.
The devices will also feature DirectX 8 class graphics. All standard
applications available for standard Tablet PCs are available as well.
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