Market sources indicated that Microsoft originally planned to partner with VIA Technologies to promote its "Origami" Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC), as VIA"s C7-M embedded processor is priced at US$700-800, compared to the Intel Celeron M and Pentium M series at US$1,200-1,400. VIA"s chip, however, is not preferred by OEM vendors, including Samsung Electronics and Asustek Computer, because of Intel"s stronger brand awareness and R&D capability, according to the sources.
Samsung, however, could be in the development phase of incorporating VIA"s C7-M embedded processor in UMPC models, the sources stated