Microsoft has finally unveiled "Origami" as the Ultra-Mobile PC.
We exclusively predicted that Microsoft would reveal a device last month with Intel and that it would be called Ultra Mobile PC.
The official launch partners for the UMPC seem to be Intel, ASUS, Founder and Samsung. ASUS, Founder and Samsung have launched devices which promise the following:
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Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 OS -
Approximately 7" diagonal display (or smaller) -
Minimum 800 x 480 resolution -
Approximately 2 pounds -
Integrated touch panel -
WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled
Interestingly these devices don"t sport a camera which is a big shame. Channel9 have a great video (as usual) with Otto Berkes (General Manger of UMPC Platform) of Microsoft.
Microsoft are working with hardware vendors and software developers to push this technology in the right direction within the next couple of years. Microsoft claims UMPC devices will have a battery life of two and a half hours or more, and feature 30-60 GB hard drive for storage, with Intel Celeron M, Intel Pentium M or VIA C7-M processors. Microsoft also anticipates pricing in the US$599-$999 price-range.