Microsoft- OQO Model 02 is a UMPC
The whole Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) moniker has been confusing since the launch of the handheld devices, especially since the decision was made somewhere to drop the Origami codename. Since Ultra Mobile PC is a generic term people have been calling any small handheld a UMPC, even those that run Windows CE, and UMPC enthusiasts have been running around the web correcting all of the misinformation.
I just received the latest Mobile PC Newsletter from Microsoft and was surprised to see this:
This confuses me even more than before as to what makes an "official" UMPC. It certainly isn't price. I guess this makes the newly announced Sony UX models with Vista official UMPCs, too.
Mine's already on order. Can't wait for them to start shipping. Woo!
Posted by: G. Scott | January 20, 2007 at 07:33 PM
Wish they weren't so slow writing their Vista software. To ship in 8 weeks time with XP installed seems really dump
Posted by: scoobie | January 20, 2007 at 08:08 PM
I don't see what the big deal is about something being an "official" UMPC or not. No matter whether they get the name or not, all portable computers have their own combination of power, size and capabilities and it's pretty easy to break the touchscreened devices apart:
PDA = slips into your pocket (ie doesn't dominate it, like a UX or OQO would, if they fit at all)
Tablet = about the size of a notebook of standard paper
UMPC = somewhere in the middle
The OS and hardware will have alot to do with computing capabilities, but in this market weight, convenience and battery life are just as important as power and flexibility, so I couldn't really say that a WM device is any better or worse than a Vista/XP one as a UMPC.
Posted by: Keith | January 20, 2007 at 08:28 PM
Microsoft should just update their UMPC hardware specs: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/umpc/hardware.mspx
That would save everyone (readers and writers) a lot of time. I'm personally quite tired of running around with my red pen.
Posted by: Jenn | January 20, 2007 at 08:48 PM
The OQO is called a convertible tablet PC here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2084545,00.asp
Posted by: Jenn | January 20, 2007 at 08:54 PM
>>>PDA = slips into your pocket (ie doesn't dominate it, like a UX or OQO would, if they fit at all)
The UX fit in my inside jacket pocket. But only a PDA will do a short pocket.
That is, *for now*.
Posted by: Mike Cane | January 21, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Duh. short = shirt!
Sometimes not even Firefox's spellchecker can help me...
Posted by: Mike Cane | January 21, 2007 at 12:24 PM