[Labec]

Always drooling over the latest tech? I know I am. And here is the latest of those items that I want. The Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer is the manifestation of Microsoft’s Origami Project that has been kept secret until now. Basically, it is an even smaller tablet PC. It will run the full version of Windows XP (and later Windows Vista), and is about a third of the size. With all the capabilities of your desktop, you will be able to entertain yourself and do your work anywhere. Need to make some quick edits to your resume? You can hook up a USB keyboard directly to the device, or with the on-screen fan shaped Querty keyboard split between the bottom two corners you will have full control over all your typing needs. Any USB device you have can be attached to the UMPC's USB host port, giving it unlimited storage and expandability. They will have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities for all of us who just can't live without constant access to our email. There a few companies in production of UMPC's right now, and we can look forward to start seeing them on the shelves in April going for around $600-$1000.

I was considering getting a PVP (Personal Video Player) in the future. But for the same price and even more capabilities, UMPC's will be a better buy. The only downside will probably be that it will have a comparatively small integrated HD. However, that's where external HD's will come into play. UMPC's promise to have the advantage over PDA's in over-all computing capabilities, although they will still be nowhere near as compact. Compared to the PSP, the UMPC will have many more options gaming wise. Depending on how much HD space a person has access to, they may eventually be able to play any game they could play on their desktop. Of course figuring out adequate controls will take some creativity for all those beloved first person shooters. This is also assuming that Microsoft will provide the capability for third party software to be used in the UMPC's. You'll just have to decide for yourself what portable device will be best for your needs. Either that, or buy them all.



Article created by: Shinogana