Are you ready for yet another cryptic abbreviation to add to your high-tech acronym repertoire? You should be, because the device being called the UMPC (Ultra-Mobile PC) may be just useful enough to really catch on.
The UMPC began as Project Origami, a joint development exercise between Microsoft, Intel, and Samsung, and is a small lightweight computer (approximately two pounds) that uses the Windows XP Tablet PC operating system. Its seven-inch or smaller diagonal display is equipped with an integrated touch screen. They connect to the Internet through a wireless WiFi connection in your home or via a hotspot, or with a Bluethooth-enabeled wireless phone. These fully-functional PCs will allow you to check news and weather, send and receive email, work in Office and other software programs, and play music and games.
Microsoft has already announced UMPC models by Samsung, Asus, and Founder. Founder is currently shipping their UMPC device in China. Samsung will soon debut their unit in Korea. No formal launch date for the U.S. has been set by any of these companies.
Although many different manufacturers currently produce tablet PCs, they are larger and more cumbersome. The UMPC may be just small and connected enough to create a niche for itself.
