Microsoft’s “Origami” Project Unveiled
Today at the CeBit trade show in Germany, Microsoft officially announced a new line of mobile devices known as Ultra-Mobile PCs (UMPC). For the past three weeks, Microsoft had been steadily building hype for the devices by posting mysterious flash animations to a promotional web site. The web site referred to the devices simply by their code name of “Origami.”
So what exactly are Ultra-Mobile PCs?
Ultra-Mobile PCs are handheld device larger than a PDA but smaller than a notebook computer. The devices feature a touchscreen display for input, rather than a keyboard or pointing device. They run on Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, allowing them to run just about any Windows-based application. Most of the devices will offer wireless connectivity using WiFi or Bluetooth. Asus and Samsung are among the first hardware makers that will be offering the devices, which sell for around $800.
First-Generation Unlikely To Become Mainstream
The first generation of Ultra-Mobile PCs have several downsides. When Microsoft first demonstrated the UMPC concept last year, they talked of smaller devices packing a whole day worth of battery life and costing just $500. The first UMPC devices clearly fall short of those exceptions: they’re larger, more costly, and feature significantly less battery life than Microsoft had hoped. Most first generation devices will barely achieve four hours of battery life.
The Bloggers Response
So far, the most vocal critics of the new devices have been bloggers. Many are unimpressed with the UMPC offerings. Some have called it simply a smaller version of a Tablet PC, making reference to another Microsoft-inspired project launched three years ago that has yet to gain any steam. Others have criticized the design of the devices (or, more appropriately, lack thereof) and questioned their place in the market.
Buy Now or Wait?
While the first UMPC devices will be available in April, it may be best to hold off any purchase plans until the second generation of devices are released. They’ll likely offer improved battery life and cost several hundred dollars less.