[Update: This is also known as the Paceblade Easybook P8.]

I thought that the smartpad journal entry had turned out to be a bit of a dead-loss (after hearing subsequently that it had been discontinued nearly 2 years ago!) but un unknown ‘Simone’ left an interesting comment on link on that post today to let me know about another umpc-like device.

The PMG quadpad from Tronic (and sold in Europe through Akori) has all the right ingredients. It runs on a VIA C3 processor (one generation older than the C7) but I can’t see anything in the spec list that puts it far outside of Origami territory. The 8.4″ screen is slightly bigger and the touch-pack software is missing but these are minor points. Manufacturers price appears to be over $2000 but Simone says its available for Euro1200. That still seems a bit high for a C3-based device considering its Origami competitors but it could be a 2005 price.
It supports screen rotation and has a PCMCIA slot which should satisfy those that want to add in their local flavour of mobile data interface.

Processor Via C3 Eden 1 GHz
Memory PC2100 DDR 512 MB DDR
Display 800 x 600 Touchscreen – Finger
Hard disk 2.5″ 40 to 80 GB
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional

All the usual wired and wireless connectivity is there along with a 1.2kg weight and an ‘up to 3.5hr’ battery. A range of accessories is also available.

I’ve contacted the distributer to see if there’s a U.S. distribution partner and any plans for variations of the device (perhaps using a C7 processor.)

Perhaps we’ll have another UMPC on the market soon!

• DualCor CPC Looks to be a UMPC
• Origami Experience 2.0 released
• Origami, Week 2, says Hi There