Cost.
With the introduction of the ‘netbook’ category which is largely focused on driving 2nd and 3rd consumer PC sales, the average prices in this category have nosedived. The netbook category is starting at around $250 and ranges up to $600. This has also impacted the prices of the pro-mobile devices too. Where $1200-$1500 was common, device prices seem to have dropped to an average of under $1000 with prices starting at $500. The pricing of the MID segment is still being tested by manufacturers but a few examples are being seen with 3G included at around $600-$700. The prediction is that the MID pricing will drop quickly during 2009, netbook prices will stay in the same range (with more features being added) and that pro-mobile devices with 5-9″ touchscreens will remain fairly stable between the $800 and $1200 range.
The complete ultra mobile PC segment is a fast changing one though and devices are being replaced by newer models at 12-18 month intervals. Prices for older models drop sharply towards the end of their life and bargains are easy to find if you’re prepared to use the previous-generation technology.
Weight.
How heavy is heavy?
Netbooks are ranging from 2.2lbs (1KG) up to about 3.3lb (1.5kg) and represent a weight that can be carried around all day and used on tabletops. The lightest of netbooks can be used in one hand for short times.
UMPCs with 5-7″ screens appear in the 1lb to 2lb range (500-900gm) and in this weight category, its possible to hold the devices for longer periods on one hand opening up possibilities for touchscreens, thumb keyboards and use while standing up. The smallest of these devices are pocketable for short times in big pockets!
MIDs with 4″-5″ screens are aiming at the pocket and as such, are mostly under 1lb with the lightest being around 0.5lb. They are still not as small and light as most smartphones, but provide a comfortable one-handed experience and aren’t too heavy for a pocket.
Be aware that extended batteries will add weight. Expect 100-150gm per 30Wh of battery.
In part four we round up with a brief look at many of the optional features on an ultra mobile computer and show you how to find out more information about specific devices.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Germany License.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Greetings:
Do you think that at CES 2009 we will see a MID with an Intel Atom Dual core CPU?
Regards Robert
November 6th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
A MID? No.
They will start with 800Mhz and you might see things go up to 1.3 or even 1.6Ghz in a MID but above that and the Atom Menlow platform starts to get too hot for small fanless enclosures.
Steve
November 7th, 2008 at 12:20 am
When are you gadget guys going to get it? I have been waiting over a year for a MID or Netbook to actually come out. MID – Mobile Internet Device, how can you have one of these without 3G connectivity native, same for the Netbook as in Internet Book?? I can’t wait to go mobile, but what are the chances that there is wife? Free safe wire?? Next to zero. If I am in the car, there is no wifi, if I am in the store there is no wifi. If I cam getting coffee there is free wifi if I have ATT, but otherwise I have to pay. As soon as they release a decent device with 3G I am all over it. Also, you put too much into the ability to mod these devices. 99% of aren’t going to solder on a part, or hack the OS. Tell these manufacturers to actually make us something and release it in the US.
Chippy Reply:
November 7th, 2008 at 9:31 am
i was wondering what you were talking about until i read ‘US,’ Europe and asia mobile telco markets are ripe now and devices are being offered with 3G built in. In America, the market isnt as advanced, is fragmented across technologies and has a high level of provider lock-in that doesnt exist in other markets.
The gadget guys have got it, its the US cellular market in general thats the problem.