Update: Latest info, specs, news on the HP 2133 product page.

The HP UMPC news is everywhere and I think it’s obvious from the response that this UMPC represents something special. The comparisons range from the Eee PC to the Macbook AIR. Just think about that for a minute. Is this a single device that could compete in multiple markets? I think so. The sizing is spot-on. The styling is spot-on. The brand is spot-on. This could be the VW Golf of personal computers if the marketing is done correctly. Entry-level at $499 with Linux and a decent hard drive. Mid level with Windows Vista for families at $650. High-level with faster processor and more memory and then Pro-level with SSD and a high power processor and 3G integration at a Macbook AIR-beating price. [*1] The question is, what silicon platform spans this range?

Since yesterday’s news I’ve been working hard to track down information on the device and I’ve been following a theory that in order to cover the multi-market scenario it would have to have VIA inside. Their single-platform C7 to Isaiah processor path. The DX7 Unichrome to DX10 Chrome400 graphics offering and total focus on ‘small is beautiful’ stands out as being the obvious choice and a few hours ago I cracked the nut with an industry insider who told me that this is definitely a VIA-based device. The source is very reliable too so I’m happy to go out on a limb and say that the Digitimes story this morning is wrong. Its not an Intel based device at all.

This is huge, huge news for VIA. Up until now they haven’t really managed to secure a big win with a quality brand but now it looks like they not only have a big brand win but they also have a stylish device that could span multiple markets successfully. It also means good news for users. Using the existing platforms the HP UMPC could be quick to market, sell at $500 and still make a profit for everyone. With a few changes of components on the motherboard the processing and graphics power could be tweeked way up to a healthy Isaiah-driven 2.0Ghz/DX-10 performance. One small change in the screen mounting and the addition of a touchscreen and you’d have a convertible tablet PC too. The other thing I like is that the unit looks big enough to take 40 or even a 50wh battery without any ugly bulges. A well-engineered 1Ghz version of this device could easily have a 4 hours in-use battery life.

Quite honestly, this could be an amazing partnership for VIA and HP and a very popular device. We’ll be tracking all the news and updating the specifications and adding important news links to the HP 2133 UMPC product information page as we get it. If you’re really keen, you’ll see new news items appear in the ‘River of Links’ or you can subscribe the RSS feed.

Update: Take a look at the port layout in the gallery. (HP here, Easynote here), The layout already appears to match the layout you find on the Nanobook-based devices with the LAN, power and USB’s on the right and what could be the Nanobooks unique DVI-OUT on the left.

Update: If you need an overview of the CPU options available, take a look at the CPU overview article here.

*1. Let it be clear that the model line-up listed is based only on my thoughts and experience.

Full specifications and details. Review links available.

It looks like the HP 2133 UMPC is a real HP project but not officially confirmed yet. I’ve just spoken to some nice guys over at PDA.pl who have had a little chat with a few contacts at HP and they confirmed that, yes, something is going on and its looking like a late 2008 launch (which explains the lack of Windows XP) A late 2008 launch means a whole lot of things. Expect design changes, delays and the always-possible ‘abort.’ I guess the more feedback we give on this, the more HP will be able to gauge response. My take on it is that it should be a multi-market device. The design is sound, attractive, functional. Take it and offer it in four configurations to appeal to low-end, mid-range, business and pro-mobile users. Ill try and put a post together tomorrow to explain what I mean. The big question right now though is…Intel or VIA?

This image has just been un-earthed by Ricky (Symbian-Guru) and posted at TabletBlog.com Could it be a refresh with WiMax, just a colour change or something more significant? A new processor perhaps? Dan has some thoughts and another pic over at TabletBlog. Tags: umpc, mid, nokia, N810, N800, internet tablet View details of all Ultra Mobile devices in the ultra mobile PC product database. From N800 to Flybook V5, its all there!

This image has just been un-earthed by Ricky (Symbian-Guru) and posted at TabletBlog.com [source: ITT forums.]

Could it be a refresh with WiMax, just a colour change or something more significant? A new processor perhaps?

Dan has some thoughts and another pic over at TabletBlog.

If you’re looking for a very functional, easy to use, relatively powerful handheld UMPC with a fantastic screen and a good range of accessories, at a very good price, the Wibrain is possibly the device for you. Available since the beginning of the year for an entry price of $699, this handheld Windows PC will appeal to CarPC fans, digital photographers, mobile videoblogggers and anyone wanting a full and fast Internet experience in a handheld package. I’ve had the Wibrain B1H for over 2 months now so here’s a detailed review that will help you decide if the Wibrain is really the right device for you.

8.9″ and 1.3KG pushes the limits a little but I’m certainly happy to call this a UMPC. Details have been leaked to Engadget.

• Scratch resistant 8.9-inch 1366 x 766 (WXGA) display
• ExpressCard/54 slot
• Wireless LAN
• QWERTY Keyboard.
• Integrated webcam
• Optional SSD

The details are unconfirmed and it’s not what I imagined HP would launch. It could be a Core 2 Solo-based device or, if HP want to make it cheap, it will be a Silverthorne-based device. The Express-card slot and Vista option puts it in the P1610 and HTC Shift space for me though.

I’ll give this a 50% chance of being real. If it’s a $1300+ device it won’t have a major impact but it’s a great looking device and will raise the bar for the sub-10″ bracket. It will also re-start the discussion about what is, and what isn’t a UMPC!

Update: What is Bjorn of VIA saying? “While I can’t make any comments about which platform HP would be using for a UMPC…” Does he know something? He’s hoping for a 9″ Mini-note!

Source: Engadget. (Thanks JKK for the tip.)

The HTC Advantage gets some very rave reviews from people saying they can get a lot of work done it. I agree, its an excellent device but would it be as good if you took the 3G modem, keyboard, Cam and GPS out of it? How about if you could have it in stripped-down version for half the price?  If you’ve got the right mobile phone, it could be exactly what you need for mobile Internet duties. Image via Brighthand  In a way, the Ipaq 210/214 (214 is the EU-version) […]

I can hardly bring myself to type this. Was it not for the new images (spot the Orange logo) and the stupid press release, it would be a link buried in a forum thread somewhere.

The HTC Shift will launch as an ‘exclusive’ by Orange in the UK and will be available ‘by the end of February.’ It will be priced at UKP999 with a data tariff. Which sounds like a crazy price to me seeing as Expansys are also offering them with a tariff for UKP 580 and Clove Technology are offering them contract-free for just over 800 pounds – a 20% saving.

London, 18th February, 2008 – Orange today announced the launch of the HTC Shift. Exclusive to Orange, the Shift packs the punch of a laptop in a smaller, lighter form factor, with full mobile data connectivity. It perfectly blends style with functionality, boasting a seven inch touch screen that smoothly slides and tilts to the perfect viewing angle, as well as a full QWERTY keyboard.

I’m hating the PR company that came up with the press release too. They called it a ‘mob-top’ to start with and then went on to say that it’s…”Supporting both 3G/3G+ and Wi-Fi connectivity, a first for any Ultra Mobile PC.”…”packs the punch of a laptop”, has a “long battery life.” and comes with a “a massive 30GB hard-drive.” I’m all for promoting UMPCs but lying isn’t going to win you any customers in the long run. Thank goodness most people have the noddle to do research on the net before they buy devices. [Hint: The space left on that hard drive after Vista has stomped all over it with an install and recovery partition is about 13GB – Less than some smartphones!]

I like the Shift a lot but a more balanced view on the device might be appropriate don’t you think? [UMPCPortal Review]

Via: Techdigest.