According to an article on [url=http://www.digitimes.com/mobos/a20060419PR210.html]DigiTimes[/url] market sources were quoted as saying that Microsoft originally wanted to partner with VIA to help promote the UMPC. However they didn’t due to the fact that players like Samsung and Asus preferred Intel.

Also according to the article both VIA and Samsung have declined commenting on whether or not Samsung is really releasing a VIA based UMPC.

The only info that was given was from Samsung saying that they have no agreement with VIA.

The price of the Intel will need to come down if a VIA based Samsung device becomes available with the same specs. At that point only die hard Intel fans would even consider paying $400-$600 more for the same machine. Read the full story

According to [url=http://www.digitalmediaasia.com/default.asp?ArticleID=14946]Digital Media Asia[/url] VIA has confirmed that the Samsung Q1 will include a version with the VIA chip.

The VIA Q1 will include a C7-M microprocessor and VX700 chipset. Due to the cheaper price of the VIA processor the Q1 including it will be closer to $700 instead of the $1,200 price for the one with the Intel processor.

Read the full story

[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 ultra mobile PC on the market soon!

[Update: 15th April – Zupera Technology returned my email query for more information. The bad news is that they stopped producing this device a long time ago.]

Browsing back over some of my ‘draft’ blogs (of which there are many!) I found this article reference.

It dates from nearly 2 years ago and shows this little baby. Its the Zupera Technology Smartpad (nice name!) Zupera make industrial equipment but this doesnt look industrial to me.

Operating System – Windows CE.NET English Version
CPU – Intel PXA255 400MHz
Memory – 64MB Flash ROM, 128MB SDRAM
Display – 7″ TFT color screen 16 bits, resolution 800×480
Wireless Communcation – GPRS/CDMA 1Xmodule, 802.11b
Expansion SlotCompact – SD/MMC
Microphone – In-built microphone
Speaker – In-built stereo speaker
Keyboard – PS 2 interface keyboard
Video Output – VGA
Communications – Host USB A V 1.1; Mini USB B, V 1.1
Network Interface – RJ45,10M/100M
Serial Port – RS 232C
Power Supply – Rechargeable li-battery 3600mAH, replaceable
Dimensions – LxWxH = 215mm X 125mm X 28mm

You could call it a grown-up Pocket PC but with the VGA-output, USB host capablity and 7″ 800×480 screen, its not far removed from ultra mobile PC territory. Marketing-wise, this thing could go into the ultra mobile PC space at about 600 Euro. Its missing the keyboard but its oh-so-close to the Carrypad ideal spec! I like it!

Steve/Chippy.

Dustin has just made a new blog entry over at Microsoft’s Origami Project site, and it contains some interesting info.

First off, he is excited about the pre-orders for the TabletKiosk coming through in a couple weeks and the availability of the Samsung device in May. Dustin feels good about both devices and likes the design and hardware buttons of the TabletKiosk and the design, weight, and speakers with the Samsung.

The last paragraph is where it starts to get exciting, as Dustin mentions they will be running some contests soon and giving away some cool free stuff, and I for one, love free stuff (especially if they are giving away one of those dope Microsoft orange hats).

Lastly, there should be a new Touch Improvement blog by Origami Project member Sears soon, and a Pimp your ultra mobile PC soon as well! I’m already imagining my ultra mobile PC decked out with spinners and a two-tone cherry red/canary yellow paint job. Read the full story

Pictured above is the new Averatec AHI ultra mobile PC concept device that was announced yesterday. Looks a lot like a SideKick to me, but some of the rumored specs are quite appealing.

Set to launch this fall, the price is expected to be between $600 or $1090 (€500 or €900) depending on options. The AHI will be equipped with WiFi, GPS, camera, 3G, 30 GB HardDrive, a six hour battery life, and a touch screen. Having a touch screen suggests that this device will be running Windows XP Tablet edition, even though the picture below (from pdafrance.com) displays Home edition in the specs.

[img]https://www.umpcportal.com/origami/images/averatec3.jpg[/img]

The device measures in at 7.3 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches and weighs 24 ounces, which certainly makes it an Ultra-Mobile PC. I haven’t heard whether it will come Microsoft Touch Pack equipped, which would make it an Origami device, but either way this device is quite promising (if the rumored specs are true): very good battery life, keyboard, light-weight, 3G connectivity.

Another pic below… Read the full story

Steve, from carrypad.com has created a new ultra mobile PC products section that covers the new Origami Ultra-Mobile PC devices, mini notebooks, and mini tablet devices. Check it out here.

Each device listed has basic specs like RAM, CPU, HD, and screen size, and the more info section for each device goes more in-depth and provides links to external reviews and articles on the device.

Its a great reference for anyone interested in learning about all the different devices out there. Read the full story

[Update – 14th April – All product data has now been entered into the website.]

The product list that I had was gettting quite popular and had a few outstanding requests from users. I’ve re-worked the site over that last two weeks and the new version has just gone live.

The new feature of the site is product-specific web pages which contain as much information as I was able to get my hands on. This includes specifications, images and informational links to news items, reviews, videos and manfacturers. Sorting capability has also been added.

The issue of prices and availability is still outstanding. I’ve have the capability to do this, but becuase of a lack of real-time price partners and regional issues, I still need time before I make it live. I’ll consider putting up MRRP prices in the meantime. Search facility will be added soon along with product-specific RSS feeds.

Updates will be added as I see them and as they come in from external sources. If you have information, spot errors, or have a product that you’d like represented on the site, please send me a mail.

Happy Easter!

Steve.