22Mar2006
Posted by Joe
in Analysis and General.
Oh boy! its been what two weeks since Microsoft and Intel announced the UMPC / Origami, We’ve tones of analysis done and great deal of them suggest that it’s going to be hard. We do accept a lot of their opinions, but who knew back in 2001 that iPod would be such a success. Eventually it’s time that has the answer.
Now, The Knowledge @ Wharton school has published their view on UMPC
Although Microsoft recently unveiled an ‘ultra-mobile personal computer,’ or UMPC, in a move to fill a market niche between laptops and handheld computers, it remains to be seen whether this latest innovation from the software giant will be a hit or flop. While Microsoft is following a “build-it-and-it-will-sell” strategy with the UMPC, technology history is littered with innovative products that never found a market, say experts at Wharton. As Wharton professor of operations and information management Eric K. Clemons puts it: “Build-it-and-it-will-sell strategies are a mixed bag.”
Regardless, the initial reaction to the UMPC, announced by Microsoft on March 9, will become clear in just a few months. The first UMPCs — small computers with 7-inch screens that are designed to occupy a niche for consumers who want a device larger than a handheld yet smaller than a laptop — are expected in the second quarter ending June 30 from electronics manufacturers such as Samsung, Founder and Asus. UMPCs, priced between $599 and $999, promise to run all the applications that a Microsoft Windows desktop computer does….
Read the full article [here]
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21Mar2006
Posted by Joe
in Analysis and General.
We’ve heard a lot about the hype. There were many analysts including Gartner who said the UMPCs success depends on the pricing and the features, Bryan Betts of Techworld, UK goes furthur to tell us all about it
Microsoft’s Origami project created a fuss at CeBIT the other week, but while most observers gave most of their thought to whether Microsoft was on the right track with Origami, I also found myself noticing the clear differences between Microsoft and Intel on the topic of ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs).
First off, there has been far too much focus on the Origami hype - Microsoft has had a big win there, at least for now. It is worth noting that Origami is only an overlay on Windows XP Tablet edition, and that there’s not really any such thing as Origami hardware - that’s more Intel’s job with its UMPC spec (although VIA also has a finger in the pie - it used CeBIT to launch new low-power CPUs for ultra-mobiles).
Microsoft’s designers have obviously been watching the BlackBerry and Treo market, because the most obvious addition Origami makes to XP Tablet (XPT) is an on-screen keyboard designed to be operated by the thumbs. That’s why the Origami devices pictured so far have that wide retro-looking frame around the screen - it gives you something to hold them by as you type…
By contrast, most of Intel’s UMPC prototypes have keyboards, either ones that slide out or flip around. Microsoft’s response has been to suggest that Origami users should get an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard…
Read the full Article [ here ]
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21Mar2006
Posted by Joe
in Analysis and General.
Oh no, I was thinking this is related to UMPC, but may be not, wait a second - Is apple getting ready to keep their market by doing this, before even UMPC hits the stores? CNN Money has an article on this.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Apple may be phasing out its 60-gigabyte Video iPod, according to one analyst who tracks the company.
The company has told its distributors that the 60-gigabyte iPod, which launched in October and retails for $399, is “at risk” until the end of April, meaning that it could be discontinued or replaced, according to Shaw Wu, an analyst for American Technology Research,
Apple launched its video iPods in October
Apple launched its video iPods in October
Wu does not own shares of Apple (down $0.94 to $63.05, Research), and his firm does not do banking business with the company.
In a note to clients, Wu said he believes the company is readying a wide-screen video iPod with Bluetooth headphones that could be ready as early as the June quarter. The analyst said his checks indicate that Apple is working on such a product…[ Read More ]
When think secret says it, people tend to believe it and they have been kinda accurate in the past too, it has speculated that apple would be releasing such a device soon [click here to read the article]. There was a bigg buzz about the full screen ipod mockups about a month back [click here]
So What do you think? what could be apple’s reason for doing so? (if they do)
Source [Gizmodo]
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20Mar2006
Posted by Joe
in Analysis.
UPDATE: Rob Bushway of GottaBeMobile again has a
follow up posting on stressing the need of UMPCs in the Business World.
Dennis Rice of GottaBeMobile, points out why
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Portable - When I travel, I spend a lot of time thinking through what I need on each trip to balance need with available space and weight. I have in my life travelled with a 30 pound luggable (internationally no less), and the thought of having a small Ultra-Mobile PC is very appealing. I have come a long way to arrive at my Toshiba M200, but it is still just a bit too big. Reducing the weight in that bag I carry on international trips is not good — it is GREAT. Depends on the trip, but I venture to say that a lot of the time I could survive without my Tablet PC.
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My software - When I am on the move, my main needs are for Outlook, OneNote, and Mind Manager. All three have announced support for this device and should be a good experience on the Ultra-Mobile Pc. Add functionality like TEO, and it gets even better.
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Rugged? - While this still remains to be seen, I honestly feel that the Ultra-Mobile PC’s that come out will be pretty tough. I need that when I am on the move. Plus replacement costs are much lower if I do happen to have an “oops” moment or get it stolen.
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Convergence - I don’t use a PDA anymore (Smart phone killed that need), but I do need a GPS on occasion. I need a computer. I have a phone that works well for me. What I see in the Ultra-Mobile PC is a device that is getting closer to letting me have my all in one device, with the exception of the phone. Having all the software mentioned above in one unit that can go with me is great, but you converge the webcam, camera, gps, mp3, movies, etc. in one smaller device - and I am getting happier all the time. I want a separate phone and high quality camera, but they MUST be able to synch with my Ultra-Mobile PC. We are just about there folks!
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Grab and go - This concept was introduced with the Tablet PC, but has not been fully realized. Seems to me Microsoft should add that to the marketing talk points for this device. This is a device I can actually “grab and go” with. One of my working scenarios as a network engineer is to be at a client site, possible going to 20 or more computers. I just cannot lug my M200 with me the whole time, so end up losing the chance to make some good notes I need, on project progress, etc. It is just too big. An Ultra-Mobile PC would allow that. That is true grab and go, being able to grab it with one hand and take it with you, whether you are traveling 3 feet or 3000 miles.
Read the full article at [GottaBeMobile]
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19Mar2006
There were a lot of us who were excited about the UMPC /Origami thing, but hold on! There is a great article at Carrypad which talks about an Alternative - yes an alternative that has pretty much the same thing as UMPC and the best part -it’s already in the market for almost the same price!
Yes we are talking about the JVC XP741 - James Kendrick has a great review of the product [click here], It’s surprising everything we heard about the UMPC device already seem to exist, except for the Touch Pack and the touch screen.
Processor: Pentium-M ULV 1.1Ghz (same as origami spec)
Chipset: Intel 855 GME (same as Origami spec)
8.9″ screen (outside Origami spec - but see overall dimensions below!!!)
40GB Hard drive - Check!
256MB memory (expandable to 768) - Check!
Wifi 802.11b/g - Check!
Weight - 900g (1000g with battery) - check!
1024×600 resolution - better than origami
Price: Euro1000 - check!
What it lacks - Touch screen, touch pack and bluetooth. It also only has XP and obviously not tablet edition.
But wait - look at the dimensions of this thing.
Samsung Q1 ‘Origami’ 228 x 25 x 140 mm 7″ screen
JVC XP741: 225 x 29,5 x 152 mm 8.9″ screen
It’s got an 8.9″ screen and the overall dimensions are same as that of Samsung Q1!! It also has a pc-card slot and flexible battery options. For an extra 200grams or so you can clip on the supplied extra battery and get a confirmed 5 hours life. 5 hours! Linux is known to run on it and in my opinion it even looks cooler than any Origami to date. If I was in the market for an Origami-like device, I’d buy this with a bluetooth dongle and be very happy…
Read the full Article [click here] via Carrypad blog.
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