Inquirer has an article that simple states “UMPC - a disaster” Again, this is not the first time that we are hearing something like this, but in anycase they have a point. This is the first generation of UMPCs and sure enough there are going to be more and more umps which would be better, faster, efficient and lower cost.
From the marketing point of view, the UMPC is an attempt to create a new market. But it is not a empty market. It is occupied at one end by notebook PCs, and at the other by smartphones and PDAs. UMPC users already have experience with these devices, and they naturally try to use the UMPC in the same way [...]
The companies manufacturing UMPCs now are doing it to gain experience. They hope that the concept will take off eventually, and they will then be ahead of the pack.
Two things have to happen to make the Origami UMPC dream succeed. First, Microsoft should actually do what it claims to know best: write good software that meets users’ requirements. The current one-size-fits all approach isn’t right for UMPCs.
That’s tough, but the second step is even tougher. The UMPC really needs a lot of technological progress. Lighter, more efficient batteries would change everything. In the interim, new low-power components, like white LED screen backlights, and flash-based hard drives, will help too [...]
Well, again this article does discuss lot of factors which might sound appealing to a big crowd, I think we’ll have to just wait for the dream UMPC which again could be the “Haiku” project that microsoft is talking about.
Anything for that matter - takes time, and no one thought Microsoft would be what it is today, when IBM first gave them the DOS project. If you are expecting way too much(other than waht is promised) from a product and if it does not give em, then could you call that a disaster ?
I hope the hardware companies make better use of the OS. Right now the big problem is that they all lack a touch type keyboard and they need models narrower so they are mobile without the need for a “man purse”. Build a umpc device that is 4″ x 7.5″ and under 1″ thick and it would sell millions right now at prices from $1000 up to $1500 easily. Build a bulkly 7″ screen that requires a man to wear a man purse and the device better be cheap and we would still not buy many.