umpc

Sharp-Willcom D4 first to sport Atom

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:59:57 -0400

Eagerly awaiting Intel's forthcoming Atom platform for UMPCs and MIDs? Well, in that case, you'll be glad to hear that the first device based on the spec has finally shown its face: the Sharp-Willcom D4 WS016SH UMPC. In addition to a catchy name, the D4 sports a 1.3Ghz Atom Z520 CPU, an LED-backlit, 1024x600 touchscreen, a full QWERTY keypad, 1GB of RAM, 40GB of storage, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and Windows Vista Home Premium. It also can make phone calls using Japan's PHS system, and even includes an external Bluetooth device for voice calling. Don't expect to see this one outside of the Land of the Rising Sun, though it does offer a tantalizing taste of things to come.

For more on the first Atom device:
- see this Gizmodo article

Springtime for wireless

Sun, 20 May 2007 20:01:39 -0400

Ah, it's Spring and new products are ready to burst upon the market. The iPhone is the most talked-about new phone in years, but there are plenty of other new handsets from vendors like Nokia and Motorola as well--enough to keep you busy trying to figure out which features your users might need. Just to make things more complicated, it looks like the Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer (UMPC) might be starting to pick up a little steam. It's a great concept; a very small package holds all of the computing power you need for your work. You can carry it around and use it for phone calls and instant messaging, or plug in a monitor, mouse, and keyboard to have a fully functional personal computer at your disposal. You might want to start working now on those capability grids that will let you show your users why you are--or aren't--buying that hot portable wireless device they simply must have.

IT-Wireless usually hits your inbox on Monday morning but since next Monday is a holiday, look for IT-Wireless on Tuesday. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. -Curtis

No more categories

Sun, 20 May 2007 20:01:38 -0400

It's already started: products in some traditional categories are disappearing as their functions merge into other existing products. If Bill Gates has his way, the disappearing act will continue as companies merge more and more functions into fewer and fewer products until the market rallies around a small number of very portable, very capable devices that do everything a companion device should do. It's the critical technology behind the concept of ubiquitous computing--and the technology most likely to bring about new ways of using computers. We're already seeing ultra portable computers, like the UMPC come to market--and those may be just the products to tear down some category walls.

For more on the new products:
- Read the analysis at InformationWeek

A PC in your pocket

Sun, 20 May 2007 20:01:36 -0400

It's hard to keep your files synchronized between your laptop, desktop, and hand-held computing devices. The hardware vendors know that, and they feel your pain. That's why they come out with new products like the Fujitsu UMPC, which is hand-held sized and laptop-powerful. This UMPC could be the only computer you ever need at work. In a hands-on evaluation, the writer found that this little computer can truly deliver--especially if you're willing to work with its strengths, and around its few weaknesses.

For more on the littlest PC:
- Read the complete review at Network World