Our Ultra-Mobile PC Quick Compare pages include photos and allow you to quickly and easily compare the differences between individual UMPCs
Updated October 31, 2007

January 6, 2008

Live From CES 2008!

An Exclusive Sneak Peek.....

The New TabletKiosk eo i7300 UMPC System

The first fully modular Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC)
that can be “customized” for specific applications

Join Us Next Week - Live From CES 2008!

CES Coverage Begins Sunday with an Exclusive First Look .....

January 3, 2008

SwitchBack – Rugged Ultra Mobile PC
The Future of Things

The U.S. Company Roper Mobile Technology recently introduced its flagship product – the most powerful version of the SwitchBack PC. The SwitchBack is a Windows XP-based PC that meets strict military specifications as it is capable of operating in extreme conditions including rain, high temperatures, and shock. Its BackPack technology that attaches onto the SwitchBack allows one to incorporate many devices into one BackPack, including cameras and biometric sensors providing a highly resistant, ultra mobile personal computer.

The SwitchBack PC is powered by Microsoft Windows XP and utilizes a 1.0 GHz Intel Celeron M processor (or a stronger 1.6GHz Core Duo), 2GB of 400 MHz DDR2, has up to 120GB of optional storage space and an integrated (civilian) GPS. It is fully rugged as it is encased in magnesium housing reinforced with rubber isolators and shock-mounted electronics. The computer is even designed to withstand 30 minutes of immersion in up to 1 meter of water.

By attaching a small accessory called BackPack to the back of the SwitchBack computer many add-ons can be incorporated, including a digital camera, a Barcode or RFID biometric scanner, an external graphics card, high definition audio devices and various custom communications devices for military  or other applications. The standard BackPack includes type II PCMCIA, one USB 2.0 Port, a serial port, a VGA output, and audio line in and out.

Creating a rugged ultra mobile PC (UMPC) comes at a cost, and the SwitchBack isn't exactly a thin and light device- it measures 7.5"x5.5"x2" (19 cm x 14 cm x 5 cm) and weighs a relatively hefty 3 lbs/1.3kg (by UMPC standards).  

2007 GottaBeMobile Awards Winners Announced!

Tablet PC of the Year
HP 2710p Tablet PC

Runner ups:
Lenovo X61T MultiMode Tablet PC,
TabletKiosk Sahara i440D Slate Tablet PC

Ultra-Mobile PC of the Year
OQO Model 02

Runner Up:
Fujitsu U810 / U1010 UMPC ( aka Storm Trooper)

Software of the Year
Microsoft OneNote

Runner up:
Bluebeam PDF Revu

January 2, 2008

Top 5 UMPC
Cnet

More than just small laptops, UMPCs are entirely different animals from even ultraportables. Like pet Chihuahuas, UMPCs are pocketable and can be taken out even in situations where their full-sized brethren cannot fit into.

On the other hand, woe awaits those who expect to use a UMPC as a primary working computer. Yes, all of them can run full-fledge Windows operating systems and have wireless access and USB ports for peripherals. However, their main advantage--portability--is also a flaw. Anyone who has tried to type essays on a UMPC's mini keyboard or read long documents off its small screen can understand why this machine was meant to be a companion to your laptop, not a replacement.

2008 should see a skew of exciting new UMPCs as well as significant upgrades to existing models. In fact, rumors of a second-generation Eee PC with a higher screen have already made the rounds. The following are our top picks based on readership as well as review scores (where applicable) in the past year

January 1, 2008

December 31, 2007

2008 Predictions: Warner's Take
Gotta Be Mobile

Here’s my take, hunches, best guesses, and coin flips for 2008.

• Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) will dominate the conversation for the first half of the year. What happens in the 2nd half is anybody’s guess.
• Call it Ultra-Mobile PC, call it UMPC, call it Origami. Call it what you will, but by the end of 2008 call it in its dying throes. The ultra mobile vision will remain, but in other devices. 
• Unlike Rob, I don’t see Dell re-evaluating their price point on the XT Tablet PC so soon. The high price point is consistent with the markets they have been targeting from the beginning. If the prices drop it will be a year from now at the earliest.
• Apple will not market a Tablet PC in 2008.  Instead it will be a communication device that takes advantage of the iPhone’s features as well as the Back to My Mac features for users to grab their data on the road. Because it will have a touch interface and be able to take advantage of InkWell, Tablet PC aficionados will call it a failure.
• Touch will again be a dominate feature and news story

Microsoft, VIA Technologies, and Tablet Kiosk present "The eoV7110" UMPC
Al-Bawaba

Further strengthening their leadership Giant Chip Maker VIA Technologies Inc., Microsoft Corp, and Tablet Kiosk Inc. Launched the eo UMPC v7110, which is a part of the Microsoft’s Ultra initiative for PC.

The eo V7110 UMPC is a fully loaded unit with a wide range of features and is very handy to use. It is compact in size, light weight and is very portable to carry. It is compatible with the full version of Microsoft Windows XP professional edition. It comes with a touch screen keyboard (powered by 1.0 VIA C7-M ULV processor) which makes it easy for the users to operate. Its processor comes with a Padlock Security Engine.

Is Apple Planning To Launch An Ultra Mobile PC Next Year?
InformationWeek

We've been hearing rumors for months that Apple is working on some kind of tablet PC, most likely an ultramobile PC (UMPC) of some kind. One of my colleagues, Mitch Wagner, thinks that Apple has no plans for a tablet. Other industry insiders, like futurist Mark Anderson, think Apple is about to enter the UMPC market just as this device category hits the tipping point. So which is it?

I think Apple plans to launch some kind of new handheld next year. This device is something in addition to the new 3G iPhone and the coming upgrade to the iPod Touch. Will it be something closer to a full-blown ultramobile PC or just a Web tablet, like the Nokia (NYSE: NOK) N-Series? I'm not yet sure. But if the blog rumor mill is any indication, the device will look more like a UMPC than a Web tablet.

Here's a look at blog post from Seeking Alpha that details the supposed Apple UMPC device:

Then about a month ago, another source revealed that Apple has shown significant interest in a 5.2″ 800 x 480 pixel touch screen design by Balda, a German company and the current iPhone screen supplier, and Wintek, an Asian component supplier. This second piece of evidence reveals the real purpose of this new device, an ultra mobile device occupying a position between the 3.5″ iPhone and the much rumored 7-10 inch Apple tablet. There was also a previous article I wrote which highlighted Apple’s sudden concern for flash memory supplies in 2008, despite industry predictions for next year which emphasize greater production and softer demand. This further confirms that Apple is working on a new device due sometime in 2008 that will put strains on the flash memory supply chain.

If this rumor pans out, the new Apple handheld would be some kind of touch-screen device that is somewhere between the iPhone and the long-awaited 10-inch Apple tablet of lore. Wait, there's more:

December 25, 2007

Happy Holidays From UMPCs.com

May your Holiday Season
Sparkle with Joy and Celebration

December 24, 2007

Welcome to my Home Theater - Controlled with an EO UMPC
Ducknet

I just had to post this article...who would not die for a home theater like this one!  The movies can be selected by using an EO UMPC tablet PC from Tablet Kiosk...I think we can see it sitting right there on the table in the picture...makes me think about a PACS imaging system...using a device as such to control the viewing and selection items....BD 

On a little custom table attached to the arm of my main seat is my newest toy – a TabletKiosk i7209 which acts as a visual controller for the currently playing movie and can also select movies with its own DVD Lobby interface.

December 21, 2007

December 20, 2007 – Great news!  Allegiance Technology (www.alltp.com) has updated our 48 hour demo program to include the latest and greatest Tablet PC brands and models:

In addition, we have expanded our offering to include both long term demos and rentals.  We can rent units at the cost of $300 per month (30 days) or $160 (14 days).  If your organization needs a complete solution for a project and requires accessories as well, please call us at 877-772-5587 so we can customize a program for you.

December 19, 2007

Tablet PC & UMPC Community Gathering @ CES 2008

December 17, 2007

December 9, 2007

Marc Orchant

1957-2007

There simply are no words to describe the enormous sense of lose we all feel today.

His passing leaves a void in the lives and in the hearts of everyone who knew him

Marc was an amazing person.  Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him knows just how was warm and loving and kind and Marc was.  Marc was unique, he was special , he was just plain wonderful.   

He was a colleague and more important he was my friend.   My heart hurts at losing him.   My thoughts and condolences go out to his wife Sue and his children Rebecca and Jason.

Update: 2:56PM Pacific Time December 9th, 2007:

It is with great sadness that I report that Marc Orchant, Husband to Sue, Father to Rebecca and Jason, and friend to so many, passed away just a short time ago. I was notified by Marc’s brother Craig.

His family and closest friends were at his side and his favorite music was playing. Craig said that Marc’s passing was as peaceful and easy as anyone could have hoped and he left this world surrounded by love from so many people that he couldn't’t possibly have failed to know how many people cared for, appreciated and respected him.

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