More on the Origami

["Stephen Jones" <ukha@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

---- More on the MS Origami unit -->

"
Microsoft this week debuted its new personal computer, a little thing
weighing 2.5 pounds and just 1-inch thick with a 7-inch screen. Code-named
"Origami," it looks remarkably like Crestron's Isys i/O, wouldn't
you say?
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

This new Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer (UMPC), shown for the first time at
CeBIT in Germany , is basically a prototype of what's to come from OEM
partners, who will actually do the manufacturing of the computers. The
computers, as of now, will use Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Touch Pack for
Windows XP, providing large buttons and icons and a thumb-based on-screen
keyboard. Future models, says Microsoft, will run the upcoming Windows
Vista
software. And, you can hook up a keyboard via USB or Bluetooth so it can be
used as a desktop, too.

Pricing will be determined by the OEM partners (right now, they are Founder
and Samsung in the second quarter of 2006, with a model debuting from Asus
shortly thereafter. Other models from TabletKiosk and PaceBlade Japan are
expected as well). But Microsoft says pricing is likely to be between $599
and $999 - a killer price for a true handheld computer. And first shipments
could be as early as April.

By comparison, the only thing close in the CE retail market has been the
Toshiba Libretto, a $1,799 teeny computer (8.2" x 6.5" x
7.1" and 2.16 lbs.)
with a teeny keyboard an 7.2-inch screen. Nice, very nice, but this UMPC
with its touchscreen looks like a killer app. Plus, it's pretty hard to
find
a Libetto anywhere outside Japan right now. Both the UMPC and the Libretto
have 60GB hard drives. It's the same marketing concept behind both
computers
- people are tired of lugging around heavy laptops.

Microsoft intends this for work and play as well as "staying
connected" with
its built-in WiFi. And they are already hinting that some models could come
with digital TV tuners and of course, GPS. Put all that in and it's going
to
be amazing. The only thing it's lacking is Windows Media Center Edition,
which would slap the PVR market quite hard.

For more information, go to
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/umpc/

For more on the Libretto, go to
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/cmod.to?coid=-29335&ccid=1291021&rcid=-2
6367&seg=HHO

For more on Isys i/O, go to
http://www.crestron.com/features/isys_io/
"