UMPC- Future way of Computing

UMPC is an acronym that stands for “Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer”. It is a hand-held computing device smaller than a laptop, but slightly larger than a personal digital assistant (PDA). UMPC devices were developed for mobility, productivity and communication. These devices are small enough to be carried easily in a bag, briefcase or even a pocket. It was designed to include wireless communication, a full-fledged operating system and a host of applications, which would give the user ability to perform any task that can be performed on a laptop or desktop. UMPC is versatile and strong device capable of running most of the operating systems existing today.

The design specifications of UMPC were decided in project named ‘Origami” The baseline specifications for UMPC devices as decided by Intel and Microsoft are as follows:

1. Screen resolution: minimum 800 x 480 resolution

2. Screen size: 5-7 inches

3. Display orientation: portrait or landscape

4. Basic input methods: Stylus or touch screen

5. Optional inputs: add on Bluetooth or USB based keyboard

6. Processor: Intel Pentium M, Intel Celeron M, VIA C7-M

7. Storage: 30 GB hard disk or more

8. Network connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, 3G, EVDO

9. Operating System: Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Enterprise

10. Battery Life: 2.5 hours or more

11. Weight: Less than 2 pounds

The above given specifications were released by Intel and Microsoft. However, they may vary with the manufacturer.

There are different aspects of UMPC devices that need to be taken care of. Its limitation of size was no license for compromise on capabilities of UMPC devices. This meant the performance and power of the processor had to match the performance capabilities of the device. Secondly, the power usage should be quite low which would allow the UMPC to run longer on battery power. Intel Corporation designed some low-voltage processors specifically for UMPC devices that followed the design specification released for UMPC devices. Many early models of UMPC devices released on the market featured Intel processors.

The first batch of UMPC devices were seen running full fledged Windows XP operating system with support for Windows Vista added later. Some of the UMPC devices were released with cut down versions of full OS as it was hard to meet smaller dimensions that were announced for UMPC. Intel and other manufacturers also released some devices that were bundled with Linux OS. None of the devices released above had any built-in input keyboard devices though some manufacturers did provide foldable keyboards.

This compromise was considered necessary to overcome the constraints of small design concept. The input operations in UMPC are extensively done through touch screen operations .The Touch screen is one of striking features of UMPC devices that let them stand apart from regular desktops and laptops. However, UMPC devices do provide user with an option to connect external keyboards, mice and other I/O devices through USB 2.0 port.

The UMPC provided an alternative to regular keyboards through “DialKeys”. “DialKeys” is a technology where virtual keyboard is displayed in semi-circle form on bottom corners of the touch screen. The user can type using his thumbs while holding the device with both hands.

The most prominent feature provided by these devices were the different connectivity options offered such as WPAN, WWAN, WLAN, infrared, Bluetooth, and Ethernet. All these connectivity options were presented on some UMPC models. These devices also included built-in web cameras, cameras and microphones to widen the possibilities of communication options. UMPC devices provided the user with capabilities of instant messaging, video conferencing, and VoIP calls.

Though the UMPC provided a host of features and communication options to the user, the small screen size hampered the main objective, ease of use. The devices did provide options to connect external devices, but it didn’t go well with principles of using mobile device. The high price factor also emerged as a blockade for users who wanted to embrace this device.

Tags: computer, computers, laptop, Laptops, mobile, personal, ultra, umpc

This entry was posted on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 3:51 am and is filed under Laptop Articles, Laptops. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.