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Ultra-mobile personal computers or UMPCs are characterized by small touch screens, wireless connectivity, and portability. As prices drop on UMPCs or pocket PCs (PPCs), consumers should get familiar with the top UMPC brands on the market today.
Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium
The gold standard of 2009 UMPC models is the Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium line. While Samsung engineers have been tight-lipped about the 2009 version of the Q1 Ultra Premium, several features have been leaked in the blogosphere. Previous generations of Samsung UMPCs labored to run on Windows XP are giving way to computers running on Windows Vista® thanks to an improved hard drive and microchips. Samsung will be upgrading to the 1.33-GHz Intel® Core™ Solo processor and 45-nanometer chips to boost the Q1 Ultra’s processing power for better performance. The company has already shipped thousands of units to school administrators and business clients in anticipation of mass production in 2009.
Sony Vaio® UX UMPC
The major competitor to Samsung’s Q1 Ultra Premium is Sony’s Vaio® UX micro PC. The Sony UX (http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/subcategory/
notebooks/ux-series) shares the Microsoft Vista® Business operating system with Samsung as well as the Intel® Core™ Solo Processor, allowing for comparable performance between the two devices. Sony is separating itself in 2009 by shrinking the screen size of the UX to 4.5 inches, making this UMPC about the same size as a portable DVD player. Sony has also added XBRITE™ LCD technology on the screen to conserve energy while maintaining screen clarity. The Vaio® UX UMPC also has Bluetooth GPS connectivity for use as a navigator during long out-of-town trips.
ASUSTek Eee PCs
While Samsung is leading the market with a single well-designed UMPC, ASUSTek (http://usa.asus.com/index.aspx) seems to be at the front of the market’s second tier due to a diverse inventory. The best UMPCs in ASUSTek’s holdings are the Eee PC 2G and 4G Surfs. The ASUSTek Surfs feature seven-inch screens and weigh less than one kilogram, allowing busy professionals the chance to work away from home without cumbersome carrying bags. ASUSTek has eliminated the problem of peripherals with built-in speakers and microphones that allow work and entertainment to happen away from home. The Eee PC line of UMPCs allows users to take advantage of Wi-Fi hot spots with internal Wi-Fi connectivity.
HTC Shift™
HTC’s Shift™ stands apart from other competitors in the UMPC market niche in terms of business functions and portability. The Shift™ is capable of handling Microsoft Vista® Business software right out of the box allowing professionals to create spreadsheets, presentations and other documents. HTC (http://www.htc.com/www/default.aspx) has also inserted Bluetooth® capabilities that give users the opportunity to synchronize their PPCs and other mobile devices. The best feature of the HTC Shift™ is its SNAPVue™ body, an ingenuous design that makes the diminutive UMPC even more portable. The SNAPVue™ can flip up or down depending on the users need and stay in standby for two days to preserve unsaved documents.
OQO Model 2
OQO (http://www.oqo.com) may not have the cache of Samsung or the broad inventory of ASUSTek but its Model 2 UMPC is catching up to the competition. The OQO Model 2 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® connectivity that makes it useful at home and the office. OQO offers an optional docking station that can bring together an office PC with the Model 2, creating easier file transfers and faster-running applications. The company’s engineers have also thought about the way that UMPC owners interface with their devices while creating the Model 2. The Model 2 utilizes a Sunlight Optimized display, decreasing the backlighting of the seven-inch screen based on exterior light. OQO also uses LED backlit keyboards and track sticks in the Model 2 to account for poorly lit offices, airplanes and home offices.
Improvements in UMPC Technology
UMPCs in 2009 have advanced far beyond models over the last five years. The most substantial advancement in UMPC technology in 2009 is the introduction of faster processors and hard drives. Since UMPCs and PPCs are used primarily by professionals, manufacturers like OQO and Sony need to keep their products updated with the latest Microsoft operating systems.
Another advancement in UMPC technology is the extension of battery life comparable to traditional PCS and laptops. The first generation of UMPCs could last up to three hours on battery power without recharging. As we have seen in the 2009 models mentioned here, UMPC users can expect to work on their projects away from traditional PCs for up to eight hours at a time.
The final advancement in 2009 UMPC units is the creation of lightweight but durable peripherals and accessories. In addition to touch screens and DialKeys capabilities, the current crop of UMPCs can be coupled with docking stations and external sound systems for greater productivity. Every manufacturer continues to create new styluses, carrying cases, screen protectors and other accessories to improve UMPC longevity.
Resources for UMPC News
The aforementioned UMPC producers will be showing their 2009 models and future prototypes at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (http://www.cesweb.org/). This show takes place in Las Vegas from January 8-11, 2009 and features some of the biggest names in consumer electronics in the world. Sony, ASUSTek and smaller competitors creating UMPC units will be exhibiting at the 2009 CES. The event’s website features information on the producers as well as sneak peeks at products like UMPCs or PPCs to be presented.
If you are not heading to Las Vegas in January 2009, you can still get information on UMPCs from several Internet resources. UMPC.com (http://www.umpc.com/) hales itself as the “insider’s guide to mobile computing and communications” and offers advice to UMPC newcomers. This website goes over the basics of ultra-mobile portable computers including a section called “Our Picks” to aid in buying decisions. Intrepid souls who want to try their hand at creating UMPCs or PPCs also get some tips from UMPC.com on where to get started.
The best resource on the Web for UMPC news and information is UMPCPortal (http://www.umpcportal.com/). This website has a fantastic UMPC product database that tracks the popularity of Sony, Samsung, and ASUSTek units. UMPCPortal also has a blog that keeps track of press releases and other news associated with the UMPC market. You can also speak directly to UMPCPortal editors, bloggers, and users through the website’s forum.
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