Ultra mobile PCs

There is a lot of debate as to what a UMPC actually is. The main definition is that it stands for Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer – in other words a mobile PC. The Microsoft and Samsung Origami project used the term ‘ultra-portable lifestyle pc’ when the Samsung Q1 was launched in 2006 and this term was soon replaced by the current term - UMPC.

UMPCs are expected to be no larger than a size of an A5 piece of paper but still have the functionality of a laptop. To qualify as a UMPC a device should have a screen size of 7 inches or smaller, a minimum resolution of 800x480 pixels, should weigh less than a kilo, have a landscape display orientation and have a touch-sensitive screen.

Since the Q1 was launched there have been various types of UMPCs that have hit the market. Many come ready with operating systems such as Windows Vista, some with Windows XP and emerging ones bundled with Linux based operating systems.The specifications might vary from device to device, (not only due to the price of the device) so you would expect many familiar functions that you might use on a full-sized computer. Let's consider some of the features and possibly issues relating to UMPCs:

Keyboard

It’s worth considering the type of keyboard you prefer as some devices have slide-out QWERTY keyboards that need a flat surface for text entry. The HTC Advantage uses haptic technology that not only responds to touch but allows the user to remove the magnetic keyboard for a more flexible approach to text entry. The Q1 Ultra however requires a more fiddly approach by using thumb keys either side of the screen. Read James Clay's blog about keyboard input on many UMPCs.

Solid State Disk

The way to reduce the price of many mobile technologies is to replace the rotating media drives, that many laptops have, with a solid state disk (SSD) that can read and write speedily and efficiently. In theory, as there are no moving parts this means you could drop the device without damage - although it’s probably not a good idea to try this. Naturally, this type of memory allows for the boot-up time to be virtually instant.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a concern as you don’t always want to have to carry around spare batteries and heavy adaptors. Battery life expectancy varies dramatically across the various types of UMPCs. The chip is important -and it appears that there might be a difference between the VIA processor series and the Intel Celeron. So if you plan to watch a film on your device you might want to check the chipset- with a VIA you could expect about 2.5 hours viewing time - a Celeron chip will give dramatically less. Tests and trials have been carried out by onlyUMPC.com as they compare various activities, chipsets and devices. You might like to know that an Asus EeePC 701 has an Intel Celeron D chip whereas UMPCs such as the oQo model E2 and Ubiquio 701 have the VIA VX700.

Additional features

Some UMPCs have cameras and associated software to capture web cam conversations or if the screen swivels then it can be used as a camera.

A few UMPCs come with integrated GPS for satellite navigation. The Acturion Datasys' Victum Tablet 8 is a UMPC that has been designed with the outdoors in mind. Resistant to shock, dust, vibration and rain it allows learners to use outdoors with the special daylight readable screen. With covered ports for protection and GSM/GPRS connectivity it is perfect for field trips.

Card Readers might be essential for your learners as they provide an opportunity to transfer files from device to computer or printer. The Stone UMPC might be considered more like a small laptop as it runs Windows XP Tablet edition, has a 7” screen and a 4-in-1 card reader as well as 2 USB ports. The Stone has a touch screen with a stylus but the screen doesn’t turn and lay flat as you’d expect a device with tablet functionality to offer you. Additional features for the Stone is the module docking bay which allows you to add a VoIP (Voice Over Internet protocol) handset or a webcam or even GPRS unit.

A small screen takes less power. Don't forget to turn the device off to keep the battery well charged.

Asus EEEpc - asus eeepcUMPC or mini laptop? Find out more.