While I was at DevConnections last November, I was introduced to a new class of computing devices, these are called “Ultra Mobile Personal Computers” or UMPC for short.  In my ever humble opinion, these are going to play a huge role in the evolution of the mobile workforce.  Over the New Years weekend, I added to my inventory of computers and purchased a Samsung Q1, although the device came with Windows XP tablet edition on it I was assured by the Employee at an electronics store; whose initials are the same as a type of not very deadly toy gun I had growing up; that all the drivers are available for Vista, I give him about a 50/50 change of being accurate ;)

Currently I’m using an HP TC1100 tablet PC and I just love it, some people like the convertible type of tablets that are both a tablet and a notebook computer, however in most cases when I’m using my notebook, I want a fairly high-end machine and when I want a table I want something really portable to do things like capture notes or manage my emails.  A notebook is just really overkill and too clunky.  My first tablet was a Toshiba convertible, I picked it up the first day a Tablet PC was every made available in a retail store.  I liked it because it had a 14” screen and a keyboard, I guess my experience may have been tainted in that after about the first six months a one inch portion of the screen went dead, but I just never really liked this as a table, the screen was just too big and had to always position it to use it in the best way for taking notes.  In addition even though Beth is still using this today, it just really seemed fragile.

So why am I excited about the UMPC?  Well I guess mainly its size.  I have considerable experience in the mobile space with PDA’s, but depending on the application/usage, a PDA isn't always the best solution for any sophisticated conversation with your computer.  The tablet or I guess the word for what I like is “slate” without a keyboard is a good solution; however in most cases, you don't need all the real-estate and for mobile the smaller the better.  In addition UMPC’s are to have a price point between $400-$700 which really makes them attractive to users that may not want to drop the $1200-$1500 on a slate or convertible.

-ec