On Carrypad.com we define a ultra mobile PC as:
A highly portable computing device with 5-10″ screen, wired and wireless connectivity that is able to load and run common internet, office, media and pim applications operated through a graphical user interface.
Its not a strict definition as we cover devices with 4″ screens such as the Sharp Zaurus and the Nokia 770. There are other devices though that we’ve considered from time to time but have not put on the product portal for one reason or another. Here’s a list of the ‘almost’ UMPC’s!
Sony PSP.
Lets start with the not-so-obvious. Its portable, powerful, plays music, games and videos. It has Wifi. You can browse the web with it and its very cheap. Why isn’t it in our database?
Its not in the database becuase there’s a lot of PIM/Office functionality missing. Also missing is bluetooth support and a master USB port. There is no hard drive and the storage options are Sony proprietary.
Averatec 1000/1100
Averatec have a range of ultra-portable notebook PC’s available. The 1000 and 1100 series have a 10.6″ screen and MS UMPC-like specifications with the addition of a dual-layer DVD burner. Its a gnats-hair away from our ultra mobile PC definition but only becuase its a little bit on the heavy side and a little bit too large for us. There’s a nice summary of the 1100-series at MobileTechReview.
HTC Universal.
Launched in 2005, the HTC universal is a clamshell/convertable phone/pda/mini-pc running Windows Mobile 5. It uses a 520Mhz Xscale processor, has Wifi, 3G support, Bluetooth and a 640×480 3.6″ screen. Its not sold direct by HTC but is re-branded by many mobile phone carriers.
Its the screen that lets this device down. 640×480 isn’t enough. 800×480 is the minimum entry point for browsing and document reading/writing as far as we’re concerned. Its a very expensive device too. (around 900 Euros without a mobile contract.)
It’s a shame that the screen lets this device down. There’s room in the design for at least another 1″ on the screen. A 4.5″ 800×480 screen would make it so much more attractive. A 624Mhz processor and 2700G graphics co-processor in addition would bring it well in to the ultra mobile PC market.
Flipstart.
The Flipstart device has been in developement for a long time. On first look, it reminds us of the S-CL3200 Zaurus from Sharp but inside, its very different. The planned specification includes a 1Ghz-class processor (Transmeta), a 1024×600 screen, 30Gb hard drive and, well, it will be a ultra mobile PC with a keyboard if ever gets to market. The reason that we don’t have this in our database is that there hasn’t been an update from Flipstart for a long time. Release is looking more and more unlikely as time goes by. There are a few specs and comments over at handtops.com.
Nokia 9500 Communicator.
The Nokia Communicator series has been around for quite a while. The first in the series, the 9000 was launched in 1998. The latest version, the 9500 has a functionality list that brings it close to ultra mobile PC territory. Wifi, 640 pixel wide screen, bluetooth, integrated cellular access, keyboard, camera. Again though, that 640-wide screen limits its use for rich browsing. Video playback is also not up to the standards required for long-duration viewing.
Fourier Systems Nova5000
The Nova 5000 by Fourier Systems is a rugged, electronic learning slate with 7” 800×480 color touch screen. In fact, apart from this not having a keyboard, its very similar to the Coxion Webbook which is also a Win-CE based device. The device is aimed at the educational market and as such, isn’t really availale through resellers. However, the spec list equals or betters the Nokia 770 and therefore it deserves a place in the list. Its now in the product portal .
Other devices that we considered were the Psion Netbook Pro (discontinued), Sidekick III (very poor screen resolution), the Archos PM400 Linux-based Media Organiser (again, 320×240 screen lets this down), and the Palm Life Drive (320×240 screen)
That should have covered all angles here but if you know of a device that needs consideration, drop us a line!
