Medion UMPC. IFA Video and pricing thoughts.

Don’t forget this video while you’re waiting for more info on the Medion UMPC. Its the short video from IFA (2006, Berlin) of the Medion MD RIM 1000 UMPC. This is the one that was shown on the video at the Gates Keynote speech in CES, was previewed by SlashGear and has been lovingly crafted in cardboard by yours truly.

Its yet to be formally announced but I am expecting to hear news today (Wed) at CES.

Take a look at the video. Its only 15 seconds long but its all we have until the unit appears at CES.

Credit: www.planet-sansfil.com [currently down]

Its obviously going to be compared directly with the other sliding form factor devices – the new OQO Model 02, the Sony UX and the delayed Averatec AHI but both the OQO and Sony UX carry a premium price and I think the Medion is aimed at a different market. The Medion will be targeted at consumers. Medion have a reputation for good value and large quantity sales (often through the budget supermarket chain Aldi) so this is an indicator of a competitive price. Sub $1000 is where they need to be of course. In Europe I’d guess at â‚¬800 – €850 with Vista Home Basic and GPS navigation software package thrown in. This puts it up against the ASUS R2H which is €850-€950. The details and pricing of the AHI are unknown at this point.

 
Credit: PDAFrance.com

The RIM 1000 is due to launch with Vista in just a few weeks.

Steve.