Lets not take this one too seriously and lets not get into the argument about what is and isn’t a ultra mobile PC but its interesting to see that since the launch of the Packard Bell Easynote, the top 5 UMPCs viewed on the portal are all devices that use the traditional laptop form factor.
Whatever we think about their categorization, I do think it represents how important the keyboard is to the bulk of the UMPC-aware public and I don’t think its going to change much soon.
For most consumers, the ultra mobile PC represents a device that replaces nothing. In other words its an additional purchase and there’s no-one around to tell them or show them that sofa-surfing, in car use, waiting room browsing, comfortable video playback and access to desktop apps on the go is a huge advantage and a lot of fun. Pricing will help in the future of course and lets hope that products like the iPod touch and the Eee PC stir the market a bit. There are already people saying that the Eee PC will push down ultra mobile PC prices. But what happens when potential customers do see the benefit or fun in the new usage scenarios? Are they going to go out and buy Q1s and Amtek T770’s? I don’t think so. These will remain niche devices for the high-end user. Its the lower priced, more dedicated end of the market that’s going to see the big sales numbers. The MID’s, consumer-focused 4-5″ sub-UMPCs and web-pads will form the bulk of sales and I think that just like the Internet became the Web for most consumers, the same thing will happen to UMPCs. Consumers don’t really need all the features of a UMPC. They will want (or will be marketed perhaps!) devices which focus on web functionality. Browsing, search, inline media, online navigation in a stylish package.
Of course I’m talking about a few years down the line here. We’ve got a while to go before the devices really make tracks in the consumer market. I wonder how the list will look in 12 months time…
