I tweeted this earlier today: “If companies want to differentiate in the tablet space, the should try smaller devices with keyboards. Slider, clamshell at 5-7” My follow-up tweets to queries highlighted that the time and ingredients are right now. A new attempt at the ultra-mobile PC shouldn’t be far away. The ultra mobile PC of 2006-2008 failed, yes, but not because of the wrong concept. Portable, desktop-style capabilities with flexible connectivity options, a slant towards social, always on and the best web experience possible is something a lot of people still want to see but at that time, the processing platforms and the software just weren’t suited to the idea. It only really came together when Android and IOS moved up into the area to bring the battery life, features, speed and, importantly, the desirability a ‘complete product’ shall we say. These ultra mobile devices are currently successful in the tablet form but that doesn’t mean that its the tablet form making them successful.
Over 50 tablets were available for viewing at Computex this year (you can find most of them on the Computex product pages) and they all looked much the same. While the OS and software can be a differentiator, what about devices are sitting on a shelf in a shop? Physical differentiation is required. Being able to see a keyboard (and think about productivity) is something that netbooks used to their advantage and the slider form factor was undeniably popular during the ultra mobile PC years; The HTC Shift being the prime example.
Only a few minutes after sending the tweet though, I stumbled across this. They aren’t new devices so don’t get too excited. These are the sort of clay, plastic and computer based mock-ups you should expect to see in any large ODMs lab but they show a desire that couldn’t be realised 3 years ago.
They could be realised now though and with Windows 8 on the horizon, could offer every flexibility that the ultra mobile PC offered too. And there’s another thing the economics of mobile devices have changed. The numbers are much bigger now and not only is there a proven market for a third mobile screen, there’s a need to differentiate. While tablet designs are easy, cheap and low-risk, there’s a new opportunity coming up and designers will be thinking about those designs today.
I wouldn’t put any money on the next-generation of Ultra Mobile PCs being called UMPCs at all but who cares! As long as we get what we want, we’re happy right?
Via Notebookitalia
Chippy, you’re right on target, again!
“who cares! As long as we get what we want…”
two important criteria, for me anyway, split keyboard for
thumb typing an stylus for ‘real’ inking, as in OneNote!
Make it 5 inches and Windows 8 and I’ll assuming it has all the other stuff (USB 2/3, mouse, WWAN, HDMI, etc.).
Forgot the “buy” after “I’ll”
I have the 64 GB version of the Viliv N5 right now. It’s pretty good but it would be great if it were not as wide,thinner and had a pure thumb keyboard. If Viliv came out with that (probably running ARM and Windows 8) then I’ll replace my N5 with it immediately.
+1
Except I want a slider and make the touch screen more sensitive. Right now, I have to press too hard.
I would buy that device instantly.
do we really need dedicated thumboards on vertical devices anymore?
personaly, I’m quite happy with the way the tab works given the weight and excellent keyboard (that I’m using now) but I know there are people that would like to see physical keyboards. even a little slide-out function board would be good. mouse pad, fn keys etc.
Yes.
I would gladly sacrifice weight and thickness for a thumb keyboard and mouse. On screen keyboards will always take up valuable screen space(a big deal for me). A mouse and/or arrow keys will help with mouse hover actions and controlling Flash content. They will also allow for more accurate text cursor placement than my fat fingers that are also covering my view of the screen.
A pure touch input device is flawed out of the box.
Me too but on a 5 inch screen device.
Any physical keyboard adds weight and size, something I want to avoid.
Onscreen keyboards don’t create the weight and size problem.
Chippy, you indicated you were using your tab (Galaxy) to respond.
Exactly how and what were you using / doing?
Maybe if you expounded in some detail, we could all learn something.
Good morning all…., I have a question that I’m certain “Chippy” and his associates can answer. It is becoming apparent from reading further into the origins of this device that it is likely not to be produced. So I ask you this.
Where can I find an OEM that I may commission the development of a limited production run of this item. I’ve been around for some time now as a professional within the “Information Technology” industry and have used many devices in my career so far. I have noted this form factor (UMPC) to be the most vercitile for most in my line of work.
I’m sooooo very concerned that this will not see the light of day that I want it built for me if no one else. Presently all aspects of hardware and software are converging to truely bring about an extremely useable device. Yet many of the industry giants (OEM) are focused on one model. Tablet only…, most unfortunate.
So I ask you seriously…., where do I start to get “my” ideal device in hand. That is modeled after this shelved “DELL” option.
you’ve just missed the best opportunity of the year – Computex. Basically you need to find someone to design and manufacturer a device – an odm. Then you need to finance it. if you want a one-off, I’m not sure where you would start to be honest.
I had HP Omnigo 700LX in Year 1996 (DOS handheld), HP 720LX (Win CE Pro), HTC Shift (Win Vista + mobile).
I would like to have something similar to HTC Shift, with thumb keyboard like the HP OmniGo 700LX (or HP 200 LX, the version without the Nokia 2110 phone cradle)
I think the conclusion why UMPCs/MIDs failed is wrong. The truth is that there were no good UMPCs on the market. Most of them had SW issues, the HW was not ideal and the price was too high. The only MID that was suited for my needs became Viliv S5.
I wouldn’t replace my Viliv by any tablet. What makes it unique to me is the small form (it is pocketable), It can run desktop applications, I can connect external HW (mouse, keyboard, printer, DVB-T tuner etc.) It can last 6 hours on 1 battery, 12 hours with a spare one I have. It is started from sleep mode in 2 seconds.
All the possibilities that people are amazed about on tablets are here. But the device has one big problem, which killed it for ordinary people – Windows. XP is not suited to be used with touch screen devices and Windows 7 is extremely slow on this HW. Another weak point is the nonexistent support from Viliv (and all other UMPC manufacturers).
It is mainly Intel’s fault. They (until now!) are not able to deliver good drivers (not even for Windows!) for their GMA500/GMA600 GPU. I know it’s not their design, but they should have thought about that when they were choosing the GPU.
I’m really upset there seems to be no device that could replace my ageing S5. All of the available devices fail in the most important aspect – they are not pocketable. Anything above 6″ is a fail. Unfortunately the is no device with smaller screen then 7″. I just hope my Viliv won’t break because there is no device which could replace it.
Actually my friend. A 7″ device will fit a jacket pocket just fine. Try one out the next time your in store. 7″ inches brings about the “just enough” factor that I believe the mass majority of us need for it to be practical. Be assured I understand your statement where it concerns the small size provided by the Viliv S5. However, most of us will have a difficult time with the small screen provided at 5″.
I also support your statements about the unacceptable performance provided by Windows XP and the lack of quality drivers from Intel. However, those appear to be real days of old with the expected release of “Windows 8” of “Fall 2012”.
I respectfully ask of you, have a look at the “DELL” prototype once again and seriously review what the pictures are showing…??? I think you will note that nothing is lost when compared to your Viliv S5 and for those so inclined the possible iPad offering. Mind you though, an “N-trig” duosence screen will be needed to ensure no input method of desired choice is left out. (Multi-Touch – Pen/Inking)
For me, at times, I really…, really…, do need to “feel” the keys that I’m typing. The “DELL” prototype gives an enhanced “BlackBerry” like keyboard that has larger keys just where it’s needed, focused on the thumbs. They appear large enough that they are not likely missed. This has the potential to assist with everyone transitioning to a “Mobile Content Creation” world, all powered by our ubiquitous OS “Windows 7/8”. I’m thinking that the masses of humans out there in the world would like to feel the keys also. And, deep down I’m thinking your thinking the same.
A bezelless 7″ device may be not much bigger than the N5 and it would be really more useable. I´m writting this in a 5″ Oqo 02 so I know what I´m talking about. While I´m still in love with this tiny UMPC I would gratefully accept the 2 extra inches if they come in a (even barelly) pocketable 7″ PC
Perhaps I wuoldn´t be saying this if I was not over 40 and my eyes were still what they used to be but, even for young eyes, a 5″ screen in a long term use is not too good for productivity. And if you think you would out of fashion with so big device in your pocket or attached to your waist: Who cares, We are pionners. Everybody will look like this in the future.
I think the ideal features and proportions depend on what you primary use the device for. In my case I use my Viliv about 70% of the time as in vehicle infotainment (playing music, GPS navigation). Then I use my S5 also for ebook/comics reading, viewing videos, pictures (connected to a TV), browsing internet, checking e-mails and sometimes (not that often) I use it for more serious stuff (writing articles, editing videos, creating panorama from pictures etc.) If I use Viliv S5 for productivity I connect an external BT mouse and a flippable keyboard.
So for my needs an integrated HW keyboard is not a “must have”. I can easily live without it, because I would use my external one for serious writing anyway.
Regarding size, the S5 is the biggest device I would accept. It has 7″ in diameter. So if there would be a 7″ UMPC with absolutely no bevel, I could accept it, but I haven’t seen a device with bevel smaller then 1 inch (in diameter). That’s why I say 6″.
I have good eyes, so the small screen is not a problem for me. Of course sometimes I wish it was bigger, but the pros of a smaller device are more important for me.
Regarding OS, I would probably prefer MeeGo. In fact I certainly prefer it over Windows XP or 7 on UMPC. The fact that I can’t use Linux on my S5 is what disappoints me most on it. Let’s see how Windows 8 will look like and most importantly how fast it will run on a slow Atom or ARM CPU.
Me too. I use my N5 for pure consumption purposes. I don’t claim to do any “productivity” activities. So my usage mainly consists of web browsing, playing music, local/online video and GPS. It seems Windows provides the best browser and media support even compared to other desktop OS’s. My Android phone is severely lacking in both.
Like you, 5 inches is my upper limit unless a company comes out with super thin bezels. I can make do without a keyboard but would prefer a slider. I absolutely need a mouse. Sometimes I even wish my phone had a mouse pointer. It doesn’t even have an optical pad like older Android devices. The mouse is very useful in a browser.
@rizzi
I agree. When it comes to my consumer non-productive needs, a desktop Windows OS is the only OS capable of satisfying them. A desktop browser and mouse is required for a full internet experience. Windows and its wide variety of players and codecs let you play most media well (.avi, .mkv, .mp4, .wmv, .asf, Flash, etc.). Even other desktop OS’s struggle in that department.
That’s why for my pocketable consumption device, it must be 5 inches max and runs Windows.
I agree 100% 5 inches is the limit for a pocketable device. Anything higher just stops fitting in a pocket (yes, I’v already tried on 7 inch tablets) or it barely fits and is very awkward.
There’s pocket computing and there’s mobile computing. Personally I feel that the 7″ size in portrait mode in a weight of 400gm or under is ideal for mobility. You have space for screen and battery too. For pocket computing though, in the mould of the swiss army knife, 5″ is probably the limit. The wonderful thing now though is that you can get a 5 and 7 and a 10 and 3″ device for under 1000. !!
Again, Chippy is on target! I can support the 5″/pocket device but probably will not purchase, but love to have one (limited funds and “old eyes”). Am shopping for a 10″/mobile device [ windows 7, w/inking for OneNote ] to replace my Toshiba Portage M200 Tablet PC. Plus, am also shopping for a 7″/pocket device [ windows 7, w/inking for OneNote ] because I want to be able to put it in my pocket and go!.
I also have a Kindle 3 which has spoiled me – size and weight. Unfortunately/fortunately, I am using this as a measuring rod for other 7″ devices.
Chippy’s point – 5″, 7″, 10″ devices are available! and under $1000.00!
Now if those Windows 7 devices will just be user upgradeable to Windows 8…
in terms of upgrading, I would be looking at an Oaktrail device today that could be upgraded. The problem is that there aren’t any!
and that is why I’m still shopping…
… waiting on Viliv X70 w/OakTrail… ???
The Toshiba Portage M200 Tablet PC still inks great, with limitations. So I’ll try to be patient?
Where are the 5″ devices? I want one with Atom Z6xx. There is none even announced.
It seems to me that manufactures are only interested in tablets (7″+). That’s a useless device for me.
I really want the the 5 inch device size to come back. It provides pocketablity and anything larger just doesn’t.
Me too. I’m hoping the ARM/Windows 8 combination will bring new interest in the 5 inch full desktop Windows device space. I got a 7 inch Galaxy Tab and that was a disappointment in pocketability and function (it didn’t bring any improvement over my smartphone other than screen size). I’m now using a Viliv N5 which completely solved the function problem. Now, I’m hoping ARM will help reduce the bezels and thickness in future 5 inch Windows 8 UMPC.
Go Mike! You could be on an intersting track…
I agree on the Tab. I should have known better before buying one. A smartphone browser and OS can’t compete with a desktop level browser and the media playback support of Windows. I’m now back to using an S5. If only it had a real mouse. A slide out keyboard would be nice too.
I bought a non-Honeycomb Android tablet and was met with disappointment. I tried out the Motorola Xoom despite its overly large size and again encountered disappointment. None of them beat my N5. I complained about the inadequacies of the N5 when it was released but no other device actually beats it in usefulness right now.
I have high hopes for Windows 8 and ARM succeeding. Maybe true pocket computing will make a comeback.
Lester, what’s your main usage scenario? I’m sure others would like to know.
@paneda
I mostly use my pocketable devices for non-productive purposes too. So far only Windows provides the adequate features I want. Other than mouse hovers and controlling Flash, another browser limitation is when dealing with embedded pop-up windows like ads or the Disqus login and user activity pop-ups. The windows don’t stay put when panning around the page. So good luck trying to hit the close or login link. If the embedded window has a scrollable area it’s impossible to scroll through.
I agree media playback is also a major issue of all the non-Windows pocket devices. In that they can only play only a handful of them.
In addition to a mouse a physical keyboard is very useful. Preferably a slider design. Software keyboards take up space on an already small screen. Also, where’s the undo function? I make a lot of typos.
So for my needs, the Viliv N5 provided the best support. Of course, it has other limitations but there aren’t really any other Windows alternatives and it beats all the mobile OS based devices by far in terms of consumer functionality.