This discussion will go on forever but there’s nothing like a good discussion and this really is a good one. I just wish we could all sit down around a huge table with a few beers and get all emotional and passionate about it. (Yes, I know it wouldn’t help but it would be a lot of fun! Who’s going to CES next Jan?) The discussion started many moons ago and my first memory of it goes back along way to when I challenged Craig Pringle on his definition of a UMPC. The latest episode is being told by Ben over at Micro PC Talk. He highlights a couple of good points that I’ve commented about in the article but I want to highlight and discuss the points in full here – especially after Jenn’s call for some input on the subject. Read on…
Good point number one from the article: Ben says that a device isn’t a ultra mobile PC until you “use the device in a different manner.” I like that definition because it moves away from any technical discussion. If you slightly modify it to ‘use the device in a mobile manner’ (not mobile manor JK!) where ‘mobile’ is something ‘different’ then its similar to what many others say and I pretty much agree.
Good point number two from the article: The Kohjinsha SH6 is actually just a mini laptop and not a UMPC. Well its a good point Ben but I don’t quite agree with that one. Click this link to see why. I think I was able to use the device in a mobile manner and I don’t think you can do what I did with a Sony TZ because of the size difference. The Kohjinsha I used was an SA1 which is the same form factor as the SH6 and gave me 4 hours battery life for very little cost ($700 is the lowest market price now.) By Bens definition, and my demonstration, the Kohjinsha SA1 was a ultra mobile PC and therefore the SH6 is a ultra mobile PC because its (almost) the same size.
Ben calls for a clear division between sub-notebook and ultra mobile PC and a clear definition as to what a ultra mobile PC is. Well I agree with the need for a division and I draw the line for UMPCPortal at 10″ screens but as for a clear definition on a UMPC, well, anyone trying to hold on to the old Microsoft Origami specification or in fact any tight specification as the ultimate ultra mobile PC definition is kidding themselves (Note: Wikipedia’s ultra mobile PC definition needs a total re-write.) Microsoft moved away from its original definition over a year ago so I think its time we dropped any mention of Origami specifications now.
Its the wide range of designs and form factors that actually define the term UMPC. Kevin Tofel takes the same line as me. They are individual *personal* computers and aren’t intended to be good for everyone like the notebook is. They are designed to enhance specific mobile tasks and are targeted at specific customers. Its a design space for personal mobile computing and not a set of specifications. Can you imagine how restrictive and boring it would be if everyone agreed on a ultra mobile PC definition. Actually, it wouldn’t be boring because it would die immediately, another tag would break out and the whole personalised mobile PC market (PMPC?) will start again.
Here’s my original and rather boring definition of a ultra mobile PC which is an open ticket for designers but not much help for customers. It says:
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.
Granted, 10″ is pretty much what the Sony TX is but this definition is from a year ago when I was just a newling in the ultra mobile PC blogosphere. I’ve learned since then that the ultra mobile PC market currently finishes at 7″ screens but that could change in the near future with foldable screens so I’ll leave the 10″ definition in there for the time being.
To summarise. I think ultra mobile PC is a term that defines the new space for personalised mobile computing devices. I know many site members here will argue discuss this, but that’s good. Like I said, there’s nothing like a good discussion!
