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LIFESTYLE GADGETS
PCs Meet in the Middle [by Charisse Dengler ] With companies like Eurotech and Microsoft creating mid-sized PCs, it seems the personal computer market may be heading for the middle ground. Larger than pocket-sized PDAs but smaller than desktop computers, these systems combine desktop capabilities with portable convenience.
Perfect for trains, planes, and soccer games,
WWPC has been predicted for use in security,
Like the WWPC, UMPCs possess desktop
mid-sized PCs provide entertainment and
logistics, and emergency-response positions.
power within a 2-pound shell. When creating the small computers, Microsoft hoped to
information no matter where you go; and touch screens make them easy and fun to
Somewhat bigger than the average
build a personal computer that could be
use.
wristwatch, the WWPC fastens easily on your
transported with ease while still offering
arm and even fits over long-sleeve shirts and
users a decent-sized display and all the
Eurotech, which is headquartered in Italy,
jackets. The ergonomic design allows for an
possibilities of a desktop; it seems they have
has created a wrist-worn personal computer
equal distribution of the machine’s weight so
succeeded.
(WWPC). Worn like a watch, the EvryWear
that it is comfortable to wear. In order to educate the public about UMPCs
WL 1000 WWPC features a 72-mm by 55-mm display, keypad, joystick, speaker,
A Li-polymer battery and a central
and gain valuable feedback, Microsoft has
microphone, and headset jack.
processing unit that runs on relatively low
launched the Origami Project. The project’s
power make it possible to use the computer
website includes a forum, blogs, information
Eurotech was founded in 1992 and calls itself
for long periods of time before having to
on UMPCs, and downloadable background
an “idea factory.” Now a leader in the field
recharge.
images.
focuses on technology that makes everyday
The WWPC features groundbreaking tilt and
“Partnering with hardware manufacturers,
life simpler.
dead reckoning technology, which functions
our goal is to create a small touch-screen
as an inner GPS system, making it possible
PC that people can use in more places for
“The assumption behind Eurotech’s creation
to locate the person wearing the small
more things,” a statement on the project’s
and growth is that the most important
computer once he/she stops moving. Also,
website reads. “In our first release, we are
technologies tend, as they spread, to become
the system has the ability to recognize the
launching with three of our OEM partners
more and more integrated in our everyday
exact position of the person’s arm and can
who are offering Ultra-Mobile PCs with the
life, until they become almost invisible,” the
even put itself on standby when it detects
Microsoft Touch Pack. For the Touch Pack,
company’s website states.
that the arm is immobile by the person’ side.
we focused on making it easier to interact
With an internal USB device and masterports,
Another company getting in on the mid-
the WWPC’s 64K color display includes
sized-PC action, Microsoft recently revealed
a touch screen and automatic contrast
the design for an Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC),
The three partnering companies Microsoft
adjustment. The pen for the touch screen is
a handheld computer featuring Windows XP
is referring to are Samsung, Asus, and
located on the computer’s wrist strap.
Tablet Edition 2005, wireless capabilities, a
Founder. Out of the three, the most
7-inch diagonal touch-screen display, and
publicized is Samsung’s Q1.
of computer miniaturization, the company
with a small touch-screen computer running
In addition, the WWPC is equipped with
Windows XP.”
USB inputs.
wireless capabilities—harboring GPS,
The Q1 boasts a GPS system, Intel CPU,
Bluetooth, wireless local area network
The system’s touch-screen capabilities are
40GB of memory, digital television
(WLAN), and Fast Infrared technology—and it
courtesy of Windows Touch Pack, a new
capabilities, and MP3 and Portable Music
can connect to remote host systems via Linux
version of Windows Tablet Edition. The new
Player (PMP) formatting. Built for business
or WinCE programs. With the same level
edition introduces users to DialKeys, an on-
and entertainment, the Q1 supports eight
of competence as desktop computers, the
screen keyboard meant for two-hand use.
different video programs, has an AVS Now
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LIFESTYLE GADGETS
thumbnail photo gallery, and has an SRS TruSurround surround-sound program. With a stylish black shell, various case options, and a weight of less than 2 pounds, the Q1 can be used just about anywhere, including at the office, in the car, and on the couch. “The minimum requirements for UMPC are a maximum screen size of 7 inches diagonally, a touch panel, and a minimum display resolution of 800 by 480,” the Origami Project’s website states. “Beyond these requirements, it is up to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to decide what hardware features they want to include.” Prices will also be left up to the individual manufacturers, but Microsoft expects the cost of UMPCs to fall between $599 and $999. For more information on the UMPCs featured in this article, visit www.origamiproject.com, www.samsung.com, or www.eurotech.com.
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