ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC)

Ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) is a hand-held computing device capable of running a Windows operating system. A UMPC is larger than a personal digital assistant (PDA) but smaller than a laptop. Microsoft and Intel created a design specification for the UMPC in a project called Origami.

According to Microsoft, although the exact specifications may vary by manufacturer, the baseline specifications for an ultra-mobile PC are as follows:

• Screen size: 5-7 inches.
• Screen resolution: minimum 800 × 480 resolution.
• Weight: less than 2 pounds.
• Display orientation: landscape or portrait.
• Input methods: Touch screen or stylus.
• Optional: add on Bluetooth or USB based keyboard .
• Operating system: Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows Vista Business, or Windows Vista Ultimate.
• Network connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, 3G and EVDO.
• Battery life: 2.5 hours or more.
• Processor: Intel Celeron M, Intel Pentium M, or VIA C7-M.
• Storage: 30 gigabyte hard disk drive or larger.

Because design specifications often overlap for hand-held computing devices, a UMPC might also be referred to in marketing literature by a variety of names including subnotebook, ultraportable, mini-laptop, MID or mini-notebook.

Read more about ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC): - Cisco Cheng explained how to buy a UMPC for PC Magazine. - Microsoft's Origami site showcases different manufacturer's UMPC products. - Gizmodo takes a stab at defining UMPC and all the other names vendors use to describe small notebook computers.

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know. Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us

RELATED CONTENT Panasonic introduces first rugged UMPC to sport Intel's Atom processor With its new CF-U1 rugged ultramobile PC (UMPC), Panasonic lets users take Vista on the go with a tiny form factor. Lenovo laptops keep score at the NBA Finals The National Basketball Association showed SearchMobileComputing.com how Lenovo laptops are critical to scoring and recording the events of the NBA... Laptops, tablet PCs clean up, go green As more industries look to improve their environmental impact, mobile workers can use EPEAT to ensure they are purchasing a green laptop and tablet...

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary datacard  (SearchMobileComputing.com) digital multimedia broadcasting  (SearchMobileComputing.com) Digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) is the process of multicasting by satellite or terrestrial services (or a combination of both) for reception by...