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.

Learn more about Tablet PCs

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More resources from around the web: - 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.

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