Article 2 - Makers hope market ready for ultra-mobile PCs

The author talks about a new device that comes in between the large size of a laptop and the very small size of a smartphone. These devices are referred to as ultra-mobile computers. They are built on the same technology as laptops but are much smaller in size. They offer these features with a screen that is smaller than one on a laptop but much larger than that of a smartphone. I thin this device is a great idea. I find myself many times dreading carrying my laptop to a customer meeting. This way I can carry something that is the size of a book and very light and easily transportable. It has even better connectivity than my laptop because I can access the web through a cellular connection

There are many experts in the technology field that think that such a device will not be successful in the market. It has shown with tests before that people were not looking for such a device. One example the author gives is the Apple Newton, which was released 15 years ago. I feel this is not a good example since the technology that was used in the Newton was not equivalent to what was available in the desktop or laptops of the time. These current ultra portable computers can do everything that a laptop and desktop can do and even access the files that are stored on them through various types of network connections.

There are also many backers of the technology such as Intel who think that there is a mass market for these machines for personal use for things such as entertainment and connecting with friends. I think that this is very true and can even be successful with college students. If these machines have a docking stations with classical keyboard and mouse they can used by students to use their work. In addition, if they have a touch screen that can be written on, students could take them to class to take notes.

References:

Article Link: http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_10354930

UMPC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-Mobile_PC