Microsoft Origami - Reality vs. Hype | Part II

On March 9th, Microsoft and Intel let the cat out of the bag. We all final got to see the initial Origami devices. They looked pretty much the way I called it. I've seen some video and at least based on that, was not ,overly impressed. The featured device on the UMPC page actually appeared kind of flimsy.

Several things to note, related to digital culture issues. Microsoft did some checking and found that supposedly "soccer-moms" loved the device. We'll see if that's just more hype or true. Remember, since this is an so-called "ultra-Mobile" computing device, i wonder how the screen will look outside. That can be very though. Another item featured that has some posibilities is built in GPS navigation. Until you start using GPS, it can be hard to conceptualize how valuable it really is. I use it all the time and initially was stunned to find out how often I used it and how liberating it was to have. This could be a killer app for UMPC, but we will have to see.

Early adopters will be paying 1000.00 (US). Mass market buyers are expected to pick up on the UMPC devices in approximately a year, with the price dropping to about 500.00. We'll watch and see how this one goes.

// Jaye Morris, Technologist