Microsoft's portable device

[Canada-Man]

I don't know what it is, but I know I won't buy it.

By the way, on one of the links above there is another link to Microsoft that gives you a small USB drive, here's the link (you need a passport account):

http://www.microsoft.com//windowsxp/...p/default.mspx

The link doesn't work with Safari but it did with FireFox.

[Qion]

I don't know what to think of this. That's a fairly complicated ad to just throw together for no reason... I mean think of the planning, staging, and people power that ad would have taken.

As for the actual device, I'm a bit scared. It's a foot long and looks chintzy like it would fit well on Bill Gates' dresser.

Did you notice that guy was playing Halo? Did you also notice the framerate was around 2 FPS? Just wondering...

This is definitely not an "iPod killer". It's not even in the same market. Last time I checked, my iPod could fit in my jeans pocket... I doubt this thing would fit properly in my backpack.

It's just another hint of an exciting product from MS that's probably going to be redrawn 50 times and come out legality filled and evil. (Because it's MS)

[fryke]

Well, it depends... Let's, for the moment, assume that people actually would buy a "small tablet form factor computer" which has limited Windows XP functionality with a little bit of entertainment added in that you can have in a portfolio-style thingie with a small keyboard that actually works.

1.) Since it runs Windows XP (light?), you can actually run Office and other "real" software on it, and with a little keyboard and the stylus, it certainly replaces a notebook quite well. (We're talking office users here...) It's easier/lighter to lug around, too.

2.) If it _is_ a computer and it _runs_ some sort of Windows operating system, it can certainly play songs and videos, too. I mean: Even their PDAs can do that... So, in some way, it _is_ an iPod competitor. At least: If you have one of those with you, I'm quite sure you won't carry an extra iPod!

3.) Games. Someone today mentioned it was _not_ the portable X-Box system rumoured (some gaming site, linked to on /. I believe...). But even if it won't do decent 3D games, it could still do nice _games_.

Now... *Is* there a market for such a device? I guess it depends on the price point. If it's as cheap as the cheapest notebooks around, then I'd say: Yes. Definitely. Think of all the people who have no real reason to lug a notebook around. They have a PC at work and a PC at home. They might opt for a PDA, but PDAs are in a bad spot today for two reasons: As small computers, they're just too limited, and as PIMs they get replaced by smartphones and even "not so smart" phones that you can synch with your computer(s). However: A small-factor tablet with a decent, albeit small, keyboard is far less limited. If it runs a "real" operating system and runs the software you're used to (all from the perspective of a PC user, of course), it _could_ make some market-share.

Since I personally *miss* the Newton very much and for the reasons this origami-project could aim for, I personally think it could actually fly well with a lot of users.

Oh, yes, it would also double as a better eBook-reader. I _like_ to read books on a Palm or my Nokia Communicator, but a bigger screen would certainly help there.

[HateEternal]

Hmmm. Depending on hardware specs I would possibly be very interested. (Blasphemy they all say)

Currently I have a PC laptop. It is a heck of a lot lighter and faster than my iBook. It also has a way wayyy nicer screen than the current iBook line (Maybe this will change... please?!) I got it for .NET development and I have to say I like it a lot. I can deal with Windows, I use it all day at work. It's OK, just not the same as OS X. I haven't really had any stability issues since Windows 98. I don't even remember the last time I had to hard reboot my laptop. To me, a notebook/laptop has to be portable. I really like the MacBooks but anything bigger than 12 inches is just too big for me.

So, considering price/performance/features I could see wanting something like this, even if it is made by MS. My PC weighs less than each of my books. I like it that way.

[nixgeek]

Of course, the real question is....


How soon before Linux runs on it??

[Qion]

Originally Posted by nixgeek

Of course, the real question is....


How soon before Linux runs on it??

Oh... probably the day before it gets released, when the first geek somehow gets his hands on it backstage.

[mdnky]

They released it today: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060309/...NlYwN5bmNhdA--. They're calling it an "ultra-moble PC" though.

[fryke]

Just so we have the facts straight: Microsoft ain't producing the hardware - just the software. Current origami makers include Asus and Samsung. The devices look, well, they're just not really good designed.