Ultra Mobile PC

The Ultra Mobile PC (abbreviated as UMPC) originated as a code name used by a joint project between Microsoft and Samsung. The project was to create a small form factor (form factor is a term used to describe the size and layout of a motherboard) tablet PC. However, over time the term has evolved to include many types of small "notebooks" known as subnotebooks.

UMPC's are now considered a class of lightweight portable computers that have most of the features of a standard laptop, but are much smaller. They are normally sized between a full size laptop and a handheld computer such as a Blackberry or Palm. This class of notebook is distinguished by its ability to run full operating system versions such as Windows Vista, Windows XP Tablet, or Linux, as opposed to Windows CE or Palm operating systems. UMPC's that use Windows XP Tablet or Vista can run any software that was written for the operating system. This makes ultra mobile PC's great for traveling because of their light weight.

UMPC's average a screen size of around 7", but can go up to 10". They measure around 8.8" x 6.4" x 1.3", and weigh in around 2 lbs. The processor that powers UMPC's can range from a Celeron 900MHz to a Core 2 Duo running at 1.3GHz or higher. For storage most will use a notebook size hard drive ranging from 30GB up to 80GB. Some however are starting to use SSD (Solid State Drives) that range from 2GB - 16GB. Onboard memory ranges from 256MB - 2GB and some will even have a mobile video card installed. Prices for ultra mobile PC's currently range from $250.00 all the way up to $2400.00, depending on which features you choose.

One of the most successful ultra mobile PC's today is the Asus Eee PC (pronounced like the letter e). There are many different models of the Eee that range from $250 - $700. All Eee's use SSD hard drives that range in size from 2GB to 8GB. On the higher end models, the SSD can be upgraded to a larger size. The processor is a 900MHz Celeron, and memory ranges from 512MB DDR400 to 1GB DDR667. All models are right around 2 lbs and measure 8.9" x 6.5" x 1" - 1.4". All Asus Eee PC's come with a Linux version installed as the operating system that is Windows XP compatible. However, there is nothing to stop you from installing any operating system you want, as long as there is enough room on the hard drive. With USB ports however, you can always install the OS on the hard drive, and put all applications on an external drive which will allow more room for the operating system..

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