John Tokash

An Engadget reader pointed out that the html source code for the Origami Project web site says “Origami Project: the Mobile PC running Windows XP“. Not a surprise, but it’s a nice bit of confirmation. Frankly, I don’t really care that it can run XP, what has me excited is that XP can run Firefox, so Origami must be able to run Firefox!!! Gottabemobile is reporting that a teaser site, umpc.com, created by Intel has a 3/7 deadline (very close to the 3/9 teaser deadline of origamiproject). Engadget thinks Origami/UMPC will be running on a Pentium M and may have integrated EVDO.

Considering that we now know it runs XP, here’s my list of what this thing needs to have if they want me to buy it at launch:

• Available before May
• $700 or less
• 802.11b
• Bluetooth (to connect to my RAZR and so I can add GPS and a chicklet keyboard later)
• Integrated EV-DO or a way to add it as an upgrade (PCMCIA?)

What could make me purchase it at a higher price point? Are you listening, Microsoft/Intel/Samsung?

• CPU/GPU/RAM that can make Origami handle Vista like a champ
• A coupon for free EV-DO for 3 months
• EV-DO built in
• Small, Front-Row style remote control packed in
• Included Docking Station with a usb hub (keyboard, mouse) and a video out port.
• Gyro sensors

Update:

• jkOnTheRun has a ‘wrap up’ of other ultra mobile pcs.  He also has a post comparing the umpc to the Sony U750.
• The chron techblog references an AP story with more details. “The early versions are expected to debut at an industry conference on March 9, and to be available to consumers soon after, the person familiar with the plans said. They will be built by a variety of computer makers, this person said, and are expected to sell for between $500 and $1,000, although final prices aren’t yet available.”
• Beth is going to kill me when I buy this thing. I guess I could offset the price by selling my 360 and all its accessories and games. Ugh.
• GottaBeMobile has more info. Apparently, Origami is being demoed to educational software customers.
• Engadget sources have confirmed that the OS will be XP Tablet edition.
• Those same sources say that the device will be much more practical looking than what’s seen in the concept video. Good.
• E Schwartz at InfoWorld is skeptical, but thinks a docking station could make Origami work for him. I’ve added the dock to the list of things that could get me to pay more than $700 for the umpc.
• TinyScreenfuls has a picture of a prototype UMPC device from Intel that has a built in keyboard. It’s red.
• Ben Rockwood thinks Origami is a poorly re-imagined Newton.
• OrigamiPortal.com – setting themselves up to be for UMPCs what PalmInfoCenter and PalmAddicts are for PalmOS devices?
• GameInformer says the Origami will connect to the XBox 360 for use as an auxilliary screen. “Perhaps the most interesting gaming feature, however, is Origami’s ability to connect to Xbox 360s. Once connected to a 360, presumably through the USB ports, Origami is expected to function as a second screen for compatible games. ” I’m not sure if I buy that.
• TGDaily says the first run of UMPC/Origami devices will be Pentium M with XP. The second batch (late this year or early next) will use an even more mobile processor and will boot Vista. “According to Paul Otellini’s keynote speech at IDF Fall 2005, UMPCs will integrate a new category of processors that will consume as little as 0.5 watts. Intel executives also mentioned that UMPCs will achieve a continuous operation time of about eight hours. Our sources now tell us that at least the first generation of UMPCs may not include such a new processor, but rather rely on a proven platform, which will consist out of ULV Pentium M processors with 90 nm Dothan core as well as a 915GMS chipset.”

Photos of Origami and UMPC: