Ultra-Portable Concept PC Shown at WinHEC 2005

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://apnews1.iwon.com/image/20050425/MICROSOFT_GATES.sff_WATW101_20050425145646.html?date=20050426&docid=D89N89O00' target='_blank'>http://apnews1.iwon.com/image/20050...docid=D89N89O00</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates holds a model of an ultra-mobile concept PC Monday, April 25, 2005 in Seattle that he said was a futuristic example of the use of Windows Operating System technology. Gates delivered the opening keynote address at the 2005 Microsoft Windows Hardware Engineering Conference."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/winhec2005.jpg" /><br /><br />During his WinHEC 2005 keynote, Bill Gates showed a concept device - it's a vastly shrunken Tablet PC-type device with a touchscreen and (presumably) wireless hardware. In many ways, this looks like a very slick device, but I'm always concerned about battery life in small devices that have hard drives and large, bright screens. This device looks ideal for Web browsing and video playback, but largely useless for most other tasks...but I'd need to learn more before making any further snap judgments. ;-) <br /><br />You can find more photos of WinHEC hardware in the <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/winhec/gallery.asp">Microsoft PressPass gallery</a>, including a high-resolution image of that <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/winhec/images/image002.jpg">Ultra-Portable concept device</a> (1.26 MB).

[ricksfiona]

I think that's a super cool device! Looks like it was running Windows XP which would be ideal, but it would have to boot quickly. My desktop starts up fast enough, but I also have Raptor drives in RAID.

If it would come with Bluetooth, You can have a totally portable device that would suffice for most laptop needs.

If it would cost less that a $1000, my check would be in the mail.

BTW, have you noticed how much weight Bill has lost?

[PR.]

Mini TabletPC!

Looks great! :)

[Jason Dunn]

If it would cost less that a $1000, my check would be in the mail...BTW, have you noticed how much weight Bill has lost?

That's just it - the first generation devices will probably be $2000 or so...which means few people will buy them out of the gate.

I did notice how different he looked in that photo - I think he almost looks unhealthy actually...let's hope not. :-)

[yslee]

On the PC, it's something I want! However it's likely to be expensive, and like most first gen products it's going to be buggy or have a few deal-breaking design quirks, like the OQO. Basically (for me anyway) this is a notebook replacement. PDA stuff will be done on the PDA phone, like the Treo series. With a notebook of this size I can get by with PalmOS on the phone.

On Bill Gates, he looks haggard or just plain aging. Probably both. =P

[IpaqMan2]

In my opinion, this is the Pocket PC of the future (referring to the device Gates is holding in the Picture). A bit bigger than current Pocket PCs, but it is what I feel an acceptable size device with regards to the screen. I think it is the perfect size device for a Pocket PC and a perfect size device for a "true" portable tablet Windows device. Though if this device becomes a reality being able to run WinXP I would see no reason to stay with the Windows Mobile OS, except maybe using it on a smartphone.

[victore]

Rick,

I think to get fast boot ups, we'll all have to start using hibernation or suspend instead of actually rebooting. Let's hope that by the time this guy comes out, we won't have to reboot our devices quite as often.

[Felix Torres]

The purpose of the WinHec prototypes is to highlight several new PC technologies to be available in early 07 Longhorn portables.
Some of the technologies coming to 07 PCs include:
- TabletPC functionality as a part of the baseline OS
- Flash ram (1Gb) caches as part of the HD to extend battery life
- 1.1 Ghz (or faster) ultra-low power Pentium M
- Instant on courtesy of flash ram hibernation

What makes this particular prototype significant is that it is intended to sell for $800 in 18 months.
It has a 9" screen, is about 8" by 6" by ~0.5" and weighs one pound.
(Best guess is that it is Mr Gates' personal planner and cost a couple million to build. :-) )

Uses?
Audio, video, photo playback.
Ebook reader.
Portable reference library/encyclopedia.
GPS.
Document viewer and anotator.
E-mail, IM, and what-not.
Hotspot web surfing.
Personal planner.
Presentations.
(Come on! Its a full XP PC with a decent CPU!)

With appropriate peripherals (dock, keyboard caddy) it would literally be the only computer a lot of people would need.

Which is to say, it is good for everything current tablets are used for.
Which is a lot.
and more.
If the price point is real and the hd big enough (say 100Gb) it should sell nicely.

Even at a higher price there are a lot of vertical markets that would kill for this thing.

Just don't try to get between me and the first unit to go one sale. :-)

[IpaqMan2]

Rick,

I think to get fast boot ups, we'll all have to start using hibernation or suspend instead of actually rebooting. Let's hope that by the time this guy comes out, we won't have to reboot our devices quite as often.

Well maybe this hard drive will answer those questions about hibernation and suspend. I see no reason that a small tablet size PC couldn't enter into a suspend mode much like PPCs with this type of hard drive in it:

Samsung hybrid hard drive works while it sleeps
http://news.com.com/Samsung+hybrid+hard+drive+works+while+it+sleeps/2100-1041_3-5683836.html

[lapchinj]

...Just don't try to get between me and the first unit to go one sale. :-)
I'll be happy with being someplace in the front of the line :mrgreen:
It's definately has the look of a seller. Looks slick and is just the right size not to be called 'too big'. But like Jason always mentions is that we have to take a good look at the battery life. You would think that with all the engineering involved in creating such a device we still have to be careful of something as simple to overlook as battery life.

Jeff-

[Gerard]

Y'know what I'd like done with a form-factor like this? Dual-boot XP and Windows Mobile, with a switch on the edge to toggle before hitting the power button. Instant-on for most of the time with full access to all my collection of PPC apps, but with a full XP tablet OS for those times I really want that software suite and power, which is about 5% of the time. Make a bridge between them for installing software to the CE area, everything installed to flash memory by default. Add in a quad-band GSM/GPRS phone and Wi-Fi, a very compact but complete folding keyboard, and both SD and CF slots, and that'd be quite a competent all-around device.

Heck, as long as we're fantasizing, how about a full-speed WM OS emulator running in tandem with the XP, allowing for realtime toggling between them for the advantages of both? Really folks, there are so many tasks better done y a simpler OS with some goo peripheral support, where booting up a full PC OS is just wasteful and distracting. If I want to record some audio for instance, why launch XP? Why not just have a properly supported microphone jack, record using any number of third-party MP3 or raw audio recording programs, and then later edit these as needed under XP? Same goes for still/video capture using an add-on camera popped into an SD or CF slot. Grab the media fast, using the immediacy and convenient simplicity of CE, then edit as needed using the more power-consumptive and awkward full PC OS.

As for the form, this thing rocks. A nicely sized HPC screen minus the keyboard, perfect for a deep pocket or a hip case. If they can make a keyboard not too big which acts as a screen cover, so much the better. It could be an optional lid/keyboard one left at home or took along as needed. And if it supports peripherals as fully as a notebook, great, I see no excessive power drain problems here at all. A printer or external CD/DVD RW or scanner or whatever has AC anyway, so where's the extra battery drain? If this is all managed wirelessly or using a powered wireless-to-wired hub (my preference - a sort of control/wire center with which the PC communicates to coordinate everything else) then the extra draw on the main unit would be no more than for any other wireless activity. Design it to allow for a bigger backpack style battery and everyone's happy.

The only drawback is screen real-estate. For some users, this will be a problem. Fine, use a connected external monitor at home or work. For folks used to smaller screens, this is positively generous in scale. I'm drooling already over having that much room!

[beq]

Speaking of Tablet PCs, I saw jkontherun's FCC photos of a convertible ThinkPad X41 tablet pc notebook, anyone know more about it? :eek:


BTW, have you noticed how much weight Bill has lost?

I did notice how different he looked in that photo - I think he almost looks unhealthy actually...let's hope not. :-)

It's probably from all the late-night partying he does with Bono (can you picture Bill Gates, Bono, and Steve Jobs together in a bar)...

http://news.com.com/Photos+Bonos+buddy+Bill+Gates/2009-1014_3-5684838.html

[encece]

Wasn't Bill heavier not too long ago??? Not wishing him any ill-will....but he has the look of an older guy who had a heart-attack and had to lose weight or was at risk of one and the doctor made him lose the weight. Either way...he's up there in years now...and there is just so good you can look.

But I digress.... :devilboy:
Beautiful device!!!! :D

[zybler]

Wow that thing is ultra cool. Anyone knows what resolution is the thing running on? My guess it is at least 1024 pixels wide.

[dean_shan]

BTW, have you noticed how much weight Bill has lost?

I did notice how different he looked in that photo - I think he almost looks unhealthy actually...let's hope not. :-)
Yeah it looks like he's go some scurvy going on there. Drink some orange juice Bill.

[Sven Johannsen]

The one issue that concerns me about these types of devices is their synchronization with my main PC. As much as we complain about AS, it still keeps my PIM stuff, contacts, calendar, tasks, notes, mail, automatically in sync between my desk and portable device. It also takes care of assorted files and has the facility to allow syncing for third party programs including access data.

I don't think there is a single thing that does this as seamlessly between a desktop and a laptop or tablet, both running XP. Certainly if you have a server based network with Exchange a lot of this can be done by having the portable device connect to Exchange and using off-line folders, but fot the average installation, with a PC and a laptop, keeping the data up to date on both is a pain in the A.

Maybe this won't be a problem in the future when all our data is stored on some ethereal network and we have ubiquitous wirelees access everywhere, but for now, PPCs and PCs keep data in sync way better than PC and laptops/tablets/etc.

[jimski]

I don't know. All these new little PC's look cute and tempting and I am at a point in my life where I can buy just about anything I want, but I can't think of what I would do with something like this.

I have a 3.3GHz Desktop at home with 80GB RAID drives, 1GB RAM, 21" monitor, etc. which can handle just about anything I throw at it.

My office supplied me with a 1.7GHz Centrino laptop, with 1GB RAM, 15" screen, etc. At about 5 lbs. this is my workhorse. My docking station at the office has a 19" LCD Monitor, backup hard drive, DVD burner, etc. so I am not wanting for anything. I take it home every night to catch up on work and if it was not for having to take it out at the airport security checkpoint I would take it everywhere. I could have any laptop I want and upgrade as often as I want (I am on my machine 15-17 hours per day) but I am very comfortable with what I have.

Finally I have my trusty 4705 ready to serve me at a tap of the power button. It syncs up with my laptop and provides all the info I need at my fingertips.

I tried a Tablet (Acer) and was quite disappointed. The screen was not clear, it got hot when trying to browse the Web while in bed and it was actually pretty heavy to do anything but lay flat on a desk or table. I can't stand my hand-printing and apparantly so do most handwriting recognition applications (do you remember the CrossPad-I was first in line for that) with no more than a 70% accuracy rate after many hours of testing. Until they make a program that I can teach I am doomed in this area.

These new mini PC's would be nice to travel with, but like with the Tablet, I found that trying to take a live version of Outlook with me and then moving those changes back to the laptop was much more complicated than just taking the laptop with me in the first place. Aside from a short trip though I could not think of a use for these little guys. Could I really develop Access 97 applications on this, where zooming in/out had not yet been considered (try laying out a report with a 10" screen). Or could I work effectively on a spreadsheet with 40 columns or how about Power Point presentations, CAD drawings, etc. Aside from the novelty I just don't see the purpose.

Now how about a nice laptop (or desktop) with a removable hard drive that plugs into one of these mini-me's, so you can take everything with you except, the big screen, the bigger processor, etc. That would be something that I would consider. Instant-on would be nice also.

[Jonathan1]

I did notice how different he looked in that photo - I think he almost looks unhealthy actually...let's hope not. :-)

Well I’ve heard the dark side of the Force can do that to you *Runs away before someone twaks me*

Seriously this is where we will be in 5-10 years. The Pocket PC is a rest stop on the interstate of ultra mobile devices. Only the delusional thought that MS was going to continue to have separate OS’s long term. Eventually the PPC and WINCE will go bye bye and everything will be running one OS that probably will be module or something. Its simply a matter of getting the software and the hardware to meet half way....or maybe not. It’s late. Must sleep. I yield the floor to Darth Lord Gates.
:nonono:

[Darius Wey]

*Runs away before someone twaks me*

:twak:

Gotta learn to run faster, Jonathan. :P

[Turner]

Hi,

this Microsoft prototype looks a little bit like my Pocket Loox 900 concept I postet on firstloox.org some time ago ...

http://www.drmobile.de/files/Future%20PPC.pps

Combine a OLED display with solar cells behind and you can solve some of the energy problems of mobile devices. Theoretically this is possible, due to OLED displays can be translucent.

so long
Turner

[ricksfiona]

What makes this particular prototype significant is that it is intended to sell for $800 in 18 months.
It has a 9" screen, is about 8" by 6" by ~0.5" and weighs one pound.

If this thing is 8" x 6", it's too big for a PDA. PDA's aren't going anywhere. PDA's are just too convenient to put in your pocket and even at the level they're at now, can be used for many laptop needs. I haven't needed a laptop in about 3 years since I got my first iPAQ.

But I would LOVE to have one of these for my consultant business. I carry a carrying case with me everywhere, so putting one of these in it would be awesome. The screen size alone offers so many possibilities. If it had integrated GSM/GPRS, the possibiities to businesses that have people on the road would be amazing. Gone are the specialized, and probably expensive, proprietary devices that freight companies use. Many many possibilities.

$800 in 18 months... I'll be there with a check if this is true. It's going to be tough waiting that long.

[IpaqMan2]

Seriously this is where we will be in 5-10 years. The Pocket PC is a rest stop on the interstate of ultra mobile devices. Only the delusional thought that MS was going to continue to have separate OS’s long term. Eventually the PPC and WINCE will go bye bye and everything will be running one OS that probably will be module or something.

I believe there is more truth to your thoughts than not. The Money maker for Microsoft is their desktop software like Windows XP and face it... Windows XP can do everything and run most everything in the business world and even everything Windows CE can do. Sure CE or Windows Mobile can boot up from flash memory but give alittle creative thinking and engineering, in time we may see a handheld version of XP booting from a flash drive of 10 to 20 gigs in near the same time of current PDAs with an interface simulare to PPCs but with the ability to run everything XP can. As sad as it is...Pocket PCs in my opinion or the Palm OS for that matter is a little more than a glorified date book (and I say this with the deepest respect since I love my PPC),and outside of that use, it's just trying to mimic the productivity on a mobile stance which Windows XP is already doing. I believe Microsoft is just waiting for the hardware to catch up. There is no real point for Microsoft to continue to develope Windows CE to the point that it we be everything their flagship software can do (windows XP) with out the same profit margin as there is on their desktop software. We already see this happening with Pocket Word and I think in the future, Microsoft will push so that all power users of the Pocket PCs platform will switch to a much more modulare and slim version of a true Pocket PC running Windows XP or whatevery they decide to call it at that time.

Of course Windows CE will always be around since Microsoft will continue to use that OS in embedded devices to continue to enter into new markets such as, toasters, refrigerator, car stereo's, GPS units, smartphones, gas pumps, and so on until Microsoft has control of the world with everything running their software. :devilboy:

[ricksfiona]

This device is so exciting, I just have to write more about it!!! Plus I've read more comments and have gotten the idea machine turning...

I agree, with this device, the PDA will become a simple address book. At least in the business community. With this device, I can sync. it with my Smartphone and keep contacts and calendar items current, then take my Smartphone with me when carrying this new device would be too cumbersome or unnecessary. The Smartphone will be enough when not using this new device.

But this device has to be reliable, have good performance and battery life is critical. Hopefully the new battery technology we've been seeing recently will make it into this device making charge-ups less of an issue. It also must have plenty of connectivity options like Bluetooth, WiFi, LAN and USB.

I also don't see a problem with this device needing a reboot. As long as the OS is properly locked down from problem users, it shouldn't be a problem. The only time my computer or one of my client's computers needs rebooting is when we're doing things to it when we shouldn't. No problem.

The countdown for this starts now... I guess we're looking at Oct '07 for a release date? Jason, could you put a timer on the banner to remind us?

[Dalantech]

With the way that technology is advancing I don't see any "show stoppers" with a device that small. Lithium batteries are increasing in power and decreasing in size and displays, CPUs, GPUs, etc. are getting more power efficient. Add a couple of GBs of internal CF storage to a small device to hold the XP OS and you'd have a fast boot. The size of the Windows directory on my laptop is just a little over 3GBs and that's only because of all the uninstall directories left over from XP updates...

[AzrealJG]

The purpose of the WinHec prototypes is to highlight several new PC technologies to be available in early 07 Longhorn portables.
Some of the technologies coming to 07 PCs include:
- TabletPC functionality as a part of the baseline OS
- Flash ram (1Gb) caches as part of the HD to extend battery life
- 1.1 Ghz (or faster) ultra-low power Pentium M
- Instant on courtesy of flash ram hibernation


Any idea if it's a touch screen, or if uses the same wacom style stylus and screen sensor as current TabletPC's?

[Felix Torres]

The purpose of the WinHec prototypes is to highlight several new PC technologies to be available in early 07 Longhorn portables.
Some of the technologies coming to 07 PCs include:
- TabletPC functionality as a part of the baseline OS
- Flash ram (1Gb) caches as part of the HD to extend battery life
- 1.1 Ghz (or faster) ultra-low power Pentium M
- Instant on courtesy of flash ram hibernation


Any idea if it's a touch screen, or if uses the same wacom style stylus and screen sensor as current TabletPC's?

Wacom all the way.
That's the only way they can get the all-screen look.
Touch screens require anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1/2 bezels.
And the bigger the screen, the bigger the bezel.
As to resolution, I've seen no published results, but given the time frame and likely source (portable DVD players) I'm guessing its a 16 by 10 aspect ratio 1280 by 768 9 incher.
In fact, a couple years ago, MS fronted Toshiba a few hundred million bucks (aka, pocket money) to build super-hi res screen for ebook readers. This may be the result of that deal.

As for this kind of device replacing PDAs, yes and no.
There is this PDA myth that all PDAs have to be pocketable.
They don't have to.
The market is smaller for the larger form factors (Samsung Nexio, NEC MobilePro, etc) but those that need them swear by them.
Newtons were also in the 8" range too, so this form factor is quite viable.
Its worth remembering that zillions of folks have been carrying three-pound 8by6 paper planners for decades.
Cutting the weight by two thirds and the bulk by half and gaining a full-feature PC in return is a trade-off anybody would make.

That said, there is and likely will be room in the market for a full range of products in the sub-notebook arena, ranging from smart phones to full tablets.

What we now consider a PDA is likely to be mostly absorbed by imate Jam-class smart phones and portable media centers, except for blister-pack low-end loss-leaders like the Zires. (I for one am hoping *somebody* does a blister-pack PocketPC; they would certainly advance the ebook cause a great deal.)

The great question mark, I think, is whether there will be much room in the market for a premium, non-hd, pocketable computer. Whether it runs Windows Mobile, Windows embedded, or full Longhorn is irrelevant; the marketability will depend on differentiation of features and price and with a mini-tablet in the $800-1200 range and a Jam-class communicator in the $400 range the gap is pretty tight; lots of engineering needed to meet the size and function requirements, little pricing range to make a profit after building it.

Best guess? There will be a niche market for them but at a price closer to the original 3xxx-series iPaqs.

[pjtrader]

Its worth remembering that zillions of folks have been carrying three-pound 8by6 paper planners for decades.
Cutting the weight by two thirds and the bulk by half and gaining a full-feature PC in return is a trade-off anybody would make.

Bingo.

There is a market for people who want more than a PDA and less than a 8lb laptop.

And considering the quick addition of a port replicator/docking station means that the portability can, in theory, be seamless, there's a lot of potential in this device.

[rmasinag]

I'm a college student. I'd like a notebook that's smaller than 2 lbs. but at the same time more powerfuland bigger screen than a PPC (tried creating ppt or writing a 30 page paper on your PPC?)
I notice since 2003 the steady incrrase of ultraportable notebooks among students which I know use some of their student loans to pay for the more smaller, expensive devices.

It's one thing to have money cause almost all you guys do is work, it's another thing for students who might have to work too and not have enough money. I can see that $800 would be great for students who look for a more simple device who mainly type papers, do powerpoint, and go on the net for online research.

Maybe it's just me, or may be in Hawaii, about 70% of students have almost a full time job just to afford living ang going to school.

BTW is Bill Gates been friends with Jared the Subway guy lately?

CHEERS!

[jaarso]

If it would cost less that a $1000, my check would be in the mail...BTW, have you noticed how much weight Bill has lost?

That's just it - the first generation devices will probably be $2000 or so...which means few people will buy them out of the gate.

I did notice how different he looked in that photo - I think he almost looks unhealthy actually...let's hope not. :-)
According to the article posted on Brighthand, it will be priced at less than $1000. Take a look at http://www.brighthand.com/article/Gates_Unveils_Ultra_Mobile_2007

[Jonathan1]

According to the article posted on Brighthand, it will be priced at less than $1000. Take a look at http://www.brighthand.com/article/Gates_Unveils_Ultra_Mobile_2007

Thousand? 8O :huh: :jawdrop:

Who do I have to b.....*coughs* Umm. Hi. Lovely weather we are having today.

[Felix Torres]

According to the article posted on Brighthand, it will be priced at less than $1000. Take a look at http://www.brighthand.com/article/Gates_Unveils_Ultra_Mobile_2007

1- They have the ultraportable listed as a mockup; it isn't. Its a full, working prototype.
2- They quote expected sales of 100 million by 2008. Somebody must've slipped a decimal or two, cause that would mean every portable sold that year would be an ultraportable. Judging by the ramp-up speed of the regular tablets and Media Center PCs, one to two million would be about right for the first year and maybe 10 million by 2010.

[Jonathon Watkins]

Wacom all the way.
That's the only way they can get the all-screen look.
Touch screens require anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1/2 bezels.
And the bigger the screen, the bigger the bezel.


Any idea why that it, or is it just 'one of these things'? I don't see why a larger screen would necessitate that.

[Jonathon Watkins]

*Runs away before someone twaks me*

:twak:

Gotta learn to run faster, Jonathan. :P

No-one goes as fast as you Darius. :lol:

[jlp]

What makes this particular prototype significant is that it is intended to sell for $800 in 18 months.
It has a 9" screen, is about 8" by 6" by ~0.5" and weighs one pound.

If this thing is 8" x 6", it's too big for a PDA.

From the pix of Bill holding the device one can clearly see the width/length ratio is not 3/4, but rather 1/2, so if the length is 8", one can reasonably guesstimate the width to be around 4" which is the right size to fit a jacket pocket.

Given the OQO weight (14 ounces; 396g), this one shouldn't weigh twice as much; around 1 lb (455g) is realistic.

[Felix Torres]

Wacom all the way.
That's the only way they can get the all-screen look.
Touch screens require anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1/2 bezels.
And the bigger the screen, the bigger the bezel.


Any idea why that it, or is it just 'one of these things'? I don't see why a larger screen would necessitate that.

Touch screen tech just works that way.
There was a news post here about a year or two ago that touted a new advance in pda digitizers that only needed a quarter-in bezel.
They must need it to anchor the digitizer grid leads.