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UMPCs and Business
The new UMPC, or Ultra Mobile Personal Computer, is a giant step forward for mobile technology. Much smaller than a laptop computer but with all of the laptop’s capabilities – and more – the UMPC has become the hottest new item on the technology market. With their relative newness, the price UMPC units go for right now may be a little steep, although most will still be less expensive than laptop computers. |
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Of course, like with all other new gadgets, this will even out in time. Most people, especially business people on the move, are excited about the UMPC, as it can make mobile business tasks even easier. Several manufacturers have produced their own version of the UMPC, and which one you buy would probably be a matter of personal preference and specific need. One of the favorites is the Q1 Samsung UMPC, also known as the Origami UMPC. When Samsung decided to release UMPC units for sale through its website, they were sold out within hours. Though the Q1 UMPC remains popular, Samsung is already working on an improved model. The Samsung UMPC will most likely continue to remain popular.
The Averatec UMPC is a favorite not only for its functionality, but also its looks and extra features. The Averatec is the first to offer a docking station, although other manufacturers are sure to follow. Users have been saying that the Averatec AHI works more seamlessly with Microsoft XP than any other UMPC.
It is rumored that there will be a Dell UMPC and an Apple UMPC soon. This seems likely, as the market looks like a solid one.
Capabilities of the UMPC
It would take much less time to list the things that the UMPC can’t do than what it can do. In fact, when it comes to computer functionality, the list of what it can’t do would be nonexistent. The UMPC is a versatile and functional piece of equipment, and if you are looking for a gadget that can do anything a computer can do, the UMPC is it. People who buy UMPC units are immediately impressed by what this little gadget can accomplish. The UMPC has full Microsoft XP functionality, which means that you are not leaving behind any capabilities when you leave your laptop and bring your UMPC instead. Even with Microsoft XP functionality, however, many people are concerned about running large programs on the UMPC. No reason to worry, though, as the UMPC can run some very large Windows-compatible programs quite efficiently, almost always efficiently enough for any recreational or business needs. In addition, you can interface with the UMPC using a stylus, a keyboard, or touch-screen technology.
No reason to worry when it comes to Internet capabilities, either. The UMPC has no problem in that area. Anywhere you can hook up a desktop or laptop to the Internet, you can hook up a UMPC. This includes any place that offers Wi-Fi. This means that any Internet-related tasks can be performed on the UMPC, such as emailing, downloading, uploading, and web surfing. Using Microsoft GPS and mapping software, your UMPC turns into a navigator. With the added convenience of its small size, the UMPC is perfect to take on car trips.
Multimedia capability is usually a big deal these days also, and manufacturers of UMPC’s haven’t forgotten this. Sony has started manufacturing a UMPC with camera capabilities, and a VGA adapter for connecting to a regular monitor, or even to a projector. The Sony model will also be Wi-Fi cabable, although this is pretty standard with most models today, and will be with any upcoming models. This model also includes Bluetooth and wireless phone technology.
Business and Personal Use
There is no doubt that the UMPC is making a positive impact on the business world. Where once business people were very much attached to their laptops, the UMPC has a very good chance of taking over as the choice for mobile business needs. Though it is currently not small enough to fit into a regular pocket, the UMPC is still conveniently smaller than a laptop, yet it still has all of the same functionality. Business people will be able to tuck the UMPC into a travel bag quite easily, and take it wherever they go. Any business person can review UMPC units to see which would work best for him or her, but since there are several good quality units on the market, it would again probably be a matter of preference and need.
For personal use, it would depend on how much a person would want to spend, and what they are looking for. Gaming, Internet, photo capability – all of this can be had for a price.
The popularity of the UMPC brings about a special problem for owners, one that should not be overlooked: they are going to be targets for thieves. One way to keep your UMPC safe from thieves may be to keep it in a container that does not advertise what it is. Another thing would be to not keep it in a briefcase or purse – items that are favorites for thieves who are looking for something of value. When you are on the move with your UMPC, make sure that you have it near you at all times. Some UMPC models may start coming equipped with security devices such as fingerprint scanners, so that even if yours is stolen, nobody will be able to get into the files.
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