Gartner characterizes the current crop of
UMPCs, due out in the second half of this year, as "tweeners" -- too big for a PDA and too small to be a useful notebook.
But, Gartner adds, the UMPC concept has longer-term promise as a "lifestyle category, not just another hardware form factor." As such, the UMPC lets users store and carry their digital "stuff," such as photos, videos and MP3 files, and would function as a real-time email client. Additionally, the devices may have value in "semi-vertical" segments such as field sales and education.
The units coming to market soon are basically just "proofs of concept," Gartner suggests, noting that the technology for successful implementation is "at least two years away." Also required, according to Gartner, are "low-cost, compelling content bundles," a user interface based on Vista, and text entry options beyond "thumb typing."
Gartner recommends that enterprise users wait for more mature versions to emerge before considering them for notebook replacement applications. Device manufacturers are advised to "monitor the UMPC technology road map toward viable product delivery."
More about UMPCsFor further information, photos, and background on Ultra Mobile PCs, please refer to our extensive coverage of the unveiling of the
UMPC product category by Microsoft and its partners at CeBIT earlier this month.
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