Samsung Releases New UMPC
Even though the platform itself is struggling to stay afloat, Samsung on Monday introduced a new line of Ultra Mobile PCs in an effort to kick start the market.
The Q1 Ultra is the successor the original Q1, released by the Korean electronics maker last year. It will feature a "split" QWERTY keyboard, mouse, and user-defined function keys.
Intel provides the processor for the Q1 Ultra, that runs at either 600 or 800MHz, and includes 1GB of DDR2 memory. The battery supports about 4.5 hours of continuous use, Samsung claims.
The device also includes a 300-pixel webcam, microphone, 1.3-megapixel digital camera, and a seven- inch LCD screen. In addition, it includes an instant on feature that would make booting into Windows unnecessary for certain applications.
Samsung says the device will be available through retail and "e-tail" outlets including Best Buy, Circuit City, CDW, CompUSA, Amazon.com, NewEgg.com, Buy.com, Costco.com, Tiger Direct, PC Connection, B & H Photo and PC Mall for $799.
"Since the introduction of the Q1, Samsung has been steadfastly committed to the long-term growth and development of this fast-growing product segment," the company's marketing vice president Christopher Franey said.
While both Samsung and Microsoft are putting on a positive front when it comes to UMPC, recent reports indicate that some in the industry are singing a different tune.
One such report came in TG Daily, indicating that Intel is backing away from the platform in favor of smaller "mobile internet devices." Intel has not publicly distanced itself from the UMPC concept as of yet -- and as seen above, it's CPU's are still being used in devices based on the concept.