WinHEC 2005: Gates Shows Off Ultra-Portable Concept Tablet PC
By Alexander Grundner |
April 26th, 2005 
Microsoft released some images from WinHEC 2005 for the press, and one of the more notable pics was that of a concept mini Tablet PC – roughly the same size as the Creative Zen Portable Media Center. Can this be the all-in-one handheld device consumers have been craving (Handtop PC/PDA + PVP + Wi-Fi Pad)? “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,” says Jason Dunn of Digital Media Thoughts. Hey, if this new tablet can give me 5-6 hours of battery life, and priced at under $500, put me on the pre-order list.
UPDATE: Microsoft Watch has a great write-up and more details of the mini Tablet PC:
The hybrid device, which won’t be available until sometime in the “post-Longhorn” timeframe, will measure 9-inches diagonally, weigh between one to two pounds; feature an all-day-life battery; and run a full Tablet version of the Longhorn operating system, Microsoft officials said. The systems also will include Microsoft Reader and ClearType, allowing them to function not just as Tablets, but also as eBook systems.Comments | Post via Twitter / Facebook ID or Register
Microsoft is describing this system, code-named “Haiku,” as an “ultra-mobile PC.” Microsoft is working to find OEMs to build these new devices and sell them for between $500 and $800 U.S., making them ideal for the academic market, among others.
Short URL: http://bit.ly/bUDZLa [+] Filed in: Portable Media Players
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