HP's UMPC spotted, gets early details

HP's inaugural UMPC has already been photographed and received its first early details, according to a leak from Engadget. Resembling a compact notebook rather than the handhelds normally associated with the concept, the Compaq-branded UMPC 2133 will run an 8.9-inch, 1366x768 widescreen display and a nearly full-size keyboard that runs edge to edge. Also defying the normal limits of such computers, a full ExpressCard/54 slot should provide expansion for networking, storage, and other peripherals. Storage is built-in and should include the option of a solid-state drive.

Other details such as the processor choice, battery life, and exact options lists are unavailable, though the device should have 802.11 Wi-Fi and will mimic the ASUS Eee PC in its choice of either Linux or Windows for the operating system, though Vista replaces XP for the HP device. The release date and a price both remain mysteries but may be timed to coincide with the launch of Intel's Silverthorne platform in April or May, which should improve the performance for the ultra-mobile PC class while also extending battery life.

Filed under: computers
Other story tags: Intel, Linux, Vista, HP, Compaq, Silverthorne