Microsoft's future of mobile computing may only appeal to select users
Windows has gone through several mobile guises over the years, with Pocket PC and SmartPhone devices being the most familiar platforms. Microsoft's latest venture is the ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) and the Samsung Q1 is the first to take advantage of the technology.
In essence, the Q1 is a cross between a notebook and handheld computer – both in size and power terms. To prolong battery life, it uses an ultra-low-voltage (ULV) Intel Celeron processor, which runs at 900MHz. It also sports 512Mb of memory and has a 40Gb hard disk.
The Q1 costs £799, so compared with notebook computers of the same price, its specification doesn't match up to much. However, this portable computer has a few tricks up its sleeve to make up for the lack of power.