The UMPC is the term for the Ultra Mobile PC unveiled in 2006 by Microsoft as a project named Origami. The project defined a small tablet form PC specification that was developed by Microsoft, Samsung, Intel and others. The original specification required that the PC weigh less than two pounds and have a display screen size of 7 inches or less. UMPC's feature Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft VISTA and run multiple versions of Linux depending on the manufacturer. UMPC's utilize processors from AMD, Intel or VIA, with RAM of 256MB to 2 GB, and hard disk sizes from 30 to 160 GB in capacity. Depending on manufacturer and model, UMPC's come with devices including GPS devices,TV tuners, webcams, memory card readers ,wifi, eithernet connectivity,external monitor support, usb support and other capability which is constantly evolving.
Since introduction in 2006 UMPC's have been introduced with screen sizes that span the range from 7 inches to 11 inches, with processors of the Core 2 duo, Pentium M, and the Intel Atom variety. New models are being introduced continually and the original definition of a UMPC with screen size of 7 inches has been deviated from and manufacturers are marketing small laptop computers with ever increasing screen sizes and capability and calling them UMPC's
There are systems integrations and system applications being released in various industries including UMPC's used in the medical field, inventory control, and a number of other applications where the small form factor, portability, and connectivity are leveraged in applications that require small size and portability. The market for refurbished UMPC laptops has not developed but is anticipated as the product matures.
