Don't be jealous, Dennis. You've got that sweet new TabletKiosk UMPC which spec-wise is the one to beat. Of course silent computing is vewy nice.

I have been following the Origami/UMPC story since I saw "that" MS video clip back in March (?). GBM blog is must-visit for me.

In contrats to many industry pundits, I think the UMPC's day will come quite quickly.

Why? PORTABILITY and communications are two for me. I live in the UK, but usually work abroad on assignments lasting from one month to a year or more. "Abroad" includes Central America, sub-Saharan Africa, Bosnia and later this month a hotspot (not Iraq, the other one). BTW, my work is nothing to do with the military or security forces, I deal with commercial management of electrcity and water utilities.

Last month's aircraft bomb threat in the UK has made me even more sensitive to my checklists for travel. While my Toshiba Portege M200 Tablet can fit into the large inside pocket of my Domke travel (photographer, actually) jacket, it's still an ordeal to use it in coach/cattle class where my clients make me sit (i'm a one man business, no big corporate allowances for me, yet!)

So a UMPC sounds a relevant piece of kit, especially these new Samsung models. I would also use it for meetings and a 101 other places, eg restaurants and cafes, waiting lounges, generally out and about.

So this is my dilemma: I have been considering for some time replacing my 2003 vintage iPaq 4150 AND my even older Nokia 3310 phone with a sim-free device like the iPaq 6915 or HTC TyTN (I ousually use a local sim card at my assignment location, if available). I want wifi so that I can use Pocket Skype, so no T-Mobile device for me!

NOW I'm thinking maybe a UMPC would be a better outlay of money, even if more expensive. Could I not use a BT headset with it and have the UMPC switched on in my pocket/hand? I know it won't have cellular access, maybe I just keep my old phone for that. Maybe the cellular/mobile service providers will have add-on devices (USB?) that enable the UMPC to connect in the same way notebooks do already?

Two questions
(1) Is synchronisation between the UMPC and a notebook/desktop efficient?
(2) Does it mean I have buy OneNote and Office for the UMPC as well, even though I am the single user of both?

Keep the blogs and info flowing, great site, I'm now registered!

Regards,

Roger J

Roger, there are good synch software packages out there. I don't use them myself, as I generally run my UMPC and Desktop independently, so I'll reserve judgment except to say that Synch Toy is free and simple to use if it meets your needs.

As to One Note and Office, that depends upon the license in your package; my copy of Office XP allowed use on two units so I run it on my desktop and my UMPC. Some suites allow up to three installations, so you should check the EULA on yours to see if it also allows for multiple installations.

And I love using my Q1 on the train in Coach seating; it's so light and portable, and it fits on table trays with no fuss at all.

-- Steve