Ballmer gets Shifty
I don’t know how he finds all of these UMPC videos but jkkmobile is scraping these all over the web. His latest posting is a video of an interview with Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer showing off the upcoming HTC Shift. This UMPC is looking more and more like a very hot device to me and one that will be a very capable mobile PC. Watch the video and be sure not to drool on your PC.
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I love the way he has problems opening the screen – reminds me of Mr Tetra Pak and his nightmare with opening a milk carton on live TV – I can’t wait – I still think there’s going to be a massive debate over Windows Mobile versus Windows as WM hits the mark with mobile availability – instant on and instantly usable as opposed to boot time delays
I can’t imagine anyone who could demonstrate cutting edge technology with less savoir-faire. It’s like having Mr Bean show off a Ferrari.
I just hope HSDPA is up and running in more US markets by the time this thing gets released. I mean I can use it when I’m in my hometown of Boston, MA but not in vacation areas in Massachusetts like 6 Flags in Springfield (Home of the Simpsons), Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket Islands.
http://www.cingular.com/coverageviewer/popUp_3g.html
You mean Mac of course, not PC right ;)
Yup James, I agree. If I were Samsung, I’d be starting to get VERY concerned as this thing gets closer to release date if they care anything about growing their market share. The Shift is going to drounce them in sheer elegance of the device alone, not to mention the features.
And Kip, I think they need to get some of those Microsoft enthusiasts to go on talk shows like these and leave Steve for the business shows. The interview seemed clearly aimed at consumers and the general public. While Steve Ballmer comes across as a fairly likeable guy in other things I’ve seen, Bill Gates does a better job at looking excited about stuff than Ballmer. Imagine Hugo Ortega with the same opportunity!
Microsoft needs a better pitch man (/person).
I don’t get it. From what I’ve seen it’s a *spit/ptui!* WinCE device with a pricetag that approaches a Samsung Q1! Why would I want such *decreased* functionality at so high a pricetag?!!?
Don’t say size: There’s the Flipstart, OQO, and that upcoming (one hopes!) Fujitsu mini-Lifebook.
I don’t understand why people are getting so excited about the HTC Shift when devices like the Sony UX’s and the OQO’s have been available for quite a while now.
tnkgrl – its the first umpc design with a touchtype keyboard thats why in my opinion. Its a similarish design to the Psion 5 which had a big following
As I understand it, The Shift will be running Vista out of the box. It has a very sleek design, probable phone capabilities, all different kinds of connectivity and a keyboard that many people have been clamoring for in a small form factor.
The Sony isn’t touch/pen enabled. The Flipstart is fugly and bulky, the OQO is still MIA with reported delivery problems.
Microsft’s original specs were right on target with the 7 inch screen, of which none of the ones I listed above fulfill. A minimum for me to be comfortable with a UMPC would be a 7 inch screen. Anything smaller, I might as well stick with my PocketPC.
And if I am going to pay a premium for mobility, I at least want to get as much screen real estate for my money as I can.
The only device listed that could gain comparable buzz is the one upcoming from Fujitsu but I haven’t heard anything about availability. The Shift is said to be out by Fall.
The question really isn’t why are people getting excited, it should be why are people NOT getting excited.
The second gen of UMPCs are here (or are the the Shift and Fujitsu third gen because of the chipset?). HTC and Fujitsu are looking to overtake Samsung with very enticing entries into the marketplace.
The ASUS t83 looks like it could give this a run for the money. No mobile phone features though but it does have GPS and a clamshell design in its favor. Basically it’s an ASUS R2H with a keyboard.