I have been keeping a keen eye on the ultra-portable space because some major (and not so major) players have been announcing new devices like crazy. Fujitsu has launched the P1610 mini-Tablet PC (also available with Windows XP only), a device that gives me a serious case of gadget lust. We told you about the AMD Geode powered mini-tablet device from Kohjinsha that sports a tiny keyboard and touchscreen that is supposed to debut at less than $1,000.
Now, word comes from AVING of a new Origami-folding device from Samsung in Korea.
The SPH-P9000 MITs is an intriguing device with a folding keyboard and very thin screen that opens up into a little laptop configuration. It won’t win any speed competitions with the Transmeta CPU (aren’t they dead yet?) and the lack of WiFi is a strange choice but Samsung has geared this at their native Korean market by including WiMAX, WiBro and EV-DO for connectivity. It is clear Samsung is creating a mobile workhorse for email and light duty on the road. This device is slated (pun intended) to appear in the first half of 2007 in Korea and I doubt we’ll ever see it here in the US.
It’s interesting that we’re finally seeing some real traction in the mini-notebook/ Tablet space. I’ve been calling for the mini-Tablet PC for years and it looks as if some OEMs are finally waking up and realizing there just might be a viable market for these things.
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