Today is the first time I’ve seen an actual launch date for a UMPC (thanks Forser) and it’s the Samsung Q1 which will be launching worldwide on May 1. Unfortunately this won’t be launching on the high side of $1,000 in the UK, at least according to reghardware.co.uk, here are the specs:

The 22.8 x 14 x 2.7cm Q1 sports a 7in, 800 x 480 LCD. Behind the screen sits a 900MHz ultra-low voltage Celeron M processor, an Intel 915GMS chipset, 512MB of 400MHz DDR 2 SDRAM and a 40GB, 1.8in hard drive. The machine has integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and 10/100Mbps Ethernet networking, plus Bluetooth 2.0 and two USB 2.0 ports for connecting peripherals. There’s GPS on board too, and a CF card slot. It weighs more than 779g.

$2100USD in South Korea, are you kidding me? Ouch and at £800 with current exchange rate $968.12 USD. I’m thinking at least initially we’ll be seeing more of these devices over $1,000 USD after tax then under.

That’s too bad because they could do better if they were in the $700 and under range. I sure hope the UMPCs don’t go the path of pricing that Tablet PCs have gone. If they are too expensive, people won’t buy them in large enough numbers. The main attraction of these devices is pay a couple hundred more than an iPod for a full featured portable Windows powered computer with touch screen or stylus inking. If the pricing leans more to the high side of $1,000, only hardcore mobile enthusiasts and businesspeople will be springing.

I won’t pay more than $1,000 for a UMPC unless it’s just oozing with irresistable specs. Let’s hope more UMPCs start appearing and at lower price points.

Did this post make you go hmm?

Maybe Related Posts (plugin generated)

• Microsoft names it Zune
• Podcast to other (Windows) portable devices besides iPod
• Magellan RoadMate 800 Portable GPS vs. Tablet PC vs. Pocket PC and UMPC
• Apple to unveil 60 GB iPod with color screen?
• Where is the UMPC coverage at Yahoo Tech?
• HDTV still a rare site in homes