HP's New UMPC Unveiled

[Kevin O'Brien]

In the past few days it has been rumored that HP is going to enter the UMPC market, alongside Fujitsu, Asus, and others. This new device was hinted at being a lifestyle accessory that consumers would buy without a thought, like an iPod, cellphone or other frequently used item. Today, images of a new "HP Compaq 2133" and a vague spec sheet leaked bringing more truth to this rumored device, as well as many questions.

Image courtesy of Engadget. (view large image)

Link to Engadget Article

Rumored HP Compaq 2133 Specifications:

• Windows Vista or Linux Operating System
• 8.9" 1366 x 766 WXGA display with scratch resistant screen cover
• 95% of fullsize QWERTY Keyboard
• 1GB Ethernet Jack
• 1.8" HD with SSD Optional
• Webcam
• Wireless Lan
• Expresscard/54 slot
• HP 3D DriveGuard
• HP Fast Charge
• HP Smart AC Adapter
• Anodized aluminum casing
• Tamper Proof Case (?)
• Visible Ports and Connections: Two USB 2.0, one Firewire, one VGA, SD(HC) Card reader, Headphone/Mic, Expresscard/54 Slot, Kensington Lock slot
• Weight starting at 2.5lbs

While many of these specifications put it a step or two above other low cost options like the Asus EEE PC or Everex Cloudbook, it will be interesting to see how HP prices themselves in this market. One of the more curious specifications that has raised a few eyebrows around this office is the mentioning of the tamper proof case, which might mean no upgrades or user servicing. Considering the amount of backlash Apple has received over similar designs, this notebook better have an extremely low price or some other incredible features not yet mentioned if they want to enter this already fierce market.

 

 

[quantum]

Get rid of the oversized speakers that are killing the screen space, make the screen 10" and a full keyboard to match (like the LG C1), make it a tablet and then we'll talk. This thing better have a DX10 graphics chip hidden somewhere in it...

[Vandyu]

HP already has a 2133 series. This sounds a little confusing as far as model numbers go.

http://search.hp.com/query.html?lang...3+&la=en&cc=us

[SimsHsia]

The difference is that it has the Presario model name before it, but I do agree that it will tend to be confusing when differentiating between the notebook and the upcoming UMPC -- sort of like how there is some confusion between the X61 the notebook and the X61t the Tablet PC.

[quantum]

Originally Posted by SimsHsia

The difference is that it has the Presario model name before it, but I do agree that it will tend to be confusing when differentiating between the notebook and the upcoming UMPC -- sort of like how there is some confusion between the X61 the notebook and the X61t the Tablet PC.

They have both a Presario and Pavilion model with "2133" stuck on it. Things just got a lot more confusing. My guess is they'll have to put it under the tx lineup if it's in the pavilion range, but then again they already have a tx2000 series so that will be even more confusing...

Argh, I think they'll just call it something new, like Pavario or Presilion if they decide to stick with the number. I think they'll just call it the DV1000 series. Or do they already have that as well?

Edit: apparently they have a DV1000 series, so that leaves... um... they're gonna need a new name.

[SimsHsia]

Ah, thanks for catching the Pavilion models. Maybe HP will just call it the UMPC 2133, umpc2133, um2133, etc? Or perhaps they will bring back the Jornada line -- Jornada 2133.

It seems that there are reports that the HP Compaq UMPC 2133 will not have a Penryn processor but a VIA processor. This makes it competitive with the Asus Eee. Only problem now: what's the price? Oh, wait, it's said to be $630? Other sources state that it will be priced competitively along the lines of the Asus Eee.

[Vandyu]

Well, I think the folks in charge of model number assignment need their heads examined. How hard is it to come up with a number that is distinct? My second rant of the day is that $600+ is a little higher than I wanted to go for this. When I saw it I said to myself if it reviews well and is under $500, I'll try it. I know you pay a premium for convenience, but that price needs a bit of tweaking for my tastes.

[Corazu]

Especially if it's not running a penryn. 630 with a penryn is a steal, with a via..it's just an overpriced eee.

[liufive]

the price is the key problem. despite i've already got a normal notebook, i would still like to buy an eee-pc because it's cheap and handy, even just for fun, like a toy. eee-pc works much more better than any wifi cell phone or devices like sony mylo when u wanna go online. but a subnotebook with a no-attractive price and low power, just cant see the future.

[quantum]

My HTC Advantage handles most of my UMPC issues. Practically instant on, Opera mobile browser is fantastical and the Sierra Bluetooth keyboard makes it actually quite usable for email and browsing, not to mention the screen is big enough to look at when put on a table.

I was fond of the HTC Shift until I found out no voice capabilities and the terrible battery life...

So if this had Penryn and can stay awake for, say, 4+ hours on a standard battery then I'll pay over 500 for it. To be competitive with the Eee, it'll need better specs, more battery life and a bigger screen (get rid of the bezel with speakers) for under 500.