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Ultra-Mobile PCs are manufactured by different companies and the features included on models can vary. Although care has been taken to assure the accuracy of the information contained here, the following may not apply to all models.
For information on specific models, check the manufacturer's Web site. You can be find them on our Ultra-Mobile PC Links page.
The FAQs are divided into several categories. Click on one of the following to go directly to that section.
After visiting the following, click the 'Back' button to return to this site.
What is an Ultra-Mobile PC?
The Ultra-Mobile PC is a
computer that's approximately the size of a paperback book. You can write with a digital pen directly on the
screen of the Ultra-Mobile PC or use your finger for navigation or using the
onscreen keyboard. If you want
to know more about the features of the Ultra-Mobile PC or need other information
visit
Microsoft's Origami Project.
What operating system does an Ultra-Mobile PC use?
Ultra-Mobile PCs use Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 which is a superset of Windows XP Pro.
Why should I buy an Ultra-Mobile PC?
The Ultra-Mobile PC can replace both an aging
laptop or PDA with state-of-the-art portability. You can stay
connected while away from your home, office or school.
The Ultra-Mobile PC includes many innovations, including touch input, handwriting recognition, a low-heat processor and an operating system that's a superset of the very stable Windows XP Professional -Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. There are other applications made specifically for the Ultra-Mobile PCs with more being developed. Several of the improvements in Windows XP Ultra-Mobile PC edition are listed below:
Windows XP Ultra-Mobile PC Edition extends the strong features of Windows XP Professional through unique technological enhancements designed to provide a more versatile PC experience.
The additional Ultra-Mobile PC functionality allows users to:
-
Control the Ultra-Mobile PC using a digital pen or your finger
-
Create handwritten documents on the Ultra-Mobile PC
-
Store, search, and review handwritten notes
-
Convert handwritten notes into text to use in other applications
-
Take movies, music and other entertainment with you
-
Connect wirelessly
How do Ultra-Mobile PCs
compare to Pocket PCs or Tablet PCs in weight?
Weight is a very important factor in the
Ultra-Mobile PC. Ultra-Mobile PCs are lighter than the majority of Tablet
PCs and larger than most Pocket PCs.
Most weigh about 2 pounds. The Ultra-Mobile PC is
about the size of a paperback book.
Where do you store
the stylus on the Ultra-Mobile PC?
Each Ultra-Mobile PC has an area in which to secure the pen.
Why doesn't an
Ultra-Mobile PC have a faster processor?
The Ultra-Mobile PC uses a low or ultra-low
voltage CPU
chip that's actually considerably faster than its "number" indicates. This also improves battery life
and helps keep the price lower without much loss of usability.
Can I upgrade the memory?
Most vendors offer memory upgrades. Many models' memory can be upgraded by
the user.
How much storage is
onboard?
Different Ultra-Mobile PCs have different storage capabilities. Most use either
a 30-60 gigabyte drive.
Can I upgrade the
hard drive?
Many vendors offer hard
drive upgrades.
Can the drive be
removed?
Yes.
Can I watch my DVDs and video CDs on the
Ultra-Mobile PC?
It's easy to download a movie or video CD
direct to the hard drive on your Ultra-Mobile PC for viewing whenever you're
ready. Most external DVD players require a
separate power source and the affects the portability of your Ultra-Mobile PC. Using the
Ultra-Mobile PC's power will drain the battery much
faster.
Can I use the Ultra-Mobile PC as an MP3 player?
An Ultra-Mobile PC is a great way to take it with
you, whether it's files, music or other entertainment.
Is the Ultra-Mobile PC's
screen touch sensitive?
Yes, The Ultra-Mobile PCs use touch as well as the pen
for input. Some models will have a harder touch to help avoid interference
from your palm
How durable is the
display screen on the Ultra-Mobile PC?
The Ultra-Mobile PC has undergone
rigorous testing and meets all criteria for normal use.
Are screen protectors necessary?
Some manufacturers might recommend the use of screen protectors. Follow the
manufacturer's guidelines.
Can the display be used in both portrait
and landscape modes?
No, the Ultra-Mobile PC can be used in landscape mode
only at this time.
What's the screen
resolution? Can it be changed?
Ultra-Mobile PCs generally use an 800x480 screen resolution.
You can adjust some models to 800x600 and 1080x640.
Can I use the Ultra-Mobile PC
outdoors?
Most Ultra-Mobile PCs use a screen that has
been used in various outdoor activities.
Can I adjust the
brightness of the display?
There is a control for brightness, however, increasing the brightness can
decrease the life of the battery. There are also some models that have a
screen that's usable both indoors and outside in bright sunlight.
Will hand lotions or
body oils affect the handwriting recognition or touch capabilities used with the
Ultra-Mobile PC?
As with anything else, excessive oils should be kept from accumulating on the
screen. The screen is easily cleaned with a soft cloth. No alcohol
or alcohol-based products should be used.
How long will the battery last
without recharging?
The way the Ultra-Mobile PC is used will determine
the actual time before the battery needs to be recharged. The new mobile processors being released increase battery life considerably.
Currently, the minimum battery life for an Ultra-Mobile PC is 2.5 hours,
although most manufacturers claim 3 hours or more.
Is there a docking
station to recharge the batteries?
Most models of the Ultra-Mobile PC can support docking stations. Check with your
selected manufacturer to see if the docking station is included or available as
an option. Some manufacturers sell separate battery charges, and there are also
third-party chargers available.
How long does it take
to shut down the Ultra-Mobile PC if I need to remove it from its docking station?
There is no need to shut down the Ultra-Mobile PC before removing it from its
docking station. The Ultra-Mobile PC's docking feature allows you to grab it and go.
Does the docking
station provide any additional ports?
Several models of the Ultra-Mobile PC include additional ports on the docking station
or port replicator. Check individual models for specific
information.
What type of
security is used with the Ultra-Mobile PC?
Different models offer different security options. Check the
manufacturer's website for more specific information.
How secure is wireless connectivity?
Wireless is not the most
secure way of communicating. Just as with cell phones, the signals can be
"overheard." There are security options, and it's highly suggested that
safe computing is practiced, including WEP or WPA encryption.
Will all the Windows
applications I already have run on the Ultra-Mobile PC?
Many existing applications that are Windows XP compatible should run on the
Ultra-Mobile PC. Windows XP is one of the most robust operating systems released by
Microsoft, allowing even older programs to work on newer machines. More
and more developers are writing programs that take better advantage of ink.
Do I have to use the pen for input on my
Ultra-Mobile PC?
Not at all! Ultra-Mobile PCs include the Touch Pack
from Microsoft. This allows you to use your finger, a stylus or the
Ultra-Mobile PC pen.
What operating system does the Ultra-Mobile PC
use?
The Ultra-Mobile PC uses a superset of Windows XP
Professional - Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. This includes Windows
Journal which allows users to actually write on the screen using digital pen and
ink technology.
How difficult is it
to learn the handwriting?
There isn't anything to learn. Windows XP
Tablet PC Edition will recognize most handwriting.
The gestures used for functions normally done with a mouse or keyboard can be
learned easily by the user. If preferred, there's an on-screen menu and
keyboard.
How will I be able to upgrade my Ultra-Mobile PC when Microsoft Windows
Vista is released?
Check with your Ultra-Mobile PC manufacturer.
Why can't I train my Ultra-Mobile PC to read my writing?`
The Ultra-Mobile PC doesn't use a handwriting technology that can be taught. It
is a handwriting-recognition application that was created using thousands of
samples of handwriting. The results are excellent. With the release of
Lonestar, included in Windows XP Service Pack 2, the handwriting recognition is
much improved.
Windows Vista will allow you to train the computer to better understand your way of writing.
Can I use the handwriting feature with the
Ultra-Mobile PC since I'm left-handed?-
The Ultra-Mobile PC can recognize left-handed
writing as well as right-handed. Select the correct setting for your way
of writing.
What if I write too
heavily or too lightly? Will that make my handwriting illegible?
There are several settings for the pen and ink ranging from extra fine to heavy
marker. There's also a sensitivity setting for individual
preferences.
What languages can the handwriting
recognition translate?
Windows XP Ultra-Mobile PC Edition can be
used with US English, Japanese, German, French, Simplified and Traditional
Chinese, and Korean languages of Ultra-Mobile PC Edition version 1. It
also supports the Windows XP Multilingual User Interface (MUI), which lets
you change dialog boxes, menus, help files, dictionaries, and proofing
tools for each user’s language.
The Recognition
Pack includes handwriting recognizers for
U.K. English, U.S. English, French, German, Spanish (International Sort),
Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese.
Speech recognizers are English,
Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 MUI & Recognizer Pack enables users to switch user interface settings using existing Tablet PC Edition–supported languages (English, French, German, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese) and a number of additional languages, including Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Spanish, Italian, Norwegian, Brazilian Portuguese, Portuguese, and Swedish. Users can install a handwriting recognizer for Iberian Spanish, in addition to those already installed for English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. Also, users can install a new speech recognizer for Traditional Chinese, in addition to those for English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese. (Source - http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/tabletpc/evaluation/muiprodguide.asp)
If your language isn't
supported, there are third-party programs for many additional languages.
Why doesn't Windows XP Tablet PC Edition recognize more languages.
Microsoft is working on adding more languages. There are also some
excellent third-party programs that will allow a substantial number of
additional languages.
Once I take notes
using handwriting, how can I find them again when needed?
The Ultra-Mobile
PC uses a program that easily does this. Windows Journal
can store data as either handwritten notes or, if preferred, notes can be converted to text.
The search function lets you quickly find what you're looking in either format.
You may also want to try Microsoft One Note, one of the Office family of products.
It's an excellent program that works extremely well with Ultra-Mobile PCs.
There are also third party programs available from places like Agilix and Franklin Covey that can be used for school assignments, appointments, notes and other daily tasks.
I've already learned
to use
Graffiti®. Can I use
Graffiti® rather than
handwriting?
The Ultra-Mobile PC has character as well as handwriting recognition included with
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. Although this isn't the same as
Graffiti®, you can input characters
using the character recognition panel, use your normal handwriting or the
onscreen keyboard.
Considering all my mobile gadgets, why
should I get a Ultra-Mobile PC and use it instead of all the others?
An Ultra-Mobile PC has
many capabilities so that you can use it in place of several other items,
helping to make you more mobile with less weight.
Does the Ultra-Mobile PC
support cell phone features?
The Ultra-Mobile
PC does not have cell phone
capabilities, although some models will be able to connect via cellular or
satellite.
What kind of
connection ports are on the Ultra-Mobile PC?
Most models include
a couple of additional ports such as USB.
Do Ultra-Mobile PCs support 802.11a?
Models are
generally equipped with 802.11b and/or g. Check with the individual manufacturers to see if they'll be supporting 802.11a.
Does the Ultra-Mobile PC
have a camera built in?
The Ultra-Mobile PC is made to be very portable
and lightweight. Some models have a camera available.
Why don't you have a
cool name for this thing?
The Ultra-Mobile PC is a term used to cover all makes and models. The manufacturers have
named their products individually.
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Last modified:
March 24, 2007
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