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Ultramobile PCs merge the convenience of smartphones with the capabilities of a traditional PC. Discover more images of these essential devices.
Photo courtesy of FujitsuWhen people think about internet access on the move, they often picture using a laptop at a Wi-Fi-enabled coffee shop or checking emails on a smartphone while waiting at the airport.
While smartphones and laptops offer remote connectivity, they aren't the only options. A rising category of devices, known as portable internet devices, combine the portability of smartphones with the functionality of a full-fledged PC.
These gadgets, such as ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs) and mobile Internet devices (MIDs), are lighter than traditional laptops and smarter than typical smartphones. They offer a more convenient, faster, and cost-effective way to access the Internet.
The use of mobile devices to access the Internet has been growing. In 2007, over 2.1 million devices like PCs, smartphones, PDAs, and other mobile gadgets in the U.S. used broadband cellular connections to go online. This was more than double the number of users the previous year. Although only 1 percent of U.S. Internet users access the web via mobile broadband today, that percentage is expected to rise, potentially rendering Wi-Fi hotspots obsolete [source: PC World].
In response to the growing demand for mobile internet access, companies are creating tools for these devices. For example, Avis Rent-A-Car Systems provides an online booking tool that works with portable Internet devices, including smartphones, PDAs, and UMPCs. Avis servers recognize requests from portable devices and offer only the essential information fields.
So, is a portable Internet device like a UMPC or MID the right choice for you? And how do you determine which one suits your needs? Let’s explore the different types of portable Internet devices available in the market.
Types of Portable Internet Devices
Portable Internet devices use Wi-Fi and WiMAX technologies to connect to the Internet.
Image credit: Andreas Rentz/Getty ImagesPortable Internet devices can be grouped in a variety of ways. For instance, you could categorize them based on their design and functionality. Alternatively, you could classify them by the types of Internet technologies they utilize.
A portable Web device can operate in short, medium, or long-range modes:
- Short-range: Technologies like Bluetooth, ZigBee, or RFID enable an Internet device to connect within 100 feet using low power.
- Medium-range: Wi-Fi allows devices to connect to the Internet from 500 feet to several miles away from a hotspot.
- Long-range: WiMAX, MIT-2000, and other long-range technologies allow Internet communication up to 150 miles from a base station or across the country through a networked service. Other long-range options include high- and low-altitude platform stations (HAPS/LAPS) and satellites.
While PCs and UMPCs used to rely mainly on mid-range Wi-Fi for their internet connection, the trend is now shifting towards portable Internet devices that take advantage of WiMAX and other long-range technologies [source: ITU Internet Reports 2004: The Portable Internet].
Another way to categorize portable devices is by their functionality. ABI Research classifies portable Internet devices into two groups: UMPCs running Windows designed for business users, and MIDs aimed at consumers. ABI predicts a significant increase in both tools and toys, with shipments of portable Internet devices expected to rise from under million in 2008 to almost 90 million in 2012, with consumer devices leading the charge.
Both UMPCs and MIDs can feature Wi-Fi or WiMAX technology, and in the case of Intel Corp.'s Montevina processor, some devices support both. These devices offer various web applications such as browsing, e-mail, instant messaging (IM), photo and video sharing, and GPS navigation. More advanced features, like medical monitoring, are also under development.
Portable Internet devices come in various forms, including:
- Notebooks, such as the Asus eee PC, which open like compact laptops
- Sliders, like the Fujitsu Lifebook U810, with a keyboard that slides out from beneath the screen
- Tablets, like the Samsung Q1, featuring a side keyboard and touch screen
[source: UMPCportal.com]
A variety of portable Internet devices are currently available, with many more in the pipeline or about to be launched. If you're looking to make a purchase, let's dive into the factors you should keep in mind.
Choosing Portable Internet Devices
When selecting a portable Internet device, you should take into consideration its range, power capacity, and screen size.
Image credit: Robert Sorbo/Microsoft/Getty ImagesIf you feel prepared to purchase a portable Internet device, there are several options available now—and even more are on the way as new devices continue to be released.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a portable Internet device:
- Internet range: Decide whether mid-range Wi-Fi or long-range WiMAX would suit your needs better, and ensure that the device you're looking at supports that range.
- Power capability: Check the expected battery life. According to comparisons on UMPCportal.com, battery life ranges from 2.3 to 3.3 hours, depending on the device.
- Screen size: While most portable Internet devices have a 7-inch screen, some models offer displays as large as 8.9 inches or as small as 4.8 inches.
- Format: Choose the form factor that best suits you—whether a tablet, slider, or notebook.
- Durability: This can be difficult to assess as many of these devices are new to the market. Be sure to check reviews from other buyers on sites like Amazon or others to learn about their experiences. UMPCportal.com also provides links to reviews in its comparison chart.
- Added functions: Consider how you'll primarily use the device—will you mainly need Internet access, or would you like to integrate features such as a multimedia player, mobile phone, or GPS system?
- Price: Like most new technology, portable Internet devices can be expensive and the prices vary greatly. For example, the Samsung Q1 Ultra costs around $1,100, the Fujitsu Lifebook U810 is about $1,000, and the Asus eee PC 701 is priced at around $400.
It's important to keep in mind that portable Internet devices are still emerging technology. Both their prices and capabilities are likely to evolve over time. For example, Intel's Menlow mobile computing platform, launched in 2008, was about the size of a playing card and reduced the power consumption of UMPCs by a factor of ten. Intel is expected to release a new platform in 2009 that will reduce power consumption by another factor of ten.
Although portable Internet devices are positioned to bridge the gap between smartphones and laptops, they do come with their own set of challenges. We'll discuss those next.
Challenges with Portable Internet Devices
Portable Internet devices like the Fujitsu Lifebook U810 are designed with a unique sliding keyboard that emerges from underneath the screen.
Image courtesy of FujitsuThe challenges associated with portable Internet devices might lead you to consider alternatives, such as a smartphone or laptop, depending on what suits your needs better. Alternatively, you may choose one device over another based on user reviews. Factors to consider include software compatibility, power constraints, redundancy of existing technology, speed, and cost.
UMPCs are not an entirely new idea, but rather a concept that has failed in the past. Early portable devices were expensive, offered limited functionality, and had the major drawback of short battery life. However, with the advent of broadband, the speed of portable web devices improved significantly, making them more attractive to consumers seeking a quick, convenient way to access information or communicate away from home or work [source: CBC News].
However, certain issues persist, particularly software compatibility. Portable devices, due to their compact size and limited screen space, often run lighter versions of software. As you transition from the office to the road, consider how compatible your daily-used software on your PC is with the version on your portable Internet device. And if your portable device uses software from a different provider, how well does it integrate with your PC?
Power limitations can also be a significant barrier to adopting portable Internet devices. With most devices providing only three hours or less of battery life, they may struggle to keep up with a full day of meetings or a long cross-country journey.
The redundancy of existing technology is another consideration when comparing portable Internet devices to smartphones or laptops. If your phone already handles tasks like instant messaging, email, file transfers, and web browsing, for example, do you really need a portable Internet device to perform those same functions?
Even with the availability of broadband connections, portable Internet devices may still lag behind PCs or laptops in terms of speed when it comes to downloading large files or executing other web functions. Speed remains a challenge for these devices.
Deciding whether to purchase a portable Internet device might simply come down to whether you're willing to add another gadget to your collection. If you're already carrying a BlackBerry or iPhone along with a laptop, that may be sufficient. But if portable Internet devices can deliver the same functionalities as these devices at a reasonable price with adequate power, they could potentially replace, rather than add to, your tech load.
