Microsoft portable ??????
Microsoft has reportedly designed a new portable consumer gadget that will offer entertainment -- video, games and music -- in addition to basic Windows-based functions like e-mail, Web surfing and word processing.
Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft is developing an "ultraportable PC," the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing a person familiar with work going on at the world's largest software firm. Code-named "Origami," the computer is a handheld PC that is smaller and lighter than most laptops on the market today. But it includes the full Windows XP operating system and could run Windows Vista, Microsoft's successor operating system coming out this fall, according to a person familiar with the product.
The handheld is a slate with a 7-inch diagonal touch screen, about the size of portable DVD players. Users can touch the screen with their fingers or use a stylus to initiate programs. It weighs less than three pounds.
"Origami is a concept we've been working on with partners," a Microsoft spokesman said. "We are excited to share more details about the evolution of the Origami concept with you in the coming weeks, so stay tuned."
Microsoft has set up a teaser site, www.origamiproject.com, that suggests the company will say more about the project on Thursday.
Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft is developing an "ultraportable PC," the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing a person familiar with work going on at the world's largest software firm. Code-named "Origami," the computer is a handheld PC that is smaller and lighter than most laptops on the market today. But it includes the full Windows XP operating system and could run Windows Vista, Microsoft's successor operating system coming out this fall, according to a person familiar with the product.
The handheld is a slate with a 7-inch diagonal touch screen, about the size of portable DVD players. Users can touch the screen with their fingers or use a stylus to initiate programs. It weighs less than three pounds.
"Origami is a concept we've been working on with partners," a Microsoft spokesman said. "We are excited to share more details about the evolution of the Origami concept with you in the coming weeks, so stay tuned."
Microsoft has set up a teaser site, www.origamiproject.com, that suggests the company will say more about the project on Thursday.