Thursday, March 09, 2006

Microsoft Origami - Whats the Point?

Microsoft have invented this "new" thing called Origami - it's like a Tablet PC only without the keyboard (Think Atari Stylus, 1991), and it's smaller. But not as small as an Apple Newton (1993).

What is Origami, here's what they look like, and here's another one with specs.

They feature a 7" screen, and to be honest, I don't really give a crap. I'm just posting this because it's technology related, it's something new, but really I don't see any point in them. The TabletPC wasn't especially successful, and was MORE useful than an "Origami", because it could be a normal laptop too with a keyboard, these new Origami things, would you buy one? I know that no, you wouldn't actually buy one, but would anyone buy one? They have GPRS available to them, so could be used as car-sat-nav systems BUT so can any cheap mobile phone with the right kit for MUCH cheaper.

It's like a product but without the reason. We all know why we have a toaster for example. Perhaps if you wanted to watch DVDs in your car on the 7" screen? Can you think of uses for the Origami that can't be done by something else, cheaper / better?

"Industry observers note that Microsoft appears to be breaking considerable pricing ground with Origami, but they note that it's still unclear what the specific use of Origami will be, or which, if any, existing devices it will replace. There is some thought that its initial incarnation might appeal primarily to gadget aficionados, rather than mainstream consumers." more blurb, background info, etc.

2 comments:

Joshua said...

price expect to be around £575 here

http://www.vnunet.com/computeractive/news/2151654/microsoft-unveils-origami

battery life 2 to 2 and a half hours. normal usb keyboards can be plugged in.

Matt said...

my newton lasts at least a day on battery. if only i could think of stuff to do with it for a day.