Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon table PC

A table computer, or a table PC, or a tabletop is a device class of a full-featured large-display portable all-in-one computer with an internal battery. It can either be used on a table's top, hence the name, or carried around the house.

Table computers feature an 18-inch or larger multi-touch touchscreen display, a battery capable of at least 2 hours of autonomous work and a full-featured desktop operating system, such as Windows 10. They are typically shipped with pre-installed multi-user touch-enabled casual games and apps, and typically marketed as family entertainment devices. Manufacturers of some table computers provide a specialized graphical user interface to simplify a simultaneous interaction of multiple users, one example is Aura interface, which is installed in Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon tabletop.

A number of manufacturers released their own versions of tabletops, some prominent examples are HP Envy Rove 20, Dell XPS 18 and Sony VAIO Tap 20.

Last update on 11 July 2016 at 06:01.

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A mobile Internet device (MID) is a multimedia-capable mobile device providing wireless Internet access. They are designed to provide entertainment, information and location-based services for personal or business use. They allow 2-way communication and real-time sharing. They have been described as filling a niche between smartphones and tablet computers.

As all the features of MID started becoming available on smartphones and tablets, the term is now mostly used to refer to both low-end as well as high-end tablets.

Lenovo Ideapad U8 MID

The Nokia N810 is an example of a MID

Archos Internet tablets

The class of mobile Internet tablets from Archos has included multiple operating systems: Windows CE, Android, and Windows 7. The form factor is very similar to the Lenovo image on the right. The Android tablet uses an ARM Cortex CPU and a touchscreen.

Intel MID platforms

See also: Tablet computer § Intel tablet platforms

Intel announced a prototype MID at the Intel Developer Forum in Spring 2007 in Beijing. A MID development kit by Sophia Systems using Intel Centrino Atom was announced in April 2008.

Intel MID platforms are based on an Intel processor and chipset which consume less power than most of the x86 derivatives. A few platforms have been announced as listed below:

McCaslin platform (2007)

Intel's first generation MID platform (codenamed McCaslin) contains a 90 nm Intel A100/A110 processor (codenamed Stealey) which runs at 600–800 MHz.

Centrino	McCaslin platform
Mobile chipset	an Intel 945GU Express MCH northbridge (codenamed Little River) with integrated GMA 950 graphics and an ICH7-U southbridge
Mobile processor	a 90 nm Intel A100/A110 processor (codenamed Stealey)
Wireless network	a wireless radio

Menlow platform (2008)

On 2 March 2008, Intel introduced the Intel Atom processor brand for a new family of low-power processor platforms. The components have thin, small designs and work together to "enable the best mobile computing and Internet experience" on mobile and low-power devices.

Intel's second generation MID platform (codenamed Menlow) contains a 45 nm Intel Atom processor (codenamed Silverthorne) which can run up to 2.0 GHz and a System Controller Hub (codenamed Poulsbo) which includes Intel HD Audio (codenamed Azalia). This platform was initially branded as Centrino Atom but such practice was discontinued in Q3 2008.

Centrino	Menlow platform
Mobile chipset	an Intel SCH (codenamed Poulsbo) with integrated GMA 500 graphics (PowerVR SGX 535 based)
Mobile processor	a 45 nm Intel Atom processor (codenamed Silverthorne)
Wireless network	a wireless radio

Moorestown platform (2010)

Intel's third generation MID/smartphone platform (codenamed Moorestown) contains a 45 nm Intel Atom processor (codenamed Lincroft) and a 65 nm Platform Controller Hub (codenamed Langwell). Since the memory controller and graphics controller are all now integrated into the processor, the northbridge has been removed and the processor communicates directly with the southbridge via the DMI bus interface.

Atom	Moorestown platform
Mobile chipset	a 65 nm Intel PCH (codenamed Langwell) and an MSIC (codenamed Briertown)
Mobile processor	a 45 nm Intel Atom processor (codenamed Lincroft) with integrated GMA 600 graphics (PowerVR SGX 535 based)
Wireless network	a wireless radio (codenamed Evans Peak)

Medfield platform (2012)

Intel's fourth generation MID/smartphone platform (codenamed Medfield) contains a 32 nm Intel Atom SoC (codenamed Penwell).

Atom	Medfield platform
Mobile processor	a 32 nm Intel Atom SoC (codenamed Penwell) with integrated CPU (codenamed Saltwell) and graphics (PowerVR SGX 540 based)
Wireless network	a wireless radio

Clover Trail+ platform (2012)

Intel's MID/smartphone platform (codenamed Clover Trail+) based on its Clover Trail tablet platform. It contains a 32 nm Intel Atom SoC (codenamed Cloverview).

Atom	Clover Trail+ platform
Mobile processor	a 32 nm Intel Atom SoC (codenamed Cloverview) with integrated CPU (codenamed Saltwell) and graphics (PowerVR SGX 545 based)
Wireless network	a wireless radio

Merrifield platform (2013)

Intel's fifth generation MID/smartphone platform (codenamed Merrifield) contains a 22 nm Intel Atom SoC (codenamed Tangier).

Atom	Merrifield platform
Mobile processor	an Intel Atom SoC (codenamed Tangier) with integrated CPU (codenamed Silvermont) and graphics (Gen 7)
Wireless network	a wireless radio

Moorefield platform (2014)

Intel's sixth generation MID/smartphone platform (codenamed Moorefield) contains a 14 nm Intel Atom SoC (codenamed Anniedale).

Atom	Moorefield platform
Mobile processor	an Intel Atom SoC (codenamed Anniedale) with integrated CPU (codenamed Airmont) and graphics (Gen 8)
Wireless network	a wireless radio

Morganfield platform

Intel's seventh generation MID/smartphone platform (codenamed Morganfield) contains a 14 nm Intel Atom SoC (codenamed Broxton).

Atom	Morganfield platform
Mobile processor	an Intel Atom SoC (codenamed Broxton) with integrated CPU (codenamed Goldmont) and graphics (Gen 9)
Wireless network	a wireless radio

Operating system

Intel announced collaboration with Ubuntu to create Ubuntu for mobile internet devices distribution, known as Ubuntu Mobile. Ubuntu's website says the new distribution "will provide a rich Internet experience for users of Intel’s 2008 Mobile Internet Device (MID) platform." Another MID Open Source Linux distribution is Moblin, which had been merged into the new MeeGo project that has been merged with LiMo into Tizen project.

Last updated on 23 June 2016 at 00:09.

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Microsoft Surface Pro 3, a prominent 2-in-1 detachable

A 2-in-1 PC is a category of portable computers, containing devices that combine elements of tablets and laptops. Different variants of the term exist, such as 2-in-1 tablet, 2-in-1 laptop, 2-in-1 detachable, laplet, or simply 2-in-1.

Before the emergence of 2-in-1s, the terms convertible and hybrid were already being used in the computer industry and by technology journalists. Convertibles typically feature some type of keyboard concealment mechanism, in some cases allowing the user to rotate or slide the keyboard behind the back of the chassis, while the hybrid's keyboard is completely detachable without interrupting the running system. Both convertibles and hybrids are crossover devices, combining features of both a tablet and a laptop, however, the 2-in-1 is a sibling class of both these categories, dubbed the 2-in-1 convertible or 2-in-1 detachable respectively, but distinct from other convertibles and hybrids by the support of a full-featured desktop operating system, such as Windows 10 and featuring a number of I/O-ports for extra connectivity to various standard PC peripheral devices.

2-in-1 is an example of a technological convergence. It is built using a standard portable PC components, yet have a light and thin chassis, which can transform 2-in-1 into a slate tablet form. Therefore, 2-in-1s are convenient for a media consumption and typical non-intensive tablet tasks, such as web browsing, in one position, and in another they are useful for resource intensive content production activities, such as a photo editing.

Forms

Lenovo Yoga, 2-in-1 convertible with a keyboard that can be rotated at any angle

Sony VAIO Duo, 2-in-1 convertible with a sliding keyboard

HP Spectre x2, a modern 2-in-1 detachable

2-in-1 convertible

2-in-1 convertibles are devices with the ability to hide the keyboard, rotating, folding or sliding it behind or within a chassis. They tend to differ by the type of hinge used. On most devices it is situated near the display and keyboard junction, while on others (like the Dell XPS Duo) there is the additional hinge in the middle of the display, so that the display can be flipped horizontally within its frame. Some 2-in-1 convertibles incorporate a sliding mechanism, allowing the user to slide the keyboard behind or within the display.

2-in-1 detachable

After the inception of 2-in-1 convertibles, many manufacturers looked for ways to further decrease the size and weight of their touchscreen-enabled hybrid laptop devices. 2-in-1 detachables emerged - devices with detachable keyboards. In most cases the keyboard part provides few, if any, additional features (most often a touchpad, as in the HP Spectre x2). However, some manufacturers equip the keyboard part with some features of a docking station: additional I/O-ports, battery, etc. (like the Dell Latitude 13 7000 Series). Some models of the Surface Book have a discrete graphics adapter in the keyboard part, with the ability to automatically connect and disconnect (switching to the integrated graphics in the display part), without the interruption of the running operating system.

After the release of the original Surface, which first made use of a kickstand supporting the main part of the tablet while it stands on a flat surface, a number of other manufacturers incorporated their own versions of a supporting mechanism for their products. For example, the HP Spectre x2's case features a bending frame with a locking mechanism.

Notably, the keyboard parts of some 2-in-1 detachables, while providing essential features, are sometimes deemed an "optional" accessory by some manufacturers in order to minimize the starting price of a device. Nevertheless, in such cases the device is often displayed with its keyboard part in most ads and promotional materials. This is true for all devices of the Surface and Surface Pro lines.

Distinction from traditional tablets and laptops

Even while being considered tablets, 2-in-1s fall in the category of hybrid or convertible tablets, but distinct from other members of this group in the following ways: they run a full-featured desktop operating system, feature a CPU that supports it and have I/O ports typically found on laptops, such as USB and DisplayPort. The most prominent element is the keyboard, which transforms the 2-in-1 into a full-fledged laptop.

When a 2-in-1 is being classified as a laptop, it loosely falls in the Ultrabook device category, sharing with it such traits as a light and thin chassis, a power-efficient CPU, and a long battery life. It is distinguished from a traditional Ultrabook by the inclusion of a touchscreen display and a concealable or detachable keyboard.

Devices similar to 2-in-1s

Some aspects of 2-in-1s are found in devices using ARM processors. Such devices are not classified as a 2-in-1s as they usually run mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows RT etc.) instead of a desktop OS (Windows 10, Ubuntu, etc.) and typically have fewer industry-standard I/O-ports.

Devices whose form factors resemble 2-in-1s but are not classified as such include the Surface RT and Surface 2, whose design and appearance are similar to the Surface Proand Surface Pro 2, the iPad Pro and ASUS Transformer Pad series devices. They all have optional detachable keyboards, but are still considered as hybrid tablets due to their use of a mobile operating system.

Notable devices

The first device which can be considered a 2-in-1 detachable is the Compaq TC1000 from 2002. It features a 1 GHz Transmeta Crusoe CPU, Nvidia GeForce 2 Go GPU, Windows XP Tablet PC edition, detachable keyboard, and a stylus.

The mainstream public attention was not achieved until the late 2013, when tablet-sized laptops with detachable keyboards, mainly running the Windows 8 operating system onIntel Atom processors, started to appear in the mass market.

Among the first devices from this era were the Asus VivoTab series by Asus, with models with 10.1 inches (26 cm) or 11.6 inches (29 cm) screens. They began to arrive in stores in October 2012, and were succeeded by the ASUS Transformer Book series in October 2013.

Microsoft started its own line of 2-in-1s with the introduction of the Surface Pro series, the first of which was released in February 2013. It had a 10.6 inches (27 cm) display,Intel Core i5 CPU, and a detachable keyboard, which also doubles as a protective screen cover.

A number of prominent laptop manufacturers, such as Lenovo, Dell, Samsung, Acer, HP and others have also begun releasing their own 2-in-1s.

Criticism

In April 2012 Apple's CEO Tim Cook, answering to the question of the researcher Anthony Sacconaghi about a possible hybrid of iPad and MacBook, compared a 2-in-1 to "a hybrid of a toaster and a refrigerator" that "doesn’t please anyone":

“	I think, Tony, anything can be forced to converge. But the problem is that products are about trade-offs, and you begin to make trade-offs to the point where what you have left at the end of the day doesn’t please anyone. You can converge a toaster and a refrigerator, but those things are probably not going to be pleasing to the user … you wouldn’t want to put these things together because you wind up compromising in both and not pleasing either user. Some people will prefer to own both, and that’s great, too. But I think to make the compromises of convergence, so — we’re not going to that party. Others might. Others might from a defensive point of view, particularly. But we’re going to play in both.	”
— Tim Cook, Apple's CEO

As of 2015, the only pre-installed operating systems specifically supporting 2-in-1's are Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Although some Linux distributions do support some touch features of 2-in-1s, they are generally unsupported by hardware vendors. Apple's OS X operating system does not support touch features due to the lack of touch-enabled devices, powered by OS X being produced as of yet.

Compared to Google Android and Apple iOS mobile operating systems the touch-oriented features of Windows intended for tablet use are often criticized as less convenient, more confusing to use and for the lack of quality apps in the Windows Store. It is, however possible to run Android apps in Microsoft Windows through the use of emulator software, such as BlueStacks' App Player or American Megatrends' AMIDuOS.

Last updated on 17 July 2016 at 22:42.

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This article is about a specific small form-factor PC. For the generic class of small PCs, see Subnotebook.

The Wibrain B1 UMPC was a UMPC based on the VIA Ultra Mobility Platform featuring a 1.2 GHz VIA C7-M processor, 4.8" touchscreen, split thumb keyboard, touchpad, and webcam.

An ultra-mobile PC (ultra-mobile personal computer or UMPC) was a small form factor version of a pen computer, a class oflaptop whose specifications were launched by Microsoft and Intel in spring 2006. Sony had already made a first attempt in this direction in 2004 with its Vaio U series, which was however only sold in Asia. UMPCs are smaller than subnotebooks, have a TFT display measuring (diagonally) about 12.7 to 17.8 cm (5 to 7 inch screen), are operated like tablet PCs using a touchscreen or a stylus, and can also have a physical keyboard. There is no clear boundary between subnotebooks and ultra-mobile PCs.

The first-generation UMPCs were simple PCs running Linux or an adapted version of Microsoft's tablet PC operating system. With the announcement of the UMPC, Microsoft dropped the licensing requirement that tablet PCs must support proximity sensing of the stylus, which Microsoft termed "hovering".

Second-generation UMPCs used less electricity and can therefore could be used for longer (up to five hours) and also had support for Windows Vista.

Originally code-named Project Origami, the project was launched in 2006 as a collaboration between Microsoft, Intel, Samsung, and a few others. After largely been supplanted by tablet computers, production of Ultra-mobile PC was discontinued in the early 2010s.

History

In February 2006, a viral marketing campaign was quietly launched for the UMPC, then still referred to by its codename, "Project Origami". Speculation over "what is Origami?" and pictures of the rumored prototypes were passed around and covered extensively on Engadget, Scobleizer, Thatedeguy and other technology sites. Finalization of the Origami project was announced in time for CeBIT.

Much speculation had positioned Origami as a portable gaming device that would directly compete with Nintendo's DS and Sony's PSP. This rumor gained credibility after videos were leaked showing Halo: Combat Evolved being played on a UMPC. While the movie was quickly taken down from its original source, mirrors still exist on many other sites. Later in the week, the Associated Press confirmed that "Origami" was actually to be a regular PC with "limited gaming capabilities".

First two devices

Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC

The first UMPCs on the market were AMtek's T700 and Samsung's Q1.

The AMtek T700 was sold in the USA as the TabletKiosk eo v7110, agoPC ago7, and Azentek GB-810, in Europe as the PaceBlade EasyBook P7 and its Label Origami, and in Australia the TabletKiosk eo v7110 and the Pioneer DreamBook UMPC 700 and in Japan thePBJ SmartCaddie.

2006

In late August 2006, TabletKiosk launched a line of Intel-based UMPCs, the eo i7210 and i7209. It followed this up in March 2007 with a ruggedized VIA based UMPC, the eo TufTab v7112XT.

OQO was also selling UMPCs. The OQO model 01 was launched before the ultra-mobile PC craze began, but its specifications were very similar to those of most UMPC models.

In September 2006, Raon Digital launched the Vega running an AMD Geode LX800, 256 MB of RAM, and a 30 GB hard drive. It had a 4.3" screen, a 500 MHz processor, and a battery life of 5.5 hours. It ran Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition and retailed for 680,000 Korean won (U$700–750). However it did not have WiFi capability.

In early October 2006 Samsung quietly launched the Q1B, bringing the Ultra Mobile platform closer to the vision that Microsoft created. The Q1b featured a VIA C7-M ULV processor running at 1 GHz, up to five hours of battery life, and a lower price than the Samsung Q1. It also has optional modules for HSDPA or WiBro for ubiquitous internet connectivity in major cities around the world. Also a new UMPC on the market was the T770 from AMtek. It was a Windows Vista powered device with a 1200 MHz processor and 1024 MB of RAM. It has a 40 GB hard disk (or 60 GB on another cheaper brand, and also the same device) and a 7" screen. It was available for 899 € (the cheaper brand was 849 €).

2007

Wibrain launched the first UMPC model B1E and B1H in December 2007.

In 2007, Bill Gates introduced the OQO model 02 in his keynote at CES 2007. The OQO model 02 is now shipping with a 5-inch/12.7-cm screen, EV-DO WWAN, Bluetooth, 802.11 a/b/g WiFi, running Microsoft Windows XP and Vista. OQO has won quite a few computer and design awards, including Guinness World Records recognition of OQO model 02 as the world's smallest fully functional computer (where a 'computer' means ability to run Windows).

In August 2007, Raon Digital launched their second UMPC 'Everun' which has built in WiFi and HSDPA. It uses the AMD Geode (processor) LX900. Everun is introduced as the UMPC with the longest battery life—as much as 6–7 hours with its standard battery and 12 hours with a large battery. Unlike its previous model 'VEGA', Everun has a full qwerty key pad, aesthetically similar to a Smartphone, which appeals to the mobile commuter.

On September 17, 2007, OQO launched the model e2 for the European audience with a localized keyboard, 1.6 GHz VIA C7-M processor, 120 GB hard drive or a 32 GB SSD option.

Also, in October 2007 the Asus EEE PC (model 701) was launched. With a 7 inch screen, full keyboard and wifi, running Linux, it started the netbook revolution.

2008

ASUS R50A UMPC

HTC Launched the Shift, codename Clio, in January 2008. The HTC Shift ran both Windows Vista and a PDA mode called SnapVUE simultaneously. The Windows Vista half ran on an Intel A110 Stealey CPU at 800 MHz, with 2 GB of RAM, Intel GMA 950, and a 40/60 GB HDD. The PDA mode ran on an ARM11 CPU with 64 MB of RAM. The two operating systems shared Quadband GSM, Triband UMTS, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, and Bluetooth 2.0 radios as well as a single 800x480 7" touchscreen display. Input could be selected with a single hardware button, with the Windows Mobile half limited to 640x480. Behind the display exists a sliding and tilt mechanism, similar to that seen with the HTC TyTN 2, to reveal a full qwerty keyboard.

Wibrain launched the second models of B1L series with Ubuntu Linux on February 27, 2008. Their starting price is around $500.00. Wibrain UMPC features a 4.8 inch touch enabled LCD screen at 1024x600 resolution, a 1.0 GHz or 1.2 GHz VIA C7M CPU, 512 MB or 1 GB of memory, a 30 GB or 60 GB harddisk, a full qwerty keyboard and built-in WiFi (802.11b/g).

Around the same date, CHIP.DE featured an article about the R2H and R50A from ASUS, which runs a Windows Tablet PC edition OS on its Intel Celeron system. It has a VGA-TV output, GPS, 3 USB ports, 60 GB hard drive and 512 MB RAM. It also offers wired/wireless network capabilities.

In September 2008 Nova Mobility announced its second generation Side Arm 2 Industrial UMPC. This unit is designed around the Intel Atom processor and is the first industrial grade UMPC released on that platform. It has GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth standard and 3G as an option. You can also have EVDO via the PCI Express card slot in the top of the unit. Two USB ports, a 7" touch screen and one hand-typeable QWERTY keyboard are available. The device weighs less than 2 lbs and offers up to ten hours of battery life.

2009–2010

Yukyung introduced the Viliv S5 in mid-2009 followed by Viliv X70 models. In July 2010, the Viliv N5 was introduced. The N5 is a small notebook-style UMPC whereas the S5 and the X70 are tablets. They all feature GPS, Wifi, Bluetooth, 3G availability, SSD options with Intel Z520 Processors and integrated GMA500 graphics with hardware acceleration for H264 HD video playback. The starting prices were around US$ 599 with battery life of five hours or longer.

Also in 2009, Panasonic introduced the Toughbook U1 UMPC, according to them was then the world's first fully rugged UMPC on the market.

2011

Ocosmos launched the OCS1, a gaming UMPC with the latest CPU from Intel, which features Windows 7 Home Premium and front and rear-facing cameras.

Features

Project Origami defines a specification for computers with a 20 cm (8-inch) or smaller touch sensitive screen at a minimum resolution of 800 × 480. To make it more suited for the small form factor, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition was originally used with slight tweaks to the interface and a software add-on known as the Touch Pack Interface to make the interface more suitable for use of a stylus as well as hands. When the UMPC was disclosed at CeBIT 2006, Samsung, ASUS, and Founder had near-complete devices on display. Recently, the UMPC initiative has included later Windows versions.

UMPCs with Windows XP installed are able to run any software that has been written for the Windows XP platform, though the small form factor often mandates some changes to the interface. The standard Windows XP interface is the default, though a choice of having an interface more suited for the small form factor is available with the Touch Pack Interface. As the units are so small, many UMPCs do not feature a physical keyboard, but an on-screen virtual keyboard provided in the Touch Pack Interface (such as the DialKeys, below). Also, since the device has standard USB 2.0 connectivity, external keyboards and mice can be attached.

UMPC devices include either Intel or VIA processors, 256 MB to 2 GB of RAM, and a 30 to 160 GB hard disk, depending on the manufacturer. Other ultra mobile devices feature AMD or Transmeta Crusoe CPUs. Ultra-mobile PCs can also feature Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, webcams, fingerprint readers, stereo speakers, TV tuners, and memory card readers. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and WWAN connections are sometimes included as well.

UMPCs have enough processing power to support audio, video, and gaming, in addition to having rich support for browsing the internet as well as for other communication and networking applications. Windows Media Player is included, with a special skin designed to provide a better experience on the small screen. The devices also feature DirectX 9–class graphics, and all applications available for standard Tablet PCs are expected to be compatible.

In 2006, UMPC prices were approximately $1000 in the United States, and although Microsoft made efforts to push down prices for the 2006 holiday season, they were not expected to reach the US$500 range market analysts felt was necessary to achieve mainstream success. Most UMPCs were available with Windows 7, although many newer UMPCs came with the option to have XP or Linux installed, as some devices are too sluggish to run the Vista kernel on which Windows 7 is based. One example of this is the Samsung Q1 Ultra which originally launched with only Vista versions, but subsequently launched Windows XP versions. This is largely because UMPC hardware at the time was too close to the minimum Vista requirements to be comfortably used.

DialKeys

A new text input method was implemented for ultra-mobile PCs. Consisting of two rings of keys around the lower corners of the screen, DialKeys was intended for use with the thumbs.

Accessories

There were currently several companies who had developed accessories exclusively for the 7" UMPC platform. These included carry cases, screen protectors, styli, protective bump cases and docking stations. In addition, several prototypes of "mounting solutions" have been previewed which permit the UMPC device to be mounted in the car, on the wall or attached to an adjustable arm. User interface software that enables UMPC's to become portable "infotainment" devices is evolving. There are touch-friendly, voice-controlled, user interface software platforms designed to run on Windows XP and Vista-based UMPCs that allows users to control Windows without the need of a mouse and keyboard.

Last updated on 21 May 2016 at 20:16

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