The new age of mobile computing

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The concept of the portable computer isn't new at all. This dates back to the first suit case PCs of the '80s. True laptops were then very popular during the '90s and towards 2000, laptop designs became more varied for different consumers. This was also the time when the first ultra portable computers appeared. The Toshiba Libretto for one is a subnotbook (ultraportable) which despite its size was offered running Windows 95.

Handheld PCs then appeared during this time as well and featured a smaller footprint Windows OS which wsa then marketed as Windows CE. These handheld PCs allowed limited PC capabilities and while its small size meant prefect portability, its size also became an issue. This device which looked like a miniature laptop couldn't be touch-typed on and was a little to big for thumb typing.

From 1998 to the present, Microsoft has offered a keyboardless device which we once fondly called the Pocket PC. It was branded pretty well, and was true to its claim that it was a pocketable computer. The only drawback is, while the previous models were feature laden, features were taken out little by little in every newer version offered. Now, what we once called a mobile computer is now simply a smart phone.

Enter the new devices that offer true computing power and convenience. The netbooks. While the Notebook and Tablet PCs reign the upper strata of the mobile computer world, it is a fact that these devices are not really that affordable.

Affordablilty can be evaluated by comparing how much you are shelling out for a notebook vs a mobile phone. Which device will you spend for? a Php 30,000 smartphone or a Php 13,000 netbook?

It's no surprise that you will see numerous people with these netbooks when you step into your local Starbucks. With devices that come with etended batteries, you are assured of up to 15hours of continuous usage. This is something not possible with your standard notebook unless you plug in to a power outlet.

Where will this bring us? MSI has already brought us the MSI Wind u123 with 3.5G module aside from BT connectivity and your standard Wi-Fi feature. Wimax is already here, so what's next?
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Carlo Ma. Guerrero

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