More details from the Origami have emerged in the last week, with some actual devices being shown at IDF and CeBIT. At this point, we know it's an ultra-mobile PC / tablet with a 7" screen and running a full XP-based OS. (But it's not an iPod killer, Engadget even had a hands-on with Samsung Q1, one of the "Origami devices" (although Dennis is upset disappointed with their coverage).
To me, the success of this device depends on two things - the price point and the battery life.
According to CNET, they are aiming for a $500 price point and all day battery life. What concerns me is the comment that "the first generation of devices are likely to get about three hours of battery life". We've also heard numbers of "under $1000", which as we know probably means $999.98.
So, it's a 7" Tablet PC presumably with some nice UI features we haven't seen before. At $500 and all-day battery life, that's a sure win. I'd probably buy one, and I'd certainly recommend it to friends and family.
But at $1000 and 3 hours of battery life? I'm not so sure.
I get 3 hours or so on my M200 and that's a much beefier computer - 2ghz Pentium-M, 2GB of memory and a 7200 RPM drive. I can run Visual Studio and games there, which I can't on this device. My SMT5600 and Jasjar both get 3 DAYS of battery life, and both make phone calls (no mention of GPRS/EDGE/EVDO in the Origami). The Jasjar has a 3.6" screen, a QUERTY keyboard, and can do most of stuff I would probably do on an Origami.
I mean, how is it even better than the Motion LS800 with 2.5 hours of battery life? (Ok, it's a little cheaper and a tad bit smaller - but it's also less powerful).
Actually, I think DualCor is getting closest to the mark here. The cPC is also a little higher than $1,000 (and certainly than the $500 mark), but it will deliver roughly the same functionality in a smaller package. Yes, you lose 2" on the screen, but it's also a lot more pocket friendly in that regard. (Hey, how big are your pockets?). On top of this, DualCor promises 3 to 8 hours of battery life, depending on whether you are using XP or the Windows Mobile side.
So let me add to Scoble's list - Origami doesn't seem to be a DualCor killer either.
Unless, of course, Microsoft did a better job of keeping a secret than we're giving them credit for. I'll try to reserve judgement until we hear more tomorrow. I don't hate the Origami yet, but I'm also not amazed yet. Hopefully that will change tomorrow.
The video will be up on Channel 9, apparently as early as 1AM.
Update: I just watched this video via Dennis. Pretty cool, the touch screen interface is nice - but I still stand by my original points in terms of battery life and price point.