Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC

For those of us using Windows 7, Microsoft released Windows Virtual PC Beta and Windows XP Mode Beta programs yesterday (at least that's when I found it). I'm using Windows 7 on a Virtual Machine and so I couldn't run the new XP Mode on Windows Virtual PC (apparently it won't let you run a Virtual Machine on a Virtual Machine) but you can check it out for yourself here.

I probably won't test the XP Mode since I can't run it on a virtual machine, so please let me know what you think of it. I haven't heard any reviews – good or bad – so I'm interested in finding out if it's a full version or not. I really like the idea of Microsoft providing Windows XP for backward compatibility for Windows 7, not because I'm a business, but because I "full" backwards compatibility. I like being able to boot up Windows XP for a particular program and running it correctly.

Personally I have virtual machines of Windows XP and 2003 on my Vista machine for that reason. Additionally, the file download was only 500MB, although that doesn't mean the unpacked version will be around that size but still. Hopefully Microsoft will also make Vista "Mode" available as well.

Microsoft has changed the name Virtual PC (2007 and 2004) into the new Windows Virtual PC program. It pretty much looks and acts the same. Users that purchase the high end versions of Windows 7 like Ultimate, Professional and Enterprise will be able to download the XP "Mode" for free. I'd like to do more evaluation of Virtual PC / Windows Virtual PC as well as Sun's new virtual machine VirtualBox since I love VMware for my PC and Parallels for my Mac Mini.

Slingbox for the Ultra-Mobile PC

(There are too many variations in the spelling of Ultramobile, Ultra-Mobile, Ultra Mobile PCs...)

I came across this article in CNET from March 9, 2006 about Sling Media, the maker of the Slingbox, coming out with support for Ultra Mobile PCs (Project Origami) for their Slingbox product. The article posted on Sling Media's website gives a longer description and says there will be a customized application that leverages the touch screen and resolution of the Ultra Mobile PC operating system.

I checked the Sling Media download pages and couldn't find any separate or customized download for their SlingPlayer Desktop software. True it's been 3 years since the announcement but you'd figure a touchscreen application for PCs would still be useful considering Windows 7's arrival.

Oh well, worth a shot. Has anyone tried running the Slingbox Desktop on their UMPCs with with any success? (It's a shame I got rid of mine a while ago!)

"Smartbook" seems like just another word for Ultramobile!

Here are photos from the Computex show in Taiwan, courtesy of CNET. These "smartbooks" prototypes are kind of interesting. Netbook, smartbook - these are all just new catch phrases for Ultra Mobile PCs / computers.

Check out the photos here:
http://news.cnet.com/2300-1041_3-10000973-1.html?tag=mncol

The Ultramobiles of IDF

I know these photos are from last year (ages ago), but they show some of the work going into ultra mobile computers at the last Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco. The pictures are from CNET.

http://news.cnet.com/2300-1041_3-6245761-1.html?tag=mncol

Hopefully Intel's Developer Forum later this year will have new photos of the latest ultra mobiles as well as advancements in the Atom CPU line.

The Ultimate Ultramobile according to Maxim

In the June 2009 issue on page 81 Maxim magazine calls the Sony Vaio P “the Ultimate Ultramobile”. The reason for the good review of this netbook is its power: 1.33GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 8-inch screen, 60GB HD - up to 128GB SSD, ultra wide 1600x768 screen resolution, non-cramped keyboard and a GPS device.

The problem is this Ultimate Ultramobile starts at $900 and based on the one I played with at Fry’s, didn’t seem as slick as the other netbooks on the market. I didn’t really like the color, the screen size seemed a bit odd – perhaps it was a little too wide compared to the others - and the even though I prefer the mouse pointer, the mouse keys were too small and close to the bottom of the unit making it hard to click. On the upside it can play HD video, the power is huge (processors are usually the hindrance) and a GPS device is just plain cool!

In the end I hope this ups the ante for other netbooks!

Ultra Mobile Rack Hack

Instructables has a cool little MacBook / iMac Rack Hack that takes a little rack (probably used for storing files or magazines), modifies it, and screws it to the back of your monitor to hide it.

Wouldn't this same thing work really well for your Netbook or Ultra Mobile? Follow the steps here instead using your Netbook or Ultra Mobile, then install Synergy and you've got yourself two working computers - one that you can take and go. Plus it's nicely hidden - an Ultra Mobile Rack.

I'm sure there are a ton of cool little hacks you can do with any small ultra mobile and if it helps me reduce the cluttered look associated with computers then count me in!

Got an Extra? Make a desk photo frame!

Got an extra Netbook or Ultra mobile that is just lying around? How about turning it into a hanging wall PC / digital picture frame? The downside would be the small screen - but it might still work well as desk calendar or photo frame!

Check out the link: http://blog.glowview.com/2009/03/20/custom-self-contained-hanging-wall-pc/