Windows Phone Thoughts: Microsoft Promises Greater Flexibility with UMPC Devices in Round Two

"Despite having been on the market only a few months, ultramobile PCs, the keyboard-less handheld computers capable of running Windows XP, have already been panned by analysts and many reviewers. Now they're being targeted by the likes of Sony and startup OQO, who are offering their own diminutive computers for businesses. But Microsoft and partners—the UMPC has been backed by Intel and VIA Technologies—expect to see more diversity in the UMPC space in the near term."

There's certainly no shortage of UMPC opinions whenever the topic comes up here. Most of you saw this week's post where Samsung blamed Microsoft for the mixed reception of their Q1 UMPCs. Well, in this article, the theme is diversity; Microsoft doesn't want to "pidgeon-hole" UMPCs into a specific form-factor with pre-defined input controls. That sounds great, though analysts still emphasize that prices must come down for UMPCs to really drive open this currently very-niche market. Take a look and let us know if you believe Microsoft's gameplan will move UMPC reception beyond the "mixed" category in round 2.