Awaiting Microsoft's 'lifestyle PC'

(There's a Buzzblog March 9 update on Project Origami here.)

There was low-level blog chatter earlier this month about a briefing Microsoft gave to its Mobile Platform Division partners regarding the company's upcoming "ultraportable lifestyle PC." According to what a knowledgeable industry source tells me, this one may prove to be a case of Microsoft finally getting correct what it had previously fumbled.

"I might pay attention to anything that comes across your screen that relates to the 'lifestyle computer,' " says this fellow.” I have signed an NDA and can't comment. My lips are sealed ... but I think it is going to be very interesting."

The author of a blog called Engadget described it this way: "According to at least one report, Bill Mitchell, Corporate Vice President of the Mobile Platform Division, showed a slide that outlined specs for the new PC category, including that it be wearable, always on, no larger than 10-inches, connected through 3G networks, pen-based, and have a suggested retail price of $500 or less. … One notable spec that could differentiate this one: Microsoft is apparently insisting that this run the full version of Windows."

You can read more musings about this Microsoft effort here and here.

One comment I saw suggested that clothing manufacturer's are standing by ready to produce items with pockets right-sized to accommodate these "lifestyle PCs." … No need to make them in my size, guys.

And they probably do not need to include my Network World columnist buddy Mark Gibbs, either, who pretty much explains where he stands on “the digital lifestyle” here and here.

• Microsoft