A lot of readers like to know how different screen technologies work indoors and out.

In this video from MobileDemand, they compare their xView screen to their standard display.

Here are the show notes from MobileDemand's video:

This video demonstrates the difference in direct sunlight and indoors between the standard xTablet Tablet PC display and the new xView sunlight readable display.  We show you various angles during a sunny day in direct sunlight. 

Note that the displays are nearly equivelent indoors, while the sunlight readable display is far superior in direct sunlight.

We intend to also demonstrate the difference and viewability of each display while inside of a vehicle, such as a beer truck.  MobileDemand has sold thousands of tablets that are used in beer trucks and other vehicles with our standard display and have had great success.  That extra little bit of shade inside the vehicle makes all the difference so the standard display is easily viewable. 

The MobileDemand xTablet is your rugged computing solution for the wireless world. What sets the xTablet apart? Three words: POWER, CAPABILITY and RUGGEDNESS. With the industry’s highest processor performance, this resilient tablet PC can be used anywhere from the shop floor, to the delivery truck to the checkout line. And our military-tested ruggedness will meet your business’ performance standards. Features include:

· Integrated numeric keypad

· Bar-code scanner

· Credit card reader

· Sunlight readable display

· Vehicle mounts and accessories are also available to complete your system

The xTablet is a versatile, flexible and powerful performer that is designed with your needs in mind.

Ben over at UMPC Portal noticed that the Wikipedia entry for UMPCs needs some serious work. So much so that at the top of the page you find the following (click to enlarge the image):

I’ve been bemused by the goings on about the designations for UMPCs and ULCPCs for quite awhile now. In fact, I’m on record as saying we’re soon going to say farewell to the UMPC. It all gets comical again with the recent news that Microsoft is trying to define a set of specifications for the ULCPC class that will not allow the inclusion of a touch screen. 

Ben is right. The graphic on the Wikipedia page does speak volumes and completely lays bare the entire marketing fiasco that this whole thing has become. The bottom line is this. Events, Intel, Apple, and Asus have outrun Microsoft when it comes to defining the ultra-portable market. Create as many acronyms and designations as you want, but no one cares. Microsoft was just too slow in capitalizing on the original UMPC vision and is now trying hard to play catch up with its ULCPC designation.

Microsoft’s latest efforts are coupled with the ongoing saga of determining how long XP will still be around. The fact that, at the moment, XP will be allowed on the ULCPC class longer than on other boxes is a loud, but telling move. Essentially, this means that Microsoft has given up on its vision of lots of ultra-portable devices running Vista. There’s no surprise there. Just confirmation of what most have known for awhile. What can possibly be surmised here though is that Microsoft is either ceding the ground to other players, or is content to wait a few years before attempting a come back in this market with any real effect. Maybe after they have some sort of OS that can work with these devices.

The reason all of this is meaningless is quite simple. Too many other players are too many steps beyond Microsoft when it comes to putting these devices in consumers hands. Consumers who are looking for an ultra-mobile solution aren’t going to waste their time wading through designations and specifications one way or the other. In fact, they won’t have to. OEM’s won’t give them the chance. OEMs, Intel, and VIA have already proven that they aren’t going to wait around and play Microsoft’s game unless they can sell more of their devices with XP on them. But then, if they are to believe Microsoft and its time frames, you’re looking at a limited sales window for these anyway. But in the grand scheme of things even that doesn’t matter because we are probably looking at devices with a price point that makes it easier for consumers to buy the new model every 12 to 18 months or so.

Like I’ve said before, the ultra-mobile vision is going to succeed. Microsoft just won’t be the major player in the game.

This is welcome news. When Vikram Madan started blogging and including some of his drawings awhile back it was always a must read. But, things have been quiet on his blog for sometime. Here’s hoping this latest cartoon means that Vikram will keep on filling us in on his thoughts. I’m sure most mobile device users will get a kick out this.

Fujitsu isn’t giving up on the UMPC market, having just announced a new model. The U2010 is aimed a the higher end of the market with a price estimated at $1295 and is scheduled for a July launch in Taiwan. A difference from previous models is that it will have a 6–row keyboad instead of five. Given that some with big hands find the smaller Fujitsu keyboards on these smaller devices a bit tough to work with, this will be interesting. It will also contain 3.5G connectivity and a GPS module.

Via DigiTimes

Remember the Otterbox 1990 case we told you about last month? Otterbox now has them in stock and they are finally available for ordering. They can be ordered in black and yellow for $79.95.

Technical specs:

Compatability/Features:
This case was designed to protect any Samsung Ultra Mobile PC with either Q1U or Q1UP as the prefix in the model name. This includes the Q1UP-XP, Q1U-CMXP, Q1U-SSDXP, Q1U-XP, Q1U-EL and the Q1U-ELXP.

• 3 LAYERS OF PROTECTION!
• First, thermal formed protective clear membrane that protects against scratching, as well as dust and water intrusion.
• Second, a hi-impact Polycarbonate shell.
• Lastly, a 1/8" Silicone skin to absorb bump and shock.

Dimensions: 9.5" x 5.4" x 1.9"
Weight (case only): 11.5 oz.
Notes: Accommodates standard (4 cell) and extended batteries (6 cell). This case is NOT intended for underwater use/full submersions.