Every road warrior conducts the never ending search for the "do everything" device. These people typically carry a Blackberry or equivalent with a Bluetooth ear piece, a laptop, a wheelie bag and a briefcase. You what they look like – they're the most harried looking people in the airport.
Now a new piece of hardware ushers in what heretofore was impossible without huge expense. Say hello to the ultra mobile personal computer (UMPC). Our partner site, StartupAviation.com, now offers a UMPC.
They are working on a value-added travel version by providing UMPCs with travel software tools. Imagine a portable IFE device with more capabilities than state-of-the-art seat back or other portable IFE devices. For example, a UMPC at every seat with a full compliment of office software, entertainment, chat, IM, Skype, and games. All for a fraction of the cost of custom built devices. Try do some of that with your iPod.
Now if an airline were to buy this device, it could replace DigePlayers. The UMPC connects to virtually every signal, even 3G overseas. The device could sniff an Internet access point on board. It seems that the device is so powerful and compact, road warriors would do better to get it themselves.
