We said Origami, not Versace!

With all this Talk of Origami, “is it real?” “Is it not?” I thought I'd take the opportunity to post some images myself. [These come from a truly reliable source.]

Knowing that Engadget has posted an image from this gallery and subsequently questioned it’s validity as a true Origami device; I thought it my duty as Australia’s UberTablet Geek to get some answers. It was entertaining to note the reference’s to Photoshop, and some comments went as far as to question the device’s depth. Upon further research, and just for the record, the following pictures are of a bootable device, i.e. real, but I can’t say more than that. I am also told that they will be available in Australia next month which means that the USA will be in the same boat – especially when you consider we follow your lead.

While I cannot reveal specifications, or much else for that matter...What I will say is this: "the device we've all seen in the Digital Kitchen Video is not the only device that will be available."

Upon reading comments left on other blogs regarding aesthetics I thought to myself "this is quite pathetic." Most of the bloggers disseminating information about the Origami Project (like GottBeMobile, WhatIsNew, JK, TabletPC2 and Warner Crocker) are trying to guage your interest in the device, not your fashion orientation regarding it's look. If you pay attention for just a second you'll note that they didn't say: "hey, look at this Ugly piece of PCB!"

We obviously have mixed opinions in regards to look, but isn’t that the case with a pair of shoes, or a mobile phone? Let’s assume (quite cleverly) that Microsoft has bundled some new software on top of an existing Operating System; let’s also assume that Microsoft isn’t the manufacturer themselves and that someone else is putting the device (or devices) together for them. With these assumptions in mind shouldn't we be asking: “Who’s the market it’s aimed at?” And “Where will it rank within our artillery of Notebook, Tablet, Mobile phone device, PDA and so on?”

Let’s ponder this; if the intended Origami device is a truly Ultra Mobile Device that ships with only 7” or 8” of screen space, what are we going to do with it?”

Here’s my goal:

• If it synchronizes my contacts and calendar events with outlook I can start to think about dropping my mobile phone and replacing it with a phone-only solution (hence smaller).
• Now that I’m subscribed to many Video Podcasts perhaps I can download my favorites for the day and carry it with me.
• If the software is “ink enabled" like Tablet PC, then perhaps I can send handwritten notes, use OneNote to store notes, send handwritten emails and chat on MSN in “ink” too.
• Synchronization – now that would be cool. Imagine the Origami as a tool for carrying daily tasks and notes! What if it could then be docked back into my main PC for synchronization of data inputted/outputted from the day. Now that would work for me.
• Internet connectivity on the run. That would mean I could disseminate information more regularly and receive it too. (I know this is very achievable today – but who really pulls out there laptop regularly to Google while on a bus or taxi).

With so much talk of aesthetics I thought it more important to ascertain the relevance of such a device. I know the last thing I need at the moment is another device to carry with me – so if Origami is to be a success then which of all the devices we carry will it replace???

Origami is an exciting event designed to inspire innovation - let's really talk Origami!