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UltraMobileGeek by ThoughtFix

PowerUser Report on Ultra-Mobile PCs and related technology on-the-go.

Ultramobilegeek: The neglected blogDecember 2

The post count has been dropping off sharply on this here blog. When I have time to write, I generally post over at TabletBlog.com or try to make guest appearances elsewhere.

I also must announce that I cannot cover CES this year as my new Silicon Valley "day job" has a rush season in January and, as a primary Systems Administrator, it's my job to make sure the developers have all they need. The upside is that I am physically not far from some of the great movers-and-shakers in the mobile tech industry and will try to get more hands-on with things as they develop.

Ultra-mobile PCs as we know them are evolving into either MIDs, Netbooks, or super high-end phones. I don't know if a "UMPC movement" will revive, but I'll resume work on UltraMobileGeek when significant news in this space inspires the urge. In the meantime, I can be stalked on TabletBlog or Twitter.

Thanks for reading!

Intel buys OpenedHand, cements position as Linux softare companySeptember 2

The media is abuzz with Intel's purchase of OpenedHand. This makes sense as the divergence from Canonical on Ubuntu Mobile left Intel with a gap in Linux developer partnerships.

One thing is certain: Microsoft must be fuming about this. A couple years ago, all home computer hardware developers had to be in bed with Microsoft to get things out the door. Recently, we've seen Intel's shift to face off with Microsoft in the software/operating system market. We live in interesting times. If we can see more hardware and software developers working on a unified Linux software distribution model, maybe mobile Linux isn't doomed after all.

p.s. If anyone knows the original source of the image used in this post, please let me know.

It's IDF time!August 19

Are you following the coverage?

Why Mobile Linux is DoomedAugust 5

Would you like to download this mobile software? Please select your operating system:

• iPhone
• Windows Mobile
• Blackberry
  
• Symbian
• Linux

You have selected Linux. Please select your flavor:

• Xandros (Eee)
• moblin 2.0
  
• LiMo
  
• maemo
• Andriod (beta, perpetually)
• Ubuntu Mobile
• etc. etc. etc.

How much extra developer time would be involved in compiling and customizing each application to every potential mobile operating system? How much extra time would be involved in integrating each application with the appropriate distribution channels? Would all that time be worth it to the small target audience of mobile Linux devices?

One thing must happen for mobile Linux to thrive: The distribution sponsors must create a consistent application pool and installation experience. They must provide developers with ease and incentive to create applications for the platform. If this is not done, every mobile Linux device will be relegated to a small pool of hobbyists and dedicated fans.

Windows Mobile and Symbian provide the developers with incentive: There are just so many darn phones of theirs out there and the owners are known to pay for the application. Both platforms are lacking dedicated (and sponsored) application directories with easy on-device browsing and purchasing.

Apple came in with the solution to that: The iPhone applic

Phoenix, Arizona meetupJuly 29

I met a few offline already, but are there enough tablet junkies, mobile Linux enthusiasts, or other friendly geeks willing to get together for talks on tips, tricks, and experiences with this technology?

Leave comments and I'll see what I can put together.