Re: [AI] MTNL Introduces Voice-Based Messaging
it is only for MTNL that is for Mumbai and New Delhi. At 02:08 PM 5/24/2007, you wrote: is this number for all state in gujarat this number is not in service - Original Message - From: Rajesh Kankaria [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:51 PM Subject: Re: [AI] MTNL Introduces Voice-Based Messaging This is wonderful. I have used the same service on BSNL for past 6 months to for announcing/conveying to my other visually impaired friends. It works. re: how well would it work as compared to broadband etc and other services. Since the technology behind is pretty simple and straight-forward, I dont for-see much of an issue in coming times. Its an ideal solution for visually impaired people like us. Dial 1256 from your BSNL number and follow the instructions. Rajesh NB: Strange MTNL has claimed they are the first to launch it across landline and mobile, it exists on BSNL for quite sometime. And it works country-wide. On 5/23/07, shahnaz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I wonder how well it will work seeing that even the normal service is disgraceful to say the least and the broad band service is almost non-existent. To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in with warm regards Mahendra Galani msn ID [EMAIL PROTECTED] skype ID chintu3886 phone +4314943149 mobile +4369910366055 +436769163888 +4381362988 address Herbst strasse 101.16.1 Vienna Austria Europe - To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
[AI] Concession in railways
Hi friends, i believe many of you know about our weekly radio show Eyeway Yeh Hai Roshni Ka Karawan. In the show, we have an advice section, where in we call up expert / experienced people to have their advice on issues related to eye and blindness. We plan to call somebody from our railways to answer questions about the fare concession allowed to blind people. This topic is important for all of us, as many of us has been facing problems while availing this facility. So would like to know by monday 28th May 2007, what questions you would like to ask on this topic. Or you may share the problems faced by you or any suggestion you have to make to the railways in this regard. We have framed a few questions but let us have your thoughts as well so that it can be dealt with more comprehensively. You can also write to me offlist on [EMAIL PROTECTED] best, Pranay Gadodia, Project Eyeway - A comprehensive information helpdesk on eye blindness C/o Score Foundation. 125-B, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi - 110 049 INDIA. Helpdesk:+91 9968 329 329 (Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm) Office Phone: +91 - 11 - 2649 4582/81 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.eyeway.org To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
Re: [AI] Concession in railways
The million dollar question, as they say it, is what railways is contemplating to do for putting an end to arbitrary decision making by its rank and file about giving concessional tickets or not? like: how many signatures should a certificate bear? what if it bears more than prescribed? Whether blind should be given concession in higher classes or not? in HP quota or not? The thing is not the existence of laws on these issues, but what if the rank and file defile the laws and sit in judgment over validity of transactions? Well, I think the otive is monetary: if they issue wrong tickets, difference is deducted from their salary? why so? Why not create data base of such fraudulent transactions and hound the culprits when they book next? instead of victimizing the rank and file who desist from giving concessions, and do give it as a favor? - Original Message - From: Pranay Gadodia [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 1:29 AM Subject: [AI] Concession in railways Hi friends, i believe many of you know about our weekly radio show Eyeway Yeh Hai Roshni Ka Karawan. In the show, we have an advice section, where in we call up expert / experienced people to have their advice on issues related to eye and blindness. We plan to call somebody from our railways to answer questions about the fare concession allowed to blind people. This topic is important for all of us, as many of us has been facing problems while availing this facility. So would like to know by monday 28th May 2007, what questions you would like to ask on this topic. Or you may share the problems faced by you or any suggestion you have to make to the railways in this regard. We have framed a few questions but let us have your thoughts as well so that it can be dealt with more comprehensively. You can also write to me offlist on [EMAIL PROTECTED] best, Pranay Gadodia, Project Eyeway - A comprehensive information helpdesk on eye blindness C/o Score Foundation. 125-B, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi - 110 049 INDIA. Helpdesk:+91 9968 329 329 (Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm) Office Phone: +91 - 11 - 2649 4582/81 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.eyeway.org To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
Re: [AI] Concession in railways
I am sure it would be in your list, but for the sake of completion, the question is that when would people with disability be able to avail disability consession in online bookings? Since consessional booking is already available for some categories, it should not be very hard for railways to implement it. Regards Dinesh -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Pranay Gadodia Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 2:00 PM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: [AI] Concession in railways Hi friends, i believe many of you know about our weekly radio show Eyeway Yeh Hai Roshni Ka Karawan. In the show, we have an advice section, where in we call up expert / experienced people to have their advice on issues related to eye and blindness. We plan to call somebody from our railways to answer questions about the fare concession allowed to blind people. This topic is important for all of us, as many of us has been facing problems while availing this facility. So would like to know by monday 28th May 2007, what questions you would like to ask on this topic. Or you may share the problems faced by you or any suggestion you have to make to the railways in this regard. We have framed a few questions but let us have your thoughts as well so that it can be dealt with more comprehensively. You can also write to me offlist on [EMAIL PROTECTED] best, Pranay Gadodia, Project Eyeway - A comprehensive information helpdesk on eye blindness C/o Score Foundation. 125-B, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi - 110 049 INDIA. Helpdesk:+91 9968 329 329 (Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm) Office Phone: +91 - 11 - 2649 4582/81 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.eyeway.org To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
Re: [AI] Help Requested soon .
hi, please read here about spyware and anti spyware, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware and to get a free antispyware and scripts for jaws please visit here http://www.accessibleprograms.com/spybot/spybot.htm and u can not use windows in safe mode so u will have to take sighted help, take care, regards, ashish - Original Message - From: Anubha Bhargava [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 12:21 AM Subject: [AI] Help Requested soon . Hello Ashish, This is just to request u to please let me know , What is an anti spyware,? From Where How do I run it? I Also want to request u to please tell me HOW DO I PUT my laptop into safe mode as windows xp starts booting automatically say in 3 to 5 seconds after the comp is switched on? I also want to knowall the steps,the PROCEDURE as to HOW DO I REGISTER this original windows xp with Microsoft online ? With many thanks in advance best regards. Anubha. To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
[AI] Fw: Colors of darkness
- Original Message - From: BlindNews Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 5:13 PM Subject: Colors of darkness Turkish Daily News, Turkey Saturday, May 05, 2007 Colors of darkness By BADE GÜRLEYEN ISTANBUL - Tempo Magazine Eþref Armaðan, a Turkish painter, has been blind since his birth. He has never seen the green of a tree, the red of a rose or the blue of the sky. He has always wondered what the world looks like and has learned it through the paintings he himself created. I see now. Painting has shown me the world, says Armaðan. Mr. Armaðan, 54, does not use a brush while he is painting. He touches and feels the nature and reflects it to the canvas by using his fingers. Armaðan has been painting since the age of 12. He is the winner of numerous awards both in Turkey and abroad, including the United States, China and Europe. An American friend of Armaðan, Joan Eröncel, introduced him to the world. Eröncel, whom Armaðan met in 1994, says that he is a genius. The only Turkish painter whose pieces are exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art and Metropolitan Museum in New York is Eþref Armaðan. He is the pride of Turkey. Armaðan has no academic qualification in arts. However, he can draw famous architectural artworks from different perspectives. We admired his finger prints on the canvas. Married with two children, Armaðan is living in Ankara. Blind from the birth, Armaðan became curious about his environment at the age of six. For instance, he says, I thought watermelons grow on trees, but they are on the ground. He learned the names and colors of everything in the environment and memorized them. I had the freedom to examine objects in my hand, added Armaðan. When we were together with friends, I asked them to describe the scenery for me. At the age of 12-13, Armaðan thought, I wonder if I can draw everything that I have asked about? then he examined reliefs, learned the shapes of houses, mountains and trees. I placed cardboard under the photographs in newspapers and asked people to use a hard pencil and draw them for me. After I checked them with my fingers, my brain started to sense them. I learned all colors and shapes and memorized them. When Armaðan was 12, he started by drawing by pencil. His first drawing was a butterfly. Later he switched to oil painting. However, he did not use brushes. If you are blind you do not understand if you are dipping the brush in the paint or if it has enough paint on, or if you paint the canvas. So, I started painting by my fingers. I have never seen the colors but I learned to use them, Armaðan explained. After oil painting, Armaðan started painting with acrylic. The painter who had no vision and only an elementary school diploma became the subject of a research project at Harvard University in the United States. Armaðan went to the States as the guest of Professor John M. Kennedy. I was placed in MR equipment for seven hours. They let me paint and examined my brain afterwards. They did not believe the results and started to cry. It is revealed that, to the contrary of other individuals with no vision, my visual memory works like that of a normal, healthy individual, Armaðan tells about his journey to the U.S. The pride of Turkey has painted over 700 pieces so far and opened approximately 25 exhibitions abroad. Turkish Presidency granted him a golden plate as a prize for his achievements. Admitting that painting keeps him going, Armaðan says that although he is blind he is able to see the world through his paintings. I cannot say that I don't see because painting has shown me the world. Armaðan's late father was his biggest backer and used to support him saying Don't you ever quit painting. Someday, you will surprise everyone and the whole world will hear about your success, Armaðan remembers. And it did really happen. No matter what obstructs you, there is always something one can do about it. On the footsteps of Brunelleschi - with no vision They took me to a square in Italy. Professor Kennedy from Harvard was there too. We were standing in front of the artwork of the Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi who lived 600 years ago and invented the three-way perspective. They gave me five minutes to examine the model of the building. Then, they told me, You will draw an image of this piece by viewing from the front, the rear and from the top, described Armaðan. After I drew the three-perspective piece, I heard Professor Kennedy crying. He said, Today is a historic day. Brunelleschi drew the three-way perspective for the first time 600 years ago. The first man with no vision drawing with the same perspective is Eþref Armaðan. http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=72370
Re: [AI] Concession in railways
That's correct, but the railway authorities can use verification process as a scapegoat to justify their negligents. One way to encounter it would be:concession forms can bear a bar code which is unique to each individuals. He/she could use the bar code while booking the ticket to show the original identity. It can of course be verified at the time of checking. Vetri. - Original Message - From: Dinesh Kaushal [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 6:16 AM Subject: Re: [AI] Concession in railways I am sure it would be in your list, but for the sake of completion, the question is that when would people with disability be able to avail disability consession in online bookings? Since consessional booking is already available for some categories, it should not be very hard for railways to implement it. Regards Dinesh -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Pranay Gadodia Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 2:00 PM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: [AI] Concession in railways Hi friends, i believe many of you know about our weekly radio show Eyeway Yeh Hai Roshni Ka Karawan. In the show, we have an advice section, where in we call up expert / experienced people to have their advice on issues related to eye and blindness. We plan to call somebody from our railways to answer questions about the fare concession allowed to blind people. This topic is important for all of us, as many of us has been facing problems while availing this facility. So would like to know by monday 28th May 2007, what questions you would like to ask on this topic. Or you may share the problems faced by you or any suggestion you have to make to the railways in this regard. We have framed a few questions but let us have your thoughts as well so that it can be dealt with more comprehensively. You can also write to me offlist on [EMAIL PROTECTED] best, Pranay Gadodia, Project Eyeway - A comprehensive information helpdesk on eye blindness C/o Score Foundation. 125-B, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi - 110 049 INDIA. Helpdesk:+91 9968 329 329 (Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm) Office Phone: +91 - 11 - 2649 4582/81 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.eyeway.org To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
[AI] free talking alarm clock
hello friends, from this link u can get a free alarm clock, I have not used it but I have heard it is very accessible with jaws, http://www.cinnamonsoftware.com:80/alarm_clock.htm take care, regards, ashish To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
Re: [AI] Concession in railways
They can do the same as they check the proof of identity during checking the ticket, and in case of seneor citizons also, document are varified during ticket checking. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Vetrivel Murugan, Adhimoolam Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 11:14 PM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: Re: [AI] Concession in railways That's correct, but the railway authorities can use verification process as a scapegoat to justify their negligents. One way to encounter it would be:concession forms can bear a bar code which is unique to each individuals. He/she could use the bar code while booking the ticket to show the original identity. It can of course be verified at the time of checking. Vetri. - Original Message - From: Dinesh Kaushal [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 6:16 AM Subject: Re: [AI] Concession in railways I am sure it would be in your list, but for the sake of completion, the question is that when would people with disability be able to avail disability consession in online bookings? Since consessional booking is already available for some categories, it should not be very hard for railways to implement it. Regards Dinesh -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Pranay Gadodia Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 2:00 PM To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: [AI] Concession in railways Hi friends, i believe many of you know about our weekly radio show Eyeway Yeh Hai Roshni Ka Karawan. In the show, we have an advice section, where in we call up expert / experienced people to have their advice on issues related to eye and blindness. We plan to call somebody from our railways to answer questions about the fare concession allowed to blind people. This topic is important for all of us, as many of us has been facing problems while availing this facility. So would like to know by monday 28th May 2007, what questions you would like to ask on this topic. Or you may share the problems faced by you or any suggestion you have to make to the railways in this regard. We have framed a few questions but let us have your thoughts as well so that it can be dealt with more comprehensively. You can also write to me offlist on [EMAIL PROTECTED] best, Pranay Gadodia, Project Eyeway - A comprehensive information helpdesk on eye blindness C/o Score Foundation. 125-B, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi - 110 049 INDIA. Helpdesk:+91 9968 329 329 (Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm) Office Phone: +91 - 11 - 2649 4582/81 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.eyeway.org To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
[AI] Urgent requirement, web designer....
Our Software based firm FCS Software Solutions Limited Noida has an urgent requirement of a web designer with 508I compliant, who can design the websites compliant and accessible to visually impaired users. The incumbent will have to work for 8 hours as per the US timings. Note: This would be a contract based job and we need to fulfill the requirement at the earliest possible time. The vacancy is opened for person with visuall impairment or any other disability or even sighted person. For any inquiry or further understanding, call me direct on 9350063109. -- Cordially, Amit Bhatt Windows Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Skype ID: amitbhattindia The difficult we do today, the impossible takes little longer -- Free pop3 email with a spam filter. http://www.bluebottle.com To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
Re: [AI] Links again to download Neo speech synthesiser
hi vetri will u please send me a link of splitfile.exe or send me attachment direct to my email ID [EMAIL PROTECTED] this is Necessary for me. Because of there are many splitfile.exe files at online i have already tried all these programs but none of these are working with ur splitted files. reveret me as soon as possible. regards maheshinder khosla +919872220333 - Original Message - From: Vetrivel Murugan, Adhimoolam [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Monday, May 21, 2007 12:08 PM Subject: [AI] Links again to download Neo speech synthesiser Apparently those links didn't work, Henceforth I am pasting them as they have been sent to me. Vetri. sendspace.com file upload confirmation for [EMAIL PROTECTED] You have successfully uploaded a file called Neo speech.zip.001 (201 MB), to sendspace. Description: This is the first file of three You can use the following link to retrieve your file: http://www.sendspace.com/file/qy1cou sendspace.com file upload confirmation for [EMAIL PROTECTED] You have successfully uploaded a file called Neo speech.zip.002 (201 MB), to sendspace. Description: This is second of three You can use the following link to retrieve your file: http://www.sendspace.com/file/b36sn1 sendspace.com file upload confirmation for [EMAIL PROTECTED] You have successfully uploaded a file called Neo speech.zip.003 (201 MB), to sendspace. Description: This is the last of three. You can use the following link to retrieve your file: http://www.sendspace.com/file/0f4awu sendspace.com file upload confirmation for [EMAIL PROTECTED] You have successfully uploaded a file called SplitFile.exe (40 KB), to sendspace. Description: Download this file to join the neo speech synthesiser You can use the following link to retrieve your file: http://www.sendspace.com/file/kb2yc2 http:faculty.lagcc.cuny.edu/vadhimoolam To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
[AI] dbf files.
Hello All , Could any one of u pls tell me, How Do I OPEN, DOWNLOAD SAVE any FILE having (.)DBF as its extension , which has been sent as an attachment with any mail? With many thanks in advance best regards. Anubha. To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
[AI] dbf files.
Hello anubha! DBF files are databass documents, and If you want to open, view or edit them, download the software from: http://astersoft.com/files/dbfman.exe Give the people more then they expect, and do it cheerfully. Skype: Jeet.delhi -- Take care! You wrote: Hello All , Could any one of u please tell me, How Do I OPEN, DOWNLOAD SAVE any FILE having (.)DBF as its extension , which has been sent as an attachment with any mail? With many thanks in advance best regards. Anubha. -- Find out how you can get spam free email. http://www.bluebottle.com To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
Re: [AI] dbf files.
Hi Anubha .Dbf is a database file.It is supposed to be opened in the DBase or Foxpro program. However, you can also open it in MS Excel. Even Kurzweil would open it. It will be of little use to you as it would contain raw data which is used by some application. Harish. - Original Message - From: Anubha Bhargava [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Sent: Saturday, May 26, 2007 12:48 AM Subject: [AI] dbf files. Hello All , Could any one of u pls tell me, How Do I OPEN, DOWNLOAD SAVE any FILE having (.)DBF as its extension , which has been sent as an attachment with any mail? With many thanks in advance best regards. Anubha. To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
[AI] An ultra modern PC for fast movers
An ultra modern PC for fast movers May 26, 2007 03:53 IST It is clearly the era of miniaturisation. Today, when cell phones, smart phones, PDAs and notebook computers are as common at the corner coffee shop as they are in an office set-up, the ranks of the mobile workforce have formulated some opinions about the ideal mobile device. The only problem may be that each worker's ideal device has a different set of functions from the next worker. Result: having a mass favourite is close to impossible. But a few companies think they know what legions of consumers and mobile workers really want. Their answer -- the ultra-mobile personal computer. Smaller than a notebook, bigger than a PDA and most often not including any kind of phone, this is a full-fledged PC running a modified Windows XP Tablet PC edition (now Vista) operating system, which makes it capable of running any application made for Windows XP. Typically, it is a steno-pad-size device that can stream video from the Internet, providing users with a mobile entertainment experience. Ultra Mobile PCs overcome the computing limitations of handheld devices such as PDAs and smartphones, while simultaneously addressing the mobility constraints of PCs, notes market analyst In-Stat. It also predicts that the UMPC market will touch the 8-million mark by 2011, provided it gets the thrust from industry heavyweights such as Microsoft and Intel. Sony, Fujitsu and Samsung have started work in this category, and analysts maintain that the competition between these players will be fierce and thereby beneficial for the consumer. In terms of processors that power any mobile device, Intel will be going up against a different competitor, Via, the Singapore-based maker of low-power x86 microprocessors. Although Intel is aggressive within the UMPC market, the processing solution will have to meet increasingly stringent power requirements as improvements in battery technology are not advancing at the same pace as the requirements, says In-Stat's report on the market. However, Gartner deems the UMPCs as a lifestyle category, not just another hardware form factor. As such, UMPCs let users store and carry their digital stuff such as photos, videos and MP3 files, and would function as a real-time email client, Gartner states. In-Stat, meanwhile, contends that though UMPCs might not sport any killer features yet, they will still have the effect of building a new usage model around defined price points. One might wonder if there really exists a need for a device that sits between an ultra-portable notebook and a fully featured PDA? Sachin Thapar, head (IT sales and marketing), Sony India quips, The UMPC is a device that is purchased in addition to the notebook users already own, and is small enough to fit in a small backpack or purse. It is completely justified for consumers to expect this Rs 1 lakh UMPC to run Windows Vista's AeroGlass interface just as fast as dual-core notebook, a permanent connection to the Internet, a GPS navigation device, a slim solid state disk and a battery time of eight or more hours, but the hardware and software just isn't there yet. Thapar makes his point: Our mini-PCs, like Sony Vaio UX and TX, may have value in semi-vertical segments such as field sales and education. Students, he feels, stand to benefit with a product like Vaio UX which is both trendy and a powerful entertainment handheld device. A mobile workforce, on the other hand, should find solace from Sony's Vaio TX that is nothing but a miniaturised notebook. A typical UMPC packs in a touch-screen, a compact LCD display that can be operated with a stylus and the installed Windows applications fit the small form factor perfectly. The units coming to market in 2007 are basically just proofs of concept, says a Gartner report on the UMPC market, but also adds that the technology for its successful implementation is at least two years away. Yes, the price is at an ultra premium level too. On average, these tiny handheld PCs are in the price range of Rs 90,000 onwards, which means they are costlier than most high-end notebooks, and have comparable prices to any Tablet PC. The form factor of the UMPC won't go away, but these devices are not meant to seduce the mass market. As expected, companies like Samsung, Sony, Fujitsu have redirected their attention towards the enterprise segment, for example field technicians who use Tablet PCs today would be the most likely to convert to these mini-PCs. And if Intel has its way, then what is the mass market UMPC will eventually morph into much smaller and less powerful mobile Internet devices. So, are UMPCs a fine example of getting the right idea but wrong software? Perhaps only the consumers can decide. Meanwhile, if you have been dreaming about a cute little UMPC you can take on vacation instead of dragging that beefy notebook bag along, stop dreaming and go buy one!
