Samsung Electronics, today announced the company's next-generation UMPC family, the Q1 Ultra, at the Samsung Experience in New York. The Q1 Ultra advances Samsung's line of ultra-mobile computing devices, answering the growing demand for companion PCs that offer the power of a desktop or notebook computer but can be accessed anytime and anywhere.Complete with an integrated split-QWERTY keypad, mouse, and user-defined function keys, the Q1 Ultra UMPC is designed to enhance productivity, ease-of-use and portability in a range of personal and professional scenarios. With an increased battery life of 4.5 hours coupled with faster speeds, flexibility and mobile functionality, the Q1 Ultra product provides a compelling solution packed into a 1.5 pound package.

The announcement marks one year since Samsung, along with partners Microsoft and Intel, pioneered a new category and form factor of PCs with the introduction of the Q1 UMPC. The Q1 family delivers full PC capabilities when a desktop computer is not an option and a notebook PC is impractical or simply undesirable. Through its combination of PC functionality, multimedia versatility and advanced connectivity, the Q1 has become the best selling UMPC in the world.

"Since the introduction of the Q1, Samsung has been steadfastly committed to the long-term growth and development of this fast-growing product segment," said Christopher Franey, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. "In creating the Q1 Ultra UMPC, Samsung has relied on consumer insights coupled with key technological advances to deliver a higher-performance solution packaged in an even more portable form factor that will appeal to a broader range of personal and professional users."

"The ultra-mobile PC is a growing class of PCs that provide a more natural and intuitive experience for on-the-go use, and Samsung has taken the UMPC category to the next level with the Q1 Ultra," said Rick Wong, vice president Asia region, OEM division at Microsoft. "As the UMPC platform and Origami Experience tablet software continues to grow and evolve, Microsoft is thrilled to work closely with Samsung to deliver innovative solutions that enable our customers to enhance their digital lifestyle."

The Q1 Ultra UMPC features the new Intel Ultra Mobile Processor running at a clock speed of 600 or 800 MHz, along with 1 GB of high speed DDR2 system memory. The Q1 Ultra supports a minimum of 4.5 hours of continuous run time via the integrated Lithium Ion prismatic batteries. Use of the higher-density polymer batteries enables greater battery capacity in a smaller space, thereby leading towards a smaller overall form-factor. The Q1 Ultra continues to push the connectivity boundaries, by including integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and the factory optional 3.5G HSDPA cellular modem. So now, the Q1 Ultra can provide users with ubiquitous communications -- Internet access, network connectivity, etc. -- regardless of their location. Microsoft Windows Vista(TM) Home Premium and Windows XP Tablet Edition operating systems are supported, enabling full PC compatibility with all applications.

Facilitating seamless communications across a range of environments, the Q1 Ultra features a 300 pixel webcam, along with a high-performance dual-array microphone, enabling face-to-face video chatting/video conferencing. Additionally, a high-resolution 1.3 mega pixel camera supports video recording and still pictures, allowing users to simply snap and send videos/photographs with a single device. Supporting these features, the Q1 Ultra is equipped with a seven-inch wide WSVGA LCD touch screen that boasts a native, high-resolution of 1024 x 600. The new, LED backlit LCD supports 300nits of brightness, making the Q1 Ultra ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. Facilitating system and data security, the Q1 Ultra is also available with an integrated fingerprint reader enabling enhanced security and fast application/website log-in.

The integrated split-QWERTY keypad is located to the left and right of the LCD. Positioned ideally for thumb input, users can now respond quickly to emails, instant messages, update presentations and spreadsheets, etc. without the need of a virtual, on-screen or external keyboard. Samsung continues to support all forms of input, depending on what best suits the end user. And with the integration of the AVS Now Instant-On feature, users can enjoy a host of multimedia applications, including videos, movies, music and still photo viewing, without booting up into Windows.

Value-add options include a docking station which supports 3 USB 2.0 ports, additional standard or extended battery charger slot, audio out port, microphone in port and stylus holder, U.S. and Canada GPS navigation receiver and maps, an external USB-based keyboard with point stick and mouse select buttons, an organizer/portfolio carrying case, 6-cell extended-life battery, 8-cell extended-life Power Bank and a DVD RW +/- Dual Layer external Optical Disk Drive.

The Q1 Ultra UMPC is available in a number of configurations, starting with an MSRP of $799.00 and can be purchased through a variety of retail and e-tail outlets including Best Buy, Circuit City, CDW, CompUSA, Amazon.com, NewEgg.com, Buy.com, Costco.com, Tiger Direct, PC Connection, B & H Photo and PC Mall. The Q1 Ultra UMPC is also available through distribution via Ingram Micro.