Toronto Wi-fi and the UMPC

Two very recent developments have drawn my attention. First, there was the announcement by Toronto Hydro that they are in the process of blanketing the city of Toronto with wi-fi coverage. It kind of makes me wish I was back there. This is a growing trend, of course, with similar projects underway in San Francisco and Philadelphia, and plans for Chicago are not far behind.

The second story that just broke today was the announcement by Microsoft and various partners of the Ultra-mobile PC's - UMPC (formerly known as Project Origami). This new portable device is basically the smallest full-fledged computer yet released (or soon to be). It will run the latest Windows OS, and it is expected to challenge devices like the PSP for all-round entertainment value.

Considering these two developments, I think there is hope for these types of devices. In fact, I've been wishing for something along these lines - a machine that could give me computer functionality but in a form factor more reminiscent of the PSP or iPod (in other words, smaller than a laptop, and more functional than a PDA). Such devices would be especially useful in places where wireless connectivity is readily available. Based on early reviews, I'm quite tempted to get one -- the Samsung version to be released here in Korea should have satellite TV capability!

But nobody yet knows if this thing (the UMPC) will fly with most consumers. Time will tell, but I can't help but think that the growth of wi-fi might contribute to its success.