(Column) - Now that the mystery is finally resolved, and we’ve seen the Origami from a number of companies at CeBIT 2006, it’s about time we face reality. The Origami needs no introduction, so I’ll get right to the point. Just like the Tablet PC, Microsoft’s Origami doesn’t stand a chance as a mass market device, and for good many reasons. Let’s break them down, shall we.

Microsoft is attempting to promote the portability factor (ultra portable PC) with the Origami, similar to its Tablet PC. The fact of the matter is that the Origami is not as portable with a 7" screen as Microsoft would like us to believe. If I can’t clip the device to my belt or put it in my pocket, it’s not considered portable enough for everyday use. Regardless the number of features it boasts, the portability factor simply can’t be overlooked, especially since Microsoft is using portability as one of the promotional techniques.

The battery life of the unit is horrendous, to say the least. With approximately three hours, I don’t see what Microsoft hopes to accomplish. Similar to a notebook computer, I would have to carry the charger everywhere I go, because the device doesn’t have enough power to last me more than three hours. Additionally, if I were to productively use the Origami and the seemingly unlimited features it offers, there’s no way I could take advantage of them before the power runs out. Therefore, the concept of using it as a multimedia device and then a GPS solution is out of the picture.

How can I replace my notebook computer, which is what Microsoft expects buyers to do when they purchase the Origami, without a physical keyboard? I apologize for breaking this to you, but I need a physical keyboard to get my work done, and I’m certain others find typing on a physical keyboard much easier than a virtual keyboard, despite how functional it is. After all, we’ve been using actual keyboards for much of our computing lives; it’ll take us time to smoothly transition into the virtual world.

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