WIRED: Microsoft unveils tiny computer

Microsoft finally took the wraps off its mysterious Project Origami on Thursday, unveiling a computer that's about the size of a large paperback book but runs a full version of the Windows XP operating system.

The ultracompact, wireless-enabled PC is everything a full computer or laptop is, minus the keyboard. Weighing about 2-1/2 pounds, the 1-inch thick device sports a 7-inch touch-sensitive screen that responds to a stylus or the tap of a finger.

"It really opens up new possibilities for PC use," said Bill Mitchell, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Mobile Platforms Division.

The computer was unveiled Thursday at CeBIT, the annual technology trade show in Hanover, during a speech by Intel executive Christian Morales. Intel makes the Celeron M and Pentium M microprocessors that power the devices.

So far, three companies have built working models. Samsung and Asus expect to begin shipping by April. The Chinese manufacturer Founder is aiming for June, Microsoft said.

The computer, however, won't be called Origami — the name used in Microsoft's cryptic web-based marketing campaign that led up to the unveiling.

More