Intel Introduces UrbanMax Mobile PC

Intel officially introduced its UrbanMax concept platform at IDF in Taipei this week.

The UrbanMax is Intel’s new mobile PC concept, which features an 11.1-inch touchscreen display. Text input on the UrbanMax can be achieved using the touchscreen display, but the UrbanMax also offers a small slide out Qwerty keyboard. The touchscreen allows users to input data, navigate the interface and jot down notes while standing up or on the go. When at a desk or sitting down, the screen on the UrbanMax can be tilted upwards to offer notebook functionality and faster text input with the use of the slide out keyboard.

The UrbanMax comes with a high-performance SSD for rugged, fast and energy efficient storage. The system will use small form factor Intel Centrino 2 processor technology, which will support high-definition 1080p video playback on the 1366x768 resolution display. Considering the mobile nature of the UrbanMax, support for wireless technologies, such as 3G and WiMax, are more than likely.

The UrbanMax concept was already spotted a couple months ago and at the time it was discovered that the system runs Windows Vista. When the UrbanMax is in notebook mode, the traditional desktop interface is present, but when in tablet mode, the interface switches to one designed for touchscreens. Also, the slide out keyboard is equipped with a tiny optical mouse device, which is reminiscent of the red nub found on ThinkPad notebooks.

The UrbanMax will likely be facing competition from netbook designs, which offer mobility, simplicity and a low price. With some netbook manufactures also adopting touchscreens for their netbook designs, the UrbanMax may end up being labeled as being just another tablet PC. Overall though, the device does seem appealing in that gigantic iPhone-type of way. There has been mention of Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) at IDF, although the UrbanMax would not be classified as one. MIDs are devices that someone carries on them, rather than with them.