UMPCBuzz and Engadget are reporting some interesting UMPC/Origami news regarding
Samsung. Samsung has recently released it’s marketing strategy for the already announced Q1 which uses the Intel chipset. Prices are coming in higher than expected in the Korean market (US equivalent of $2000) for the May 1 release date raising a few eyebrows that had already been furrowed about the sub-$1000 target. According to this article in The Korea Herald they are also looking at selling 300,000 units in the first year. Like Layne, I think it is great that Samsung is throwing there muscle into this launch but I find the target number quite high.
In addition, Samsung also looks like it is going to offer a new UMPC/Origami using the VIA chipset, priced considerably lower around $700.
What does all this mean? I’d call it too early to tell but primed for change.
UPDATE: Layne Heiny is not only Johnny-on-the-Spot with UMPC news but with foreign cash conversions. Apparently the info I blogged before about the almost $2000 US price of the Samsung Q1 is wrong. According to Layne it is more like $1243.50. Thanks for tracking that down, Layne.
