When I first heard about the upcoming release of UMPC/Origami devices, I was both excited and anxious at the same time. You see, this is EXACTLY the type of form factor that I deemed optimal for Mentations to run on 3 years ago when I started work on the product, but I had hoped to have been further along in the development of this service by the time these types of devices came to fruition. In fact, over a year before Origami was announced I purchased a Sony U750P ultra-portable PC (which seems to have influenced the design of these Johnny-come-lately units) to begin honing Mentations towards. Granted, I think some improvements have been made like integrated Bluetooth and maybe even integrated GPS in some UMPC models. Actually, I think that having integrated GPS will be key. Integrated EVDO would be very cool too for always-available internet but I guess working with the cell carriers hasn't quite panned out yet logistically and/or technically. However, considering various carriers now allow you to use your Bluetooth-enabled phone to access an EVDO network or (in the case of Verizon) to buy their USB connector to tether your UMPC to select cell phones, the lack of a built-in cell card isn't all that bad (but still annoying). Another alternative would be to get a Kyocera portable WiFi router and turn your entire vehicle into a WiFi hotspot!
Ok, so you're asking, "What does this have to do with Mentations and why is it a killer app for UMPC devices?" Well, because the main design goal of Mentations is to provide information at a glance via dynamic pictures at the right time and location. It should be self-evident that having a device that can constantly run Mentations and always be with you (just like your cell phone probably is) would bring us closer to satisfying the time and location criteria, especially if GPS is also available. Further, having a built-in stand that you can prop open at a moment's notice to display an aesthetically pleasing picture that dynamically conveys information (i.e., Mentations) about how you're doing in your net-driven life is huge!
We believe so strongly in this vision that we have just finished baking in location-based functionality into Mentations including support for GPS! Now, wherever you are (assuming you are connected to a GPS device), you can pull up the Mentations Vicinity Map to see if there are any personalized points of interest located nearby (within 10 miles) including friends, family, and interests. Furthermore, you can now pull up a relationship within Mentations and get driving directions to THEIR current location regardless of whether they are in your general vicinity or not. If GPS is not available, Mentations will still provide this type of functionality by using the zip code that you provided the system with to approximate your current location.
This is just the beginning; Mentations is still very much in its infancy and will continue to evolve into an application that you will want as your constant companion, while traveling or otherwise. It will understand your needs and desires taking time and location into account. Mentations could very well become THE killer app for UMPC/Origami devices! Yes, I know I'm a bit biased, but I really do think so. ;^)
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