In our last article, we talked about the OQO Ultra Personal Computer. This time, we're talking about the Flipstart PC by Vulcan, Inc. Vulcan is the Investment and Management company started by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft. Since leaving Microsoft in 1983, his company has invested in several companies like Charter Communications, Dreamworks SKG, and more, but the Flipstart has garnered the most attention as of late.

The Flipstart PC is an Ultra Personal Computer that weighs 1 pound and will fit snugly fit in a pocket. Like the OQO or Tiqit , the amazing thing about the Flipstart is that it uses a full version of Windows XP. The Flipstart comes quite loaded with a 1GB processor, 256MB RAM, and a 30GB hard drive. There are also features normally only seen on a PDA, like integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b) and an on-board digital camera. You can see pictures and complete specs below:

• Microsoft Windows XP Home/Professional operating system
• Dimensions: 5.8" x 4" x 1" (148mm x 101mm x 26mm)
• Weighs 1lb (450g)
• 1 GHz processor
• 256MB system RAM
• 30GB internal hard drive
• 3D graphics w/ 8MB video RAM
• Full-function, QWERTY thumb keyboard w/ hotkeys for commonly used commands
• 5.6" HDTV-quality display (1024 x 600)
• Lithium-ion Polymer battery (2-6 hours battery life*)
• Integrated 802.11b (11 Mbps) /g (54 Mbps) Wi-Fi
• USB 2.0 port
• Internal microphone/speaker with headphones and ear bud jacks
• Integrated 1.3MP digital camera

Optional

• Low-Power Interactive Display (LID) module
• Bluetooth
• Wide Area Networking
• Ethernet (10/100Mbit)
• Support for external VGA
• NTSC TV Output
• Additional USB 2.0 ports
• DVD-CD/RW drive

* With extended battery

What makes the Flipstart unique compared to the other UPCs coming out is that Vulcan has kept a lower profile than most of the other manufacturers. Vulcan has kept the press releases and hype down to a dull roar, and recently introduced their prototype at Demo 2004 in February to some pretty rave reviews. PCWorld.com got to play around with the Flipstart at Demo 2004 and has a brief and enthusiastic synopsis of the experience. Vulcan has announced that the Flipstart PC should be available sometime at the end of the year. While the price is unknown, it's estimated to around the price of a mid-range notebook. As with most of the UPCs coming out, probably more than most people will want to spend, but hopefully competition in the UPC market builds to reduce the prices to a more consumer friendly level. In our next article, we will be talking about the Tiqit UPC.