Here are some pictures using a UMPC in a local coffee store, I know it’s a cliché for some living near Seattle to go to a coffee store but for the record I was drinking tea. Why was I watching TV here and not at home? Well, I was primarily making sure that the scenario worked before we shouted it from the rooftops and I was testing out the new skin that SlingMedia created for origami devices. On top of that my wife wanted a Frappuccino® so I really couldn’t lose.

I can report that this does work and works well. Some people might wonder why you would want to watch video or TV on a small screen. I used to think that too, I mean, who wants to watch 24 on 2-inch phone display? Apparently lots of people do and once you have tried it, it isn’t that bad. Pump the screen up to 7 inches and you have a more than reasonable experience. It isn’t a premium, sit back on the couch, widescreen extravaganza but when you are on a bus, waiting for a bus, or waiting for anything else it is nice to have options. For example, I have used Orb to watch recorded Media Center shows on my phone while waiting at the airport (before UMPCs were allowed out in public).

Granted, there needs to be some improvements to make streaming video and audio a ubiquitous, simple experience but these changes are coming and if you are just a little bit determined you can do it now.