One of the benefits of being on the UMPC team is that I have access to these great machines, and I have now been using them for a while (you will note that I still use a prototype unit in the picture below).  Though it may not be obvious from my profession, I am not usually an early adopter of technology, in fact, my team jokes with me that I am the opposite. Simplicity always seems to win.  That being said, the UMPC has worked its way comfortably into my life…and almost by accident.  I live in an old house and as it turns out the plugs in my dinning room – where I originally wanted to put the UMPC when I came home from work, did not have a ground.  So, I was forced to put the machine in the kitchen. Having it in the central room of my house changed everything. 

It acts as a photo frame when it is not in use (by setting the screen saver to a photo slideshow), I grab recipes, occasionally watch TV or videos, get answers to random trivia questions, and yes, even check my work email from time to time.  In fact, I have gotten into the habit of tapping the screen on my way through the kitchen and glancing at my emails, no matter what time of day.  If I have lots to read, or feel like playing a game, I grab the device and head over the couch. 

Because it is smaller and more friendly then a laptop, it just seems to work.