The Packard Bell EasyNote XS is the first ultra mobile device to be based on the VIA NanoBook Reference Design. Early reports indicate an August 2007 launch in Europe with a price point around 599. The EasyNote XS has eschewed the modular design of the NanoBook and opted instead for a webcam mounted beside the 7" screen. The EasyNote XS is expected to be the first UMPC to be adopted by mainstream audiences.

UMPCs have not gained broad consumer acceptance for a few reasons: the touchscreen-only interface required users to learn a new input method, many UMPCs had a battery life of only 2 hours, and most consumers expected smaller devices to be far cheaper than their much larger and heavier counterparts. Packard Bell has addressed all three of these issues by choosing a design that features a full-size keyboard, utilizes the VIA Ultra Mobility Platform to increase battery life up to 5 hours, and manages to deliver everything at a much more consumer-friendly price of 599.

When the Packard Bell EasyNote XS hits shelves, many consumers will finally be able to feel good about getting a little notebook just to check their e-mail, get a little extra work done, and keep in touch with their friends on the road. It looks like the days of the $2000+ ultra portable notebook are numbered.

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