Intel’s UrbanMax, a tablet computer I think I actually like

So I know it probably looks like I’m a little wishy washy when it comes to tablet computers, but Intel’s UrbanMax looks like one I can get excited about. It’s hard to pin down to a few words why I like this tablet computer and dislike others, but there’s something promising about this concept tablet.

Maybe it’s the cool sliding thing. It normally looks like a slate, but unlike traditional slates, it slides out (sort of like many phones do now) and gives you a reasonably sized keyboard while maintaining a nice, viewable angle of the screen. Seriously, that’s cool in a notebook.

The form factor looks to be similar to many current netbooks, though actual specs haven’t been released yet. I’m curious what it’s going to be packing under that screen, especially for the operating system. Really, that’s where this’ll either succeed or be relegated to obscurity (or the medical industry). (From the pictures I think it’s pretty clear it’s running Vista, which means it better have some power to deal with Vista as well as the touch input.)

Still, I could actually see myself getting one of these because it appears to be far more portable than a standard convertible tablet computer while still offering the majority of the benefits of having the convertible. I almost think I’d prefer they keep the resistive screen, or at least keep finger input as an option.

Then again, I wish it were an Apple tablet computer. It almost looks slick enough to be one, but I doubt they’d have a real keyboard on it. Still, pretty neat device. I’m looking forward to more information on it (and especially the price whenever these are ready).

Check out more pictures and such of the Intel UrbanMax tablet computer at GottaBeMobile.