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Hardware has advanced enough over the last few years to enable a whole new category of handheld, the micro PC. These devices, although generally not as small as a PDA, are still pretty compact, and yet they run on a full version of Windows, not Windows Mobile. The ranks of micro PCs, which are considerably smaller than UMPCs, include models from OQO, Sony and DualCor.

Soon you'll be able to add Samsung to the list, as the Korean electronics giant plans to release a keyboard-based micro PC of its own, called the SPH-P9000, in South Korea during the first half of next year.

Unlike the micro PCs from OQO (the model 01+) and Sony (the VAIO UX), both of which feature mini thumb-keyboards, Samsung's device is unique because it flips open to reveal what appears to be an almost full-size keyboard. When closed the SPH-P9000 is still supposed to be no bigger than a typical portable DVD player.

The SPH-P9000, which runs on Windows XP Professional and weighs a little over a pound, also features a 5-inch WVGA LCD and a 30 GB hard drive. Internet connectivity options include WiMAX and CDMA EV-DO. Reports say you'll be able to make phone calls with the device as well.

It is not known at this time what the SPH-P9000 will cost or if Samsung plans on shipping it in markets outside of Korea, such as the United States and Europe.