What are Mira Tablets

Asks Jake

A. Mira "tablets" are Microsoft's new portable computers, with flat LCD screen's, that are designed to be used in any room in the house - basically as a remote screen for your PC that is located somewhere else - so that you don't have to lug a big computer around if you want to use it away from your desk - the tablet basically accesses your home PC via a wireless connection offering the full functionality of your PC and all its applications.

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They were recently launched (using Microsoft's Beta 1 version of Mira) at the annual CeBit technology exhibition held in Hanover, Germany from on 13 March 2002 (although Bill Gates actually previewed Mira during his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas on 7 January 2002).

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Mira is actually the codename for a number of Windows-based technologies that enable this portability to occur. It harnesses the remote-desktop and wireless-networking features of the Windows XP and Windows CE .NET operating systems, and enables what it calls 'smart displays'� in a variety of instant-on and silent-running form factors, ranging from a primary PC monitor that detaches to become a portable wireless touch-screen monitor to a large digital television that presents a complete Windows XP experience, including the ability to access music and photos from a PC.

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Leading electronics companies are currently developing monitors and smart display systems that incorporate Mira technology. So far, Mira tablets have been likened to a cross between a Pocket PC-based handheld computer and a TV remote control - with a large screen.

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Q. What consumer companies are developing this idea

A. At CeBit, Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer announced that Philips Consumer Electronics and LG Electronics Inc are currently building smart display devices that are based on the principle of Mira and which will be available in the UK by Christmas 2002.

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To back this up, Philips demonstrated its new Mira-enabled 10.4inch remote mobile monitor at CeBit, which allows users to access their Windows XP-based PC wirelessly when the monitor is removed from its base, while LG Electronics announced that it was developing a 15inch detachable LCD monitor and is considering display form factors ranging from 10- to 15-inch remote mobile monitors.

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Microsoft is also working with Fujitsu, Intel, National Semiconductor, NEC, Matsushita Electronic, Sotec, ViewSonic and Wyse Technology to deliver Mira-enabled equipment.

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Q. Why does Mira need Windows XP to work

A. It only works with computers running Windows XP and is compatible with its Windows CE .NET protocol�- which in effect provides wireless access to your PC from anywhere in the house (or office although it is being promoted as a home-based computer tool).

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It needs Windows XP because it includes digital media and wireless support plus remote desktop technology that enables Mira to work, plus Windows CE .NET comes with 802.11 wireless support, instant-on access, accelerated graphics, multiple CPU support, and the Remote Desktop Protocol client.

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Q. So what will I actually be looking at when I open my Mira-enabled LCD screen

A. The screen will be a replicate of any operating system running Windows XP - but instead of the icons for applications and files actually being present on the Mira tablet they are present on your PC desktop. The remote monitor is connected via a WiFi (802.11b) wireless connection.

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There is a full Answerbank article on WiFi� at www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Article.go id=2316.

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Q. Are there any downsides to using a Mira tablet in the home

A. Currently, the Mira-enabled screens are in their pilot stages so there are a few things that can be improved for example, Mira communicates with Windows XP using Microsoft's remote desktop protocol (RDP) which does not (at the moment anyway) support graphics used for 3D games or video streaming. In addition, as it is a single-user system it cannot be used while someone else is using the main PC.

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Microsoft has stated that both of these problems will be ironed out with its next version - and it is believed that it will be this upgraded version that appears on the consumer products that will be launched at the end of 2002.

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Q. How much will the so-called Mira tablets cost

A. No price has been announced yet, but it is believed they will retail between �250-�700.

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By Karen Anderson