Some of our readers may have forgotten, but in 2006 Microsoft joined forces with Intel, Samsung, and other OEMs to develop Project Origami, better known as the UMPC (Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer) format of ultraportable computers. One of the first products to reach the Western market was the Samsung NP-Q1, equipped with a 900 MHz Celeron processor, a special version of Windows XP Tablet Edition, and a design that definitely makes us think of the Steam Deck...

NP-Q1: Samsung's Steam Deck That Nobody Remembers
Samsung NP-Q1

Valve's Steam Deck has become a very popular system despite its high price and some performance and temperature details. On YouTube we can find dozens of videos that teach us to optimize its configuration, improve cooling, and expand its internal capacity, but there are enthusiasts who already imagine a second generation, even more powerful and lighter.

However, the Steam Deck is nothing more than the latest expression of a format that has struggled to earn a place in the computer market. One of the first attempts dates back to 2002, when Sony launched its Vaio U series of subnotebooks in Japan, but four years later, a collaboration between Microsoft, Intel, Samsung and other OEMs gave rise to the UMPC class, Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer. When we talk about "first computers" under the wing of the UMPC, two models appear: one is the Amtek T700 with a VIA C7-M processor, and the other... is the Samsung NP-Q1.

Samsung NP-Q1: A Steam Deck in 2006

Thanks to the recent video published by the YouTube channel Budget-Builds Official in YouTube, today we can explore this fascinating device up close. Its hardware is composed of an Intel Celeron ULV 900 MHz processor, a ZIF hard drive of 1.8 inches and 40 GB capacity, 512 MB of DDR2 RAM (this unit was upgraded to 2 GB), Intel GMA 900 graphics, a 7-inch screen at 800 x 480 pixels with two alternative modes, and impressive connectivity ranging from a WiFi module and CompactFlash slot, to VGA output, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and two USB ports.

NP-Q1: Samsung's Steam Deck That Nobody Remembers
You can change the disk, expand memory, replace the WiFi module... this is more flexible than many modern systems

Beyond the age of this hardware configuration, what really caused enormous headaches was the software. Using a special version of Windows XP Tablet Edition, coupled with the lack of official files on Samsung's site, Budget-Builds Official ended up with a mutant installation combining English, French, and Russian. Even so, it must be acknowledged that Samsung's technical support answered their call, which lasted 55 minutes.

NP-Q1: Samsung's Steam Deck That Nobody Remembers
Yes, that's Half-Life, at over 60 FPS

Finally, its benchmarks were based on Quake 3 Arena, Morrowind, the first Unreal, and Half-Life itself. Except for Morrowind (which never exceeded 30 FPS), the rest of the games presented a more than acceptable framerate, which is surprising considering the Samsung NP-Q1 was never promoted as a gaming-oriented device.

If the Steam Deck is so popular these days, and the market is filling with alternatives and direct competitors, is it crazy to think of a "return" for the UMPC, with models that surpass current tablets in performance and features? The comments are open.