Intel UMPC looking better than ever

The plan was to wait until after next month's Intel Developer Forum (IDF), where four new UMPCs are expected to be announced, to be over before revisiting the Yahoo/Intel prototype that's been seen at various events since early last year. That was honestly the plan.

But then I stumbled across this shiny new picture of the sleekest version of the device to date. We've seen it in a hideous shade of copper and a dull silver before, but never in this gorgeous glossy black. Keeping in mind that nothing about this UMPC, including its 4.8-inch display, should be taken as fact until IDF, I'm still quite sure that it is something I must have. It's said to be based on the McCaslin platform, which (correct me if I'm wrong) I believe performs best here in Honolulu. What a coincidence!

Based solely on this image (bigger version after the cut) and Steve's hands-on time at CeBIT, I would love for the device to be launched exactly as it is. The swiveling thumboard with dedicated number keys, mouse buttons, and what look like user-defined buttons, volume/brightness controls, and a mouse stick all make for a rather tasty treat.

Seriously. Who can resist this?

Too bad there isn't a corresponding image showing the unit without the thumboard exposed. If one pops up, though, you can be sure it'll end up in the UMPCportal gallery first.