Otto Berkes, who led Microsoft's "Origami" handheld PC project, took time last week to show us the Samsung model going on sale next month in the U.S. We're running a photo-story package in our Business section today, along with video of Berkes with the device.

Berkes has a track record of producing cool stuff at Microsoft -- previously he helped develop the Xbox and high-end graphics in Windows -- but he's a PC guy at heart, ever since he bought one of the first IBM models.

"I've always had respect for the PC and it's ability to evolve over time,'' he said while demonstrating the Samsung Ultra-Mobile PC using the Wi-Fi at a Seattle coffeehouse.

Analysts believe the full-power, handheld PCs have potential if the price comes down to aound $600 or $700, "something we feel is very achievable,'' Berkes said. "I would love it to happen this year, but that's just me."

Berkes also has an interesting personal story. He was born in Hungary, but his family fled to Austria when he was 5.