Samsung's origami tablet hits US shops

Samsung's mini-tablet PC is finally landing on some store shelves.

The Korean electronics manufacturer said on Monday that the Q1 - the first brand-name device to use Microsoft's Origami Project software - is now available at all 32 Fry's Electronics locations in the US as well as in some Best Buy stores in Texas.

Until now, the Q1 has been sold online only by Best Buy and CDW. Samsung said in a statement it has seen "strong initial sales" but the company declined to offer specifics. Samsung launched the $1,100 Windows XP machine last month.

IDC analyst Richard Shim said demand for the device still appears to be fairly limited.

Shim said: "If there were truly big demand for this, you'd think it would be a nationwide Best Buy move, rather than just in Texas."

There was much buzz surrounding the Origami effort but as details of the mini-tablet emerged, some of the enthusiasm waned. Analysts said the first crop of devices was likely to appeal only to gadget enthusiasts, given their high price tag and the fact they only offer a couple of hours of battery life.

Shim also noted there's been little interest from either big name computer makers or from the Asian contract manufacturers that make a substantial portion of the world's portable computers.

He said: "We haven't heard from any of the other PC makers or other major brand names that they are coming out with models in the near term, so it makes me think the market is still limited."

Microsoft has said a new crop of devices, code-named "Vistagami" will ship early next year, along with updated software based on Windows Vista.

Ina Fried writes for CNET News.com