Vulcan Portals, a company headed by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft Corp., has introduced the FlipStart micro-PC. While other companies have developed ultra-compact computers, Allen's firm to a different approach and settled upon a 'shrunken' version of a conventional clamshell design. The machine measures six inches by 4.5 inches and has a 5.6-inch display. It has all the features of full-sized laptop computers, but it is too small to use the touch-typing method. Its keyboard uses the standard QWERTY layout, however, and there is a touch pad and a track stick for pointing. The FlipStart can connect wirelessly in any location, since it comes with both Wi-Fi and a modem for the high-speed data network supplied by Sprint Nextel. The device represents a useful alternative to the BlackBerry or another smart phone, and even includes a small camera for video-conferencing. The FlipStart can run all Windows XP or Vista applications as well. Another problem common among ultra-compact computers has been effectively addressed by the FlipStart. The device takes on the battery-life problem by using a really big battery, which provides up to six hours of use. The size of the battery increases the thickness and weight of the FlipStart, but a smaller, thinner battery is available, albeit with a loss of battery life. The smaller battery lasts only about three hours. However clever the Vulcan Portal designers have been, however, they have not resolved a basic problem. Windows does not work well on screens that are smaller than 12 inches on the diagonal, and the display on the FlipStart is much smaller than that.