If you pay attention to what’s going on in the broad tech world (Tech Memeorandum is a great way to get the hum of some opinion), you can’t help but notice things like the growing buzz about Microsoft’s Origami during the past few days.

Like at least half the blogosphere and some mainstream media, I’ve taken a look at the teasing video showing Origami in action (full instructions via Bink). Ooh, I want one of these! And there’s a good buzz effect – I’m not wholly sure exactly what this gadget is (a new wireless mobile device, sort of a mini tablet PC, I think) but I want one anyway.

Whether Microsoft is planning an announcement on 2 March or not (they’re not, says the New York Times), this buzz build-up is a good example of what a little word-of-mouth can do for a brand and an as-yet-unreleased product, especially in a hot and sexy area like consumer electronics.

A leaf out of Apple’s book, in fact. I hope Microsoft takes the complete leaf, so to speak, and the product really does meet the already-high expectations when it eventually does appear.