Only UMPC | all things Ultra-Mobile PC

Elonex ONE — get it for £99

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:54:36 -0500

There seems to be too many options for the OLPC alternative, Here is Elonex ONE which claims to be “the UK’s first sub £100 laptop” (about US$200). The most interesting thing is the splash proof detachable keyboard.

comes in a variety of colors

There are two models available Elonex ONE & Elonex ONE +, the specifications are:

Processor — LNX Code 8 Mobile 300MHz processor
Memory — 128MB DDR-II SD RAM (256MB for One+)
Flash — 1GB on-board (2GB for One+)
Storage — removable WristVault Flash device, ranging between 1GB and 16GB (sold separately)
Display — 7-inch TFT LCD (800 x 480 resolution)
Networking — 10/100Mbps Ethernet
WiFi — 802.11b/g
USB — 2 x USB 2.0 ports
Bluetooth — One+ model only
Audio — 2 x built-in speakers; 3.5mm audio-in/mic and headphones
Keyboard — splash-proof, detachable QWERTY
Mouse — 2 x emulators (one on keyboard and one on back of display for tablet use)
Dimensions — 8.7 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches (22 x 15 x 3 cm)
Weight — 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg)
Battery — 3-cell battery with approximately 4 hours usage
Operating system — Linos (based on 2.6.21 kernel)

More details and information at the official site Elonex ONE [via Linux Devices]

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Windows 7 — made for UMPC

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:23:28 -0500

At All things D more details about the upcoming (!) Windows with multi-touch was revealed. A lot of the features might seem nothing on a Desktop and Laptop but sure will be handy in UMPCs.

UPDATE: Looks like the SDK for multi-touch in Windows 7 will be ready by October — more deets here

Microsoft demonstrates Multi-touch [Vista Blog]

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Ubuntu for UMPC “Netbook Remix”– launching in June

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:08:45 -0500

Mark Shuttleworth the founder and CEO of Canonical in an Interview with The Guardian has confirmed that the Ubuntu for Ultramobile will be launching in June.

Will you be coming out with a tailored version of Ubuntu for the ultraportable sector?

We’re announcing it in the first week of June. It’s called the Netbook Remix. We’re working with Intel, which produces chips custom-made for this sector.

Linux is a platform for people, not just specialists [The Guardian]

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BREAKING — Dell is ON

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:54:58 -0500

When the initial buzz about UMPC were taking flight, one of our readers wanted DELL to make one, and he even mocked up one and sent it to us [ here ]. While at Dell’s Ideastrom blog there has been a lot of request for one such device. At All things D conference, Gizmodo has got hold of Michael Dell carrying a new device (yet to be named) and got some pictures. With no delay Dell has published some details about the device, though the specs are not clear yet.

Asus Get ready!

Something at D6 [via Gizmodo]

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MSI Wind unpacking & more deets

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:43:59 -0500

CNET has got the crave for MSI wind and shows the full scoop of the wind. From unpacking to detailed review to a video of the device.

Check out for more details & photos

Detailed Review

Video Review

via Crave

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Via opens up OpenBook

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:33:40 -0500

Via has launched the “openbook” initiative. The specs are sugggested and any manufacturer can tweak things up to fit the need.

The VIA OpenBook mini-note reference design introduces a host of new innovations, including the next generation of VIA Ultra Mobile Platform, based on the VIA C7®-M ULV processor and the new all-in-one VIA VX800 digital media IGP chipset. Together, this ultra compact, power efficient platform delivers richer computing and multimedia features, including a stunning 8.9” screen and greater video playback support, in a compact and stylish clamshell form factor that weighs just 1kg.

Via has opened up the design as well, giving access to the CAD files to registered users.

Specifications:

Processor: 1.6GHz VIA C7®-M ULV Processor
VIA corporate website full product details here.
FSB: 800MHz

Chipset: VIA VX800 unified chipset
VIA corporate website full product details here.

Memory: DDR2 SO-DIMM up to 2GB
HDD: 80GB Hard-Disk or above

LCD Panel: 8.9″ WVGA 1024X600 LED screen
Graphics: VIA Chrome9 HC3 DX9 3D engine with shared system memory up to 256MB
Video Decoding: MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VC1 and DiVX video decoding acceleration

Audio: Realtek HD Audio codec, 2 speakers

Networking: 10/100/1000 Mb/s Broadcom Giga NIC Ethernet Solution

Wireless: Broadcom 802.11b/g or GCT 802.16e
-2in1 (WiFI+ Blue Tooth) default module
-3in1 (AGPS+WiFI+ Blue Tooth) upgrade module
-WiMAX secondary wireless module option
-EV-DO /W-CDMA secondary wireless module option
-HSPDA secondary wireless module option

I/O: 4 in 1 embedded card reader
1 D-Sub Port
3 x USB (Ver. 2.0 Type A Port)
1 Mic-in audio jack
1 Headphone out

Webcam: 2.01 megapixel dual headed rotary CCD camera

Dimension: 240(W)x175(D)mm
Thickness: 36.2(H)mm ( at battery)
Weight: Under 1kg

Operating System Support: Microsoft® Windows® XP, Windows Vista® and all popular Linux distributions

Status Indicators Power on, battery and HDD LEDs

Battery: 4 Cells, 2600ma

Options: USB interface DVD Dual RW
Leather Cover

via open book [official site]

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Next generation of OLPC

Joe — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:09:29 -0500

The first generation of the OLPC had a good deal of press but not the results. A lot of countries rejected the offers, but wait the next generation is going to be a great gadget for everyone not just kids.

The specs of the the device are not clearly published yet, but looks like it will be ready in 2010.

The system will employ the dual indoor-and-sunlight displays, which was pioneered by former OLPC CTO Mary Lou Jepsen. The design will provide a right and left page in vertical format, a hinged laptop in horizontal format, and a flat, two-screen continuous surface for use in tablet mode. “Younger children will be able to use simple keyboards to get going, and older children will be able to switch between keyboards customized for applications as well as for multiple languages,” the press release reads. The device will also reduce power consumption to 1 watt…

Oh the Give 1, Get 1 program will commence again this August or September.

Head over here for a Video of the presentation — First Look: OLPC XO Generation 2.0 [Laptop Mag]

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Who tops? — Asus vs. MSI

Joe — Sun, 18 May 2008 11:26:20 -0500

Well, found this interesting thing this morning? If you’re thinking, who has a better product? — then that is not our question. Which company has better designers (photoshop specialist — we mean!).

Make your guess , Have you? Seriously go ahead make a guess… Now take a close look at the pictures below used by MSI and Asus.

Did you notice anything in common? Well it does not stop there… The contest begins

We declare Asus as the Winner! (no pun intended)

The original photo is by photographer “Thomas Barwick” which is owned by Getty Images.

Photoshop Marketing at its best (translated) [via engadget]

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Aigo MID — the full scoop!

Joe — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:02:10 -0500

One of the first MIDs out there to be reviewed and pocked around with. The folks at UMPC fever have got the Aigo MID.

What did they do with it?

Hands-on with aigo MID by UMPCFever [via UMPC Portal]

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MSI wind — hands on review

Joe — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:41:13 -0500

The MSI wind(specs here) which was supposed to hit the US in June has a detailed hands-on review.

Though the Eee PCs are already available in the US, it might be hard for MSI which is launching in late june might have some issues with reaching out to UMPC fans. From the design aspect of the MSI which sports a better keyboard and a 3hour battery life on the standard 3-cell and about 7 hrs on the 6-cell this has the potential.

Read more on CHW — translated [via UMPC Portal]

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Atom based Fujitsu U2010

Joe — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:03:02 -0500

Fujitsu’s first generation of UMPCs surfaced around the same time last year, and with all sorts of product naming (Lifebook U810, Lifebook FMV U8240, loox U, U1010) for various regions.

Today they announced their next generation of UMPC called the “U2010″ which we guess will get other names soon, which will be powered by Atom. There are not much details on the specifications, one thing that is obvious is that the design has not changed a whole lot except that they have added new row of keys (6 instead of the 5 in the first generation), built in GPS & a 3.5G WAN support and looks a bit thinner.

Fujitsu announces Intel Atom-based UMPC [via jkkmobile]

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Raon Digital now with 32GB SSD

Joe — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:50:51 -0500

The EVERUN S32S Dic (no it’s not spelled wrong) is SSD version of its existing model, sporting a 32GB SSD. It is interesting to note that ‘EVERUN S32S Dic is ‘SayDic’(we did not coin this….) , its electronic dictionary function supporting TTS(Text to Speech) and native speakers’ pronunciation.

Specifications:

802.11b/g WLAN and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity
4.8-inch WVGA(800×480) LCD featuring auto-rotation and auto-brightness control function
Up to seven hours (12 hours with a large battery) of battery life
AMD Geode processor
32GB SSD

Via Pocketables | Available at Vega Mall

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MSI Wind to hit the US stores in June

Joe — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:29:33 -0500

With more and more players jumping in to this space, here is MSI which announced that their model named “Wind” will be in the US this june.

Some of the highlights as sighted at Laptop Mag

Come in two display-size variations: an 8.9-inch and a 10-inch. Only the 10-inch display will be available to the U.S. market.
Be available starting June 3rd. The Linux version, running Novel’s SUSE, will have 512MB RAM and an 80GB hard drive. It will retail for $399. The Windows XP version will have 1GB RAM, an 80GB hard drive, and Bluetooth, retailing for $549. However according to MSI a base configuration of the Windows XP product will be available for under $500.
Come in four different colors, including black, white, silver, and pink. Both sizes will be available in these colors.
Get 6 hours of battery life with the standard six-cell battery. Tung attributes the power savings to the Intel Atom processor, since the system will not have a solid state drive.

Specifications:

Linux Version ($399)
CPU:1.6GHz Intel Atom
Operating System: Linux Novell SUSE
Chipset: 945GMS+ ICH7-M
Display: 10-inch/ 1024×600
Hard Disk Drive: 80GB / 2.5” SATA
VGA: UMA
Memory: 512MB DDR2/ 667MHz
Card Reader: 4-in-1 (SD,MMC,MS, MS Pro)
USB Ports: 3
Mic-in/Headphone
Webcam: 1.3 MP
WLAN: 802.11b/g
Bluetooth: No
Battery: Three Cells / 2.5 hrs
Dimension: 10.23 x 7.08 x 0.748 inches
Weight 2.3 lbs

Windows XP Version
CPU:1.6GHz Intel Atom
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition
Chipset: 945GMS+ ICH7-M
Display: 10-inch/ 1024×600
Hard Disk Drive: 80GB / 2.5” SATA
VGA: UMA
Memory: 1GB DDR2/ 667MHz
Card Reader: 4-in-1 (SD,MMC,MS, MS Pro)
USB Ports: 3
Mic-in/Headphone
Webcam: 1.3 MP
WLAN: 802.11b/g
Bluetooth: Yes
Battery: Six Cells / 5.5 hrs
Dimension: 10.23 x 7.08 x 0.748-inches
Weight 2.6 lbs

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ASUS Eee PC 900 — Reviewed

Joe — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:15:42 -0500

Well you might be wondering if this an UMPC, if you are looking for a smaller form factor (with 7″ or less screen size) then it might not be but for its size and price it indeed is a great candidate for our UMPC line up.

From the day Asus launched their EEE PCs, they have been getting a good reviews and press from all around. The most important factor being their pricing model. Laptop Mag has got their detailed review of the Asus Eee PC 900 series with Linux costing $549, which was awarded 4 stars.

The Verdict from Laptop Mag:

The second-generation Eee PC is worth the extra money because of its larger screen and beefier storage, but we wish it lasted longer on a charge.

Here are the pros and cons according to Laptop Mag

Pros:

Wider, higher-resolution screen
Multi-touch trackpad
Simple interface
Lightweight design

Cons:

Cramped keyboard
Lackluster battery life
Automatic power-saving feature affects performance

ASUS Eee PC 900 (Linux) [Laptop Mag]

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Origami 2.0 — unleashed at CES

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:49:33 -0600

When Origami Experience was initially released for Vista based UMPCs there were improvements made over the original one, but this time it seems to even further than just the new UI. Some of the highlights are Origami™ Central, Origami™ Now and Origami™ Picture Password. Microsoft has added touch settings as well.

Something New [Origami Project]

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Lime PC on Freescale mobileGT

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:24:43 -0600

We’ve seen small devices before, but Lime PC had a slew of products at CES and of which engadget highlights 3 products which are really small. One being categorized as UMPC and the other two as Handheld PC an Palm PC.

As for the specs

powered by mobileGT core from Freescale
WiFi
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
touchscreen displays
8 or 16 GB flash (Palm PC and Handheld PC)
30 / 10GB for UMPC

More about mobileGT [freescale] | Hands on with Lime PC [engadget]

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Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:10:23 -0600

Samsung must have been really busy with their mainstream products like TVs and Mobile phone and PMPs, but they managed to squeeze in a premium version of their Q1 ultra UMPC. The interesting thing is the battery life at 7.5 hours!

According to JKK — “The initial Q1 Ultra Premium UMPC – Model: Q1UP-XP, Part Number: NP-Q1U/P01 – is based on the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system, and will be available for an MSRP of $1,399.00. To make room for this new model, Samsung will be lowering the price of their entire family of Q1 Ultra UMPC systems.

Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium gets official [jkkmobile]

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Amtek U560 aka Aigo

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:04:25 -0600

Though LCD TVs and other WiFi stuff seem to take a lot of attention in the media at CES, there were lot of new UMPC and MID devices & prototypes that were shown at CES.

Starting with the Amtek U560 otherwise called as the Aigo which seems to be really handy when it comes to size, though it does not sport the menlow platform, sure it does have its place. Though we have heard about the device before when intel launched the MID, this time the product seems to be more stable and sturdy as well. This device is like sidekick on steroids!

More picture here [engadget]

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UMPC vs. MID — Intel has the answers

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:47:31 -0600

With so much similarities between the two, a lot of users were confused as to what are the things that keep them apart and at CES looks like Intel has the answers to them, though most of us could have speculated them here it is in their own words

UMPC

Business-class device for enterprise users

Runs a “heavy” OS like Vista

Optimized for office-use applications like Excel, Word, etc.

MID

Consumer-class lifestyle device

Runs a ‘lightweight” OS with quick startup like Linux

Optimized for things like media playback and web surfing

In 2009 (or so) Moorestown-based devices will be classed as MIDs only

Intel explains: MIC vs. UMPC [engadget]

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Happy New Year — 2008

Joe — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:01:29 -0600

We wish all our readers a very exciting UMPC filled new year ahead, with only a few days left for the CES, we can be sure to have a bunch of devices that are ready to hit the market or at least getting ready to.

Again Happy New year — 2008

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Woot — Samsung Q1 for $579

Joe — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:30:15 -0600

If you’ve been waiting for a great deal on the UMPC and you liked the Samsun Q1, here is your chance to grab one

Head over to woot and grab one for just $579 +$5 for Shipping.

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Asus Eee PC gets reviewed — Thumbs Up!

Joe — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:56:07 -0500

Laptopmag has got the detailed review of the Asus Eee PC. Looks like they are really satisfied and happy with the performance and with the overall design. Starting from the Interface to Size to Apps to Performance, things seem really good.

In many ways, too, the Eee PC is a new-and-improved version of the Internet appliance concept, as its easy-to-tote, easy-to-use design makes it simple for anyone to get online.

When it comes to road warriors, the Eee PC runs circles around UMPCs powered by Vista and XP in terms of performance, price, and ease of use, but not application support. Despite a few issues, such as a webcam not yet optimized for online video chats, the Eee PC is also a worthy alternative to devices like the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet. The Nokia is more pocket-friendly, is Bluetooth-enabled for using a cell phone as a modem, and has a built-in GPS receiver, but the Asus sports a better keyboard, can be connected to a big-screen monitor, and is $80 cheaper…

Asus Eee PC 701 Review | Gallery [Laptopmag]

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Asus Eee PC — Pricing and detailed specs

Joe — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:07:36 -0500

Asus has published the details of the Eee PC. If you have been thinking that $800 or above is too much for an UMPC take a look at this. Though initially this was supposed to be launched at $199, the price has gone up to $299 - $399 depending on the configuration. Personally even after the price hike this seems like a good deal. Note that these devices sports a SSD and comes loaded with Linux and weighs less than a kg (that’s ~2 lbs)

Specs:

Model Name	Eee PC 8G	Eee PC 4G	Eee PC 4G Surf	Eee PC 2G Surf
Display	7″	7″	7″	7″
Intel CPU & Chipset	V	V	V	V
Operating System	Linux Windows XP compatible	Linux Windows XP compatible	Linux Windows XP compatible	Linux Windows XP compatible
Ethernet Communication	V	V	V	V
WLAN	V	V	V	V
Memory	1G (DDR2)	512 MB (DDR2)	512 MB (DDR2)	256 MB (DDR2)
S.S.D. Storage (Solid-State Disk)	8G	4G	4G	2G
Camera	V	V	-	-
Audio	Hi-Definition audio Stereo speaker Microphone	Hi-Definition audio Stereo speaker Microphone	Hi-Definition audio Stereo speaker Microphone	Hi-Definition audio Stereo speaker Microphone
Battery	4 Cells: 5200 mAh, 3.5hrs*	4 Cells: 5200 mAh, 3.5hrs*	4 Cells: 4400 mAh,2.8hrs*	4 Cells: 4400 mAh,2.8hrs*
Weight	0.92 kg	0.92 kg	0.92 kg	0.92 kg
* Specificatioin changes are subject to different models * Actual battery life will depend on actual operations and other settings. * Product contains software under GPL license agreement

Product Page [Asus]

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Nokia announces the N810

Joe — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:26:18 -0500

When Nokia initially launched the Internet tablet, one of the main issues was the lack of keyboard (if only had a on-screen one). With N810 fans of Nokia have the sliding QWERTY built in to the product and a GPS receiver. The N810 will be powered by maemo Linux based OS2008, which just means it’s open for any one to write other apps…

More details after the jump

The Specification are:

Operating Frequency

Volume: 128 cc
Weight: 226 g
Length: 72 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 14 mm

Display

High-resolution 4.13″ WVGA display (800 x 480 pixels) with up to 65,000 colors

Processor

TI OMAP 2420, 400Mhz

Memory

* DDR RAM 128MB
* Flash 256MB

Storage

* Up to 2GB internal memory
* Support for compatible miniSD and microSD memory cards (with extender). Supports cards up to 8GB. (SD cards over 2GB must be SDHC compatible.)

Operating times*

Battery: Nokia Maps BP-4L
Continuous usage (display on, wireless LAN active): up to 4 hours
Music playback: up to 10 hours
Always online time: up to 5 days
Standby time: up to 14 days

*Operating times may vary depending on the radio access technology used, configuration and usage. The availability of the product and its features depend on your area and service providers, so please contact them and your Nokia dealer for further information.

Other characteristics

Smooth slide with integrated QWERTY keyboard
Built-in GPS receiver
High quality stereo speakers and sensitive microphone
High-resolution widescreen display
Integrated desk stand
Integrated VGA web camera
HW key to lock touch screen and keys
Ambient light sensor

Connectivity

WLAN standard: IEEE 802.11b/g
Bluetooth specification v. 2.0. +EDR
- Profiles supported: HID, FTP, DUN, GAP, SPP, HSP, SAP and OPP
USB 2.0 high speed
3.5 mm stereo headphone plug (Nokia AV Connector)

Language support

HW keyboard variants: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish-Portuguese, Scandinavian and Russian
User interface languages: British English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, American English, Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese
User guide languages: British English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, American English, Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese, Arabic

More Product Details | Mini Site [Nokia]

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Samsung SPH-9200 deets

Joe — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:38:06 -0500

The second generation of the product named the SPH-9200 which is very similar to the previous SPH-9000 but the size and configuration. Surprisingly the device does not have bluetooth.

Shown here are the SPH-9000 and the SPH-9200 respectively.

Via C7-M processor
512MB RAM
30GB hard drive
Windows XP Home edition.
Standard battery (20Whr, 2-2.5hours)
Extended battery (40whr, up to 5 hours)
Camera, 1.3mp
Wifi, Wibro and HSDPA
SIM card slot.
15 pin accessory port (unclear. Could be for headset, dongles)
Port replicator (2xUSB, power, LAN, VGA)
5″ 800×480 screen (and higher res interpolated modes)
Deluxe Launcher with enhanced systems tray.
Includes Samsung MyPen software.
Icon lens and MyZoom software
Optical joystick (and mouse buttons)

The Korean version of the spec can be found here — Steve of UMPC Portal is on top of this. Here is a short video of the product.

via [UMPC Portal & Ultra Mobile Blog]

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