Looking for information about UMPC models?

[Bob Russell]

Like many tech topics, there is all kinds of news out there about UMPCs on the market and soon to come. But if you haven't been following it like an addict, you might not know where to look. This is meant to be a primer for those of you that are interested, but might not have had the time to read dozens of UMPC-related tech blogs.

First of all, we are all very lucky to have one fantastic resource. It's the very first stop you should make if you are trying to get some info on UMPC models - the UMPC Portal Product Comparison page. That information might almost get you the information you need all by itself.

A few points to remember when looking at UMPCs:
1) Like laptops, you probably care about the OS version, RAM, hard drive size, and screen size.
2) Keyboards vary from notebook-like, to thumb boards, to none at all.
3) Screens are not always touch sensitive, and even if they are, there are light and hard touch screens. Light touch gives you easier tapping, but is more vulnerable to vectoring (when it interprets your palm as a touch point, making it appear on the screen like you were drawing a line down to where your palm was resting). Also note that there are active styluses that are used often in larger tablet PCs, but most UMPCs only have touch sensitive screens, so you can't "hover" or adjust the thickness of your line by the amount of pressure used when writing. On the other hand, touch sensitive is much more convenient because you can use your finger or a stylus instead of a special battery operated (and expensive) pen.
4) Battery life is critical for most people, and estimates can vary based on how it is measured and the number of cells in the battery used. Many models offer extended batteries as options. Wifi, bluetooth, screens that are set to high brightness, and heavy usage will all lower the run time for a battery.
5) CPU chipsets vary a lot. For Vista, there are some graphics and input driver limitations that seem to crop up on older hardware. XP Tablet seems to need less RAM, and Vista is slower but better integrated with tablet functions.
6) Accessories can make all the difference. The Samsung Q1, for example, has a portfolio that makes for a neat small package to carry and use your Q1 as well as a slim keyboard with it. Even a convertible with a keyboard, probably would do well in some sort of a case. And for all devices, you may want to check on whether a dock is available.

So what are the "hot" models? Well, it's hard to say, but the newer Samsung Q1 Ultra for about $1200 seems to top the list, and it is about the only one with a higher resolution screen. Extra screen resolution can really help on a 7". My hot list of future models include the Asus T83 convertible tablet that is supposed to come around in Q3 2007 for under $1000. Also the US702 convertible looks pretty neat.

Next year we will start to see a lot more of the Linux MID devices, as well as some near-pocket sized devices like a reference model that Intel keeps showing off.

There are many more options, but this should be enough to get you pointed in the right direction. And if you want to keep up on the news be sure to also add JKonTheRun, and keep an eye out for other sites that they refer to here and there to build your news list.

Buying one is a difficult decision, however. They are improving so rapidly, but are still very expensive and choices are limited. I'd love a convertible UMPC running Vista that looks like the Palm Foleo. But most seem to be running a 7" screen right now, and are not convertibles. The pocket sized ones won't really be here until next year (except for the OQO Model 2 which probably runs around $2000).

If you are willing to go up to a larger convertible, you can take a look at the Lenovo X61 tablet, Gateway 12" tablet and the HP 12" consumer model entertainment tablet. But watch out for the battery life on the Gateway and HP, and watch out for the price tag on all of them! Dell will also have a slim 12" tablet later this year.

Personally, while I'd like a full Windows Vista device, I'd be happy if my Treo and its applications supported an external "terminal" like the Foleo, but which acts simply as a dumb terminal and does all the computing with the Treo itself. No synching, no extra apps, no compatibility issues!

The Treo would need a few tweaks, but could be essentially the same. Just add:
1) Support for the higher resolution screens of the terminal
2) Responsiveness - it's a bit sluggish now
3) Multitasking, of course
4) A decent browser and a full office suite (say Open Office?)

But until that happens, I'll have one eye on the UMPCs, and the other eye on my wallet!

[Mambo]

Overall I think the UMPCs are good idea, but they have limited usability, small screen and too bulky, heavy for my tase.

My vote is for tablet PCs and I just bought a new one for $800. An other $200 would be the extended battery and then I would get 10 hours usage out of two batteries.

It compares well with the IRex iLiad both in terms of price and battery life, but gives much better functionality. 12" color screen + 80GB hdd + Tablet PC software + Office applications + standby/hibernate.

I will see how it works out but I am really excited.

[Azayzel]

Just broke down and picked up an OQO model 01 from eBay, should be here in a few days so I'll report on it then. I think I got a good deal, though I won't know until I receive it and run it through the hoops.

You can read all about my use of the TabletPC in other posts; bottom line, they're good but a bit on the heavy side and short on the battery side.

I've test-driven earlier models of the Sony Vaio UMPC, but it didn't have an integrated keyboard and had a small scree-to-actual size form-factor. I've also fiddled with quite a few of the newer Sonys that are out; the VGN series. For some reason they aren't going over too well (you can see this by the dirth of availability on eBay and your local second-hand PC stores), I think this might be due to the funky form-factor; it's screen size is nice, but the keyboard is a bit on the small side and it's way too thick and bulky for me to want to carry with me wherever I go.

Kinda been eyeing the Samsung Q1P, but it's drawing a bit more than the retail pricing; plus it's been sold out at many places. Sounds nice with it's large screen, but I don't know how it will fly without an integrated keyboard (don't know too many people who want to re-learn how to use a new input device; i.e., the on-screen thumb-board app). I did bid on quite a few, won one too, too bad it was a bogus listing (good thing I'm suspicious and used to work for PayPal, so I know how the system works and am in the process of recovering my funds; sucks that it happened to begin with).

There are quite a few models out there, with more to come; but I won't sit idle and watch them pass me by, otherwise I'll never own one. If... no, when, something better comes along, I'll sell my current model and upgrade to what I can stomach/afford.

[Bob Russell]

Congrats, Azayzel, on the OQO. That's a really nifty little device!

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

I wish those main tables provided a bit more info on the device, such as cost, whether screen is a touchscreen (and what kind), and whether keyboards are available as optional items. Here, there's not much to compare but OS and attached keyboard.

[ArchiMark]

FWIW, received the newly released new Kohjinsha SH6 from Conics.net about 2 weeks ago and love it!

It's like a small version of a convertible Tablet PC style laptop...about half the size of the Fujitsu T4010 that I use at work...

It has 7" (1024x600 touchscreen display, 1 GB RAM (already upgraded it to 2GB...), 100GB 5400RPM HD, and Vista Home Premium....

Comes in black or 'white'...I got the white one and it looks good, actually it's more of a 'pearl' metallic white color (like I've seen on some high-end cars...), with white keyboard....

Think it's nice balance between portability and usability...at least for me....

HTH,

Mark

[Bob Russell]

Mark,

Have you had any performance issues waiting for the Kohjinsha with Vista? What kind of price did you find for it?
What kind of battery life do you get?
Is the screen big enough and the touch screen accurate enough to comfortably take meeting or class notes on it?

It does really look like an incredibly handy form factor!

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

I just went to UMPC Portal, and got confused. They advise that they have created 2 tables, one for full UMPCs, and a separate one on a new page for sub-UMPCs. But when I click on the links, I see the same table on both pages. (Yes, I refreshed.) Does anyone else see 2 tables there?

[wallcraft]

Near the top of UMPCportal's product page there is "Latest news: SUB-UMPCs (e.g. uber-smartphones, specialist devices, web pads) have been moved", with a link to their Sub-UMPC product page. This includes devices without an x86 compatible processor.

The product comparison window does not seem to work for these devices though.

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

When I go to either page, I see the exact same table and the exact same products.

I sure wish there was a place to actually see these things. (I mentioned this elsewhere, or on my own website somewhere...) I've recently asked at the retail electronics places that are around my area, and everyone says the same thing: "UMPC? Tablet PC? Like laptops without keyboards? No, sorry, never heard of 'em, never seen one." How are you gonna buy something whose appeal depends on how well you can use it... if you never even get a chance to hold one before you buy?

And if these things are supposed to actually sell... when are they going to be advertised? I've seen one ad in an upscale home decoration magazine (of all things), and nothing else. How do people buy what they never see in a store, on a TV screen or in their favorite magazines? I give up...

[ArchiMark]

Originally Posted by Bob Russell

Mark,

Have you had any performance issues waiting for the Kohjinsha with Vista?

Biggest wait was the 3 days it took for SH6 to get from Tokyo to California....

Just joking, Bob....

Actually, SH6 works pretty well with Vista considering the CPU used...some waits here and there but not bad. Probably helped that I pulled the 1GB stick and put in a 2GB one as well as I've gone through Vista and done a lot of performance tweaks.....

What kind of price did you find for it?

As mentioned before, I got it from Conics.net which always has good prices for Japanese market stuff. See webpage for pricing as you can configure SH6 to your liking; RAM, HD, OS, color, etc....

http://conics.net/catalog/index.php?...0af26e34634f81

Have been getting various devices; subnotes and Zaurii from Conics for several years and always get great quick service, including follow-up...

What kind of battery life do you get?

Don't really have exact figures for you as I typically use SH6 at home or at my desk at work, both locations have convenient outlets...

But from the little bit I've used battery, I'd say you can get 2-3 hours on standard battery, depending upon usage, etc...

Heard that Conics should have extended battery very soon....

Is the screen big enough and the touch screen accurate enough to comfortably take meeting or class notes on it?

I think so, but each person may have different preferences or eyesight....

Display measures about 6" wide x 3 -5/8" high, so you could draw that rectangle out and see what you think....of course you can rotate view from landscape to portrait too....

It does really look like an incredibly handy form factor!

Absolutely!...basically the same width as my ol' Libretto 110CT if you know about those (they were the size of a VHS videotape...remember those...). However, the SH6 is a bit deeper than the Libby due to the convertible Tablet PC style design...

Was torn for awhile between the SH6 and the new Fujitsu U8240 (can it on Conics too)...which is similar to the SH6 but even smaller size with 5.6" display.

While it seemed tempting to have such a small lappy when you want to carry it around (although it's still too large to fit in your pocket. So I figured you lose too much in usability with smaller display and keyboard when it comes time to actually use it....