MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Looking for information about UMPC models?

Bob Russell · 06-07-2007, 04:27 PM

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!

06-07-2007, 04:27 PM	#1
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Looking for information about UMPC models? 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!