The U2010 / U820 is one amazing bit of tech. At just around 600gm, with an 1280×800 5.6" screen, tiny convertible-screen form factor and an level amazing power efficiency it represents the leading edge of pro-mobile UMPCs. But it’s expensive.
More Images at AkihabaraNews.
The new, Japanese LOOX UC40 and UC30 look like they might be trying to address that by offering XP and a new 1.3Ghz variant in the C30. According to AkihabaraNews, "Fujitsu also announced that this move will help them lower their overall retail prices."
- Loox UC40 and its Atom Z530 (1.60GHZ), 1GB of RAM, 60GB of HDD, its usual 5.6” LCD with a WXGA resolution, a 1.3Mpix Camera, and Wifi ABGN and FM transmitter.
- Loox UC30, powered by an Atom Z520 (1.33GHz), no web camera, Wifi BGN, FM transmitter.
- Some reports (Yahoo Japan translation) are mentioning 6hrs battery life on the UC30 with a standard battery. [4hrs real-world usage is not out of the question with the standard battery.]
I doubt the possible price reduction is anything to do with reduction in component costs but maybe they did a deal with Microsoft. Maybe they got hold of a ULCPC-style low-cost license deal. On the other hand, the definition of lower prices here may be insignificant. Even if that is the case, its nice to see more XP / Atom options.
We have a request out to Conics to see if they plan to have these available as exports.
Source: AkihabaraNews
December 15th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Wow! A reputable manufacturer, a devivce that approach 500 grams, XP, decent battery life and a tablet/clamshell flip.
Not revolutionary, but practical, and an excellent incremental step forward.
My Gigabtye M528 looks like it’s never gonna happen. This looks like a more useful and practical option – better screen, better keyboard I’d bett, and not double the weight.
Thanks Chippy.
December 15th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Sounds nice so far but no Wifi BGN ? 0o
December 15th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
it seems there are 2 version, one with wifi and the other without
December 15th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
i’m pretty sure they have WIFI and Bluetooth, just no webcam. it would be basically a useless device without any connection interfaces.
just…1280×800 on 5.6 inch? i wonder who can manage to see menu entries and icons on that resolution. i think usability is equal zero on a resolution like that. why do those companies not produce more efficient devices instead of useless features. why no 3G/HSDPA interface? why no GPS? but that resolution..hm..
December 15th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I have the U820 / U2010. The 5.6″ 1280×800 screen is perfectly usable if you set the font DPI to 120. With my setup, anything below 1280 is totally useless to me.
December 15th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Such a waste ! They have the space to put a 7 inches screen, maybe more, and they put a 5,6 inches screen… A 7 inches high quality LED backlit 1280*800 screen would be so much better…
They want to reduce the cost and they throw the webcam out… how much costs a webcam ? 20$ ? I think removing the webcam is far from a good move
This device could be excellent if :
- The same as U820 / U2010 except NO GPS
- 7 or 8,9 inches LED backlit screen 1280*800
- More than 1 USB !
- 2GB RAM minimum (it’s a premium device…)
- Price 850.00$ MAX
sipp11 Reply:
December 20th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I agree with you, but your dream will never come true because of the last request. I would say if nowadays spec is around $850, it would sell like a hot cake!
December 15th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
After re-reading I guess this was meant..
*Loox UC30, powered by an Atom Z520 (1.33GHz), Wifi BGN, FM transmitter.*
Usually non-included features don’t get listed in ad’s.
December 16th, 2008 at 12:52 am
I love its “gadgety” looks. But the webcam was a deal breaker…
Also, I pretty much don’t get the thick edge around the screen of such devices… too much dead space.
That said, those specs are fantastic (given its size)!
December 16th, 2008 at 12:54 am
given the shape of the case i would love to see a 6″ screen with 1366×768………….
December 16th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I would buy a U820 today if it allowed you to upgrade the RAM to 2GB.
I don’t mind the small screen because I’d rather have greater battery life.
December 17th, 2008 at 3:18 am
Bluetooth is standard on both 1.3GHz and 1.6GHz models.
Both 1.6GHz and 1.3GHz versions have option for a/b/g/n WiFi
no FM transmitter or Webcam on the 1.3GHz model
no GPS on any Japanese models.
sadly, Yen is still very high, so price is just under $1000 USD
December 19th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
# Loox UC40 Atom Z530 (1.60GHZ), 1.3Mpix Camera, Wifi ABGN, FM transmitter.
# Loox UC30 Atom Z520 (1.33GHz), Wifi BGN, FM transmitter.
This should be understandable for everyone.