Click the images for more information.
Here’s a question for you. Are you in the market for a UMPC or MID? If so, based on offerings and info available today and if you had to make a choice today, which one would you order?
I’ve listed the most popular UMPC/MID choices based on your viewing stats in the product portal.
{democracy:7}
I want to hear why you chose what you did too and if you can’t choose, why? Maybe I can use this info when I talk to OEMs and resellers. Join in with commenting below.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I went for the UMID based on specs (3G, battery life, 1.3Ghz Atom) and form factor. I need a keyboard and it looks like this can be used in the hands (thumbing) and on a table (if needed.) I wish it could be smaller but it looks like this is as close as it’s going to get to my ideal specs for the time being.
Al Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Out of all of those I agree the UMID looks the best but when you check the dimensions the 158 millimeters translates to 6.2″ inches so that relugates the keyboard to be thumb input which is a dissappointment. To me from using vitually every handheld I have seen, a UMPC needs no less than 6.9″ but 7″ to 7.5″ in length is needed to provide a good keyboard. Anything less makes them thumb input and thus a toy to me that most will not see being functional to make the purchase.
We need UMPC’s to be more functional as far as the form factor so that they are jacket pocket in size yet still can touch type so that the highly mobile users would buy them. Right not they are still not there yet
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I chose the Sony Vaio P mainly because of the screen and hardware.
But this was more of an impulsive choice, as I think the price is way too high and battery life way too short.
The only device of these I really (also from the point of view of my budget) am considering to buy within the next months is the wibrain. I really like my B1 and the updated hardware could really just make this the ideal device for me.
but for now I`m looking forward to recieving my everun note within the next week.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
T91 for productivity device and S5 with slider keyboard for ultra mobility.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I went for the S5 as i need something that docks… I think this is a vital feature… I have it on my laptops (Dell D series) and hate the trailing wires thing….
I like the look of the Sony, but it’s a style purchase too expensive to be a netbook…
Will
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Same motivation as Chippy
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Go UMID Go!
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
I voted for the T91, but I’m actually looking for the T101H. Reasons: touch screen, convertibility to tablet mode, screen size, (supposedly) decent keyboard. A big plus would be 3G.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I will be purchasing an OQO 2+ 1.8Ghz with 60GB SSD and OLED screen.
Combined with its other feature sets such as Gobi 3G, 802.11a/b/g, and touch screen, for productivity and portability, in my opinion, this combination from OQO cannot be topped.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
T91 (or T101) because of tablet mode and comparatively good price. A 3G option for this is definitely on the wish list.
chlettn Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Same here.
Although I can’t wait to see Nokia’s next-gen tablet(s?)…
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I haven’t voted as none of these fits my requirements. I don’t care about connectivity; I want something that will last a day (8-10 hr) and runs Linux with sufficient memory to run Emacs + org-mode.
Essentially, I want something to replace my now defunct Psion 3mx! Small form factor (able to fit in my pocket) with full qwerty keyboard (not touch-typable obviously) and a 4-5 inch screen.
My hopes are on the OpenPandora project at the moment even if it is emphasing gaming.
All these other developments are too internet/web centric for my needs although I can see the attraction for many!
Chippy Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Open Pandora sounds perfect for you éric . Hopefuly they can get it to customers soon.
Steve
davetweed Reply:
February 19th, 2009 at 11:57 am
That’s kind of mirroring my needs, although physically larger screen so I can see a reasonable amount of the document/file I’m working on. I voted for the T91 because it’s probably the closest thing there. The VAIO-P is probably technically equal to the T91 for my usage needs, but price is also very important just because the device will be going into my backpack basically everywhere so there’s a chance it’ll get whacked/water doused/whatever in maybe 1 year. (Ie, this doesn’t have the “protection” of being in one well designed place that my desktop PC has, so I’m willing to spend less money on it.)
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Wibrain I1 due to the IMO best form factor for a UMPC and backlit keyboard. I will refuse to buy any device without a backlit keyboard. The battery life also seems to be very good. Just hope it will be cheaper when it is released, the current price is too expensive. Hope for a price closer to 500€ or less.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
the eeepc is too big, the vaio P screen is too wide for the height (and too expensive), the rest i would highly consider if they had frame-sized keyboards and were also tablet convertible, and no vista. which is why i’m not voting for any of the choices.
Chippy Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:05 pm
A valid choice. Could be tough to satisfy your requirement tho.
trev Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:24 pm
basically i’m wanting a convertible tablet between 4.8 to 7 inches with winXP that is MID-priced (and decent battery life, of course). i’d be turned on by the viliv s5, and compal if they were like that (i’d also consider the oqo 2+ under those circumstances), and the umid IF it converted to a tablet. i don’t think that’s too much to ask. we’ll see if the viliv s7 will do the trick for me.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Wibrain for me. I prefer the form factor of the Umid or Compal offerings, but I cannot accept their “shiftless” keyboards. (No right shift key.)
In reality, I’m not about to buy any of them. I’m waiting for something that’s clearly superior to my Nokia N810, and so far none of the current crop have convinced me.
Chippy Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Superior? In what respect? All of the choices above can browse the internet and multitask for a start. What is it you’re looking for?
Steve
Blauhung Reply:
February 4th, 2009 at 6:44 am
I would say size and battery life if where i’m looking. Compal and OQO have the form factor of what i’m looking for, but really i would prefer to wait for a N900 and then something with intel Moorstown.
RobbH Reply:
February 6th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Well, yes. I’m sure the new crop are somewhat better at browsing and multitasking than the N810, but is the improvement enough to justify the expense? I don’t see it.
But I didn’t exactly disclose what I’m looking for, did I? I hinted at one of my criteria: a usable keyboard. When I’m holding the device in my hands, I want to be able to thumb type. But when I can put it down, I want it to function as a mini-laptop, so I can type with two or three fingers on each hand. (I don’t expect to be able to type blindfolded, though, so please don’t call it touch typing!)
And my other criterion is that it’s got to fit in a pocket. A shirt pocket. Some will say it’s impossible to fit a usable keyboard in a pocket-sized device, but it’s been done. Nobody’s doing it now, though.
The N810′s keyboard is good for thumbtyping, not so good for multifinger typing. But the device is small enough that I can squeeze it and a Freedom mini bluetooth keyboard into one pocket. The mini is not a great keyboard, but it is generally satisfactory.
I’d much rather have a clamshell or slide-and-tilt device with a decent keyboard, and I’m hoping someone will offer a device like that that will fit in a pocket. But, as Benjamin Franklin said, “He who lives upon hope dies f*rting!”
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:05 pm
There is no device that would be just right to me, they all lack either in HW or in SW.
I actually want small touch screen device (5″?), possibly with keyboard, but thin and light so that it can be used as a reader.
I want it to be always connected (3G HSDPA/UPA, push mail doesn’t hurt also), with docking capability and good battery life (whole day?).
It should have enough storage to put on some multimedia (video) and be capable of playing that video without any problems.
Touch screen optimized OS, full browsing and if possible some other “full” applications and I would be happy.
Out of the above devices I guess S5 and OQO could qualify, but I’m really not sure how S5 will perform and OQO is much too expensive. Also as far as I know, none of these devices would run more that 3-4 hours on a charge, which is good but not great.
And there is also SW, while they all give you FIE, linux builds still lack compared to windows in overall usability and Windows doesn’t have touch interface, but it does have applications (even though not all of them work on 800×480 well).
I guess there is still a lot of room for improvement…
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I’m considering the Wibrain too. I want something smaller than my Wind that can allow me to browse full Internet, listen to music at work (I’ll be using an external DAC) and watch some movies on the go (don’t really need HD). So I definately need something with a hard drive. I’m checking the everun note too, but I lean toward the form factor of the Wibrain for thumbtyping. I already bought the Cowon Q5w (amazing sound and video quality), but it worth nothing for the web browsing. Maybe I could combine Q5w and Compal-like, but I can have the I1 for less.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
For me, like for eric, non fit what I really want: a thin & light (max sub kilo, half that is better) instant & whole day on A4 size e-reader for all my documents (including good library software), with touchscreen and good handwriting input for text production (which would make my NC10 redundant for on the go) and scribling. Something like: plastic logic ereader with pixel qi screen. My UMPC scenario is not that internet-based, I need a cross over between a portable library/scientific magazine/notetakingpad. Though if it would double as an internettablet (to remain realistic: with mains power or additional power pack) for couch/bed surfing, that would be a nice bonus, and would probably glue/grow it to my hands permanently, if I could keep it away from my kids. Perhaps throw in a click-on keyboard for tabletop use (–> add Electrovaya scribbler to the mix), and it would rock. Perhaps OLPC XO-2 form factor would work as well.
3G/mobile internet etc is still too expensive (here in the Netherlands) in my taste to warrant usage. In cheaper scenarios, adding email-on-the-go would be nice, but no high priority for me (yet) for internet on the go.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
My first absolute choice would be the Pandora (similar to eric’s choice) as it offers everything my Aigo can do but with the addition of games and a pocketable form factor.
From the above list though, realistically, it would be the Wibrain i1 for offering decent power, Windows, a great trackpad and everything else it comes with in a more affordable package. Only problem is, is that it does not fit in my pocket. I will still more than likely buy one if they are ever released.
My next choice would be the UMID M1 as it seems like a nice pocketable device but I would want to see some reviews before I purchase it and the only way I would buy the next OQO 2+ is if it gained a small boost in battery and would not break often! I stress that, which is probably the only reason I’m not buying the 2+ no matter how bad I want another OQO.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
i voted for the compal mid variant… because..? well, i’ve already bought it. ahem.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I got the fujitsu u820… the oqo would be nice… but the n97 will suit my extra portable on the go needs alongside the u820…. N97 hurry and be here already.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Apologies for the length of post, and Sorry Chippy but I just can’t pick one. Confusion reigns for me. Once upon a time I was an R50a fan. Chippy’s review + Vista + a store demo killed it for me. Reluctantly I toyed with a netbook + MID config. Initially I favoured an Aigo + Everun but due to the Everun’s reported problems the netbook became a HP mininote, then Samsung NC10. Finally I came to the Sony Vaio P, at launch I was keen, now (for some unknown reason) less so. So, I’m left UMPC-less (My Q1 is on its very last legs) and soon to be smartphone less (contract ends next month). My feeling is that the UMPC/Smartphone question should be handled as one as both devices work as a team. At present my phone handles gmail and greader, while my UMPC does all the heavy lifting (I have high speed 7.2 HSDPA) and at a minimum this would continue. Music, photo’s and video are interchanged between the two (however the UMPC is the main video device – some photo’s don’t even make it to the main computer). The smartphone shortlist is: X1, storm, bold and N97 so you can see that its hard to find a UMPC/MID/netbook that is a good fit? (I haven’t forgot the G1 and iphone but they are not an option for various reasons, the Pre appeals but I feel Palm will ignore us Brits)
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
i would have chosen q1 ultra premium but it wasn’t listed. I believe samsung is in hiding waiting to bring something very interesting out, but maybe the oled oqo + would do for now
danny Reply:
February 4th, 2009 at 1:24 am
Sane here. As a new Q1UP owner this device is goooood. I look fwd to new offerings from Samsung.
Of these choices, the latest OQO.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:02 pm
UMID or the Compal are the “proper” evolution of the Nokia Tablet, which is what I want. So I voted for UMID. But god I want to punch the guy who designed the color of the keyboard.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
I chose the sony vaio p. Typically i would be against something so expensive with such a low processing power when I could get a gaming laptop with more juice for the same price or less. However I got a ux280p on the cheap a year ago and I can’t tell you how satisfied I am with that. There have only been a handful of umpc/mids that I have desired over it and none of them would even be considered if the ux280p had a one inch larger screen and a classic push button keyboard instead of something that I would put in the same family as an older mobile keypad or the project-a-board. But the ones I fancy are the Raon Everun Digital Note for it’s power and build and the Vaio P because it’s a larger version of the ux280p and I have a fetish for the cinema screen ratio.
Props to the the MSI wind for its overclockage and the HP minot 2133 for just looking cool and having a little juice to back it.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Wibrain is the dream machine for me. The B series lacked on too many fronts, and the I makes up for it. I have a current gen macbook, which is the dream machine. But I need to be able to write, do microsoft excel and access (where my book is organized), and would love to play old Ultima and Might and Magic, all without requiring me to drop a machine on my lap/stomach and bend my neck constantly. I’m ordering whenever someone shows me an order page.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I voted for the T91, but only because the Viliv S7 wasn’t listed. For me, touchscreen convertible, long battery life and Win XP with a strong enough processor to handle photo editing with some multitasking without freezing and most important a usable QWERTY keyboard, those are the bare minimum. Another one I was considering is the Kohjinsha SX3, but I suspect getting one with a US keyboard would be a mite difficult.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:16 pm
I voted for the OQO, but I’m waiting for device like this: must by based on x86
architecture (thousands of ready applications and games), must be fanless, size somewhere between new Toshiba TG01 and OQO, must have capabilities of regular phone, must have USB, SDHC, Bluetooth, WLAN, HSDPA, HDMI, webcam, audio in and out, keyboard, touchscreen OLED, SSD, must be powerfull enough to run programs like skype, firefox, goldwave, google sketchup, winamp and old games like Colin McRae Rally 2.0 (1.0GHz, 512MB RAM) battery should last around 3h (maybe new nanotech batteries from companies like A123Systems, Altairnano and Enerdel will aloud recharging in seconds), price max. 650 euro. Does anyone have some news about LG XNote B831?
Oss Reply:
February 19th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
You asking too much for max. 650 euro! :p
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:21 pm
UMID, same reasons as Chippy – but I *so* would have liked to see a USB host port on it! Also a mouse pointer, no matter what kind. I need a pocketable 3G device with a keyboard and a long battery life. The Compal MID design was my second choice, but the small battery unfortunately ruled it out.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:22 pm
wow…a year ago (or a bit more) we were dreaming to have the above choice! now they are here and all have apparently “flaws”.
thanks god we’re human and are never satisfied
Danjr Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:43 pm
i concur
Chippy Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Yeah.
When i step back and look at the list its like the coming of age for UMPCs.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Can I vote Windows Drivers for my Compal MID?
The M528 hardware pushes a lot of the right buttons for me and proves we can have the full internet experience in the pocket. I think it’s main killer is going to be battery life until I can find a spare or two!
Still looking forward to the Pandora, but it’s lack of HSDPA is going to upset me whilst it looks like it will get nearly everything else right (for me).
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Well, I wonder? Not anything yet… as I am looking for better battery life in all the units (not currently a reality).
Where are the Pixel Qi screens, environmentally friendly battery that can be processed at end of life into fertilizer (and cost only $10), motherboard that shuts off when not being used, etc (all seen on the Pixel Qi web site’s “PRESS” page in the BIG THINK videos)?
I want one now.
The planet earth, wants us to build these now (just the use of Lithium Ion these days is bad for the environment as these are hard or impossible to recycle at a low cost).
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I voted for the OQO 2+ although I am purchasing a Gigabyte M704 in the next week or so. I know the specs are lower, but I need at least a 1024×600 resolution, but it’s hard to find that with a slider keyboard.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
I have seen all of the computers you listed but none of them are what I really want to buy. The Sony is a nice concept but just too long and a bit too wide. What I want to see is a jacket size UMPC that has a touch type keyboard. Somthing like a modern Psion that is about 7.5″ x 4.2″ x 1″ or thinner in height.
I think UMPC’s not providing a good enough keyboard prevents many from buying and the ones that do own several computers. With the weak economy I think that will reduce more of those buyers as people just want one computer that they can take when they are mobile. Thumb keys just do not cut it for me. All of the UMPC’s lack a good keyboard and/or are too large to be really jacket pocket in size.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I picked the OQO, but I would not buy one, too expensive. I will be doing a year of worldly travel and will need internet power in my pocket to navigate reservations,finances,etc. AIGO would do the trick if the driver problem and availability could be solved. I will be in China, I may get one there and have XP hacked in. I more or less agree with Marc G.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I have been waiting for a pocketable PC for years now. I had an Axim x51v for a while and it was good, but its WinMo browser was limited at best and software that I use daily on my home PC was not available for it.
I voted for the Viliv S5 because I find that I consume content while on the go, and only create content at home or work. On on screen keyboard will be fine for jotting down grocery lists and gift lists. I’ll use a foldable bluetooth keyboard if I really need to type.
I really like the longer battery life advertised for the S5. I am willing to give up a great deal for cable independence during the day.
Chippy Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I think its the clasic trade off between battery life and keyboard when we talk about the S5 and UMID.
TempusFugit Reply:
February 4th, 2009 at 12:06 am
I agree that is the trade off. Until MIDs and Cells merge, I’ll be carrying two devices: a S5 plus a cell phone which has a decent thumb board. It would be pleasant to use the phone as the keyboard for the MID. Unfortunately, I believe my EnV2 does not support the appropriate bluetooth profile.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 pm
UMID M1. If only it had some form of mouse…
However, I have lots of concerns around this device:
- Will it get to Europe earlier than December 2009
- Will they have 1.33GHz/1Gb RAM version? This is not yet fully clear to me.
- Will 1.33GHz version run for at least 4 hours?
- Will I be able to install Linux on it?
fab Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
basically the exact same questions i had. and…before april, until december is a year and i’m not going to wait nearly another year until i purchase a device like that.
and yes, for me windows is a trade off, linux MUST work on these devices
admin Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Linux will work….but how well?
fab Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 pm
that’s not a problem. linux will develop, windows xp not. i wanted to refer to intel GMA 500 GPU. if development is pushed on that matter, it will be great.
everybody has a choice, some want xp, i don’t want xp and a device which in todays technological environement is not capable of running different OSes is not a device i will consider. waiting for drivers of wifi or touchscreen when using XP? oh no. my device – from next month – will be the compal device. it’s got everything and to a good price (alice idol). my only concern is battery life, but that’s a problem ALL devices are having. i’m strongly considering getting a samsung netbook NC10 with extended 9 cell battery – 12 hours +! and that’s FULL computing!
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:24 pm
once upon a time i had a Zaurus C3000… but it lacks builtin 3G, bluetooth, wifi and actual OS (pity for Linux…)…but it was pocketable… then i bought a Fujitsu u1010 thanks to a friend
i found that this form factor (zaurus, u1010 and now u820) is actually what most people want: it has the best design with the rotating screen, which enables you to use it in quite all situations (home, transport, keyboard, touchscreen,…) and the OS (XP tablet) enables you to use it out of the box without looking for drivers or os upgrades.
what i would like it the same form factor but much pocketable, with the same 1024×600 screen and builtin Hsdpa…until i see a cheap device with all that, i’ll stick to my mighty u1010
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I voted for the compal MID because
1) I like the form factor
2) FANLESS!!!!!
I just believe that a ultra portable device should be fanless. I wish it had more processing power, but it’s a compromise I’m willing to make.
admin Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Fanless is, indeed, extremely important. Made a massive difference in usability and comfort between the Wibrain B1 and I1.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I voted for Compal variant, preferably with XP pre-loaded.
1)Slider form-factor = best IMO. best for thumb typing and easy access. Would love a touch-pad,gaming d-pad or pointer too.
2)Lowest heat/fanless. Want a unit I can hold in the hands for a long time and that won’t distract me with a fan or heat gushing out the side vent.
3)XP os. To run your favorite programs in an ultra-versatile, sub 5-inch unit would be amazing!
4)Affordable. Small storage and small screen should give the unit low enough production cost to allow scope for sizeable retail price reductions over time.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:22 pm
If I were to buy one today, for me there is only one choice. I voted for the OQO 02+ 1.86GHz, 120HDD with dual battery.
Why? I currently make do with a Dell X50V. I want this UMPC to replace my PDA and to keep the tablet style inking capability. I want as close as possible to the same form factor with a ~5″ screen in the smallest package possible. I would like 6 or 7 hours in “airplane mode” for divx movies and ebooks while traveling as well as MS Word/Excell capability. But, I also want something to double as a laptop replacement. I need plenty of disk space for movies, photos, camera memory card dumps, etc. and the processing power to rip DVDs and play HD movies. In my opinion, the OQO2+ has by far the best combination of size, battery life, disk size, and processing power of anything being offered now or in the near future.
Now, a question to anyone who has had the opportunity to play with an OQO 02+…I plan to use it to take hand written notes in meetings. How does the OQO handle handwriting input and recognition?
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
I voted for Compal. As many have said above the slider form factor really appeals to me. Although I would probably buy a WinXP model if one was available, Linux doesn’t bother me in the slightest.
It would be nice to have some type of pointing device built in. Also with the resources I have available, I’d prefer a 3G EVDO version.
All that aside, if someone starts selling any of the Variants in the US for under $500, I’ll almost certainly buy one.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:01 am
I’m gobsmacked by the response here. Amazed at how many people are positive about the 7 devices listed. Thanks everyone for feedback. The comments are far more interesting than the poll results.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:26 am
I like the Sony for having a real keyboard but it is too larger. If they made a couple of inches shorter and a 1/2″ narrower it would be great.
The Villvi is not my cup of tea due to no keyboard.
EEE is nice but at that size I might as well get a laptop with more power.
OQO is cool but I really hate thumb keyboards as they are not practical for a computer, maybe a phone but not Vista or XP
UMID is my choice but still too short to be a good touch input; I think it is more of a thumb keyboard? I would like to see it about an inch longer.
Compal is like an OQO so the thumb input is a definate no for me.
Wibrain is a great size but I do not like the wierd keyboard arrangement at all.
To me none of them are what I would consider a great buy and that is why I am still waiting. I just want something that I can use like my notebook but more compact to carry in my coat pocket yet not tiny like a PDA or phone.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:43 am
I voted for the Asus T91 as I am looking for a unit to serve me the following:
- e-reading (pdf, html, doc…) in bed
- light enough storage for DSLR photo download (should fit my photo backpack)
- travel light – work platform (Office, SAP)
- media player
Important: weigth, tablet, size, screen size
Less important: Battery life, handwriting, 3G
Not important: keyboard size
February 4th, 2009 at 1:13 am
I’m waiting for something that run XP, has 120+ GB of storage, and will output composite video. The OQO comes close, but it only has an HDMI output, and is super expensive.
Chippy Reply:
February 4th, 2009 at 1:27 am
Couldn’t you use a VGA-Composite adaptor?
Brent212 Reply:
February 4th, 2009 at 1:58 am
Do those actually work? Seems like I’ve tried that before and it’s never gone smoothly.
After looking at several for sale, they say that you need to make sure that your VGA card has TV-Out function capability. Does that mean only certain UMPCs would work?
Matt Reply:
February 8th, 2009 at 7:52 am
VGA to Component doesn’t work so hot. But VGA to Composite works very well.
February 4th, 2009 at 1:46 am
I voted for the sony p and the umid devices, but both are comprises for me, as i’d really like to see something with a smaller width than the p series and the umid stupidly doesn’t have a mouse pointer
The oqos screen resolution and reported fan noise put me off
As someone above said a 1-2 iches off the sony p series would be very nice but it’s too late for that now, I suspect Sony will keep the p series design for the next three years now which was about how long the I’d lasted for
My only hope is Cebit and samsung – I wonder if they are still committed to umpcs and maybe there is a Q2 in the works??
Scoobie Reply:
February 4th, 2009 at 1:48 am
That should have read ux lasted for
February 4th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Yesterday I wussed out. Today, I’m back and have voted Sony Vaio P (in truth it was a straight fight between the P and the OQO). The P wins on form factor (really) – processors and HDD/SSD options are broadly similar. Price wise they sit in the same ballpark. The telling negative was for the OQO to be my main PC I would have required a bluetooth keyboard and with the P I wouldn’t. It is heartbreaking to lose “inking” but I guess this could be an interim device until my perfect touchscreen arrives to market. The S5 doesn’t take me any further on than the Q1 – it feels like repackaged old tech. The Aigo won’t be compelling to me until it has xp – I’ve been off-piste with Linux and its a very scary place to be! The T91 is a silly compromise when for a few dollars more you can get a top class Fuji. The wibrain loses on form factor too – a split thumboard is the worse of both worlds. The UMID is a fascinating product hence the enthusiasm – but I’m sceptical about the keyboard or how well the 4.8 clamshell form-factor will work out. It has all the goodies that a mobile tech-head might desire but I have that nagging feeling that the sum total might be less than its parts.
February 6th, 2009 at 4:18 am
I voted for Compal MID variant but I can leave without a keyboard, which means the second choice would be S5. However, if Compal variant comes with less than 3 hrs battery life it would be out of my consideration. If i have to chose keyboard with 3 hrs battery vs 5 hours battery life without keyboard I would chose the later. If S5 comes with any Linux variant and a decent GPS navigation software I will buy it in a heart bit.
Maximus Reply:
February 7th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
It would be fantastic to finally get a usable Zaurus with a high power CPU and long battery life. Pandora is close, no specs on UMID battery life.
FOr once I would like a product to be released on time…..
quote from the 4HWW – I hope the companies above are listening
Deadlines over Details – Test Reliability Before Capability:
Skills are overrated. Perfect products delivered past deadline kill companies faster than decent products delivered on-time. Test someone’s ability to deliver on a specific and tight deadline before hiring them based on a dazzling portfolio. Products can be fixed as long as you have cash-flow, and bugs are forgiven, but missing deadlines is often fatal. Calvin Coolidge once said that nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent; I would add that the second most common is smart people who think their IQ or resume justifies delivering late.
February 6th, 2009 at 8:12 am
None of them
waiting for ViLiv s7
February 8th, 2009 at 6:39 am
To replace my OQO 02 with internal HSDPA, OLED screen, more speed and more memory and SSD and still use all the same accessories except my Option modem.
February 10th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I’m sorry to say that it looks like the poll was gamed somehow.
Early results (after a few hundred results) bear no resemblance to what is now shown above.
I’ll try and trace the source. Might simply have been an article on an OQO forum.
Steve
Chippy Reply:
February 10th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Update. Looks like a link through from PMPinside resulted in a surge of poll submissions. Its difficult to know how they linked it but maybe it was in favor of OQO.
S.
Chippy Reply:
February 10th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Although, yes, it could be a valid global result. Asians are known to like the small devices. (The T91 was winning a week ago.)
Steve
February 11th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I choose the Wibrain I1 because of the resolution and features.
I currently own an OQO but I doubt I would buy anything from that company again. Their company have proven themselves to be too cheap and unreliable for my liking. My O2 has high quality componants but their 2+ looks cheapo. Also, the service and support from OQO is absolutely horrible and is obviously just another cost savings measure which is detrimental to the customer only. And what’s with the OLED on the 2+, it’s a gimick. OLED screens are supposed to be thinner and more power effecient because theres no backlight. They’re also supposed to be usable in sunlight, everything I’ve read about the 2+ has been contrary.
A new 2+ means:
- An OLED that’s not much better than LCD.
- Cell upgrade
- New Atom, 2GB RAM, little less heat ( evolutionary, nothing special )
I think I will sit on the side lines this generation. Intel is getting agressive with Atom and Pineview is scheduled for Q1’09 if not sooner, I can definately wait until then.
Here are some quick specs of Pineview:
* Capable of CPU speeds higher than 1.6GHz
* Support for DDR2 667MHz RAM
* GPU frequency will move from 133MHz to 200MHz
* TDP will drop from 8W to 7W
* Uses a 45nm process
* Integrates functions including the memory controller and graphics core onto the chip, which means the CPU will take up less space on the motherboard
If I’m gonna spend over $1000 then I want sexy, inside and out.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Of the choices offered, I picked the OQO. It’s not entirely surprising since I already own an OQO 02 and my main complaints are the slow processor, bad graphics, and limited RAM, all of which are addressed in the 2+.
The reason that I purchased the OQO 02 and the reason I will purchase the 2+ is that I was and am looking for a laptop replacement. I need Windows to run my Lotus Notes client, Acrobat Pro, and Office. But I also want something that I will have with me most of the time. The first requirement lets out a number of the new MIDs while the second lets out the bigger machines like the Eee or Sony.
February 20th, 2009 at 12:13 am
I viote for Viliv, because of its specs + almost all day battery life. Also very important is size of mobile device, cause u should be able to quickly take it from your pocket, get your info , then put it in standby and hide it away. Everybody got a large screen and keyboard at home/work for productivity, so mobile device should be compact and unobtrusive. I also like OQO but battery time and price not good.
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:19 am
t91-this is the best choice
1-good hardware
2-gps
3-tv turner
4-small and thin, strong body
5-inovation touch program
6-3g
7-i expected a good battery( 5 hours)
8-most inportant, the price, a expected a base price for 700 for all!!!well, i have hope in this…
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:22 am
i forget the say something, i think the wibrain i1 is many good choice either!!!!small, and good hardware!!!!i like wibrain
February 27th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I voted for the Umid M1, looks nice in specifications and size, however it’s a bit too pricey, however the pocketable factor is tempting. Vaio P and Oqo 02 are way too expensive and in no way worth that much. Right now I’m perfectly happy with my Raon Note, with the extended battery and 3g mini pci modem, it has everything I need, it’s way more powerful than all of those and it’s still cheaper than most.
Right now I want to see UMPCs or MIDs with Nividia’s Ion, and at least dual core Atoms or the like, otherwise I’m not getting any device anytime soon, although a ultra cheap Umid M1 or the Pandora finally getting too the public may change my opinion.
March 19th, 2010 at 4:01 am
Digital is my passion. Great article, really interesting stuff. For everyone who is interested how mind works, first I recomend you take this IQ Test here http://cpa.ly/5VD … so you know at what level you are.