Comments on: What the UMPC was meant to be http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/ portable pc, mobile computer, pocket pc and handheld computing Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:29:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Christian Kurz http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18101 Christian Kurz Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:24:02 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18101 If you see it from the tech point of view you are somewhat right. But what really makes the huge difference to a pda is the capability to run any windows soaftware you want (within reason ;-) Though i still really miss the "Slide up and Flip"-type display mount.... If you see it from the tech point of view you are somewhat right. But what really makes the huge difference to a pda is the capability to run any windows soaftware you want (within reason ;-)

Though i still really miss the “Slide up and Flip”-type display mount….

]]> By: Techni http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18074 Techni Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:30:47 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18074 XP embedded? 2 GB hard drive space? Low processing power? That is not what UMPCs were meant to be... That's just a slightly better PDA XP embedded? 2 GB hard drive space? Low processing power?

That is not what UMPCs were meant to be… That’s just a slightly better PDA

]]> By: JC http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18041 JC Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:07:52 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18041 Well, the OQO is 4 ounces heavier. (Given that JKK added a larger battery, the actual difference in weight may be less than that.) Whether that's "a lot" is up for debate. (e.g., if you keep it in you pocket, will you notice the difference? I have no idea. I'd have to try it out.) It does sound, though, like if the OQO had come with XPe rather than Vista, it would have made a better impression. However, it's not like the Aigo came with XPe. Presumably, one could install it on the OQO and people would like it more. In any case, I find it interesting that many of the hardware improvements that people have suggested are already available on the OQO. e.g., more storage, better processor performance, mouse pointer, and better keyboard. (Of course, for now, it's highly unlikely to get better processor performance without also needing a fan.) It's too bad that the software doesn't put the OQO in the best light. However, in terms of the hardware, it appears to be most of what everyone on this thread is asking for. (It's too bad that you can't get the 3G radio on the $999 model though.) TareX, one of the articles on this website suggests that Aigo will release a model with Windows 7 already installed. No hacking necessary. Well, the OQO is 4 ounces heavier. (Given that JKK added a larger battery, the actual difference in weight may be less than that.) Whether that’s “a lot” is up for debate. (e.g., if you keep it in you pocket, will you notice the difference? I have no idea. I’d have to try it out.)

It does sound, though, like if the OQO had come with XPe rather than Vista, it would have made a better impression. However, it’s not like the Aigo came with XPe. Presumably, one could install it on the OQO and people would like it more.

In any case, I find it interesting that many of the hardware improvements that people have suggested are already available on the OQO. e.g., more storage, better processor performance, mouse pointer, and better keyboard. (Of course, for now, it’s highly unlikely to get better processor performance without also needing a fan.)

It’s too bad that the software doesn’t put the OQO in the best light. However, in terms of the hardware, it appears to be most of what everyone on this thread is asking for. (It’s too bad that you can’t get the 3G radio on the $999 model though.)

TareX, one of the articles on this website suggests that Aigo will release a model with Windows 7 already installed. No hacking necessary.

]]> By: anon http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18030 anon Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:27:34 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18030 Because they wouldn't be as good as other options. Granted, even XP is still missing chipset drivers for the Aigo for full ACPI support, so you need to weigh your requirements against that - do you need your familiar software suite or can you get by with the default software suite. It's up to the user. Because they wouldn’t be as good as other options.

Granted, even XP is still missing chipset drivers for the Aigo for full ACPI support, so you need to weigh your requirements against that – do you need your familiar software suite or can you get by with the default software suite. It’s up to the user.

]]> By: theseep http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18025 theseep Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:23:46 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18025 Wow! With a step up in screen resolution, storage, processor speed, the increased battery life, multitouch, and a mouse pointer, it's the device I've been waiting for since they killed the Newton! Hopefully someone will listen and start making them. Wow! With a step up in screen resolution, storage, processor speed, the increased battery life, multitouch, and a mouse pointer, it’s the device I’ve been waiting for since they killed the Newton!

Hopefully someone will listen and start making them.

]]> By: t.waldis http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18024 t.waldis Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:43:15 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18024 I have a wibrain now with 1 Ghz and i am running Office 2007 on it. Ok, not the fastest, but it works. In my opinion you need to adjust office and delete all unnecessary Add-Ons and background tasts. There is a lot of unused potential in tweaking. By the way, i disabled all candy. Maybe thats a reason why i can work faster. I really would appreciate Microsoft to create a version without any eyecandy just for productive work. I have a wibrain now with 1 Ghz and i am running Office 2007 on it. Ok, not the fastest, but it works. In my opinion you need to adjust office and delete all unnecessary Add-Ons and background tasts. There is a lot of unused potential in tweaking.

By the way, i disabled all candy. Maybe thats a reason why i can work faster. I really would appreciate Microsoft to create a version without any eyecandy just for productive work.

]]> By: ProDigit http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18020 ProDigit Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:11:09 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18020 why don't they install windows 3.11 or win98 on these devices? Great footprint, great batterylife, and great performance! why don’t they install windows 3.11 or win98 on these devices?
Great footprint, great batterylife, and great performance!

]]> By: ProDigit http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18019 ProDigit Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:09:06 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18019 have you tried openoffice or some of the slightly older MS Offices? I wouldn't look out for 7! Windows 7's footprint is between XP and Vista, and I've tried Win7Beta on my older 1,6Ghz laptop, and found it slower responsive then XP. But much faster then Vista. Also batterylife wise: XP: 4,8 hours with extended battery 7: 4,5 hours with E.B. Vista: 3,6 hours with E.B. I haven't tried how to get rid of 7's theme. have you tried openoffice or some of the slightly older MS Offices?
I wouldn’t look out for 7!
Windows 7′s footprint is between XP and Vista, and I’ve tried Win7Beta on my older 1,6Ghz laptop, and found it slower responsive then XP.
But much faster then Vista.
Also batterylife wise:
XP: 4,8 hours with extended battery
7: 4,5 hours with E.B.
Vista: 3,6 hours with E.B.

I haven’t tried how to get rid of 7′s theme.

]]> By: TareX http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18013 TareX Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:50:05 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18013 I can't wait till they hack Windows 7 onto the next=generation of AIGO "MID"s, which would hopefully be multitouch... I can’t wait till they hack Windows 7 onto the next=generation of AIGO “MID”s, which would hopefully be multitouch…

]]> By: Ben http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18009 Ben Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:53:52 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18009 Don't worry Prince GQ, we aren't forgetting, at least not me. I've owned a UX180 for maybe 4 years now. One of the best UMPCs out there, and the most powerful for a long time running. I love my UX, it was my primary computer for nearly 3 years (and it is the oldest model in the lineup). I think the lesson learned from the video above is that you can do some impressive stuff without lots of horsepower. That Aigo is only running at 800MHz, but look how well it seems to perform. That means it can save some serious battery life while it is doing it too, and that is key. Don’t worry Prince GQ, we aren’t forgetting, at least not me. I’ve owned a UX180 for maybe 4 years now. One of the best UMPCs out there, and the most powerful for a long time running. I love my UX, it was my primary computer for nearly 3 years (and it is the oldest model in the lineup).

I think the lesson learned from the video above is that you can do some impressive stuff without lots of horsepower. That Aigo is only running at 800MHz, but look how well it seems to perform. That means it can save some serious battery life while it is doing it too, and that is key.

]]> By: Bob Deloyd http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18005 Bob Deloyd Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:11:17 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18005 I'm very interested in that "Windows XPe (embedded)"! I wonder what other devices you could run it on. Also if you could make it a read only file, except for the registry of course. //bob I’m very interested in that “Windows XPe (embedded)”!
I wonder what other devices you could run it on. Also if you could make it a read only file, except for the registry of course.
//bob

]]> By: Christian Kurz http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-18002 Christian Kurz Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:42:37 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-18002 another downside of the UX's is the formfactor with its rather small screen in a bulky case. The aigo solution is much better. Though you are right, the best of these three worlds would be really cool! What i am missing with the slider keyboard designs is the ability to fold away the screen for protection like you are able with a normal laptop or a convertible. I think something like the "slide-up-and-flip-over" design of the "MIU HDPC" would be the best solution. This style is better than the normal convertible design as you do not need those little noses to hold the screen in position and i think its more dureable than the convertible style. another downside of the UX’s is the formfactor with its rather small screen in a bulky case. The aigo solution is much better.

Though you are right, the best of these three worlds would be really cool!

What i am missing with the slider keyboard designs is the ability to fold away the screen for protection like you are able with a normal laptop or a convertible. I think something like the “slide-up-and-flip-over” design of the
“MIU HDPC” would be the best solution. This style is better than the normal convertible design as you do not need those little noses to hold the screen in position and i think its more dureable than the convertible style.

]]> By: Prince GQ http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-17992 Prince GQ Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:17:26 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-17992 I think we're all forgetting about the most powerful UMPC's currently available.. the UX series.. If you can combine the form factor of an oQo or Aigo and the computational power of the UX's, I think you arrive at the ultimate portable PC. The UX's run cool, have decent battery life on extended batt. & can run pretty much anything that runs on your standard desktop pc. The best part is, "used" these come in under or around 1k, with the mid-level design(280P), being available for around 4-600$. The only downsides i see are the 4.5" screen(i prefer 4.8"+), the non-tactile keyboard & the standard battery life, with the battery being only the truly egregious aspect imo. I think we’re all forgetting about the most powerful UMPC’s currently available.. the UX series.. If you can combine the form factor of an oQo or Aigo and the computational power of the UX’s, I think you arrive at the ultimate portable PC.
The UX’s run cool, have decent battery life on extended batt. & can run pretty much anything that runs on your standard desktop pc. The best part is, “used” these come in under or around 1k, with the mid-level design(280P), being available for around 4-600$.

The only downsides i see are the 4.5″ screen(i prefer 4.8″+), the non-tactile keyboard & the standard battery life, with the battery being only the truly egregious aspect imo.

]]> By: Ben http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-17990 Ben Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:33:46 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-17990 Multi-touch could be considered a gimmick, but it isn't about mutli-touch, it's about the technology that makes multi-touch possible; capacitive touchscreen technology. Capacitive touch can be just as accurate as resistive touch (you just need a special stylus), but has the added benefit of being much more consistant when it comes to recognizing touch input. Nothing ruins the touchscreen experience more for me than when I try to tap a resistive touchscreen and it misses the input and I have to tap again, or switching back and forth between stylus and finger use. Capacitive touch also has the ability to provide for multi-touch gestures which in some cases can be useful. If I had the option, I would take capacitive touch over resistive touch 100% of the time. It all really comes down to designing software to be set up better to use with touchscreen input. Multi-touch could be considered a gimmick, but it isn’t about mutli-touch, it’s about the technology that makes multi-touch possible; capacitive touchscreen technology. Capacitive touch can be just as accurate as resistive touch (you just need a special stylus), but has the added benefit of being much more consistant when it comes to recognizing touch input. Nothing ruins the touchscreen experience more for me than when I try to tap a resistive touchscreen and it misses the input and I have to tap again, or switching back and forth between stylus and finger use. Capacitive touch also has the ability to provide for multi-touch gestures which in some cases can be useful. If I had the option, I would take capacitive touch over resistive touch 100% of the time. It all really comes down to designing software to be set up better to use with touchscreen input.

]]> By: Christian Kurz http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/02/what-the-umpc-was-meant-to-be/#comment-17989 Christian Kurz Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:02:22 +0000 http://www.umpcportal.com/?p=5613#comment-17989 Combine the Aigo and the docking Flatscreen with "Witricity" to charge the aigo... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiTricity Combine the Aigo and the docking Flatscreen with “Witricity” to charge the aigo…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WiTricity

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