Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

Meet the Vye S41 (Portal page for full specs). This is a mini-tablet / UMPC touting a 7” screen. Some of you may notice that it looks an awful lot like the Kohjinsha SR8. You would be correct in that observation; the S41 and SR8 are actually the same computer, Vye has adapted the S41 to be sold outside of Japan. The S41’s most unique feature is its built in DVD burner. It is very surprising to see the drive in such a small computer. Though the question has to be asked: Do you really need a DVD drive in a computer that is designed to be highly mobile? Find the answer to that and a whole lot more in the full S41 review below. (continue reading…)

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It used to rare that we had more than one computer. Or so I have been told anyways. Today we have a lot more devices – I myself have a desktop, a laptop, a phone and a UMPC. I sometimes also use public computers. Now how do I keep my data in sync and access it wherever I am? Here’s where SugarSync comes in. What is it? Essentially it is a data syncing solution that relies on a central online server instead of syncing straight from device to device. So basically it takes your data and uploads it to SugarSync’s server where you can access it from a web interface and from where it gets downloaded to your other devices running the client software.
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I have tried and it really was awesome to use. After signing up, you download the client software for your choice of operating system. I chose the OSX version but there is also a version for Windows (both XP and Vista) as well as mobile versions for Blackberry and Windows Mobile.

The software asked me for my login and password, and after that I could choose which files to sync. I created a folder with a couple of pictures and documents, and after about a minute it was all up in the cloud. After logging in to the web interface, I could immediately download all the files that uploaded. I then setup the client on another computer and all the files were there a minute later. I edited the file on one computer, and the changes were immediately synced to the other one.

The fact that everything is stored in the cloud is SugarSync’s biggest feature, yet also its biggest disadvantage. First of all, if you have a slow Internet connection, its going to take ages to upload all of your data, and the real-time updating wont work so well either. Second of all, syncing is basically downloading from SugarSync, so if you have a limited bandwidth you might want to watch out. Aside from that however everything works perfectly as both an online backup and a syncing solution.

While this is a good solution for people who keep their data on their harddrives if you have your files up in the cloud already using services like Google Docs and Calendar, it doesn’t make much sense. Sugarsync doesn’t synchronize your documents down from other servers than their own. This means no integration with services that you might already use. I for one would like to see my photos be uploaded directly to Flickr and my documents to Google Docs, but thats against the idea of a central place to have all your data that SugarSync promotes. There is a part of the interface designed specifically to view your photos online that will satisfy most people.

I would recommend SugarSync without hesitation to anyone who has problems keeping their data in sync by using old-fashioned methods. The service is fast, the interface is beautiful, the pricing is good. However if you are limited by your Internet connection and would rather have data be backed up straight from one device to the other over the network, I would recommend FolderShare instead.

Pricing starts at $2.49 per month for 10GB of storage and a free 45 day trial is available.

Update: We’ve just heard from SugarSync about a new file sharing/sending service:

Send any file from SugarSync’s desktop, web or mobile applications, regardless of the size of the file or number of recipients. Recipients receive a link in an email they can use to access the file for 21 days. Anyone can receive a file, but recipients who use SugarSync can choose to have the files synced across all their computers automatically, stored only their web archive to preserve local disk space, or download it only to the machine they’re on.

It’s an easy way to share home videos with friends, family, and share large presentations or graphic-intensive documents with co-workers. Any number of files can be shared at once. The functionality is free as part of any SugarSync subscription.

If you’re looking for a very functional, easy to use, relatively powerful handheld UMPC with a fantastic screen and a good range of accessories, at a very good price, the Wibrain is possibly the device for you. Available since the beginning of the year for an entry price of $699, this handheld Windows PC will appeal to CarPC fans, digital photographers, mobile videoblogggers and anyone wanting a full and fast Internet experience in a handheld package. I’ve had the Wibrain B1H for over 2 months now so here’s a detailed review that will help you decide if the Wibrain is really the right device for you.

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I think I must be one of the few people that has already owned and reviewed a version of the Cloudbook. Last year I got hold of the Packard Bell Easynote XS20, which is effectively the Everex Cloudbook running Windows XP, and I did a fair bit of testing. I definitely know what to expect of the hardware so it’s probably worth revisiting some of the things I wrote about it in order to help those considering a Feb 15th purchase from Walmart or ZaReason.

More images in the gallery. Specification info in the product page.

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I haven’t had as long as I would have liked with the Amtek U560 so this review won’t be as complete as previous ones but I think it will be more than enough to allow you to make your decisions on the device. The model I have here is a production sample that Mobilx.eu have loaned me. [Many Thanks!] It’s not a final build so as with my testing on the HTC Shift, some things may change. Most noteably, the processor speed on the final production version.

The U560 is Amtek’s third UMPC. They started with the T700, one of the first ‘Origami’ devices to come on to the market, and followed-up in 2007 with the VIA-based T770. Both were 7″ slate devices and so the U560 is a slight departure from that being built around a 4.8″ 1024×800 screen that slides up to reveal a keyboard a-la Sony UX. The U560 uses an Intel platform this time but continues Amtek’s good tradition of solid construction.

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In order to write my hands-on report about the HTC Shift I’ve brought myself down off Carrypad hill and down into town. I’m in Starbucks and am connected via HSDPA on the Shift. Actually I’m the only person here with a PC. There’s a guy sitting across from me sending a text but, as it often is in Europe, people seem to be using that old, tried and tested method of communication - speech. I feel quite embarrassed to be working in this place of rest! [Edit: 1st public iPhone sighting. (Germany) It had to be in Starbucks!]

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If you want a no-frills, good value second PC for the home, car or holiday, the Packard Bell Easynote XS could be for you. This video review should help you choose as it shows the device, its ports, the keyboard and a few applications. Its certainly good value for money if you can get hold of one in either Holland or the UK. Its also due to be launched in other areas and will appear in a slightly different finish in the US and Asia as the Everex CE.

The main issues with the device are the tiny mouse pad, the less-than-attractive style and the competition it will get from the ASUS Eee PC but it’s got a nice bright screen, a good keyboard and up to 4 hours battery life. (2.5 hours Wifi-on working life.) I’ve written more about the device here in my first impressions article.

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The OQO Model 02 was launched in the first weeks of 2007. In September the range got an upgrade with faster processors, more memory and an SSD option. Finally, at the end of September, it’s available in Europe as the OQO Model e2 range. Through Expansys, the main distributor for the OQO in Europe, OQO agreed to send one over for a 3-week review period. Its a 1.6Ghz model with 1GB RAM and a huge, 120GB hard drive and comes with a DVD RW docking station and an extended battery. In effect, its the same as the OQO Model 02 so what you read here applies to that model too. Total cost of system: 1500 pounds, 2100 Euros. We’re not talking budget UMPCs here so lets see if its got that something special to make it worth the money.

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While tech-blogs across America are chock-full of reports on the ultra-mobile, ultra-value Eee PC, there’s another ultra-mobile ultra-value PC launching in Europe. Its hardly causing waves though despite it being the same size and weight. Its the Packard Bell Easybook XS-20 [specifications] which is based on the VIA Nanobook reference design launched earlier this year.

When I say ‘launching in Europe’ I guess I should say ‘might be available in some countries for a price that seems to be varying country to country.’ There really is no buzz and very little marketing going on around the Easynote XS and I was lucky to stumble across a possible purchase after being alerted to its availability in Holland by a member here on UMPCPortal. After a swift cross-border cash handover, I got it home yesterday night. Let me be honest and give you my personal opinion about how I felt when I opened it. It’s about as exciting as getting a pair of new school shoes from your Mum. You MUST remember that feeling don’t you? Of course, that opinion is fairly subjective. It IS impressively small, but I knew that already! [read-on]

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Earlier this month, the latest version of the Vye Mini-v mini convertible notebook/UMPC, the S37B, went on sale in the U.S. It’s due to be available in the UK soon and Europe-wide through a network of resellers. VyePC sent one over last month and its been given a jolly good thrashing ever since.

Introduction and Overview.

The Vye S37 is a notebook form-factor ultra-portable PC with a convertible touchscreen built on Intel’s Ultra Mobile platform 2007. Specifically, it use the Intel Stealey A110 processor (800Mhz) alongside the GMA950 GPU. The version I am testing, a production sample, is fitted with a 100GB drive and 1GB of RAM. It also has the 3-cell, small-version battery and is running Vista Home Premium. Retail versions are shipped with the 6-cell battery and a 120GB drive but apart from that, have the same specification. 800Mhz doesn’t sound much does it! Its not, but fortunately processor power is not the only thing that determines the speed of the system. Graphics, hard disk and memory are important too and one of the great advantages about the S37 it that it includes a standard 2.5″ 5400 RPM notebook-size hard disk and not a reduced-size 4200 RPM 1.8″ drive that you would find in many other small and portable devices. In addition, its possible to upgrade the memory to a usable 2GB via a memory card slot on the underside of the device. Configurations with 200GB HDD and 2GB RAM are theoretically possible on the S37 and that already sets it apart from the UMPC crowd.

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I’m still pretty annoyed at the battery life issue but its time to put my personal feelings to one side now and do some straight reporting on the full Kohjinsha SH6 experience. I’ve only had it for three days but I’ve spent enough time with it to have an opinion on most aspects of it by now.

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In May 2007, Intel told the world that they saw two markets for the UMPC. One, a higher-end market for professionals and productivity users. The other, a low-end market focused mainly on smaller, cheaper, less powerful entertainment and communication devices aimed at the consumer. This consumer market is something that Raon Digital has been focusing on since they launched their first UPMC back in August 2006 with their 4.3″ screen, AMD Geode powered Vega UMPC and a year later, Raon are continuing this focus and still seem to be ahead of the game. The Everun has launched with the same small form factor and long battery life as the Vega but with some additional and unique features along with a great price. UMPCPortal was lucky enough to get a production sample S30H for long term testing and here’s the full review.

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Firstly, thanks to everyone that dropped by for the live Q&A on the Medion UMPC last Friday night. It went on longer than I expected but I think we were all happy with the findings. I’ve finished taking the photos [Gallery here] and here’s a hands-on report. Remember its based on the production sample that I have but there shouldn’t be any major differences to the final production version.

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Thanks to PocketPCSolutions, I have the Amtek T770 here, the fist Vista on VIA device to ship and I’ve just posted a gallery and intro video below. Thanks to everyone who took part in the live unboxing (jkk grabbed a video of it here) and Q&A. It sounds like it was useful for everyone and was a good chance for me to hear/read peoples thoughts as we went through it. I’ll definitely keep the studio on standby for another session soon.

Back to the Amtek T770 though, its a nice solid UMPC with a good specification and its a very nice improvement over the original T700 (TabletKiosk V7110, IT’s, AGOPC branded.) The 1.2Ghz processor, 1GB RAM, SD card slot, Web cam, stereo speakers and design are worth having and the pricing in Europe is very competitive. Buttons are all dual-programmable (long/short press) and very high quality as are the plastics.

[read on for video overview and hands-on review.]

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The docking station and Pentium-M processor hint at something a bit more than the average UMPC, something that could justify the extra cost. Connect a keyboard and screen, just as you would with a normal PC or docked notebook and the Tablet Kiosk i7210 transforms itself nicely into a full-format system. Does it have the power to perform in both UMPC and MiniPC scenarios? I’ve had the i7210 for a few weeks now and have explored just about every angle.

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