Hi All.

I've secured a Raon Digital Vega for testing. It should be with me next week (as should an i7210 and possibly a Flybook V33i. It never rains, it just pours!)

So, this will be where I do the Q&A for the Vega.

First things first though, what would you like to see tested?

I'll cover:
1) Basic useage scenarios
2) Games
3) Useability
4) Battery life
5) Photos/Videos.

But if there's something sel you want to see, please let me know.

The reports, vid and pics will be on Carrypad. Will probably post a summary on Origamiportal news too.

Steve.

For what I want screen shots are not good. I want to see a picture comparing how readable is the screen with any other UMPC. I'm one that think that XP in a 5 inches display is a joke.

Steve - I have 3 questions:

1) How does the AMD chip perform?
2) Graphics performance? esp. given the review that was pulled!
3) Have they translated the Vega Utilities screens yet? (They are still in Korean in the english manual.)

My fourth question I don't think you can answer:
4) When will it be available in the US?

Ctitanic - Just think - a Vega with an eMagin Z800 HMD and a FrogPad should cost less than a Sony UX180P or OQO 01+!!! (And not much more than your EO, with an apparent screen size much larger)

Hi All.

The full review is now posted on the Carrypad portal.

Its a great device. Not a proffesional office tool but i'm so impressed at what the 500mhz AMDLX800 can do. Super mobility and battery life. I've actaully done a deal to buy the device after it goes to a few other people for review and test.

I have some news on resellers that I will post later today on the journal.

Raon Digital Vega review.

Happy to answer questions if you have them.

Steve.

Other than the standard stuff - how's the sunlight readability?


Mike

Hi cwbyflyer

Sunlight readability is no better than other devices i've tried. (I havent tried the SOny UX)
I showed a friend a video outside in the sun but it wasn't that good.
In the car it's fine though.

Steve.

Hey, Steve. Very informative review.

Could you elaborate on using that Bluetooth keyboard?

Do you know anyone who has a Nokia 770? I'd like to see the Vega pictured next to one with as many dimensional comparison shots as possible.

I currently have a 770 (am using it right now, typing this into its Notes app via a imported-from-China portable Bluetooth keyboard!) but am always on the lookout for something with more power (and apps!).

I've fondled the Samsung Q1 ("a" and b). As nice as it is, the 770 and PDAs have spoiled me with their weight and size. I'm finding even the "Ultra Mobile" Q1 to be too large and too heavy for my tastes.

Hi Mike.

Since reviewing the Vega, i've requested a 770 from Nokia to do exactly what you're saying - a side-by-side comparison. Lets see what Nokia says about loaning me a 770.

The Vega with the standard battery is heavier and bigger. Nearly 500gms as compared to the 300gms of a 770. With the optional smaller battery, the Vega is down to 370gms and smaller. However, you're looking at under 2 hours battery life with it.

The Vega isn't perfect (what is!) because of the lack of built-in Wifi and, more importantly in my opinion, bluetooth for on-the-go internet access via a mobile phone. Gaming is almost impossible (i'm stillsearching for some old games for it!)

The best thing about the Vega is that you know it's going to work with all your peripherals. It so nice just to be able to plug a USB DVD drive into it, or a keyboard, a USB card reader, web cam etc etc etc. and the second best thing is that you know there's software out there for whatever you want to do.

I wish i'd had the VGA cable included with the demo unit. It would be fun to see it running on a big screen.

Regarding the keyboard, its not working very well at the moment. I've had to raise a ticket with Level One. Nothing to do with the Vega, its just that if you start typing fast, it starts missing characters. Happens on my main pc and the same on my pocketPC. I can't recommend the LevelOne keybaord yet.

Regards
Steve.

Can WiFi and BT be plugged into USB and active simultaneously?

Size specs --

VEGA
6.2" x 3.1" x 1" 450 grams / 15.9 oz

Sony UX180 --
Dimensions: 5.91 (W) x 3.74 (H) x 1.27-1.50 (D) inches / 150 x 95 x 32.25-38.1 mm
Weight: 1.2 lbs / 544g

Nokia 770 --
5.5" x 3.1" x 0.70" - 8.1 oz

You do know the 770 has an old version of Flash and can't do sites such as YouTube (well you must; just saw a post of yours at itt!).

Hey chippy, I'm curious about the screen. How are the viewing angles on the screen, are they better horizontally or vertically? Does it turn black when viewed from the bottom?

Hi fraggo.

Viewing angle is huge.
After about 170 degrees in the horizontal angle, you can see some polarisation effects but to all intents and purposes, its perfect.

Steve.

Hi again.

Did you try Firefox on it? (I'm also interested in using the FURL plug-in.)

YouTube vids run OK?

No iTunes is a bummer. What about Palm Desktop?

TIA.

-- edit for more.

PDAs and the 770 have spoiled me for their portability. I find the Q1 just too heavy, but I want something more than the 770. The VEGA seems like the best move, even if the Sony UX1/280 offer more... what do you think?

Firefox is the one important app I didnt install. However, I don't expect any problems with it. The LX800 is an x86 processor so there should be no problems at all.

YouTube was fine. Itunes bummer yes. (it wanted 3D graphics support)

Palm Desktop - Sorry. No.

Actaully. Hold on. Not running Firefox was something I should have done really. Now trying it. BRB.

Steve.

Check!

Firefox installs and runs fine.
Furl install and runs to the point where I had to put a username/pwd in. Looks 100% to me.

Steve.

Clarification needed: Palm Desktop won't run, or you didn't try it?

The more I think about iTunes not running, I wonder if it's just due to the CPU? I wonder if 3rd-party apps to shuttle stuff onto/off of an iPod would work?

I keep going back and forth between VEGA and the upcoming Sony UX280P. Sure, the Sony has the muscle, but it gives out ~2 hours! I'm spoiled by getting 3-4 hours from the 770!

Do you still have the VEGA? Up for an interesting test? Get Videora and see if you can convert a DiVX/Xvid AVI to iPod m4v format!

TIA.