Hi All.

I've secured a Kohjinsha SA1 for testing. It should be with me next week



I'll run the Q&A for it in this thread but first, what would you like to see tested?

I'll cover the usual detailed stuff as we've done before on other reviews:

1) Basic useage scenarios
2) Games
3) Useability
4) Battery life
5) Photos/Videos.

But if there's something special 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.

Detailed specifications on the Kohjinsha SA1 here

Steve.

Looks like a very sleek machine, be interested in a review

It got a little delayed over the Christmas holidays but it's on its way now.

Hi. I've been intersted in your reviews. Actually I'm Korean.

People said that keypad of Kojinsha is not so good.

I would like you to leave a comment about it. Thanks.

Hi.

The keyboard is ceartainly not a luxury high quality part but I don't have any problem with it. Each key has a slightly unresponsive left hand side so this could be causing people problems. You do have to push a little bit harder than normal if you hit the LHS of the key but its not as bad as I thought it might be. More testing will reveal how critical that factor is.

Steve.

The photo-set of the Kohjinsha SA1 is now live on Carrypad.
http://www.carrypad.com/gallery/v/kohjinsha/

Kohjinsha SA1 gallery.

Steve

Hi Everyone.

The unboxing video is available through the news section
here.

Steve

Thanks in advance Steve for taking the time to post a detailed and daily review of this wonderful machine. I am interested in getting on, but on the fence between the Kohjinsha SA1 and getting a Fujitsu Lifebook P Series P1510D (which sells on Ebay for the same price) The size of the units are almost the same with some advantages and disadvantages for both.

I would LOVE to see you install xUbuntu, DSL, puppy or another popular Linux variant on this machine, this is the one thing holding me back - I converted from WinXP because it was so crappy and you get killed with spyware and viruses (yes I use firefox).

Either way I am looking forward to your review and to see how this lives up to the hype.

Thanks again!

maximusz
Theres a big difference between the Kohji and the Fuji.
What exactly are you planning to do with them? Maybe I can help you make the decision.

Steve.

First impressions are up!

In general I think its one of the coolest bits of kit I have. Its so tiny it makes me laugh every time I look at it!
The keyboard is an issue though. (I will elaborate in further posts and review.) And the price. If this wasn't an import we'd be seeing it for a lot less. Such a shame.

Steve.

Quote:

Thanks for your offer of assistance Steve, and advice that you can give would be helpful.

I am looking for a small laptop to use as my main laptop - I attempted to use a Zaurus sl-c760 for a while, but this did not work out fast enough to take over as my main computer.

I am not concerned with blazing fast processing power and do not play any type of 3D games on my computer - I use a PS2 for games.

My current and main laptop is a IBM T22 - (900mhz with 384megs of ram) using xubuntu. I think linux is great and would hate to go back to WinXP.

It would be fantastic if the battery power for the laptop would last 7-8 hours like the extended one available for the Fuji.

The laptop would be used for watching movies, listening to streaming music, burning DVD's, using openoffice, presentations , minor web design, web surfing(firefox) and email (thunderbird) ....that's all I can think of for now...

The fanless design of the Kohji is a plus as there have been a few people complaining about the heat generated by the Fuji.

Thanks in advance for your assistance,

OK in terms of processing power, the Kohji might be enough for you.
Unfortunately there's only the 3-cell battery available. You'd have to buy a spare one. Hot battery swapping is not possible.

You mentioned burning DVD's. Of course you'd need an external burner for that. It would be no problem though.

If you want to use this as a main pc though you'll have to get used to the keyboard. Its not the best. If you have a light typing style, it will miss characters. YOu have top press the keys just a little but harder than normal. Coul be quite annopying. Plus the keyboard is very small so that will make it slow.

However, there's nothing like the Kohji available today. Its got enough RAM, HDD and connectivity for all needs. good styling. quiet. small. efficient.

Steve.

Quote:

Thanks for the reply Steve,

Under what conditions and situations would you reccommend the Fuji over the Kohji?

Since the Fuji has been around longer wouldn't it be easier to install Linux - or does the lack of touch screen make the Kohji easier?

Thanks for the update on the Kohji on your website - it will be interesting to see how it works out - if the keyboard works itself in or it slowly drives you crazy - etc...

The Fuji is in a differnt class really. Much bigger screen, much more processing power. Even the 1510 (which you might find with a good discount now that its an outgoing model.) is a better device. The only problem with the 1610 is the poor battery life (2+ hours)

If you're doing a lot of documentation then the 8.9" and much better keyboard are going to suit you.

The Fuji also has Intel GMA.; That means Direct X 9 support for things like Google Earth, itunes and lots of other apps that seem to be building 3D features in to amaze us all. (I hate that trend by the way!)

The 1610 is about double the cost of the Kohji here (in Germany) so you'd need to be a serious road runner to pay that much for mobility.
Have you looked at the Averatec 1100 series? 10" screens. Just outside my definition of a UMPC. Good prices.


Steve.

This has me a bit disillusioned - the Kohjinsha is cool, but for the same price I can get the Fuji Lifebook p1510

advantages:
a higher rez screen
more powerful processor
3D graphics
better keyboard
touchscreen (could be plus or minus) -netural
thumbprint reader (could be plus or minus) -netural

negatives
1" wider
used on Ebay

Kohjinsha
only advantage over the Fuji:
quiet
low heat (burning you hands holding the thing)
brand new

Please let me know if I am missing something here, I am not trying to insult anyone or annoy anyone, just trying to make an informed decision.........

Thanks in advance.