I spent some time last night testing four 3G-capable devices for both speed and reception on three different provider networks from my desk in my office here in Bonn, Germany just a few kilometres from the global head-office of T-Mobile. The results are very interesting with the Mifi being a great all-rounder and the X70 surprising with some very high-end speeds. The Viliv S5 was disappointing. I was even surprised with the results from the different providers.

Update: Some reports are coming in (see comments) that the 3G on the S5 brings in good results. It’s possible I have a faulty unit here. Maybe a poorly soldered antenna. If anyone else has an S5 and can do comparisons with other 3G devices, please let us know your results. Thanks.

Devices tested

Mifi 2352 3G hotspot from Novatel. HSPA capable.  [More information]

Viliv S5 with built-in Huawei EM770. HSPA capable [More information]

Viliv X70 EX with built-in Huawei EM770. HSPA capable [More information]

Gigabyte Touchnote with reseller-fitted Novatell Expedite EU870D. HSDPA only. [More information]

Reception Test

With an average of over 3 bars (from 5) reception, the MiFi reported the best reception of all devices. This result should be taken with a pinch of salt because of course the ‘meters’ aren’t calibrated between devices but the MiFi certainly felt strong. I’ve used the Gigabyte Touchnote many times in extreme 3G situations now and it too is strong and returned a consistent 3-bar reception level at my test desk. Its difficult to pick a winner between the two because as you move towards the edge of a cell, the Touchnote is likely to be the better performer with it’s bigger antenna. The X70 was reliable too showing strong 2-3 bar reception figures on the fastest technologies. The one disappointing result was the Viliv S5 which consistently failed to attach to 3G networks. Reception quality is clearly much lower on the S5 than all other devices.

Speed Test

The speed tests were done using Speedtest.net over a period of about 3 hours. Remember that results very over time, weather conditions, cell load and position but by remaining at my desk for all tests I was able to get a feel for the speeds of the devices and, important for me, the quality of Internet service from the three providers I tested. The Mifi was used in hotspot mode.

Download Test results:

Upload Speed results:

Conclusion

The Mifi appears to be limited in it’s ability to download when used in hotspot mode (not tested in USB modem mode) although the 1mbps figures are quite acceptable and the reception appears to be excellent. There could be an issue with the early firmware too so we’re getting this checked out through Mobilx.eu, the reseller. Overall though, the MiFi looks like the best all-round 3G device out of the test with stable figures across the board. The X70, with it’s HSPA modem showed the highest download scores and in one case, Speedtest recorded 4mbps download over the Fonic / 02 network. It couldn’t quite reach the high speeds on the Vodafone network. This could have been due to the load on the Vodafone network or the slightly less sensitive antenna. The Touchnote download speeds were also very good but highlight the limits of its  HSDPA modem which can only support 384kbps upload speeds. For general use though, the Touchnote is very good and I’d rather have high quality reception than extreme upload speeds. Unfortunately, the Viliv S5 I have here just wasn’t capable of getting consistent 3G results. Standing near a window helped but that’s not the point of the test. In the given scenario the Viliv S5 wasn’t able to complete any of the Speedtest results within a reasonable time and the built-in antenna made no difference to reception quality.

As for providers, clearly Fonic, who use the 02 network, are the best in my office area but in general, I don’t use 3G in my office area! I have been testing these networks for a long time though and have been impressed with the 02 data network in Bonn and Cologne. As a result, I’m thinking of cancelling my low-end T-Mobile data contract (my Vodafone data contract has already been cancelled) and getting an Alice 19.95 Euro unlimited 7.2/1.4mbps pre-paid broadband card. Alice use the same network and as I’ve tested Skype with it, I’m pretty happy that it’s a nice open network. (although it does use a different APN to Fonic so there’s a risk there!) 20 Euro per month for 5GB (and then unlimited over GPRS) looks like the best deal in Germany for me at the moment. Given that I can use 5 devices with the Mifi and that the Mifi is proving to have great reception and acceptable throughput, I have to ask myself whether I really need 3G built-in to any of my devices now.

Clearly the MiFi reduces the need for built-in 3G so like me, you’ll have to ask yourself if it’s worth it to look at 3G-capable UMPCs any more. The MiFi doesnt cost much more than a built-in option, is flexible, is easy to use, saves UMPC battery life (close-range Wifi takes less power than 3G in most cases) and it mobilises up to 5 WiFi devices on one 3G contract.

Update: Finally, after seeing that JKKMobile got over 2mbps download on his MiFi, I tested and tested further. I did, once, mange to get a 2.38mbps average download speed, again, on the Fonic/02 network. Note the fantastic ping times of 65ms. Clearly the MiFi is geared towards reliability, stability and reception quality rather than speed. In my opinion, it’s the right balance.

In about an hour I’ll be getting together online with with Sascha and JKK for the Computex round-up podcast. If I’m able to set it up, i’ll broadcast it on the /live channel but if not, don’t worry because the podcast will go up almost shortly afterwards. Update. We didnt get the podcast done due to network issues out in Taiwan. We’ve rescheduled for tomorrow.

I will be on the live channel afterwards though and JKK will join me this evening for a more formal session where we’ll both be talking about the new Viliv X70 EX Premium AIR and Viliv S5 Premium Air. That’s planned for 2100 CEST but it will also be recorded.

My full X70 EX Premium Air review is ready (I’m waiting for the battery life test to finish but its clearly the best 7” tablet UMPC ever) and that will probably be posted this afternoon so keep an eye out for it.

We look forward to seeing you on UMPCPortal.com/live later.

We had a very detailed email and press release from Viliv today which is now available on their English-language website. In summary, it looks like they will be highlighting global 3G and 4G versions of the S5, X70 EX and S7 UMPCs and demonstrating Windows 7. They will also be revealing two new models. A 10” model and a 4.8” device with keyboard.

The press release also mentions that Microsoft will be using an S5 with Windows 7 in their keynote. We can’t wait to hear what the VP’s of Microsoft call it. UMPC, MID or Mini Tablet?

Finally they have told us that a retail version of the S5 Premium 3G with 32GB SSD is on it’s way to our office so when we get back from Computex there will be a nice present waiting.

Expect more detailed information on the Viliv devices next week as I’ll be there covering the events here and on MIDMoves.com

If you’ve read our Viliv S5 review over the last week and are now wondering whether to buy it, today’s a good day to make a decision because there’s a special offer at Dynamism kicking of at 1pm eastern time (Ney York time.) Dynamism have 400 units available with a special offer pack that includes the leather pouch, the car kit and a spare battery for just $599. Check out all the details via our product information page and then hop over to Dynamism for the ordering details.

If you have any last-minute questions on the Viliv S5, I’ve set up an email address that you can send your questions to. It will be valid for today only. Email your questions to viliv-s5-q@umpcportal.com and I’ll do my best to answer questions as soon as they come in. [This is not a Dynamism service. Just me trying to help out.]

If the Viliv S5 Full Review isn’t enough for you today, then check out the Viliv S5 running Windows 7. As with my Gigabyte Touchnote, the floating TIP and other tablet features aren’t enabled but JKK is reporting a full and stable working device. Although I didn’t see him demonstrate it in the video (I skipped across a lot of it, sorry JKK!) this W7 upgrade should have enabled very high performance H.264 decoding meaning hi-res and CPU power savings.

Check out JKK’s video here.

Links to all Viliv S5 articles in our database can be found here.

Related articles in the right hand column ->

After many months of wondering if the S5 was going to be as good as we first imagined it to be, it’s time to review the final retail version and make some conclusions. The Viliv S5 is one of the smallest tablet PC’s in the world. It includes a full PC hardware architecture and Windows XP software. The manufacturer has used a mature design from it’s PMP range and the end result is a solid, well-built pocketable device aimed at media, web browsing and, due to the built-in GPS, navigation.

Vilis S5 specifications, discussion, links, videos and images in the community specifications page.

Read the full story

Most of you will already know that Dynamism are starting the pre-order period for the Viliv S5 today. Presale begins 1:00 PM Eastern time on April 27th. The first shipment is expected May 8th.

If you’re still in two minds about it, take a look at this new video from Michael Brito of Intel. He’s done an ‘Un Geek’ video presentation with the S5. You’ll see Tweetdeck, iTunes and a good demo of the on-screen keyboard in use. If you have questions, join myself and JKK at 2030 CEST today where we will be live with the S5 and other devices and will be able to answer your questions in a live chat session. (Go to UMPCPortal.com/live)

More information on the Viliv S5 including links to all the important articles, reviews, image galleries and news items, in the Viliv S5 product page.

Video source: Inside Scoop.

Firstly, let me thank the 380 people that passed through the live session last night. Your interaction and feedback during these live Q&A sessions is invaluable to us and the other listeners so please make sure you drop in on the next one. It wouldn’t be half as much fun without you.

For those that didn’t get to drop in or only had a chance to see a small part of the session, there are two videos available. The first is the full UMID Mbook M1 overview and Q&A and you’ll need a whopping 1.5hrs to watch it through. Still, if the UMID up there at the top of your list and you want to be 100% sure, we cover absolutely everything from creaking plastic to one of the fastest UMPC web experiences ever. The second video goes briefly over the Viliv S5 (The full, 3-hour-long, S5 Q&A session is here) and then JKK and I make comparisons with the Aigio, UMID and EKing UMPCs. All the devices have their merits so it just depends on what you personally want from a UMPC. By the way, it really was a UMPC fest. None of the devices we talked about were Linux based. An interesting point to note.

Also, credit to Ustream.tv We had some problems at the 2000hr start time but once we’d got through an obvious rush on Ustream services, everything went very smoothly. If you have a minute (haha!) pop over and rate the show in the Ustream channel.

I’ve had a retail version of the Viliv S5 for a few days now (see unboxing) and have spent many hours testing it (see 3hr testing video!) with different software and in different usage scenarios. I’ll be using it heavily next week on my trip to Texas (if you’re at SXSW 2009 and want a demo, follow the related MidMoves Twitter account and DM me) and I’ll write more after that but for the time being, I think this first impressions article will give you enough info to allow you to either add it or take it away from your wish list. If you haven’t seen the Viliv S5 yet, what you’re looking at is a pocket PC in the true sense of the meaning. It’s running Windows XP on a 1.3Ghz Intel Atom CPU, weighs under 400gm and fits in a pocket. It’s one of the most powerful computing devices you can put there!

Read the full story

When hardware and software work together in harmony, beautiful things happen. Take, for example, this video of Streetdeck 2 navigation software running on the upcoming Vilic S5 MID [Portal page]. Try to watch this video and then tell me that you don’t wish you had this as GPS solution for your car.

I’m really impressed with both the hardware and the software in this demo. A few things make this possible, first of which is the fact that the S5 is much more powerful than any standalone GPS unit. Streaming satellite radio while viewing real-time 3D navigation is no problem. Second, is that the Viliv has GPS built in. I might be able to do something similar with my UX180 (which I’m looking to experiment with), but I’ll definitely need to use a Bluetooth GPS device.  This video puts the capabilities of my supposedly ‘gps equipped’ iPhone 3G to shame, and even my dedicated GPS unit.

[jkkmobile]

UMPC Fever has gotten a Viliv S5 [Portal page] and already have some videos up. There are also lots of good unboxing pics up over at UMPC Fever, have a look! (auto translated by Google). The S5, as you will recall, is a MID device that has been very popular according to our Portal charts. 

Here are the specs of the device as shown in the video:

• Intel’s 1.33GHz Atom Z520 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 60Gb hard-drives
• hardware 1080p HD video acceleration
• 4.8 inches 1024 x 600
• 22.9wh battery (~4 hours WIFI on)
• GPS
• Windows XP Home

Take a look at the unboxing video first below:

Video language is not in English but the text is.

Next, see the hands-on video.

According to the MyViliv website and some information we received by email, 1000 units of the Viliv S5 were sold in 15 minutes today as the pre-orders started in Korea. Viliv have been selling PMPs and other devices since 2005 and they tell us they’ve achieved the highest website statistics ever through the S5 launch.

That’s impressive considering the financial problems going on in the worlds tomorrow but it’s possibly indicative of people wanting to make a money-saving purchase as the Viliv S5 can serve as multiple devices. Navigation, PMP, Mini PC, it’s all there in one device that appears to be of good quality and returning performance and battery life figures that we would expect.

Lazion, one of the first Korean websites we turn to when a new device is launched over there, have a great 3-part review up that, although difficult to read through automated translation, gives some clear indications as to what we can expect when the S5 Premium (as the export version will be known) starts shipping at end of March. (Viliv planned shipping timeframe.)

First of all, it’s pocketable…in a kind of Sony Vaio marketing way…

Thanks ladies. I’ll be putting it my jacket pocket but please, don’t let us stop you promoting it as bum-pocket portable.

Read the full story

Back in Dec we heard that the local launch price of the Viliv in Korea would be “(US$388 to US$543)” and today we’ve learned via an email from Viliv that the US retail price will be $649. Luckily, the Viliv S5 Premium that is going to be sold in the US (and I assume anywhere else that UMPC retailers can import and sell it) is a high-spec model running XP in 1GB on a 1.3Ghz Z520 CPU with a 60GB hard drive and a 1024×600 screen. I can tell you from my experience with the Wibrain i1 that runs exactly the same specs, it’s a pleasurable experience. The ‘Premium’ also comes with GPS, Haptic feedback and the Viliv UI and on-screen keyboard and that big, 17Wh battery which, again based on my work with the Wibrain i1, should return 6hrs screen-off/wifi off and 3-3.5hrs with wifi on, screen-on. That’s 3.5 hrs of very fast web access; [UPDATE: We're checking on the battery specs. Previously we heard it was 24wh battery.  We might have made a mistake on that 17wh figure.] 24wh 22.9wh battery (confirmed) which again, based on my work with the Wibrain i1 should return 10 hours screen off/wifi off and 4hrs with wifi-on screen on.

The i1 returns an average sub 10 second-per-page web experience (Sub 5-second with the no-script plugin – 4 times faster than the best smartphones!) and in terms of javascript power:weight ratio, was the best that I’ve ever tested. There’s no reason to believe that the S5 will be any different.

More Viliv S5 details including specifications and news links available here.

In addition to the information that came in the email, we’ve managed to coerce some information about the missing 3G out of Viliv. Apparently the HSDPA version is still going through certification and is planned for Europe and for those with WiMax in their area, Viliv also have a model planned that will cover that too. In terms of pricing, the going rate for a 3G option runs at between 100 and 150 so $799 seems likely.

Overall it’s looking like a good price for what it is. The lack of keyboard is going to worry some but as a media consumption device, pmp, pnd and fallback PC, it’s really a huge step forward from what we saw even a year ago.

Update: US shipping expected at end of March.

Finally, there’s a new video available here showing the S5 running itunes and coverflow. Expect more videos and review information soon as sample devices have already gone out to Korean bloggers.

This video, taken at the Viliv launch event in Korea, shows some nice detail about the cube user interface on the Viliv S5.

It’s an interesting way to tackle the problems of using a desktop OS with a finger. Of course, when you get past the UI you’re dealing with the same old problems but these sort of layers could make XP more attractive and friendly to MID buyers and yet still give the power users the back-end they require to do productive work.

YouTube user ‘59hjh’ has other videos too. The video playback demo shows KMPlayer dealing with a 16mbps 720p file and outputing it to an HD screen with no problems at all. The browser demo shows, as we’ve seen before on the Atom-based devices, a top-notch mobile Web experience.

S7 is still on the roadmap

Expect to see the S5 at CES along with two other Atom-based devices. We’ve been in touch with Yukyung Technologies and they tell us that the S7 will be appearing in working form. The S7 is the very interesting pro-mobile UMPC we had hands-on with at IDF (see specs and video) and looks like it matches rumoured Sony UMPC specs.

X7 7″ slate on the way

The S5 is derived from the X5 PMP so it makes sense that there will be an Atom-based variant of the X70 tablet-style PMP shown on the right. There’ll be a working prototype of it at CES codenamed X70-Atom. For a slate 7″er to be well received in the consumer market it’s going to have to have something special so we’re looking forward to seeing what it’s key features are.

It looks like Yulkyung’s ViliV products are going to be ones to watch at CES. The designs and specs look extremely attractive so far and the prices that they talked about at IDF, very competitive. The only thing that remains is to find out about US and EU availability. For what it’s worth, I’ll certainly be encouraging Yukyung to get these devices out into these areas ASAP.

Not much to read on the linked article below but there are some nice pics from the Yukyung Viliv S5 launch party. Welcome to one of the first XP-based MIDs (or is it a UMPC!) I’m eager to get my hands on the Viliv S5 for a full test ASAP. Images via the Korean website below.

재승 님의 블로그 :: 네이버 블로그.

Thanks Keobuk2

One of the MIDs I was impressed with at the IDF in August was the Viliv S5. With a stylish design, excellent battery life and a selection of specifications, it appealed. Even without the keyboard. Launch was planned for Q4 but until a few days ago, we hadn’t heard anything. Through Lazion a few days ago we heard that there was a launch party planned and now Lazion have managed to get a pre launch interview with Yukyung, the makers of the S5.

Specifications revealed in the interview follow what we’ve already got in our S5 info sheet and add an optional 1024×600 screen, Wimax options and news about a 200hrs standby figure which is much more than most other UMPCs and MIDs.

Take a look at the translation for more details and images and look forward to launch details tomorrow.

Source: Lazion. Translation

This is the S5 MID from Viliv. (Specifications page)

The S5 is very much a PMP-style device but provides for fast Internet browsing and good media playback capabilities. There’s a 3G option possible (depending on territory) and a 24wh battery that is said to provide 5-6 hours of video playback. Given that the Gigabyte M528 can do 3 hours on a 10Wh battery, there’s no reason to doubt that. I’ll get the details into the database as soon as I can but for now, check out the presentation video I made. I like this one a lot. No keyboard but totally pocketable.

Keep an eye out later for a video of a new device, the S7. Its  bigger, has a full keyboard, swivel touchscreen, has huge battery life and is very very slick!!

Update: I’ve just uploaded some new pics into the gallery