Long-gone are the days where netbooks were available at the 1KG mark. The Asus 901, Acer A150. Classic 1KG, 8.9” netbooks that worked well as mobile-focused PCs for getting things done almost anywhere. The EeePC 901GO was arguably one of the best mobile bargains around at the time, at least in Europe. No hard drive, sub 1KG, 3G and a great price. Oh how things have changed. All we seem to see now are 10-12” devices at 1.2KG or more with moving hard drives. The 800gm-1KG mark is now a specialist segment.

If you take a long hard look though and are prepared to relax your requirements a little there are a few gems hidden in there that would work well for ultra-mobile fans so I’ve taken a long look at the netbook segment, spoken to a few people (thanks Avram and Sascha) and come up with a shortlist for you. I’ve also taken a look above and below the netbook segment to give you a few alternative options.

Requirements.

Ultra Mobile devices need to be feature-rich, rugged and connected. They are the Swiss army knives of PCs that need to be ready for anything. Getting the best productivity out of any situation is important. 12” devices give great comfortable real-estate. 10” devices can be good value. 7” devices get right under the 1KG mark. Here are some other important features.

• No Hard Drive. Ideally you don’t want any moving parts at all in a mobile PC. Hard drives and fans can fail or get damaged and even rotating screen hinges need to be thought about very carefully. If an SSD doesn’t come as standard, I’ve looked at the upgrade possibilities.
• Bright screen. Matt finish. 10 – 12” for comfortable productivity. 7-10” for lighter weight.
• 3G, Wi-Fi-N and BT 2.x (but not self-upgrade unless the antenna is pre-installed)
• Long battery life (6+hrs)
• Lightweight PSU, Car Kit
• Other useful options – GPS, memory upgrades. Case
• Latest CPU technology.
• Weight – 1KG or less. (I’ve looked at devices up to about 1.2KG here.)

The Netbook Shortlist

Based around the 10” form factor, these are the gems that I’ve managed to dig out. Of the 400+ devices that I’ve searched through, these match the requirements the best. Quite amazing that there are really only this many that I would class as truly mobile devices. Note, these devices may not appear in your local market (and there may be others in your local market that I haven’t seen – please lets us know if you find one.)

I’ve been messing around with Solar energy again today…

It turns out that the Viliv S10 has a 9.5v input. Having an input voltage below 12V is always an advantage for solar work and it’s even better when the X70 car adaptor works on the S10. I’ve connected the S10 up to a 24W solar panel and it’s charging the device even when it’s in-use. Given pure sun (2hrs either side of peak sun) it should charge the S10 in about 5 hours. That’s 10 hours usage in 5 hours charging. Unfortunately the S10, like all other PCs, doesn’t fast-charge so this solution would probably work exactly the same with a 12W panel as only about 7W-10W is needed in charging.

The S10 has 3G built-in, a fast SSD and a great keyboard. It’s turning out to be a great solution for working completely off the power and wired networking grids.

I’ve written up some more details over at my little solar computing blog.

Warning: Direct solar charging without a regulator and a buffer power store is always a risk to your devices.

Dynamism have just released all the prices and availability information for the S10 Blade range of devices. (We released our full review today too.)

1.6Ghz Models:

• Viliv S10 32ssd -  Intel® Atom™ Z530 1.6GHz 32GB SSD Windows XP $699.00
• Viliv-S10/32ssd – Intel® Atom™ Z530 1.6GHz 32GB SSD Windows 7 Home Premium. $797.00
• Viliv S10/32ssd/3G – Intel® Atom™ Z530 1.6GHz 32GB SSD Windows 7 Home Premium Built in HSPA modem. $889.00
• Viliv S10/64ssd – Intel® Atom™ Z530 1.6GHz 64GB SSD Windows 7 Home Premium. $857.00 (Includes free second battery in presale offer)
• Viliv S10 64ssd/3G – Intel® Atom™ Z530 1.6GHz 64GB SSD Windows 7 Home Premium Built in HSPA modem. $949.00 (Includes free second battery in presale offer)

2.0Ghz Models:

• Viliv S10/2.0GHz/64ssd – Intel® Atom™ Z550 2.0GHz 64GB SSD Windows 7 Home Premium. $1057.00 (Includes free second battery in presale offer)
• Viliv S10/2.0GHz/64ssd/3G – Intel® Atom™ Z550 2.0GHz 64GB SSD Windows 7 Home Premium Built in HSPA modem. $1,149.00 (Includes free second battery in presale offer)

Ordering starts on March 25th. Shipment of all versions is expected on April 22nd.

See Dynamism for more details.

S10 information sheet (review, gallery, links, videos) is available here.

Prices are much as were previously leaked so our thoughts on that remain the same. (Is the Viliv S10 too expensive?)

I’ve just finished the photo shoot of the Viliv S10….

View the full gallery (70+images) in the UMPCPortal Gallery.

We’ve seen several Viliv S10 [Portal page] units in the past [gallery], but it looks like the retail version was on display at CES this year. Naturally, jkk got his hands on the device and has a video of a brief rundown and some quick impressions on the unit (also don’t miss his video with the Viliv N5). This is one of the first netbooks I’ve seen that has a capacitive multitouch screen which should offer improved touchscreen consistency than we’re used to with most large touchscreens. Still no word on pricing or availability but the best we can hope for is soon. Without ION, it feels like Viliv has missed the optimal time to bring this great looking convertible to market — if they don’t hurry up they might not have a chance to capitalize on what could have been a significant device for Viliv.  Jump over to jkk’s site to check out the video.

It feels like we’ve known about the S10 Blade [Portal page] for a long time now, but we’ve yet to see any official pricing. It looks like that may come to an end soon as Viliv has just put out a press release with official specifications (but still no price):

• Intel® Atom™ processor Z530 (1.6GHz) / Z550 (2.0GHz)
• Windows® 7 Home Premium
• 10.1″ HD LCD (1366 x 768, WXVGA) / Swivel / Multi-Touch [Me: probably resistive]
• SSD capacity: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
• 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 533Mhz
• WiFi IEEE 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• HSPA/TD-SCDMA/EVDO/WiMAX Connectivity options
• Camera
• 2 USB Host, 1 USB Slave
• SDHC, Headphone-out, Mic, Stereo Speakers
• D-Sub, Multi I/O(Composite / Component / S-Video)
• Keyboard : 84keys total (Function 34keys)
• 10 hours max battery life (7 hour movie playback)
• Dimensions:  260(W) x 185(L) x 17~26(H)mm / 10.23(W) x 7.28(L) x 0.67~1.02(H)inch
• Weight: 1.21Kg / 2.67 pounds

I wrote a little while back that the S10 could really put Viliv on the map, but at this point I feel like they’ve waited too long. We now have $300-$400 netbooks which are relatively powerful as they are equipped with Nvidia ION. The S10 will definitely beat out most of the competition with 10 hour battery life, and it has a lot of great connectivity options. It’ll be competitive at the right price, and certainly a good pro-mobile choice, but it could have done some serious work in my opinion if they got it out the door a few months ago.

In addition to S10 specs, we see a whole new device from Viliv, the N5 [Portal page]. They are calling it a “MID” but it’s a mini-laptop form-factor device, similar in appearance to the Sony Vaio P (the top of the N5 says “Ultra Mobile Mini PC” but don’t look for UMMPCPortal.com any time soon). It’s extremely light at 399 grams (0.88 pounds) and appears to have a very HP Mini 1000-esque keyboard. Check the specs:

• Intel® Atom™  processor Z520 (1.33 GHz)
• Windows® 7 Starter / Home Premium
• 4.8” WSVGA (1024×600) with Touch Screen
• 32GB SSD
• 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 533Mhz
• WiFi IEEE 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• HSPA/TD-SCDMA/EVDO/WiMAX Connectivity options
• GPS Sirf Star3
• 1.3M Pixel Camera
• Optical Mouse
• 1 USB Host, 1 USB Slave
• Micro-SD, Headphone-out, Mic, Stereo Speakers
• QWERTY keyboard 63keys total (Function 34keys)
• Up to 5 hours of battery life
• Dimensions:  172(W) x 86(H) x 25(T)mm / 6.77(W) x 3.38(H) x 0.98(T) inch
• Weight:  399g / 0.88 pounds

Viliv is also apparently updating all devices (X70, S5, S7, and the upcoming S10 and N5) to Windows 7. Chippy is on the CES2010 floor as we speak and should have a hands on with these devices soon! Full press release text below.

Press Release Jan 06, 2009

viliv Expands its Mobile Internet Device Product with the Go-Everywhere PC “N5” and Multi-touch Tablet PC “S10 Blade”

The viliv N5 features a 4.8”  Touch Screen, Intel®Atom™ Processor and Windows® 7 OS, and QWERTY keyboard

The viliv S10 Blade features a 10.1” Multi-touch Screen with High Resolution(1366×768) and Swivel Display.

Las Vegas-Jan 6, 2010 – viliv (Yukyung Technologies Corporation), a leading Mobile Internet Device manufacturer, today announced two new Mobile Internet Devices, the N5 and the S10 Blade. The two products made their debut at PEPCOM’s Digital Experience in Las Vegas and will be on display during CES 2010 at the viliv booth, #30349 of the South Hall 3 Upper Level.

Aimed at the go-everywhere PC users, “N5” combines usability and productivity by delivering enhanced performance, light portability (weighing just 399g/0.88lbs), extended battery life and full QWERTY keyboard. With integrated GPS navigation and fueled by the Intel® Atom™ processor (1.33GHZ), N5 is a non-compromise, high-performance mobile computing device that offers full PC functionality and optional 3G HSPA or WiMAX connectivity for mobile professionals as well as for micro-bloggers.

viliv also unveiled the S10 Blade with Multi-Touch Convertible Tablet form factor and with multiple ways to provide input including a full QWERTY keyboard, Multi-Touch and stylus. The S10 Blade delivers up to 10 hours of battery life and weighs only 1.21Kg / 2.67 lb for the best mobile computing experience. The S10 Blade offers various connectivity options including integrated 4G mobile WiMAX, and 3G HSPA.  Consumers can get a seamless Internet connectivity at true broadband speeds — at home, in the office or on-the-go.

“Since pioneering the MID (Mobile Internet Device) category with the introductions of S5, X70EX and S7 over a period of less than 6 months, viliv has been unwavering in its commitment to the long-term growth and development of this fast-growing mobile computing product market segment, said Dr. Seung-Jin Yoo, Vice President, Yukyung Technologies.” “We have made a strong showing in the global marketplace. With the introductions of N5 and S10 Blade, viliv further strengthens its leadership position in the Mobile Internet Device market segment. Viliv N5 and S10 Blade continue to deliver high performance and amazing mobility with the Intel® Atom™ processor.

“The Intel Atom processor represents a hallmark in technology innovation, enabling users to gain unhindered access to the rich, visually-compelling Internet in handheld devices,” said Pankaj Kedia, director of global ecosystem programs in Intel Corporation’s Ultra Mobility Group. “Yukyung has demonstrated the capabilities of the Atom processor with an exciting range of products – the viliv N5 and S10 Blade, the company’s latest additions, will bring the power of the Internet to the hands and pockets of delighted consumers around the world.”

N5 and S10 Blade can be purchased through a variety of resellers including Amazon, Newegg, Buy.com, B&H Photo, PC mall and more and will also be introduced through brick and mortar stores.

About Yukyung Technologies

Based in Korea, Yukyung Technologies is a worldwide leader in the Mobile device and communications market sector with strengths in technology development, product design, manufacturing quality, as well as solution design and implementation.  Yukyung Technologies was founded in 1999 and has developed viliv brand of PMP, Navigator in 2005 and now it’s one of the best and leading Mobile Internet Device Manufacturer in the world.

About viliv

It’s the multimedia brand of Yukyung Technologies.

Yukyung Technologies has released viliv brand of products since 2005.

Related Links

www.myviliv.com/eng

www.myviliv.com/usa

viliv booth at CES 2010

Booth No.30349 of the South Hall 3 Upper Level

I’m back to using the N82 as my smartphone. This amazing device that I bought in Jan 2008 is locking me in like no other device has ever done in the past. I was close to buying a Motorola Milestone and after upgrading my Omnia Pro B7610 I though I might stick with that but no, the Xenon flash captures moments and the Ovi Maps guides me to moments that no other device is able to. And it’s small!

One of my big issues with high-end smartphones is their size and price. You don’t buy a Ferrari to go to work in a town office because it’s not practical. You don’t (or shouldn’t) use a 4×4 either. It’s a waste of space, uses too much fuel and is difficult to park. I feel the same way about phones. They need to be phone sized, economical and good value. I need to be able to park them in my pocket. I need them to have fuel to get me home. The N82 is a great, practical smartphone.

Around the house I use the Archos 5 Internet Tablet. It’s like a quad bike. Useless forpublic roads but great for some jobs around the locality. Fast web, long battery life, big screen, great social communications apps and entertainment in a very small package. I published a big review of it the Archos 5 IT this week which highlights how multi-faceted it is.

Away from the house I’m using two devices. The U820 (AKA Loox U/50) is my short-term productivity device. My UMPC. It’s the device I carry with me if I don’t have any work planned. I’m able to use it almost anywhere and it’s been a fast, reliable, ultra-mobile solution. It sits on it’s docking station ready for action. I’m not sure how I could improve this device right now. The Mifi 2352 usually charges alongside the U820 and comes with me everywhere the U820 does.

I’ll usually take the U820 to work away from home too but mostly I would be using my Gigabyte T1028M. It’s a modded 10” touchscreen netbook that has fantastic 3G reception, a rugged and fast runcore SSD drive and an extended battery. It’s a device that I’m looking to upgrade. I need to keep the same features but advances in technology and falling prices mean that I think I can now get all of this with more processing power and a bigger screen for a smaller size. I’ve been looking at sub 1.5kg 12” devices to replace it and actually, there aren’t many in the market yet. The Sony Vaio X11 is offering a lot of what I want and I’m itching to test one out. Saving 600gm (40%) in weight would be amazing but is it worth 1400 Euro? Over 2-years of increased productivity I think I could justify it but i’ll wait until I’ve done some more testing on the Viliv S10 first. If Viliv make a 2.0Ghz, SSD, 3G version of that available for under 1000 Euro, I’m in!

Over the last 6 months or so, Viliv has created a near rebirth of the UMPC, stunning a good number of people with the highly regarded S5 and X70. Not to long after, they brought the Viliv S7, their first device with a keyboard. I wrote an article back in July titled: The Viliv S7’s biggest challenge: the keyboard. After having a chance to review the S7 for myself, I found the keyboard to be the most disappointing part of the S7. At the same time however the S7 made me very excited for Viliv’s upcoming 10″ version, the S10.

What we’ve see so far from the S10 has shown it to be a very attractive device. If the S10 has the footprint to offer a good typing experience, and still delivers the good points of the S7, I feel that the S10 could break through and become a serious netbook competitor which will put the name Viliv in front of a large new audience that they haven’t yet had access to.

The keyboard forecast on the S10 is looking really good so far. From early pictures that Chippy shot of the unit at IDF 09 I can see that the S10’s footprint gave Viliv enough room to fix every single issue that I noted in my S7 review. They fixed the tiny right shift key by dropping the arrow keys down and providing enough space for a full right shift key. They fixed the F11 and F12 keys being bound to F9 and F10 as the extra width provided room for these keys to be in their own dedicated space. They also put the tilde key back where it needs to go, which aligns the number row correctly, and fixed other things like odd punctuation placement and backward Fn/ctrl keys.

But netbooks as of late have offered rather good typing experiences, so presuming that the S10’s keyboard can match these, how does the S10 stand a chance of competing against already established brands? The answer to this lies in the S10’s battery life, convertibility, and high res screen.

The S7 had hugely impressive battery life, running for almost 6 hours at 100% CPU usage, 100% brightness, and WiFi+BT turned on. This means that the S7 should run for around 8 hours with regular usage. Incredibly fast standby times allow one to extend the battery life of the S7 to great lengths. If the S10 can offer the same speedy standby and huge battery life, it’ll beat out most existing netbooks and would be great for a thin, light weight, ‘all day’ computing experience. Viliv is currently quoting the S10 as having 10 hours of battery, and given Viliv’s previous battery life claims I would say this is fairly accurate, and within an hour of realistic usage.

The S10 isn’t 100% official yet, but the one that Chippy looked at in an IDF 09 video hands-on had a 1366×768 resolution screen, which again beats out most of the netbook contenders. Then there is the flexibility that the touchscreen and convertible aspect offer. The majority of netbooks out there today aren’t touchscreen equipped and definitely aren’t convertible. This fact alone puts the S10 in direct competition with devices like the Gigabyte TouchNote [Portal page] and Asus Eee T91 [Portal page].

If the S10 can be competitive in the netbook field and stand its ground against the existing convertible options, I think that it could have a big impact on Viliv as a company – getting the company into the eyes of a much broader range than they’ve been used to because previously they’ve been dealing in a rather niche market, and for UMPC fans out there — some of that additional market may flow through Viliv to their other devices, and introduce new people to the world of UMPCs.

Of course it will all really depend on the price that Viliv picks for the S10. Hopefully it’ll hit low enough to compete with netbooks and will create choice and competition for consumers, while being an impressive debut product for Viliv’s foray into the netbook space. Most of the other players will have some serious catching up to do if the S10 jumps onto the scene with a reasonable price, 10 hour battery life, great keyboard, high-res screen and convertible form factor to boot!

Xavier Lanier (GottaBeMobile),  Sascha Pallenberg (Netbooknews.com) and I sat down in the final hours of the Intel Developer Forum to talk about what we’d seen in the mobile space. In this video we talk about Moblin and the Intel Application Developer Program, the Viliv S10, Archos 9 and say hello to a mystery man who decided to wander across the set with his dinner!

Chippy has a nice photoset of the upcoming Viliv S10 here in the UMPC gallery. Take a look. These were taken during Computex.

Update: Viliv S10 Specifications and latest information.

I’ve had some hands-on with the Viliv S10. It’s slick, well designed, well finished and impressive. Viliv are talking about a 10-hour battery life on this which would probably translate to around 6-8hrs on-net usage. The big question is of course, price. Are we going to see it come in below the Gigabyte Touchnote T1028? And what about the T91?

Here’s a video I took during my MIDMoves IDF tour this week.

One correction on the video. The S10 is due to be launched in Q4 2009, not 2010.

Source: MidMoves

Here’s the new Viliv S10 ‘Blade’ convertible touchscreen netbook.

Great build quality and looks. Certainly better than my Gigabyte Touchnote!

Available before the end of the year.