The one on the left is a SlimDevices Squeezebox and 45W RMS Audioengine 5 Speaker System. Nice.
The one on the right is a ultra mobile PC connected to a 75W Per channel RMS Sony Surround Sound Amplifier and Tannoy Revolution R3 speakers. Nicer.
OK, there’s a big price difference here and the one on the left looks much better in your off-white i-home but I just wanted to highlight yet another use for a UMPC. When it’s not your home computer, its your media streamer. In fact, in the photo on the right I’m actually running Slim Devices open source Slimserver software which I’ve been happily using for the last few years to transport my audio tracks from my server over my home network and out via the Internet into clients at work, on holiday and recently, into my car. A bit like a Slingbox for audio. It runs a standalone web server through which you can choose and stream tracks for a number of client devices. Using the LAME mp3 encoder it will re-encode tracks from many audio types into an mp3 stream using the shoutcast protocol. You choose the bitrate.
If you haven’t got a ultra mobile PC however, you might want to take a look at the dedicated hardware that Slim Devices (now owned by Logitech) offer. The Gadgeteer reviewed one of these devices and it looks nice. Simple, high-quality, made-for-the-job hardware. Nice.
Review via SlashGear.
Steve / Chippy
When I got beyond only one main computer (my loyal apple powerbook) to one macMini in livingroom and now UMPC, I have been using oboe (http://www.mp3tunes.com/ locker), all your music stored online. – I can listen to my playlists in car via UMTS (flat rate in finland ;) – and even sideload jkontherun etc. podcasts directly to my locker ;) – check it out!
ps. What’s my favorite podcast? the Tom Leykis show http://1069freefm.com/pages/podcast/102.rss
This is kinda off topic, but I just wanted to ask why the Dell Axim X51(v) is not on your UMPC list or even “Almost UMPC” list. It has a better processor than the Sharp PDA/UMPC and is overall more powerful. I believe this kind of device is bridging the gap between PDA’s/ Pocket PC’s and UMPC’s and I hope to see more of them. I will buy a UMPC or something of the sort when they develop something between a PSP (in terms of graphic processing) and a UMPC with a 4.5 inch screen, all running on a Hybrid Windows Mobile and Windows XP/ Vista. My guess is that my wait for this kind of thing will be at least 2 or 3 years.
Anon.
It tried to reply this morning but Blogger was playing games.
Anyway. Just wanted to say you’re not off topic and its a very important point that you make. I mentioned a few times this week that I think this low-end 5″ uber-pmp uber-smartphone uber-navigation device is, for me, a focal point.
We are moving towards (slowly) a situation where users may only ever need a browser. I’ve just migrated away from Outlook and Office over the last few days (to online tools) and as a consequence have just opened up a new device bracket for myself.
Low-end UMPC is going to be the high-end for many big-selling PMPs, Nav and Smartphone devices. I’m watching it very carefuly. My tip: HTC for a 800×480 RISC-based 3G-capable personal companion device.
Steve.
Hey Again, Thanks for replying so quickly. I also just noticed today the new Tinnos Blufin PMP/PDA would be another step twards the fuzzy PDA/UMPC category. I’m lovin it!
I’m 16 but I’m definately in the market for a UMPC, or a PDA/PMP on steroids. I really like the form factor of these, I just wish companies would start making them more pocketable. “Steve” you definately landed a sweet job premoting UMPC’s.