Ultramobile PC makes nice, pricey debut
Samsung Q1 shows promise of new 'Origami' devices
![]() | Samsung's Q1 is the first ultramobile PC to hit the market. |
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Just what the world needs — another tablet computer. Only this time they've shrunk and been reborn as ultramobile PCs. (Or, if you're Microsoft, which created this new format: Ultra-Mobile PCs.)
Samsung's Q1 is one of the first of these new ultra-portables to hit the market, beginning today, and it's one nifty machine. Unlike their predecessors, these devices could be a big hit — particularly if the price shrinks as well.
Sizewise, an ultramobile PC is bigger than a PDA, but smaller than a traditional laptop. Unlike PDAs, these devices are full-functioning Windows computers; unlike most laptops, however, there's no built-in keyboard. Data is input instead through a touch screen.
Why a new device? Well, tablet PCs were never really embraced by the majority of the computer-buying public. Not willing to give up on the idea completely, Microsoft worked with some partners to create a new, smaller tablet form factor, with the aim of a much lower target price as well. Before the UMPCs were unveiled at CeBIT in March, the devices were known by the codename "Origami."
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Inside their plastic shells, UMPCs run on the latest version of Windows XP for tablets, with sophisticated processors, lots of memory and storage plus lots of mobile-ready technologies built inside. Each UMPC must have a display no bigger than 7-inches, weigh no more than 2 pounds and be Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) and Bluetooth enabled, with USB 2.0 port(s) for connecting devices and peripherals. Manufacturers can then stack on extras, such as a TV tuner, GPS or camera.
Perfect size
Samsung's Q1 is a promising start for the UMPCs. It’s a slick machine — glossy black with a beautiful 7-inch color touch screen, a 900 MHz Intel Celeron-M ULV processor, 512MB of memory and a 1.8-inch, 40 GB hard drive. It measures roughly 9 by 5.5 by 1 inch and weighs 1.7 pounds. The internal, rechargeable battery lasted a little more than 3 hours per charge. Optional larger capacity batteries are available but they add weight and bulk.
At this point, I must admit that I have never been a fan of tablet computers. The way I use a computer, a laptop serves my needs perfectly. So, when I heard Microsoft had developed a new kind of smaller tablet, I was not overly excited. But after picking up the Q1 and actually using it, I’m beginning to change my mind.
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Samsung You can get an idea just how big (or small) the UMPC is from this publicity photo. |
First of all, the form factor. It’s smaller than any tablet PC I’ve had the chance to play with — but a whole lot larger than Nokia’s little 770 Internet tablet. (The Nokia should be a lot smaller, it has no hard drive.) The Q1 looked large to me at first glance, but after two minutes I began thinking that the size is perfect.
Connectivity has been perfect, so far. I was able to attach the Q1 to my wireless network and surf the Internet within seconds. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless features seem to work perfectly.
Navigating the Q1 takes about 60 seconds to learn. If you’re like me though, mastering it might take a lifetime.
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