Ultramobile PC makes nice, pricey debut

Gary Krakow Columnist • E-mail

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.

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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