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Fuzzy Logic Samsung puts the ultra back into the UMPC
Fuzzy Logic Samsung puts the ultra back into the UMPC | Samsung puts the ultra back into the UMPC |
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| by Alex Zaharov-Reutt | |
| Wednesday, 09 May 2007 | |
  
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While the idea was sound, the initial implementations were rather woeful – there was generally no keyboard, although certain models had slide-out or swiveling keyboards, the screen resolution was non-standard, the on-screen touch keyboard ‘dials’ took up too much on-screen real estate and battery life was less than stellar at less than 3 hours. To add insult to injury, they were simply too expensive, making a regular notebook a better deal, with longer battery life, a regular keyboard, a full size screen and effectively, just as much portability. On top of that, one of the best ultra mobile PCs around wasn’t even an official part of the Microsoft/Intel UMPC project – the Sony UX17GP. But now that second generation UMPCs have arrived, things are finally getting better, with the new Samsung Q1 Ultra a pretty good example. To start with, Samsung has integrated a split QWERTY keyboard as you can see in the included picture. It’s reminiscent of the keyboards found on many of today’s smartphones, and is positioned where your thumbs would naturally sit when holding the device.  Samsung Q1 Ultra - note the new 'thumb' keyboard at the top left and right of the screen But at least an actual keyboard is present, making the simple input of web addresses, short emails and other areas where keyboard input is quicker and easier than whipping out the Tablet PC stylus a useful addition to this redesigned model. Battery life is also increased, from less than 3 hours to a claimed 4.5 hours. An additional add-on battery pack can increase total battery life to a claimed total of 8 hours, but naturally an extra battery increases either the weight of the unit or the extra ‘stuff’ you need to carry around with you. Future models have all-day battery life planned, but that really depends more on the rapid evolution of battery technology, or the dramatic lessening of current power usage before we will truly see a UMPC that can do everything today’s models can do – and more – for a full day. The weight has also been reduced to 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg), and when it comes to portable devices, less weight is almost always preferable. Of course, Samsung’s press release touts the Q1 as being “the best selling UMPC in the world”. I don’t know Samsung’s exact figures, nor those of competitors, but it’s hardly a secret that the UMPC category hasn’t been the rip-roaring success the industry wanted it to be. Which is why we now have version 2.0 models – which is something you’d expect to happen anyway with any technology category that is newly released. The Q1 Ultra’s processor runs at 600 or 800Mhz, depending on the speed you buy, has 1Gb of DDR2 RAM, integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and the option of a 3.5G HSDPA modem, due in August, after testing with US carrier Cingular (now AT&T) in the US. It also comes with Vista Home Premium or XP Tablet PC edition depending on which version you choose to go with, although Vista offers a superior Tablet and UMPC experience. In addition, there’s a 300 pixel webcam and dual-array microphone to turn the Q1 Ultra into a videophone when used with software such as Skype, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and other video-capable IM software. Naturally the dual-array microphones and the integrated speakers means it will work as a speakerphone as well. Or you can plug in headphones and just use the microphones as the mic for your Internet phone calls, once again with Skype or similar software. On the back is a 1.3 megapixel camera for still photos and videos, while the screen on the front is a 7-inch wide touch screen with a resolution of 1024x600 – which is much better than the the 800x400 resolution of the original Q1 device. It uses an LED backlight with 300nits of brightness, which Samsung claims makes it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. We only saw it indoors, where the screen looked mighty fine. The option of an integrated fingerprint reader for security and easy fingerprint log-in to websites is available, it just costs extra if you feel you really want it, although it is fast becoming a standard feature on most laptop PCs. There’s also an “AVS Now Instant-On feature” which lets you enjoy a host of multimedia applications, including videos, movies, music and still photo viewing, without booting up into Windows. Additional accessories include a docking station with 3 USB 2.0 ports, an additional standard or extended battery charger slot, audio out port, microphone in port and stylus holder, U.S. and Canada GPS navigation receiver and maps, an external USB-based keyboard with point stick and mouse select buttons, an organizer/portfolio carrying case, 6-cell extended-life battery, 8-cell extended-life Power Bank and a DVD RW +/- Dual Layer external Optical Disk Drive. Samsung says the Q1 Ultra UMPC starts at US $799, but with all the extras can double in price. Christopher Franey, Samsung America’s Veep of Sales and Marketing says that “Since the introduction of the Q1, Samsung has been steadfastly committed to the long-term growth and development of this fast-growing product segment. In creating the Q1 Ultra UMPC, Samsung has relied on consumer insights coupled with key technological advances to deliver a higher-performance solution packaged in an even more portable form factor that will appeal to a broader range of personal and professional users.” To show their support, Micosoft’s Rick Wong, Veep of the Asia region, said that: “The ultra-mobile PC is a growing class of PCs that provide a more natural and intuitive experience for on-the-go use, and Samsung has taken the UMPC category to the next level with the Q1 Ultra. As the UMPC platform and Origami Experience tablet software continues to grow and evolve, Microsoft is thrilled to work closely with Samsung to deliver innovative solutions that enable our customers to enhance their digital lifestyle.” So, what's our take? Well, it's a heckuva lot better than the original Q1, and will certainly appeal to some users. But there's much advancement to come in the UMPC space, and whatever you buy today will be superseded quickly - although that is certainly the case with just about any technology these days. If you want a UMPC, Samsung's latest model is what the first version should have been, but with much more choice available these days from a host of companies also offering version 2.0 or simply improved products, our best advice is very basic: simply shop around and research both online and in stores before plonking down your hard earned cash - or buy a regular notebook - for now - instead!{moscomment} |
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