Only UMPC | all things Ultra-Mobile PC

Dell Vostro A90 hits US with cheaper price tag

Arun — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:52:24 PDT

Dell’s 8.9-inch Vostro A90 has now hit US with a base price of $349, cheaper than its Japanese counterpart. It carries a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270, up to 1GB RAM and 16GB SSD, Intel GMA950 graphics, 802.11g, 0.3 megapixel webcam, 4-cell battery, and Windows XP Home Edition. No option of other OS.

New MID from Nokia?

Arun — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:30:48 PDT

There is a speculation that the santa will have the new MID from Nokia this year. This device will have a sliding keyboard and 4.2-inch display and may replace the current N810. No assumptions made on the size and battery life yet. But there is another interesting device called Nautilus (codename), which is said to have a ultra-thin touchscreen, a sensor to trigger the opening of a motorized ultra-thin keyboard with keys rising automatically for better feel! Sounds like a super cool device. Nautilus is expected to be in the market by mid 2010.

SmartQ 5, low priced MID ever

Arun — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:05:33 PDT

The SmartQ 5 MID is priced very low at a 899 Chinese Yuan (USD $132). It is powered by an ARM processor and features a 4.3 inch touchscreen display with a 800×480 resolution. Supports the necessary WiFi 802.11b/ga and Bluetooth connectivity and runs Ubuntu Linux. Pre-installed applications include the StarDict dictionary, FBReader ebook reader. I can also see a SD Card slot but no info yet.

Source: iTechnews

MSI Wind U110 ECO – 9 hrs of juice

Arun — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:04:05 PDT

Today MSI unveiled its Wind U110 ECO and claims it as the world’s No.1 power saving Netbook! with 9 hours of battery life. But the device is not carrying the ATI Mobility Radeon HD3200 as stated early.

Specs are:

Processor – Intel® Atom™ Processor Z530 (1.60GHz)
Operation System - Windows® XP Home/ Windows®Vista Home Basic
Chipset – Intel® Poulsbo US15W
Memory – DDR2 533MHz, 1 GB (By module only)/(Chipset support to 2GB)
LCD – 10″ 1024×600 LCD Panel
Storage – 160GB or above (2.5″ SATA HDD)
Card Reader – 4 in 1 (XD/SD/MMC/Memory Stick)
I/O – D-sub x 1 , USB 2.0 x 3 , Mic-in , Headphone, RJ45
Battery – 3 cells / 6 cells ( option)
Wireless – 802.11b/g/n, 802.11b/g, Bluetooth V2.0EDR (option)
Communication Modem – 10/100/1000 Mbps GbE LAN
Webcam – 1.3 M / 2.0M (Option)
Sound – 2 speakers
Dimension – 260*180*19-31.5mm
Weight – ~1.0 Kg (including 3 cells battery)

Source: MSI

Dell Adamo 9, very soon

Arun — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:09:02 PDT

Dell slips information about the Adamo 9 in a peculiar way! through its support documents.
Probably it will be an ultra-thin UMPC. Lets wait for more leaks.

Source: Engadget

Lenovo teases with Pocket Yoga

Arun — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:29:38 PDT

Take a look at the Lenovo Pocket Yoga concept sketches at flickr. Too good for a concept, slim and elegant, wide screen with touch interface, flip to tablet mode, etc., The display could have been made even skinnier with OLED displays though. Well, we are not sure of any specifications yet.
But looks like Lenovo said the product is complete and will be announcing more formal information.

Source – Electronista

Elonex ONE — get it for £99

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:54:36 PDT

There seems to be too many options for the OLPC alternative, Here is Elonex ONE which claims to be “the UK’s first sub £100 laptop” (about US$200). The most interesting thing is the splash proof detachable keyboard.

comes in a variety of colors

There are two models available Elonex ONE & Elonex ONE +, the specifications are:

Processor — LNX Code 8 Mobile 300MHz processor
Memory — 128MB DDR-II SD RAM (256MB for One+)
Flash — 1GB on-board (2GB for One+)
Storage — removable WristVault Flash device, ranging between 1GB and 16GB (sold separately)
Display — 7-inch TFT LCD (800 x 480 resolution)
Networking — 10/100Mbps Ethernet
WiFi — 802.11b/g
USB — 2 x USB 2.0 ports
Bluetooth — One+ model only
Audio — 2 x built-in speakers; 3.5mm audio-in/mic and headphones
Keyboard — splash-proof, detachable QWERTY
Mouse — 2 x emulators (one on keyboard and one on back of display for tablet use)
Dimensions — 8.7 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches (22 x 15 x 3 cm)
Weight — 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg)
Battery — 3-cell battery with approximately 4 hours usage
Operating system — Linos (based on 2.6.21 kernel)

More details and information at the official site Elonex ONE [via Linux Devices]

Windows 7 — made for UMPC

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:23:28 PDT

At All things D more details about the upcoming (!) Windows with multi-touch was revealed. A lot of the features might seem nothing on a Desktop and Laptop but sure will be handy in UMPCs.

UPDATE: Looks like the SDK for multi-touch in Windows 7 will be ready by October — more deets here

Microsoft demonstrates Multi-touch [Vista Blog]

Ubuntu for UMPC “Netbook Remix”– launching in June

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:08:45 PDT

Mark Shuttleworth the founder and CEO of Canonical in an Interview with The Guardian has confirmed that the Ubuntu for Ultramobile will be launching in June.

Will you be coming out with a tailored version of Ubuntu for the ultraportable sector?

We’re announcing it in the first week of June. It’s called the Netbook Remix. We’re working with Intel, which produces chips custom-made for this sector.

Linux is a platform for people, not just specialists [The Guardian]

BREAKING — Dell is ON

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:54:58 PDT

When the initial buzz about UMPC were taking flight, one of our readers wanted DELL to make one, and he even mocked up one and sent it to us [ here ]. While at Dell’s Ideastrom blog there has been a lot of request for one such device. At All things D conference, Gizmodo has got hold of Michael Dell carrying a new device (yet to be named) and got some pictures. With no delay Dell has published some details about the device, though the specs are not clear yet.

Asus Get ready!

Something at D6 [via Gizmodo]

MSI Wind unpacking & more deets

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:43:59 PDT

CNET has got the crave for MSI wind and shows the full scoop of the wind. From unpacking to detailed review to a video of the device.

Check out for more details & photos

Detailed Review

Video Review

via Crave

Via opens up OpenBook

Joe — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:33:40 PDT

Via has launched the “openbook” initiative. The specs are sugggested and any manufacturer can tweak things up to fit the need.

The VIA OpenBook mini-note reference design introduces a host of new innovations, including the next generation of VIA Ultra Mobile Platform, based on the VIA C7®-M ULV processor and the new all-in-one VIA VX800 digital media IGP chipset. Together, this ultra compact, power efficient platform delivers richer computing and multimedia features, including a stunning 8.9” screen and greater video playback support, in a compact and stylish clamshell form factor that weighs just 1kg.

Via has opened up the design as well, giving access to the CAD files to registered users.

Specifications:

Processor: 1.6GHz VIA C7®-M ULV Processor
VIA corporate website full product details here.
FSB: 800MHz

Chipset: VIA VX800 unified chipset
VIA corporate website full product details here.

Memory: DDR2 SO-DIMM up to 2GB
HDD: 80GB Hard-Disk or above

LCD Panel: 8.9″ WVGA 1024X600 LED screen
Graphics: VIA Chrome9 HC3 DX9 3D engine with shared system memory up to 256MB
Video Decoding: MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VC1 and DiVX video decoding acceleration

Audio: Realtek HD Audio codec, 2 speakers

Networking: 10/100/1000 Mb/s Broadcom Giga NIC Ethernet Solution

Wireless: Broadcom 802.11b/g or GCT 802.16e
-2in1 (WiFI+ Blue Tooth) default module
-3in1 (AGPS+WiFI+ Blue Tooth) upgrade module
-WiMAX secondary wireless module option
-EV-DO /W-CDMA secondary wireless module option
-HSPDA secondary wireless module option

I/O: 4 in 1 embedded card reader
1 D-Sub Port
3 x USB (Ver. 2.0 Type A Port)
1 Mic-in audio jack
1 Headphone out

Webcam: 2.01 megapixel dual headed rotary CCD camera

Dimension: 240(W)x175(D)mm
Thickness: 36.2(H)mm ( at battery)
Weight: Under 1kg

Operating System Support: Microsoft® Windows® XP, Windows Vista® and all popular Linux distributions

Status Indicators Power on, battery and HDD LEDs

Battery: 4 Cells, 2600ma

Options: USB interface DVD Dual RW
Leather Cover

via open book [official site]

Next generation of OLPC

Joe — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:09:29 PDT

The first generation of the OLPC had a good deal of press but not the results. A lot of countries rejected the offers, but wait the next generation is going to be a great gadget for everyone not just kids.

The specs of the the device are not clearly published yet, but looks like it will be ready in 2010.

The system will employ the dual indoor-and-sunlight displays, which was pioneered by former OLPC CTO Mary Lou Jepsen. The design will provide a right and left page in vertical format, a hinged laptop in horizontal format, and a flat, two-screen continuous surface for use in tablet mode. “Younger children will be able to use simple keyboards to get going, and older children will be able to switch between keyboards customized for applications as well as for multiple languages,” the press release reads. The device will also reduce power consumption to 1 watt…

Oh the Give 1, Get 1 program will commence again this August or September.

Head over here for a Video of the presentation — First Look: OLPC XO Generation 2.0 [Laptop Mag]

Who tops? — Asus vs. MSI

Joe — Sun, 18 May 2008 09:26:20 PDT

Well, found this interesting thing this morning? If you’re thinking, who has a better product? — then that is not our question. Which company has better designers (photoshop specialist — we mean!).

Make your guess , Have you? Seriously go ahead make a guess… Now take a close look at the pictures below used by MSI and Asus.

Did you notice anything in common? Well it does not stop there… The contest begins

We declare Asus as the Winner! (no pun intended)

The original photo is by photographer “Thomas Barwick” which is owned by Getty Images.

Photoshop Marketing at its best (translated) [via engadget]

Aigo MID — the full scoop!

Joe — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:02:10 PDT

One of the first MIDs out there to be reviewed and pocked around with. The folks at UMPC fever have got the Aigo MID.

What did they do with it?

Hands-on with aigo MID by UMPCFever [via UMPC Portal]

MSI wind — hands on review

Joe — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:41:13 PDT

The MSI wind(specs here) which was supposed to hit the US in June has a detailed hands-on review.

Though the Eee PCs are already available in the US, it might be hard for MSI which is launching in late june might have some issues with reaching out to UMPC fans. From the design aspect of the MSI which sports a better keyboard and a 3hour battery life on the standard 3-cell and about 7 hrs on the 6-cell this has the potential.

Read more on CHW — translated [via UMPC Portal]

Atom based Fujitsu U2010

Joe — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:03:02 PDT

Fujitsu’s first generation of UMPCs surfaced around the same time last year, and with all sorts of product naming (Lifebook U810, Lifebook FMV U8240, loox U, U1010) for various regions.

Today they announced their next generation of UMPC called the “U2010″ which we guess will get other names soon, which will be powered by Atom. There are not much details on the specifications, one thing that is obvious is that the design has not changed a whole lot except that they have added new row of keys (6 instead of the 5 in the first generation), built in GPS & a 3.5G WAN support and looks a bit thinner.

Fujitsu announces Intel Atom-based UMPC [via jkkmobile]

Raon Digital now with 32GB SSD

Joe — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:50:51 PDT

The EVERUN S32S Dic (no it’s not spelled wrong) is SSD version of its existing model, sporting a 32GB SSD. It is interesting to note that ‘EVERUN S32S Dic is ‘SayDic’(we did not coin this….) , its electronic dictionary function supporting TTS(Text to Speech) and native speakers’ pronunciation.

Specifications:

802.11b/g WLAN and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity
4.8-inch WVGA(800×480) LCD featuring auto-rotation and auto-brightness control function
Up to seven hours (12 hours with a large battery) of battery life
AMD Geode processor
32GB SSD

Via Pocketables | Available at Vega Mall

MSI Wind to hit the US stores in June

Joe — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:29:33 PDT

With more and more players jumping in to this space, here is MSI which announced that their model named “Wind” will be in the US this june.

Some of the highlights as sighted at Laptop Mag

Come in two display-size variations: an 8.9-inch and a 10-inch. Only the 10-inch display will be available to the U.S. market.
Be available starting June 3rd. The Linux version, running Novel’s SUSE, will have 512MB RAM and an 80GB hard drive. It will retail for $399. The Windows XP version will have 1GB RAM, an 80GB hard drive, and Bluetooth, retailing for $549. However according to MSI a base configuration of the Windows XP product will be available for under $500.
Come in four different colors, including black, white, silver, and pink. Both sizes will be available in these colors.
Get 6 hours of battery life with the standard six-cell battery. Tung attributes the power savings to the Intel Atom processor, since the system will not have a solid state drive.

Specifications:

Linux Version ($399)
CPU:1.6GHz Intel Atom
Operating System: Linux Novell SUSE
Chipset: 945GMS+ ICH7-M
Display: 10-inch/ 1024×600
Hard Disk Drive: 80GB / 2.5” SATA
VGA: UMA
Memory: 512MB DDR2/ 667MHz
Card Reader: 4-in-1 (SD,MMC,MS, MS Pro)
USB Ports: 3
Mic-in/Headphone
Webcam: 1.3 MP
WLAN: 802.11b/g
Bluetooth: No
Battery: Three Cells / 2.5 hrs
Dimension: 10.23 x 7.08 x 0.748 inches
Weight 2.3 lbs

Windows XP Version
CPU:1.6GHz Intel Atom
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition
Chipset: 945GMS+ ICH7-M
Display: 10-inch/ 1024×600
Hard Disk Drive: 80GB / 2.5” SATA
VGA: UMA
Memory: 1GB DDR2/ 667MHz
Card Reader: 4-in-1 (SD,MMC,MS, MS Pro)
USB Ports: 3
Mic-in/Headphone
Webcam: 1.3 MP
WLAN: 802.11b/g
Bluetooth: Yes
Battery: Six Cells / 5.5 hrs
Dimension: 10.23 x 7.08 x 0.748-inches
Weight 2.6 lbs

ASUS Eee PC 900 — Reviewed

Joe — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:15:42 PDT

Well you might be wondering if this an UMPC, if you are looking for a smaller form factor (with 7″ or less screen size) then it might not be but for its size and price it indeed is a great candidate for our UMPC line up.

From the day Asus launched their EEE PCs, they have been getting a good reviews and press from all around. The most important factor being their pricing model. Laptop Mag has got their detailed review of the Asus Eee PC 900 series with Linux costing $549, which was awarded 4 stars.

The Verdict from Laptop Mag:

The second-generation Eee PC is worth the extra money because of its larger screen and beefier storage, but we wish it lasted longer on a charge.

Here are the pros and cons according to Laptop Mag

Pros:

Wider, higher-resolution screen
Multi-touch trackpad
Simple interface
Lightweight design

Cons:

Cramped keyboard
Lackluster battery life
Automatic power-saving feature affects performance

ASUS Eee PC 900 (Linux) [Laptop Mag]

Origami 2.0 — unleashed at CES

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:49:33 PST

When Origami Experience was initially released for Vista based UMPCs there were improvements made over the original one, but this time it seems to even further than just the new UI. Some of the highlights are Origami™ Central, Origami™ Now and Origami™ Picture Password. Microsoft has added touch settings as well.

Something New [Origami Project]

Lime PC on Freescale mobileGT

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:24:43 PST

We’ve seen small devices before, but Lime PC had a slew of products at CES and of which engadget highlights 3 products which are really small. One being categorized as UMPC and the other two as Handheld PC an Palm PC.

As for the specs

powered by mobileGT core from Freescale
WiFi
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
touchscreen displays
8 or 16 GB flash (Palm PC and Handheld PC)
30 / 10GB for UMPC

More about mobileGT [freescale] | Hands on with Lime PC [engadget]

Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:10:23 PST

Samsung must have been really busy with their mainstream products like TVs and Mobile phone and PMPs, but they managed to squeeze in a premium version of their Q1 ultra UMPC. The interesting thing is the battery life at 7.5 hours!

According to JKK — “The initial Q1 Ultra Premium UMPC – Model: Q1UP-XP, Part Number: NP-Q1U/P01 – is based on the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system, and will be available for an MSRP of $1,399.00. To make room for this new model, Samsung will be lowering the price of their entire family of Q1 Ultra UMPC systems.

Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium gets official [jkkmobile]

Amtek U560 aka Aigo

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:04:25 PST

Though LCD TVs and other WiFi stuff seem to take a lot of attention in the media at CES, there were lot of new UMPC and MID devices & prototypes that were shown at CES.

Starting with the Amtek U560 otherwise called as the Aigo which seems to be really handy when it comes to size, though it does not sport the menlow platform, sure it does have its place. Though we have heard about the device before when intel launched the MID, this time the product seems to be more stable and sturdy as well. This device is like sidekick on steroids!

More picture here [engadget]

UMPC vs. MID — Intel has the answers

Joe — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:47:31 PST

With so much similarities between the two, a lot of users were confused as to what are the things that keep them apart and at CES looks like Intel has the answers to them, though most of us could have speculated them here it is in their own words

UMPC

Business-class device for enterprise users

Runs a “heavy” OS like Vista

Optimized for office-use applications like Excel, Word, etc.

MID

Consumer-class lifestyle device

Runs a ‘lightweight” OS with quick startup like Linux

Optimized for things like media playback and web surfing

In 2009 (or so) Moorestown-based devices will be classed as MIDs only

Intel explains: MIC vs. UMPC [engadget]