|
Which affordable UMPC do you want? |
|
Written by Bjorn Stromberg
|
|
Thursday, 05 July 2007 |
I've put together this convenient chart comparing four different UMPCs that either are available now to the public or will be shortly. Primarily I want to compare how the VIA NanoBook fits into the lineup. I did a bit of research on the ASUS eeePC and found it should be available at a range of prices, from 200 up to 550. The Palm Foleo, while technically not a UMPC has been included because of its $600 pricetag and long battery life. The Raon Everun gets included as it does come in at $700 and has a long battery life as well.
I think it's interesting that there's such a broad range of devices available at this end of the spectrum, both x86 and RISC are represented, all three CPU companies have products out on the market, it's a really exciting time for the mobile PC user. Over the next few days, I'll do individual comparisons for each of the devices.
Oh and speaking of comparisons, MobileRead has put together this great matrix comparing ultra-cheap sub-notebooks that you should check out. MobileRead's take on the concept is that they think they would make great e-book readers. Personally, I think that there are going to be a lot of new uses for the kinds of devices as the prices come down and more and more people get their hands on them.
I've also done one on one comparisons between the VIA NanoBook and each of these UMPCs:
|
|
|
Visitor
Thursday, 02 August 2007
:p
Visitor
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
:)
Visitor
Friday, 31 August 2007
:eek
Visitor
Friday, 31 August 2007
:eek
Visitor
Thursday, 18 October 2007
8)
Visitor
Friday, 19 October 2007
charlatanry :upset
Visitor
Monday, 12 November 2007
:p 8) 8) :grin
Visitor
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Its obvious that UMPC's have no clear market. They are too large and to underpowered to compete against other non pocket devices.
What they should do is make them jacket pocket size, and incorporate a touch type keyboard. That way they are in a unique segment that would attract laptop users whom want mobility with a normal input and the size being so small would enable them to charge higher prices than your via.
Right now all UMPC's are for techies and geeks willing to own several computers.
Bjorn Stromberg
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
I can't argue that UMPCs right now are primarily for techies and geeks, but it's really not a simple task of making them smaller or making them faster.
And I'm curious, what size jacket do you wear that you can fit a touch type keyboard into it? I mean, I've got a ThinkOutside bluetooth keyboard that folds in half and that all by itself is twice the size of my cell phone. I just don't see how it's possible to have a touch-typable qwerty keyboard for a PC that can fit in your pocket.
Visitor
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
what functions will they provide for the user? I haven't seen anything about there abilities. :zzz
Visitor
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
For $300 their not trying to make the EEE PC the main household computer. UMPCs have a perfect market for techies, home users and Business users who appreciate that all they actually do is sit browsing the web, checking email, instant messaging and typing word documents.
:)
Visitor
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Remember the 90's? The handheld HPC's such as the Psion 5mx and the HP Jornada's they were about 3.5" x 7" x 1" with easy to use keyboards and would fit into any inside jacket pocket. That would be a killer UMPC shape.
Visitor
Tuesday, 04 December 2007
If the price was comparable to a pocket pc($500.00 or less) they would be the best touch panel on the market. Its just too bad that they cost more then a laptop does and are far less usuable.
Visitor
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
What about the ones that Pioneer Computers are making? From what I have read on their website they have a better battery life than all of those. I am looking at getting one and I am currently leaning towards the ones from Pioneer Computers. http://www.pioneercomputers.com.au
Visitor
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
With the jacket pocket business, what are you on about? I like the idea of the UMPC's as they are for people that are on the move, perfect for the modern student where you do all your class work on a laptop. At school currently yr11, I see a lot of students using full laptops with 15.4" screens. The UMPC's are the perfect solution as they have small screens of 7", good battery life and finally, they are at an affordable price that students like myself would be willing to pay. I understand that there could be a product to fit in a jacket pocket but wouldn't that be more like a PDA?
Visitor
Saturday, 12 April 2008
I am searching the web to locate an UMPC that will combine with a laser measurement device for use in the field. My lap top and desk both run with Vista (dont ask!) I wish to run some database programs on the unit as well so it will need grunt together with battery life +-4 hours with easily replacment of the battery in the field. An issue which is important to me is that of being able to be hands free of the UMPC while taking measurements with the laser. The UMPC will need to be rugged to cope with the rigors of being used in the field. Cost is important but performance takes priority. Any suggestions as to which UMPC to purchase?
Visitor
Friday, 09 May 2008
> What about the ones
> that Pioneer Computers
> are making?
Nope. While it would just squeeze into my back pocket, the keys are 44% normal size (I scaled it off the image on their website). That's not touch-typeable. 75% is just right - like the HP Jornada 728 which is smaller overall.
Some people don't get why we want a touch-typeable pocket UMPC... you're happy to lug a laptop around? Or you don't need to do real work while on the move? Or take detailed notes quickly in a meeting without dominating the table with a laptop?