Asus Eee PC and Everex Cloudbook. Which one is for you?

Let's compare these $399 mobile computers head to head..

Continue reading..

Let's start with external features.

Eee is 225/165/35 mm, so few mm smaller but thicker on battery side than Cloudbook with 230/171/30 mm. Cloudbook weighs just a little bit more being 950g where Eee is 920g.
As the screen (7" 800 x 480) and the keyboard are the same there isn't much difference. Both are extremely small and light.

Differences stars to appear when looking at the keyboard and mouse positioning. On Eee PC the keyboard is further back, giving room for bigger mouse pad, buttons and wrist rest area. Cloudbooks keyboard is more front, lacking wrist rest. Smaller mouse pad is on the top right side of the keyboard and mouse buttons are on the top left side. Cloudbooks mouse placement is designed for 2 handed use, with the possibility to "use while walking". Where Eee PCs mouse is easy to adopt, Cloudbook mouse can be awkward to some.


Comparing ports of both devices, you can see Eee PC with 3 x usb, VGA out, SD, ethernet and audio ports where Cloudbook has 2 x usb, DVI out, SD/MMC, ethernet and audio ports. Not much difference again. Both have basic webcam, speakers and mic.
Both have wifi, but Eee PC has stronger/better signal strenght.

Here is a short video showing the the ports, keyboard and mouse

Let's check the internal features.

Asus Eee PC has 900MHz Intel Celeron (running 630MHz), Intel GMA 900 and 512MB RAM (MAX 2GB)
Everex Cloudbook uses 1.2GHz VIA, VIA UniChrome Graphics and 512MB RAM (MAX 1GB)
As I have used both platforms daily I can compare them easily. Cloudbook is a bit faster on processor but Eee PC wins on graphics side. If you upgrade Eee with 1GB or 2GB RAM, it is overall faster. Updating Cloudbook is not easy as you can't access RAM module without taking it apart.

Even though the Eee PC has better graphics performance, it's not as good for videos, if you need to store them locally. Eee has far less storage space, 2GB/4GB or 8GB depending on model, where Cloudbook has 30GB. But there is a difference on the storage media too. Eee uses SSD ( Solid State Drive ) which is very durable and fast flash memory. The 30GB drive on Cloudbook is conventional 1.8" hd which can be broken easily if it's dropped while spinning. Both devices have a slot for SD cards, so expanding the storage is easy.


What about battery life..

Everex is telling us that Cloubbook has 5 hour battery life with it's 4 cell battery. We know it's not true in real life. Testing on sister models (Easynote/Nanobook/Etc) and on other devices using same hardware indicates 3.5 hours on normal use.

Asus has listed 3.5 hours for 4G and 8G models and 2.8 hours for surf/2G models. In normal use those figures are what you would get.

Asus will also sell a 6 cell battery which would give about 5.5 hours/charge. That battery will make Eee only 10mm bigger so it would be a good buy for someone needing better battery life.


Software/operating systems

They both have their own version of Linux with many applications. I can't really compare those as Cloudbooks final version is not public yet. My experience with Eees Xandros build is very positive.

You can install different Linux builds on both and you could install XP on both devices, all drivers are available. As there is bigger hd on Cloudbook, you could even have Vista on it, but with 512MB RAM, it would be very slow.


Bottom line

So which one to buy?

If you need more storage and you can live with that mouse, the Cloudbook could be better..

If you like different colors, better design and feel, Eee PC is for you.

You need DVI and don't want to use dongles, take Cloudbook.

If you want durable SSD and you are ok using SD for storage ( or paying 499 for 8G ) you should shoose Eee PC

If you don't care about storage and just wan't small and cheap, Asus Eee 2g is the cheapest. ( $299 )

If you are thinking having XP on it (without any tweeking), choose Cloudbook or Eee PC 8G.

I chose Eee for it's durable SSD and better looks/feel.

There is also one really important factor: Eee PC community is HUGE. You can get help really easily. New apps, tips and how-to pages are everywhere. Cloudbook will get it's own community too, but it will never be as big.

No matter which one you get, you will enjoy the new feeling of mobile computing, without paying a lot!

Asus Eee PC

Everex Cloudbook


Asus Eee PC Details and Links at UMPCPortal

Everex Cloudbook Details and Links at UMPCPortal

LG XNOTE B831 UMPC, pre-order now?

It's there to pre-order all ready! I hope they are not just testing waters.. Thanks, Robert

Pre-order from Expansys

Hands-on with LG UMPC

Fully into details: Amtek U560 UMPC

Everything you need to know about U560 is here

Video Review: Nokia N810 Internet Tablet

Click to see the video

Touch screen OQO 02 coming soon!

OQO will release touch screen version of OQO 02 "in April to June time frame"

UPDATE: OQO say nope for touch

Click to see the video

This is good news!

They are also working on reducing thickness and weight, battery life and video performance.

Menlow??

I just hope they have HSDPA too... and better pricing!

UPDATE: Dennis Moore, CEO

I was hoping not to have to reply to this or the other thread on the same topic. Unfortunately, there is so much traffic on the two that I feel compelled. I am thrilled that there is so much interest in our future products, and I hope you will find them to be exciting and desirable.

Here are some truths:

1. OQO would never disclose future product information in other than broad terms, but I can disclose that statements in the video are not true about when certain features will ship (if ever). I assume I could face legal liabilities of some kind if this is a false statement, so I hope you can trust me that the claims about future product features in this video and other versions on the Web are just not true. Certainly, we are always working to design and engineer improvements in our products, manufacturing, and services, including working on ways to optimize the hardware, software, and services we offer.

2. The person in the video is no longer an OQO employee as of the end of the week when the video was filmed, had resigned prior to filming this video, and was no longer with the company when I first saw the video on tkarena.

3. I am disappointed at the misinformation in the video. These misstatements should not have been made. Misstatements are a violation of our values as a company, and a violation of the trust of our customers (who may rely on these statements). Obviously, the individual in this video was not authorized to say anything about future products, particularly statements that are not true (although I suppose it might have been worse if the statements were disclosing our future product plans, because a denial in those circumstances would not be possible). As to my feelings when I saw the video initially -- well, how would you feel in the same circumstances? I'm glad I was at home, so people at work did not see my reaction.

We are contacting each of the sites where this video is or was available, to let them know that the statements made in the video are untrue, and to ask each site to take down the video as such misstatements benefits no one. In fact, when we do not ship products with the features mentioned in the video on the timelines mentioned in the video (and we won't!), we will probably face individuals claiming that we are failing to deliver on our product roadmap.

Obviously, I am asking our community to trust me. You will be able to gauge, as time passes, whether I am telling the truth about our future products. For those who have seen my interactions in the community, I hope I have earned your trust with my actions.

I'm very sorry that these misstatements were created and propagated. I will do what I can to make sure these misstatements are removed from the web sites where they have been posted, as they can cause irreparable harm to our business (lost sales, harmed reputation).

I appreciate all the interest in the community regarding our future products, and I appreciate all the feedback in this forum about the features suggested -- this will help us craft our actual product roadmap.

Thanks so much for your trust, and for participating in this community!

-- Dennis Moore, OQO


Uuuuh... not goodie... well, if no touch, it's no buy from me..


Video Source

Another "simple" Linux UMPC, Fontastic A-view Simple PC

300 MHz X86, 128/256 RAM, 1gb/2gb flash and LINOS 2.6.21... a bit too simple? Or not that simple at all...

Continue reading..




CPU: Aday5F-300 MHz X86
Memory: 128/256 MB DDR2 SDRAM
4 MB Flash ROM
Storage: 1 GB/2GB NAND FLASH
Display: 800x480 7!? TFT LCD
Network interface: Ethernet 10/100 Mbps
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g (optional)
Bluetooth (optional)
Webcam: 2.0M pixels (optional)
USB sockets: USB 2.0/1.1 port X 2
Audio jack: 3.5mm in/out
Battery: 3 cells, 2200mAH/cell
Weight: 950g(with keyboard)
Dimension(WxLxH): 230 mm x 146 mm x 33 mm(with keyboard)

On tablet mode the mouse is on the back of it.. no touch screen.. most weight at screen side..

I think simple would be just a "normal" laptop like design... this is simple only on specs and maybe pricing.

Fontastic

Via Trendy Gadgets

Modu revealed.

Modular cellphone and storage concept wants inside our devices..

Continue reading.. click to see the video

Modu, a tiny module which we could swap inside our phones, computers and even cars keeping our connectivity, information and media always with us.

Nice! But would we buy new alarm clocks, desk phones and car stereos to make it work? Maybe not, but if this device/concept goes far enough maybe we will start to see slots for it on our new gear...

Modu Ltd, previously called Infone-tech will “change paradigms in the mobile world by bringing freedom and boundless possibilities to the world of personal communication”.

We will see about that later as they should be showing more soon.. I would guess at 3GSM next month..

UPDATED: More info coming..

http://www.modumobile.com

Asus to make Eee PC with touch screen!

This is good news! Asus is bidding touch panel makers to supply touch to Eee PCs..

UPDATE: Digitimes now reporting: No touch, "not a highly demanded feature"

Continue reading..

Plan is to have touch screens on the next generation 9 inch models later this year, but as Asus is allready selling multiple models, I would like to see it as an option in all models. It is just so much easier and fun to use.

On volume production it would only add 15 dollars to the cost.
I payed about 60 dollars and some hard work, but it's worth it!

Source

Option GTM501 for UMPCs and MIDs

"The GTM501 Embedded module is a radical evolution of Option modules especially developed for Ultra-Mobile PC and Mobile Internet Devices. Delivered in a LGA package, the GTM501 is the world smallest HSPA module."

Continue reading..

The GTM501 Embedded module is offering HSUPA, HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS and GSM connectivity technology resulting in downlink rates up to 7.2 Mbps and uplink rates up to 5.76 Mbps. The GTM501 includes 3GPP Type III Advanced Receiver Technology on three UMTS bands.

Specifications
• HSUPA / HSDPA / UMTS
. 850 / 1900 / 2100 Mhz with Rx diversity on all bands
. Power Class 3 (+24 dBm)
. HSUPA mode: up to 5.76 Mbps: Category 6
. HSDPA mode: up to 7.2 Mbps: Category 8
. Simultaneous Equalization and Rx Diversity (Advanced Receiver Type III)
. UMTS: 384 Kbps operation in downlink, 384 Kbps in uplink
. Support UL and DL Compressed Modes
. Circuit-switched data: 64, 14.4 and 9.6 Kbps
• EDGE
. 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 Mhz
. GSM Power Class 4 (2W) for 850 / 900 bands
. GSM Power Class 1 (1W) for 1800 / 1900 bands
. EDGE class E2 (+27 dBm in 850 / 900 bands, +26 dBm
in 1800 / 1900 bands)
. GPRS / EGPRS Multislot Class 12 (4 slots Rx, 4 slots Tx)
. GPRS / EDGE Class B Type 1 MT
. GPRS CS1-CS4; EDGE MCS1-MCS9
. Circuit-switched data: 14.4 and 9.6 Kbps
Voice features
• Circuit-switched voice calls over GSM / WCDMA air interfaces, MO and MT
• Controlled through AT commands
• Bi-directional PCM interface for audio streams
• Voice codecs: GSM / WCDMA AMR, FR, EFR, HR
• Emergency call support
• CLI Service
• Phonebook
• SMS Management

That's plenty in a small package! Not for amateur installs I'm afraid..

Let's just hope they keep their prices low so we could see it inside all new mobile computers.

Embedded Wireless Module: GTM501

New slider UMPC coming from Inventec

Inventec UMPC 7-A will have 7 inch screen and sliding qwerty keyboard..

Continue reading..


It does look good.. let's hope it is!

Specs are not confirmed yet, but it should be out later this year as it was in IF Product Design Award 2008 competition..

Inventec had another smaller device there too, called UMPC 5-D, which looks like a modular mini slate.


More at Pocketables

Test HTC Shift virtually

While waiting for HTC Shift actually ship, you can play with it's features virtually..

Continue reading..


HTC has made a virtual guide that helps you to setup your future Shift.

Jump to HTC Shift e-Learning page

Thanks Allan

Amtek U560 called to duty

Unboxing surfing, videos and gaming..

Continue reading..

Amtek is known for their solid designs, good buttons and Synaptics pointers.

U560 seems to be inline of their quality, but this time with Intel, not VIA.

Jump to UMPCPortal to see the rest

HTC Shift UMPC dissected

HSDPA and GPS goodness..

Click to see more





Hmm.. micro RAM.. no easy upgrade..

Jump to FCC to see more pix, info and the manual.

Thanks FCC

CES UMPC Podcast no. 7

This is the 7th and final of daily UMPC podcasts from CES 2008. Join me and Steve talking about new UMPCs coming from CES.

Click here download it [ mp3, 30:39 ]

Video Preview: Kohjinsha SR8K with DVD-RW

Click to see the video

Kabatek.com

Origami Experience 2.0 on video

Picture Password, integrated IE7 and rss reader looks interesting..

Click here to see more

Thanks Engadget

DialKeys Gen2 Ultimate edition - Public Beta

Click here to see more




Go and test it your self!

Dialkeys.com

CES UMPC Podcast no. 6

This is the 6th of daily UMPC podcasts from CES 2008. Join me and Steve talking about new UMPCs coming from CES.

Click here download it [ mp3, 22:41 ]

Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium on video

Click to see the video

InformationWeek

Asus Eee PC with instant-on OS

How about instant-on with Eee PC?

Continue reading..

On the video you can see how it could work on Eee PC too.
Instant access to Internet, Skype etc. Me want!

I just talked with them and the word is:

"There is not currently any release schedule or plan that I can talk about. What's posted on Engadget is a demo we created - kind of a proof of concept"

..but one can dream. Maybe we can get it somehow..

Splashtop

Via Engadget

Asus R50A on video

Click to see the video

Check GottaBeMobile for more!

CES UMPC Podcast no. 5

This is the 5th of daily UMPC podcasts from CES 2008. Join me and Steve talking about new UMPCs coming from CES.

Click here download it [ mp3, 25:51 ]

Intel interviewed: Full Internet in Your Pocket

Click to see the video

Thanks GottaBeMobile!

Asus Eee PC with 8 inch screen

As Asus said at CES, 8" and 8.9" models are coming..

Click to see more




8.9" would look like this:

These are pictures of 8" model prototypes. Note that resolution is still 800 x 480.

More here [ translated ]

Via EeePCNews.de

All Asus Eee PC News