UMPC Podcast no. 8

Welcome to listen UMPC and Mobile Internet Podcast no. 8. Join me and Steve talking about new UMPCs coming from Cebit 2008.

Click here download it [ mp3, 33:16 ]

Gigabyte to show 3 new UMPCs at Cebit 2008

Cebit press releases starting to come.. Gigabyte has new UMPCs to show!

Continue reading..


This is the M704 we allready knew.


This one was at CES, but now we got some more details:

It's called M528
It will have GPS and it's only 340 grams.

Then there is 3rd device, M700, a 7 inch UMPC " Minimalist and white stylish design in appearance. Its 7'' LED backlight screen with only 650g in weight and built-in Express card slot can support 3.5G and WiMAX. "

I will be playing with those as soon as I get to Cebit!

Jump to UMPCPortal to read more

Asus Eee PC with 1.2Ghz Pentium M

Guryhwa has just swapped his Eee PC cpu to 1.2Ghz Pentium M..

Continue reading..



This is not a easy mod. You would need special tools and skills to do it, so don't try it if you haven't done anything similar before.

hmmm.. There might be some Pentium Eee PCs at Ebay soon...

Read more from Guryhwa's blog

Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium available now

The fastest 7 inch UMPC is now available. "Very few left In Stock! Order soon -- product may sell out." ;)

Continue reading..

Featuring:
Intel Core™ Solo Processor ULV U1500 (1.33 GHz, 533 MHz, 2 MB)
Intel 945GMS + ICH7M
1 GB RAM
7" WSVGA (1024 x 600) Gloss, Super Bright, LED Back Light
80 GB (4200 rpm P-ATA 1.8")
Wifi, Bt
Up to 7 hours of battery life
XP Tablet

Q1 Ultra Premium at Buy.com

Q1 Ultra Premium details, links and news

Eee PC accessories starting to ship.

Mister Postman dropped these today morning..

Click here to see more


This is the car charger. 10 to 18vdc in, 9.5V/2.31A out, with 3A fuse.


Small travel charger with 4 tips.


Travel charger with original one.

I ordered these from Brando 2 weeks ago, payed US$44, shipping to Finland from Hong Kong included.. All working fine.. Me happy :)

Asus Eee PC accessories at Brando

HP 2133 laptop UMPC to use VIA platform

Steve just got confirmed info and it looks like our speculation was 100% right..

UPDATE: Kevin: CNet:HP 2133 to be VIA-based, starting at $499

Continue reading..


"I cracked the nut with an industry insider who told me that this is definitely a VIA-based device. The source is very reliable too so I'm happy to go out on a limb and say that the Digitimes story this morning is wrong. Its not an Intel based device at all."

We don't yep have a confirmation about Isaiah, but more info should be coming soon.

So... mobile, affordable, good looking and capable!

UMPC News : HP UMPC to feature VIA Inside. Not Intel.

More about VIA Isaiah

First Cloudbook user reviews: Girls like it.

First preorders are on they way so unboxing and user reviews are starting to appear..

Continue reading


JamFish got hers: "I'm enjoying my Cloudbook. Though rough around the edges, I like the portability of the machine, and that I can have an easier handle on it than most laptops(the hole is actually more helpful for holding than people might think!)."

"The gOS(like on any developing Operating Systems), could use some tweaking, but, hasn't given me too many problems that I can't handle. Developers, or future Linux Developers for UMPC systems, should take notice of space."


Meredith is also having fun with her Cloudbook: "I bought this computer so that I wouldn’t have to lug around my 15-inch MacBook Pro at conferences. For that, this machine will definitely meet my needs. I can connect to the Web, I can use Open Office, and all on something that is ridiculously light."

"If this was someone’s primary computer, it would be a disaster. This is not something you’d want to use all the time and there are a lot of things that just plain don’t work right. But for me, it’s pretty much what I was looking for (other than the software issues). "

So the bottom line: It's a nice device but there are too many software related issues.

Via Cloudbooker

HP laptop UMPC gets more real

Bigger than i thought but maybe this is not the one they talked...

UPDATE: It is getting even more real

Click here to see more



"8.9-inch 1366 x 766 (WXGA) display, ExpressCard/54 slot, Wireless LAN, nearly full-sized QWERTY (95% of full), integrated webcam, and optional SSD in a 2.5-pound anodized aluminum sex pot running Vista or Linux."

It's a bit too big as a UMPC ( about 260 - 280mm wide ) but if HP marketing calls it UMPC then it's UMPC...

Hope we get more info soon to make it official. (if it is real.. )

UPDATE: I just talked with Steve about Bjorn's post at VIAs UML blog.. Bjorn is saying "While I can't make any comments about which platform HP would be using for a UMPC.. ". That sounds like VIA cpu/chipset on HP UMPC.. doesn't it?

So if HP desided to use cheaper components and target for high volumes, we could see a really nicely priced device.

Thanks Engadget.com

Very nice looking UMPC design on video.

Click to see the video

It was done as a college project by Umang Dokey

Gigabyte M704 / Ahtec x70gt UMPC on video

Preview of this new slider UMPC in Spanish..

Click to see the video

btw. if you know her site/blog, please let me know to link..

More news about it

BenQ’s Mobile Internet Device at Mobile World Congress

Looks good in black...

Continue reading..


"The MID's distinctive user interface was meticulously designed to bring an intuitive user experience to consumers. The startup icons on the desktop flip like a vertical window blind as you glide a finger across the device's 4.8-inch touch screen. Users can simply shake their MIDs to minimize open windows as thumbnails on the desktop for more convenience and control."

So nice new features.. "a shake control", 3G HSDPA with voice and new UI..

Still no keyboard..

Specs so far:

Silverthorne + Menlow
4.8-inch 1024 x 600 touch screen
0.3 mega pixel webcam
Wifi + HSDPA with voice
Customized Red Flag Linux

Available Q2 2008

More news about it

BenQ’s First Mobile Internet Device [ Press Release ]

Picture source

Intel at 2008 Mobile World Congress: MIDs, connectivity and apps

Upgraded from CES, now enabling the Best Internet Experience in Your Pocket..

Continue reading..

Intel Confirms "Menlow" Platform Shipments in the first half of 2008: Intel is getting ready to ship its first-generation low-power platform, codenamed "Menlow," in the first half of 2008. The Menlow platform is comprised of the "Silverthorne" processor and the "Poulsbo" chipset, both being designed from the ground up for Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs). At MWC, Intel provided a sneak peek of some of the upcoming "Menlow"-based devices that are being optimized for this platform in its technology showcase. MIDs demonstrated include Aigo, Asus, BenQ, Clarion, Compal, Lenovo, LG-E, and Toshiba.

Intel and T-Mobile Announce MID Collaboration: Intel and T-Mobile announced a collaboration to facilitate the development of a no-compromise mobile Web experience for a new category of MIDs using T-Mobile’s 3G/HSPA networks. This collaboration builds on an existing agreement to jointly promote notebooks with embedded 3G/HSPA connectivity. The objective is to deliver an uncompromised mobile internet experience for MID users when connected to T-Mobile’s European high-speed data network.

Creativity Software Brings "Rough Guides Mobile" to Intel-based MIDs: Creativity Software announced that it will be making its "Rough Guides Mobile" application available for Intel-based MIDs under the Moblin Linux environment. This application will enrich the availability of location based services, and will enable users to get real-time access to this content.

Intel Demonstrates Growing Ecosystem Momentum at MWC: A range of applications vendors have disclosed solutions for MIDs aligned around information, entertainment, communication, and productivity. Key companies whose applications are included in Intel’s technology showcase include Asianux, Axel, EBA, Fluendo, Joost, MobiTV, MySpace, Red Office, Skype and Ubuntu. In addition, Alcatel-Lucent and Option demonstrated 3G data capability on a Menlow-based MID.

Intel at 2008 Mobile World Congress

DreamBook Light IL1, laptop UMPC for $499

One more player to inexpencive mobile computing segment..

Continue reading..



Based on VIA reference design but with multiple options.

7'' TFT; 800*480
VIA C7-M 1.0Ghz, Up to 1GB RAM
USBx2, Headphone out, Mic-in, DC-in
RJ-11
RJ-45
VGA-Out
3-in-1, SD/MMC/MS

Option 1: NAND flash 2GB, 4GB or 8GB
Option 2: 1.8''HDD 40G PATA/80G PATA
2 cell LiFePO4, 183665 x 2,( 3600mA, 6.5V)
4 cell Li-Ion, 18650x4 (4800mA, 7.4V)
6 cell Li-Ion, 18650x6 (7200mA, 7.4V)
6 cell LiFePO4, 18650x6 (5100mA, 6.5V)-- TBD

244mm x 172mm x 28.5mm
1.1kg

Their marketing say: "Ready for Windows Vista with 40G HD. Asus EeePC's killer (Asus won't work with Vista)."

Would we want Vista with 1Ghz VIA ???? I wouldn't.

www.pioneercomputers.com

Via EeePCNews.de

Gigabyte M704 available soon

This updated version of U60 has now 1024 x 600 screen and 1.2Ghz VIA cpu..

Click here to see more



Their design has changed too, but the mini mouse pad is still there. I'd like Synaptics pointer more..

Specs:

CPU VIA C7-M 1.2GHz
LCD 7” TFT-LCD 1024 × 600, with LED backlight
Chipset VIA VX-700 UniChrome Pro Core
Memory DDR2-533, 768MB
HDD 1.8 inches 40/60GB
CAMERA 1.3M pixel CMOS web-cam
USB 2.0 (two ports), SD / MMC / SD-IO
VGA output, 802.11 b / g, Bluetooth
3 hour battery life
Size 190 x 120.8 x 30.3 mm 120.8 x 190 x 30.3 mm
Weight 780g



Gigabyte will be at Cebit next month so we should see more of it then.

Via Aving.net

Hacks and Modifications: Everex Cloudbook

I have been asked to talk about hacks and mods possible with Everex Cloudbook.. So here you are..

Continue reading..

Please remember: the second you start opening your new device, you have to understand that your device may end as spare parts for your next device.. you have to accept that before starting.

Memory

Upgrade to 1gb. It does not support 2Gb

Internal USB

This is the first thing you should do if you are thinking adding extra features. You should start looking for one now, so you have it stripped when your Cloudbook arrives. Look for small one.
As there is no evidence of internal usb pins, you need to route your hub from wifi, bluetooth or webcam cables. You need to route power from mainboard.

Storage

There are plenty of bigger drives, upgrade to bigger one if you need the storage.
If you want it to be fast and durable, go for SSD. They cost a lot but if your main goal is to use it while mobile, it's the best choice.

There is also CF to ZIF adapters, which you may want to use if you don't want to spend too much for real SSD. If you choose this way, remember that normal flash wears in OS use. You should commit all rewrites to RAM disk


Wifi

Buy new wifi antenna for it. Current antenna is inside the base unit so it is not that good for signal strength. Place new one inside the screen frame.


3G HSDPA/EVDO

There is plenty of room inside the screen frame for usb modems. You could even have one of the small ones there without taking the modem apart.

GPS

Again, a lot of space inside the screen frame, small GPS module would fit easily.


Touch screen panel

It's easy to ad, it makes your screen more durable and it's very nice to use. Do it!

Screen

As Cloudbooks uses LVDS, it is relatively easy to find screen for it. If you need higher resolution, you should look for Kohjinsa/Samsung 7 inch screens. You would need some expertise to swap it, but it is fully possible.

There are also bigger screens, but you would need to make new "face plate" for it. If you really want to go big, try to find 8.9 inch LVDS LED backlighted screen. Toshiba and other use them. 8.9" 1280 x 768 would be nice! Remember first check the real specs, you want to see the pinouts before buying. You could also use older non LED screens, but they would eat your battery faster and you would need to find place for the inverter.


Operation system

There are plenty of Linux flavors to choose, but you should check the availability of drivers first. XP installation is easy. I'd buy a external cd drive to make it the easiest way. Vista will also run on Cloudbook, but 1Gb is a must for it. MAC OSX doesn't like VIA. I haven't heard anyone been able to make it work on this platform.. This is what OSX says about VIA:



Are you going to do any?

You could always just wait for their next models.
Paul C. Kim, Director of Marketing at Everex, has unvailed their plans:

SSD drives ( when they get cheaper )
Touch screen ( developer version coming )
Feminine Colors ( pink? )
Larger screens ( 9 inch, and even 22 inch ??? )


Cloudbook at FCC

Otto Berkes, father of the Origami UMPC, talks about Asus Eee PC

"The Eee adheres to some of the core tenets of the ultra-mobile PC – a low-cost, highly mobile, full-fidelity companion computer. In fact, the Eee PC hits one of the key UMPC targets dead on; there’s one place where all of the other UMPC products missed – price."

Continue reading..

"Good product design is ultimately as much about what to leave out as what to include. And with the Eee PC, Asus got a number of things right that they got wrong with their R2H. It’s small enough to toss in a backpack or bag, light enough to carry all day, inexpensive enough to afford as a secondary computer."

Yep, and maybe having a real keyboard helps too...

Sweet spot, Otto Berkes’ weblog

Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium goes online

It's NP-Q1UP, and the main upgrade is the cpu..

Continue reading..


Which is Intel Core™ Solo Processor ULV U1500 (1.33 GHz, 533 MHz, 2 MB)

or Intel Core™ Solo Processor ULV U1400 (1.2 GHz, 533 MHz, 2 MB)

or Intel Core™ Solo Processor ULV U1300 (1.06 GHz, 533 MHz, 2 MB)

and it's with Windows XP Tablet edition, Windows Vista™ Home Premium, Windows Vista™ Business ...

and 60 GB (4200 rpm P-ATA 1.8"),
80 GB (4200 rpm P-ATA 1.8"),
100 GB (4200 rpm P-ATA 1.8"),
32 GB (SSD)

plus HSDPA, WiMAX...

So again a lot of new specs but no clear info about actual models.

All these specs look good ( specially if you combine 1.33 GHz, XP, 32GB SSD and HSDPA ) but it would be nice to know which specs goes to which actual product..

Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium