While most of the recent portable
computing buzz has been sucked up by
the UMPC, the Flybook folks
haven't been sitting on their hands (or their computers, fortunately). Their latest models, the v23i and the previously
announced
v33i, show that the company is
still capable of making very small laptops that are still usable -- and can look oh-so-hot as well. Both models weigh
in at about 2.6 pounds, and have 8.9-inch touchscreens, full keyboards, 512MB RAM, 40GB drives, and the usual
connectivity options, including Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth and USB ports. About the only thing not to like about these
is the price; these start at around $2,500, about the price of 2 1/2 UMPCs, and even more than the OQO (which we also
happen to like, despite its high price). Like
the OQO, the Flybook will remain a
luxury item for those with heavy wallets who want lightweight computers -- but that doesn't mean we don't want one,
too.
posted Mar 22nd 2006 10:03AM
Looks very ugly.
If only I had a heavy wallet...
I was impressed by the UM-PC's that I played with at the CeBIT. Until I found out how long they run on a battery charge. The FlyBooks is just a bit longer operational. So until we have fuel-cells I think I will keep my money in my wallet.
DAM THAT THIS IS UGLY!!!!!
I would be too embarrassed to use that this on a train
or at an airport.
I just looks reallly!!!!!!! Old if it was in a swanky case that wasnt dull grey then maybe but it just looks slow and depressing
The main benefit of this device is the regular (more or less) keyboard. The UM-PC misses this option. In terms of battery use: they both run about 3 hrs. That is a total shame. We need fuel cells! Pronto!
Beautiful? Looks like what Apple was doing in 1994. Maybe Marc accidentally posted the wrong article/picture. Or maybe he's into CB radios and 8-tracks...
... or you could buy a Lifebook 1120 on eBay for $750. It's several years old now, but the specs aren't much less. This flybook just doesn't seem like much progress to justify such a hefty price tag.
2.2 lbs
8.9" touchscreen
30gb hd
802.11b and ethernet
256mb ram
800mhz
For anyone wanting a really lightweight notebook without compromising functionality, I still strongly suggest the Panasonic CF-W2. At just 2.8 lbs, it still packs in a 12.1" screen, an optical combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW), and a full-size keyboard, yet it's smaller than a notepad and only a little over an inch thick. Plus, because it's a Toughbook, it is quite durable -- a colleague accidentally dropped it from 2 feet onto linoleum while it was running and it never skipped a beat. Sure, it's about $2K, but I've had mine for nearly 2 years now and haven't so far seen anything newer that makes me want to trade it in.
For anyone wanting a really lightweight notebook without compromising functionality, I still strongly suggest the Panasonic CF-W2. At just 2.8 lbs, it still packs in a 12.1" screen, an optical combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW), and a full-size keyboard, yet it's smaller than a notepad and only a little over an inch thick. Plus, because it's a Toughbook, it is quite durable -- a colleague accidentally dropped it from 2 feet onto linoleum while it was running and it never skipped a beat. Sure, it's about $2K, but I've had mine for nearly 2 years now and haven't so far seen anything newer that makes me want to trade it in.
Oh, and the Panasonic CF-W2 gets about 6 hours out of its standard battery, so no complaints there.
Sounds like Panasonic corporate marketing has picked up on these blogs...
Ummm, Doesn't Fujitsu have a line that pretty much does what that thing does? (P1500D) I think it has less power, but honestly it's not that ugly either.
I think it's kind'a silly to go hyping something that has an 8.9 inch screen (and is Ugly) when it's been done before.
But then again it's not the technologies fault that it's ugly. Just like some children can't help that they are ugly. It's all in who puts it together. =)
I aperently fit in this description....
"with heavy wallets who want lightweight computers"
I have one with 100 GB 1 gig ram.
You forget to mention it also has build in GSM.
High quality video ( i use it as a gigabit network DVD player on my 50 plasma)
In fact it is also a fully functional XP pro tablet pc.
It is at this moment really the ultimate all in one!
At a price but there is nothing like this in the market at this moment and I know since i read engadget every day...
Thank you MASON for putting me in my proper place. I see the error in my ways. This Flybook is beautiful, sleek and like nothing I've ever seen before.
Flybook... rhymes with... rhymes with...
Fuckin PC industry.. pfft.. so corny and unorginal
I just called Flybook's US distributor and asked about availablity of these new models. He told me that in the US we are looking at a July/August release to this market. My wallet breathed a sigh of relief, since I already had my AmEx warmed up and ready to go.
But I suppose this way there's still time to save my pennies.
Ugly? It looks just like every other laptop screen/keyboard. There's no sense of scale in the picture. I'm sure if we had one in front of us, we would be impressed by the small size. $2500 seems like the standard price for this size in tablet PCs. Motion Computing's 8.9" slate PC runs about the same.
The styling of this looks a lot like those "laptop computers" parents can get their kids to teach them to spell.
The styling of this looks a lot like those "laptop computers" parents can get their kids to teach them to spell.
as mentioned above.. the fujitsu p1510d is currently available, basically the same specs and is cheaper... why the rush to this?
i agree that the fujitsu sub-compacts are the way to go. i've had my p7010d widescreen 10incher for about 9 months now and it rocks. for the full bang for your buck i def recommend it, and as an added bonus it runs freebsd 6 flawlessly and works wonderfully with acpi with a few (documented) tweaks.
Wow! These FlyBook guys rocks!
A 2.8lb package with all the goodies ... too bad it has a hefty price-tag. Otherwise, I'm sure there will be a bigger/huge following! :)
Fujitsu sells almost exactly the same thing but with MUCH better processor (1.2GHz ULV Dothan Pentium M) instead of craptacular 1Hz Crusoe TM-5800 and the TPC edition of XP for $1000 less since last year!
http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=P15D
Newegg has the 256MB version for $1359 for cryin' out loud.... This Flybook is a huge ripoff.
Here you have better photos and may better judge if you find them beautiful or not:
http://www.flybook.biz/en/
Stefen
Does the flybook include 3g techs?
Like W-CDMA technology or the USA one?