Wibrain's B1 UMPC gets redesigned, retargeted
By Donald Melanson 
posted Nov 1st 2007 1:37PM
posted Nov 1st 2007 1:37PM
It's been a while since we last heard anything about Wibrain's B1 UMPC, but it looks like the company hasn't been ignoring the device in the past few months, as it now sports a slightly redesigned look and, apparently, an expanded target market. The biggest change on the design front, it seems, is a new input system in the device's lower right corner and, as you can see, a new black casing that we hadn't seen before. According to CNET, the company's CEO has also said that the device is "targeted at the overseas market." and not just the Korean market as we had heard earlier. For those curious, the company also looks to have let loose a few more specs, including word that'll it'll pack a 4-inch WSVGA screen, a 30GB or 60GB hard drive, and mobile WiMAX in addition to standard 3G options. While there's no word on exactly when it might make it overseas, those in Korea will apparently be able to get their hands on one before the end of the year.
[Thanks, Kev]
[Thanks, Kev]
I think I will buy it. I have one question: could Engadget ship it to Lithuania ? (a country in Eastern Europe near the Baltic sea for those who never heard about it)
jejeje!!, you have a mistake in the title. Is UMPC, not "....UPMC.....". Too fast with the keyboard..
UnPortable Microsoft Computer?
They've been doing that a lot lately. It's becoming part of the Engadget charm.
Still breaking in their iPhones, apparently.
the name:
WhyBrainWhy?
Why do I suddenly feel the need to play a PC port of Katamari Damacy on that thing ?
IS there a PC port of Katamari Damacy? I'm dying to try it.
I had a Samsung Q1. This thing looks like it. Take that as a bad sign. Split keyboards suck worse than you'd think.
The wibrain will probably be popular with Mr. F
Anyone?
I think if I got a little creative with my desktop little duct tape, I could make something the same size.
yeah, but it's still just going o run windows, right?
call me when all of its hardware (including the mobile data capabilities) has linux drivers.
Absolutely, me too.
I missed this before. It doesn't look that bad, but I think I liked the earlier look a little better.
And WSVGA (that's 1024x600, right?) in a 4-inch display?!?! Crazy, but _definitely_ a good sort of crazy. 320 DPI ftw! Or 0.08 mm pitch, for metric-heads.
It does need to run Linux, though.
And some people seem to think this is huge; it really isn't. Much longer aspect ratio than you're accustomed to, but reasonable sized. Then, I've always had a fetish for thick gadgets, from the HP 48 to the Karma, so the one dimension that does seem a little excessive doesn't bother me.
Just thought I'd correct myself...
Turns out it's 4.8 diagonal, so not quite the awesomeness expected; still awesomeness though, and better for the less sharp-eyed.
Also, upon examination of their website, it seems to be available with silver in the new design as well, looking even better than before.
I SO want one...
Cool, lots o' buttons. I'd like to see more, but it really should be a large multi-touch device.
Wont see me trading in my Sony VAIO UX90 in a rush for this thing.