We've gotta be honest, as we approached the
Noahpad, we figured it was some sort of mockup or prototype -- the "keyboard" just doesn't look real. It turns out that's because it's not real, though, and that's by design. The tiny PC features two trackpads side by side with pictures of keys on them; running your finger over the key you want and pressing down actuates the key. A button switches between keyboard and mouse modes -- a little inconvenient perhaps, but hey, when you're holding the thing with two hands and using a pair of thumbs to type and navigate, what else can you expect? When you're too cool to use the Noahpad in traditional laptop configuration, it can be flipped completely around so that you're only looking at the display while the keypad is actuated with your fingers on back and navigated using an on-screen display (check the gallery to see what we're talking about). A little unorthodox, yes, but this sucker's one of the most versatile UMPCs we've yet laid eyes on.
posted Jan 8th 2008 3:18PM
I don't think I could train myself to use this thing properly.
You will not get your full typing speed, but it will be faster and more accurate then pen input. You will be able to train yourself because it has an on-screen guide. The on-screen guide is best seen on shot 18 of the 19 shots of the Noahpad.
The Noahpad is not going to be as fast as the ASUS Eee, as the 1 Ghz VIS Eden chip is not as fast as the 900 mhz Pentium M. I doubt that people will pay more for slow VIA then for faster Intel. Considering that a Mini-ITX Intel system costs $370 and a Mini-ITX VIA system costs $180, I bet the Noahpad could be cheaper.
If the Noahpad can come in below the $300 of the base Eee, then I bet it will make money.
You will not get your full typing speed, but it will be faster and more accurate then pen input. You will be able to train yourself because it has an on-screen guide. The on-screen guide is best seen on shot 18 of the 19 shots of the Noahpad.
The Noahpad is not going to be as fast as the ASUS Eee, as the 1 Ghz VIS Eden chip is not as fast as the 900 mhz Pentium M. I doubt that people will pay more for slow VIA then for faster Intel. Considering that a Mini-ITX Intel system costs $370 and a Mini-ITX VIA system costs $180, I bet the Noahpad could be cheaper.
If the Noahpad can come in below the $300 of the base Eee, then I bet it will make money.
I'm aware of the on screen guide. I just don't think I have the patience to learn, yet another, input method.
I have an Eee. I'm considering the Cloudbook, as well. I'll be passing on the Noahpad.
This thing is awesome, really love the idea of being able to use the mouse and keyboard even in tablet mode. I do think I'll go for the safe bet this time (the eee), but top marks to the developers of this one, I'd love to try it out.
And they even brought that damn coat hanger with them! lol.
Sweet! .... and they are there with the hanger!
I'm really into seeing what this thing is about.
Maybe it is horrible but huge props to somebody for at least trying to innovate design for usability and not just rehashing the same old paradigm.
Also... even the mac fanboys can't jump on this thing for aping their iphones.
From the reading it seems to have some sort of tactile feedback on those "keypads"... I'd like to hear/read more about that.
- mike
What's up with that damn hanger!!
If you look at the gallery its clear that the hanger is to illustrate how the screen can be flipped for usage.
This seems like an interesting little idea, but I think it will survive only if it has a good price point. The eePc is so successful because it is dirt cheap, but most of the other UMPC designs that are greater than a grand are just too expensive for what they are. in the $300~$500 range I think this has a chance, but above that it is just won't have a market.
that will be good function for saving space
This is a really well though device, not like the eee pc which is basically an underdeveloped laptop. The touch pad as a keyboard is just a smart idea and been able to flip the screen 360 when lying at the sofa or bed is a dream come true. For up to $500 I would get one for sure. I just hope it comes with the hanger included ;-)