Viliv S5 pre-order details firm up: $599 and it's yours May 8th
By Donald Melanson 
posted Apr 19th 2009 1:21AM
posted Apr 19th 2009 1:21AM
It's been a long and winding road filled with unboxings, impressions, and comparisons, but it looks like the last few details surrounding the U.S. release of Viliv's Atom-powered S5 MID have now finally been firmed up. According to retailer Dynamism, the device will be available for pre-order on April 27th (at 1PM Eastern) for just $599, or $50 less than previously expected, with the first orders expected to ship on May 8th. Better still, those that pre-order the S5 will also get a free spare battery, a car kit, and a leather pouch, which Dynamism says is a $135 value. No word on the number of units available in that initial batch but, if the Hong Kong and Korean releases are any indication, they could sell out pretty quickly.
[Via thegadgetsite, thanks K.C.]
[Via thegadgetsite, thanks K.C.]
Shank is at it again, douche bag. Little things amazing. But I'm still debating whether to get it or not.hmmmmmm
shank the skank! go fok yourself on another forum your apple troll-boi!
Just hit the [ ! ] box next to his troll. Maybe after it happens enough times, Engadget will dump this clown.
store and lock it in your stock please.
But when is the *REAL* US release date? Dynamism is just an importer. When can we buy one of these things from Amazon or Newegg? Or does this mean they've basically thrown up their hands and said that this device will only be a niche, made in limited numbers? I'm not a fan of niche devices with expensive replacement parts and little support.
Failing a true US release, maybe Dell or HP will realize from these sales numbers that these devices are hot and make their own knock-off for less money, and with better support?
I've heard they plan to release international model (english version XP home).
Don't get it. There will be so much better stuff out after the commercial release of Win7.
Yet another overpriced atom based products, although props to them to put in GPS in it. But it's using a hard-drive? A portable-handheld system like this should use SSD for reliability sake. Looks like it's going to be quite painful looking at/using windows apps on a screen that small.
On the other hand, the touch screen seems to interact pretty well with iTunes' cover flow. Pretty nice.
I find it funny though that they are advertising that it has "a full web browser with full Active X functionality..." Really, the insecure IE6 + ActiveX is now a feature?
this machine use ZIF 1.8" hdd, you may replace with old, low performance, and pricy SLC SSD. ^^
There are IE8, Firefox, Opera, and Chrome if you don't want to be stuck with IE6. ;-)
Add 3G and I am getting one.
I've heard they will release WiBro + SSD 32GB model in Korea
and 3G modem version in USA or other country.
I hope they will introduce the advanced model which has some missing function such as SD/MMC, MiC, and CAM.
Viliv's interface setup is pretty slick.
10 bucks says someone installs "7" on it less then a week after it comes out.
i would pre order one in a heart beat if i didnt already have a smart phone that did everything i needed. :(
The first 200 units shipped from Dynamism will have the extra gear.
This thing is sick! im gonna preorder one cause i've been waiting for this since a couple months ago.and get it but it would be better with a big ssd like pika said. Maybe if the s7 comes out soon i would rather get that than this...
I am curious how this would compare to the OQO 2+ with an atom 1.86 GHz... in real world results.
However, I still want something like this that is also an ultimate PMP, whihc includes HD decoding, (so I do not have to re-encode my entire media library for those that don't get it...) I would drop some serious coin on that! (Ion anybody?)
M
In usa any pmp or tablet priced over $229,
Will definitely tank. What is the main purpose of tablet etc,.,.browser with wifi.
Safari has this one on lockdown!!!!
Flash.
You have to be literate to understand how to use it.
No, there are things like drawing and custom productivity software for people like builders, surveyors, logistics people, delivery men. These are main purposes for tablets, and something the iPod touch is terrible at.
Now if I could turn that into the Ultimate Remote Control for my Entertainment center, make it a X10 remote for home control and it had SSD - I would be all over it.
Looks fab. I might just fly over to Seoul to pick one up.
Any word on a "Multi I/O" cable that would allow VGA out?
I was in the market for a netbook, put a mobile data card in it and keep it in my bookbag. I dont need a netbook for intensive typing, I just want one for when I dont have my laptop with me, so I dont have to move it around so much. Just something to check a site real quick, save/review/edit a document for class. Keep my calendar and events on there, all sorts of small things, it could be a portal to everything else I have connected to the internet (which is pretty much everythin nowadays)
So, this looks pretty good. If the performance is decent and the interface works well, it would be perfect. The price is good, and the build quality looks pretty good, the thing looks pimpin all by itself, it could play only tetris and Id probably still want one...
I have the S5 and windows 7 is amazing on it, with the big icons and dpi set at 125%... and the gps picks up satelites cold start under 20 seconds!!!
Can you still use the cube interface with 7? I doubt it, but that would be pretty cool. Now that I think about it though, You could probably accomplish the same sort of thing with the taskbar and desktop widgets. =) I love windows 7, hahaha.
I really wanna get one of these sooooo bad.
FFFFFUUUUUU I just payed $830 for this thing on eBay. Oh well at least it'll be here by Monday =/
I did the same thing. Mine just got delivered. I will go get on my lunch break. :-)
The ipod touch vs this... that's not even a question! The S5 outperforms the touch by at least twofold in almost every spec! Not to mention this runs a modified version of XP, which means you could install any media player, photo viewer, web browser, etc. that you want! So unless you need a capacitive touchscreen in order to survive, the S5 destroys the iPod Touch.
About windows 7, I'm not sure if they would release a windows 7 version of this or something similar... but if they did I would jizz in my pants O_O! In my mind, the only things holding me back from jumping ALL OVER one of these is 1. windows 7 release right around the corner, and 2. no sliding keyboard, webcam, or SD card slot (and I would LOVE for it to have one of those kickstand things like the N800! But hey, I can dream can't I?)
All things considered, this is still the purest and most concentrated dose of win available for it's price point.
I am so exited to see this thing FINALLY with a price and release date! *sniff* I've been following the s5 since its conception. I feel as if my child is about to be born... my atom powered touchscreen input child...
Benga (or anyone lese who has this device),
Can you comment on the sunlight readability olf the screen? Im looking for a replacement for my aged Ipaqs which had great sunlight readability.
J
The price tag is way too high (in the age of cheap netbooks, manufacturers had best give up the ghost on "MIDs" and/or "UMPCs" if they aren't willing to price them in the same range as netbooks). Check out UMPC Portal's review--there are some show stoppers for me that I can't believe that the manufacturer left out--no SD slot; no hardware screen navigation buttons, you're stuck always navigating using touch; no internal mic or mic-in jack (so much for Skype or VOIP); no webcam; no battery life indicator. Given these limitations, I wouldn't even be interested in this thing if was priced within range of netbooks. I'd rather spend $319 and get a Lenovo S10e with 1GB of ram and a 6 cell battery--a much better investment in an ultra portable device.
I just need to know if this will output to HDMI and its mine... WHY CAN'T I FIND THIS INFO!?