Viliv S5 reviewed, is mostly smiles with good video playback

You've seen its introduction, its unboxing -- in two different languages, no less -- and maybe even fancied the pre-order page. Now Pocketables has what appears to be one of the first full-fledged review of the Viliv S5, and the verdict? It's quite a sturdy and well-built MID, with surprisingly good battery life and video performance from the Intel Atom Z520 processor (same one as found in the Vaio P). The virtual keyboard leaves a lot to be desired for, and it's a shame to hear the joystick's mouse functionality is limited to four directions, but despite these complaints and a $599 price tag, the conclusion is still a overwhelmingly positive for those who like the form factor. Hit up the read link for the full examination.

[is perfection Posted Apr 24th 2009 3:56AM]

Make the same thing scaled up to a 7" screen and I'll get one on the spot.

[AeroChoi Posted Apr 24th 2009 4:55AM]

Viliv S7 has 7 inch screen.
It's swivel type, though.

[Sarig Posted Apr 24th 2009 5:22AM]

Samsung Q1

[JTVD Posted Apr 24th 2009 5:23AM]

That'l be the Viliv X70 Atom also with GPS and reversing camera input, Bluetooth etc.

http://www.myviliv.com/ces/main_x70atom.html

[is perfection Posted Apr 24th 2009 5:36AM]

The X70 looks pretty much perfect for me.
Is it available, or when will it be?
What's the price point?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 6:14AM]

Holy shit nice name.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 6:20AM]

I like TITS... err, I mean I'm completely with Tits... I was considering the Viliv 5 but really wanted something a bit larger, and I didn't like the 7 as it was a tablet PC version... the X70 looks perfect. And gorgeous. I hope they don't make it too pricey. And, XP... I wonder if I can install any small applications, r if they have to be approved for the version of XP on the machine.

Anyone know if the XP on the Viliv is an embedded minimalist version or a full XP? I pretty much expect embedded, but I'd love a full version.

[mp3 Posted Apr 24th 2009 8:34AM]

Voted up for clever nickname.

[Freekyfrogy Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:01AM]

I disagree, I would not buy it if it was too big to fit in my pocket. But to each his own, right?

[Freekyfrogy Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:02AM]

Oh, and awesome name XD

[(Unverified) Posted May 25th 2009 3:56AM]

The X70 EX seems nice with the bigger screen but considering that the S5 has a 4.8" with a 1024x600 res, it would have been nicer if the X70 has a higher res screen.

http://www.vilivs.com

[karann9 Posted Apr 24th 2009 4:09AM]

from all the hands on, reviews and everything, this thing is still not pocketable....I am still waiting for the device that fits in your pocket, runs XP and can connect to all USB devices....

[TRLKOR Posted Apr 24th 2009 4:19AM]

Yes but a thing that fits into your pocket won't have a large enough screen, would it?
Unless it's foldable

[karann9 Posted Apr 24th 2009 4:28AM]

anything 4" diagonal is good enough. Like the screen on the touch HD. Mebbe add a slip-out keyboard. I can totally see an HTC touch pro2 -ish device running win7 with the next crop of power-sipping processors from Intel

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 5:15AM]

I am putting mine with the leather case in my pocket just fine. Yes it is a bit bulky but its the compromise you have to make if want to have a umpc with you at all times.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 4:24AM]

Is it really that hard to do a quick grammar check before posting?!

"one of the first full-fledged review"
"performance from from the Intel Atom"
"leaves a lot to be desired for,"
"the conclusion is still a overwhelmingly positive for those"

I know this is 'only' a blog, but c'mon!

[xoxidine Posted Apr 24th 2009 4:33AM]

At that size, you have to ask yourself, what is the point? It's not like it has HDMI to connect to a larger screen. It's a pointless device for running a computer on. Perfect if it was a PMP.

[autobulb Posted Apr 24th 2009 5:14AM]

?

Did you even read the review? The multi use port allows for VGA/RCA/S-video/Component output. No HDMI, you're right, but any TV that has HDMI should have component. Also, it essentially functions like a PMP. It plays back SD content (flash and otherwise), 720p, and one user reported 1080p Bluray playback. The Poulsbo chipset is rated for 1080i but seems like it can do more.

Again, if you read the review, you'd see that the reviewer believes this device is best for consuming content, like watching videos and reading blogs/feeds, etc.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 5:15AM]

You can connect it to an external screen through component, composite or s-video. Also you ca use it as a PMP if you want (music+videos+pictures) and as a UMPC as well.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 6:36AM]

If you want a PMP only, Viliv is working on a X5 Vant model. http://www.myviliv.com/eng/product/s5.asp

If you want a more versatile UMPC, the Viliv s5 is it, so just open your eyes.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 6:43AM]

I say it looks like a new 600 dollar Game Gear. The price tag is what gets me.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 7:10AM]

Xp has a virtual keyboard. START, RUN, OSK. ok. Does it work on
the touchscreen. Now you would have a keyboard that would be quite
usable. Right?

[Kludge Posted Apr 24th 2009 7:16AM]

I have a policy that if a company does something really, really stupid like making a mouse only more in 4 directions then I just refuse to purchase anything from them. Everyone else should do the same.

[Freekyfrogy Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:20AM]

The control stick thing is not really meant for pointer control. Its main purpose is to scroll through web pages and menus with just that thumb. Although I do agree with you, in that they could have made it able to move in more than just 8 directions (it is 8 not 4, btw). I do, however, intend to get this or something similar once the price goes down a bit.

[Galactor963 Posted Apr 24th 2009 9:59AM]

Looks like an awesome device. It'd be nice if it had an SDHC slot or something expandable like that. Otherwise, I'll have my eye on this until the price drops a bit...

[Guy Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:23AM]

I just realized, that "Viliv" is awfully similar to Intel's own "Viiv" fling. err, I mean thing...

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:18PM]

Looks good but I also wish that it was expandable OR just had more storage: 120gb +.

60gb just doesn't cut it anymore especially in this day and age of HD movies and video, add some music and photos and you've managed to fill your device that quickly.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 29th 2009 9:12AM]

A consideration for my COWON A3.

I guess a bit overkill if I only use it for media playing