Viliv N5 MID hands-on, HD5 PMP makes a cameo
By Paul Miller 
posted January 13th 2010 7:53AM
posted January 13th 2010 7:53AM
Perhaps the CE-based Viliv HD5 PMP will find a truer calling. We saw the slate unit pumping out some HD video at a steady clip, and its hardware is certainly refined -- if only just a little chubby. Unfortunately, none of the buttons were working, so we couldn't hop out of the video and see what the rest of the player has to offer. At least it's not Windows XP under there, daring us to use it. Videos of both devices are after the break.
The screen should have taken the entire width, a mistake on many devices.
@chiefy
its not a mistake. it is a niche product using off the shelf parts. A custom screen size is not really likely since this thing already costs way more than what most people want to pay.
@chiefy Preaching to the converted +1
Remove screen bezel, replace with bigger screen. Then i will think about buying it.
"you might want to look away right about now"
... i did not look away... and now i am crying :*( ... i mean what are developers thinking when they make these things? Though i must say "congratulations! you made another netbook that Looks just like every other netbook out there". . . wake me up when a GOOD netbook comes out please ^.^
@Sieg
considering this isnt even a netbook , and is nothing like every other netbook out there, i think i will disregard your opinion on this device.
Well if the first device would have a trackpoint it might've been a bit more interesting but this way ... meh
The second one would be quite interesting if it is android powered.
800x480: "The screen resolution is too low!"
1024x600: "The screen is too hard to read!"
1" bezel: "There's a bezel, and it's too large!"
0.3" bezel: "The screen has a nonstandard resolution! It's too expensive!"
Blah blah blah.
@cobaltage
That isn't fair. The resolution and size need to be set at something sensible. This device obviously has a screen that is too small (50%-75% less than it should be?). Resolution is always a funny one. My thoughts are to go as high as possible and have the option to make the OS larger if people require it. That or get glasses.
@cashclientel It's the design of the OS. Despite inventing the UMPC form factor, MS never optimized its OS.
Paul is that a tokyoflash watch on your arm?
he sounds a little like tom hanks.
@KRISC123
Seriously? Forgive me, but... he sounds nothing like him!
Is that an Unreal icon I see in those screenshots?
Whats this gonna do in the year of the tablets?
alright, Engadget. We get it. You hate the whole UMPC concept. You haven't ever seen one of these devices that you like, and dump on every single model.
UMID BZ, Villiv X70/ N5, OQO2, Raon Everun are amazing devices. None of which you like because "they are too small". That is the point. Desktop OS and applications on a device that fits into your coat pocket.
How about you hire JKK (JKKMobile), Chippy (UMPCPortal), or Jenn (Pocketables.net) to handle your MID/UMPC reporting? They get the concept, they know what the (very limited) customer base wants, and can provide balanced reporting.
@tmarks11
Amen to that.
@tmarks11
Agreed. Seriously, don't trash the device because *you* don't like the form factor. That's just plain bad reporting.
The Jornada 720 was in the same form factor, and that device had a loyal following; some that are still sticking with it and a number that (like myself) are looking to move on to a device like this. Having a fully keyboarded pc in your pocket can be extremely useful to some of us, and thus it would be nice to get an actual review of the device rather than a throwaway "this device sucks because its a umpc" once in a while.
@tmarks11
Yes, yes yes yes.
great idea, needs a bigger screen or maybe 960x540 OLED :D
Looks like a neat device. I've got the Viliv S5 at the moment and it's a very well built device. This one is only a bit bigger but maybe enough to make it less pocketable. The keyboard could be worth the extra size though.
For people who don't quite get what you might use this sort of device for, I do 24x7 support. The S5 with built in 3G means I can easily do whatever I want while on call. If I do get a call, I can just run it up (the S5 boots in about 3 seconds) get connected and deal with the issue. Essentially, I need a full Windows laptop, but I only actually use it for probably 30 mins a month. If I'm out on a bike ride, a full size laptop or regular netbook is inconvenient, especially when I know there's a 95% chance I won't use it this time.
I love it, people said that the original eeepc was way to small to be useful, and practical. After working with it for a month, I was able to type just as fast as I could on any other laptop. It really is not fair to give a 15second review on the usefulness of a product, without some really in depth hands on.
If you don't like the optical mouse so much, why didn't you get a hands-on with the touchscreen model.
Besides that, you need to find new reviewers for UMPC. I feel everything else has been said.
The HD5 doesn't look chubby at all. It looks really well built.
Only wish it had wifi and Android, like their P3.
1024 x 600 on a 5-inch screen is insane. I have 1280 x768 on an old averatec 10-incher and THAT's too small!
For my money I'd rather have this:
http://www.pocketables.net/2010/01/atombased-inkia-mid500-with-xp-home-starts-at-349.html