ExoPC nabs improved screen and e-book app, still on track for a September release (video)
By Joanna Stern 
posted July 21st 2010 5:32PM
posted July 21st 2010 5:32PM
Still pining for one of the best Windows 7 tablets we've seen to date? Yeah, we're talking about the 11.6-inch ExoPC. Well, we've got nothing but good news: the company's still on track for a September release and has been putting the finishing touches on the Windows 7, Intel Atom-powered slate. According to some new videos posted by the company, the tablet's been upgraded with a new LCD that appears to have much better viewing angles than the one we checked out at Computex. Additionally, the Canadian team's been doing some stand-up work on an e-book app. As you can see in the video beyond the break (more can be found there in the source link), it's got a simple interface, snazzy page flip animations and it looks fairly easy to import a book on your own. It's all lookin' quite good to us. Not that we're trying to rush this heat wave or anything, but is it September yet?
@Hydra
It's a full OS. You can change the resolution.
@Hydra
First of all, how often are you in control panel changing settings?!!!
Plus, as a full OS, you can change the size of everything. Please use the device and then trash it.
I thought Microsoft owned the patent on the "electronic page flip"...
Uh-oh... Did I just see a double-tap to open a picture? Not-good. Granted it's an easy enough fix, but Windows is so mouse-centric I fear that there will be tons of other little quirks that will just pull you out of the touch experience.
Windows 7 works amazing with a stylus, but touch is a different story and I just don't see any Windows tablet being usable without another form of input.
@(Unverified)
I noticed the double tapping also, seems strange. Or is that double touching. I just want to see the first user Force Quitting on that big hovering virtual keyboard to burst out laughing.
@(Unverified)
Are you kidding me??? Double tap is just another touch gesture, like pinch zoom, two finger rotate, what have you.
People, please stop spreading ignorant FUD!!! I've gotten people to TONS of people to buy an HP tm2, they all loved the things and say it works just fine with touch.
Too many of you are confusing UI glitz with FUNCTIONALITY!!!
@(Unverified)
I don't understand how double-tapping ( or double-clicking as it's known when using a mouse ) is a bad thing. It's part of the fundamental UI design principles that you do what the user expects. If I were used to double-clicking with a mouse, why shouldn't I be assume that double-tapping with my finger would do the same thing?
@darkninja962
Fingers just aren't a precision method of input. With the file browser's large icons it's not that big of a deal, but when it comes to interacting with interfaces designed around a mouse it can be really frustrating. For example, if I open up Engadget phone and decide to + a comment, I either have to zoom in, click and zoom out or try multiple times to tap the correct spot. Having to double-tap on that exact spot would take me forever.
That's on a web page though, and can be expected, but when it becomes an issue with the OS that's where the problem arises. I went through two years of college using a convertible tablet pc for taking notes and it wasn't a whole lot easier to double tap with the stylus. Single-tap (with tap-and-hold for a context menu) would just be a lot more efficient and functional.
iOS/Android/WebOS tablets will always be consumption devices. If someone wants a productivity device, by all means, go Win7, it rocks. I just don't understand why someone would then limit themselves to a touch-only interface, it is just not efficient.
@raize221 You are aware that since this is Windows, you can change the folder settings so you single click to open and start programs right? It's all about choice my friend.
@raize221 Do people on Engadget seriously not know how easy it is to change between single click and double click in Windows? The feature has been in Windows for over a decade and you people haven't discovered it yet? That is just sad.
Open up a folder (any folder) in the menu change the settings under folder & search options.
Faster way? Type "folder" or "folder options" in search. Change settings from double-click to single-click.
This literally takes 3-seconds and is one of the first things I do whenever I install Windows.
@cool8man
That's exactly why I stated it was an "easy enough fix" - it is easy. The point being, however, that by making the jump to the touch tablet market this is no longer just a user preference, it is a usability concern. For Microsoft to successfully compete in this market they have to provide an out-of-the-box experience that rivals Apple (because they are the obvious target here) but offers more features. The average Joe needs to be able to pick up the device and use it without worrying about tweaking usability.
This really isn't about the people on Engadget, it's about the people who don't. If they are not completely taken by the device immediately upon first power up then Microsoft will not be able to succeed in this market.
@raize221 This may come as a shock to you, but Apple won't be the only player in the tablet/slate market. For hardware vendors to be successful, they have to provide hardware that is powerful enough to run the kind of applications that users want. Some will be happy with the iPad/Android, light experience. Others will want the Full heavy Windows experience. Just because you take away a keyboard and mouse doesn't mean that the already experienced computer user turns into a tech blogger and completely forgets how to use Windows! I'm sure one of these smart OEM's will figure out how to pre-configure Windows so these touch friendly things are enabled by default.
@rwalrond
I fully agree with you there. In fact, I'm holding out for HP's eventual WebOS tablet (sounds odd to hear myself say that when we don't even have specs on it...). Windows is a great OS, I just believe that because it was not designed around touch there are a lot more hurdles for manufacturers to overcome and right now, the ExoPC just doesn't look like it has what it takes.
If/when someone does nail the implementation and show what Windows can really do on a tablet I'll be ecstatic. Competition breeds innovation and that makes it good for everyone. Maybe I'm being pessimistic about Windows tablets, but I don't think there will be demand for the sub-standard product (IMO) that we've been seeing thus far. Especially since the market will be flooded with similar devices within the year.
@cool8man
I use Windows 7 and think it's a solid OS, but it is a mouse driven UI first and foremost trying hard to fit in with other Touch driven devices of today. You just can't hide that fact with Touch skinning. For instance, how do you navigate the file system and the core of the OS easily without a mouse (like when creating folders, moving files around, installing/uninstalling programs, and having to use Software not built for touch in mind?). It's easy to see why Apple left the file system behind. There are times when I need to force quite the device by doing the control/Alt/delete combo. How are users going to do this without a keyboard and frozen device?
@raize221
Right... because double tapping on a picture to zoom in and out on ALL smartphones is not good either. Even though you can set windows up to open items with one tap/click, why would that be a problem for consumers who already use the double tap function a lot? Besides, for viewing pictures on this device, MOST will be using the picture app in the Exo UI layer. Windows is there the those that also want/need to get beyond basic consumption... all the basic media tablet stuff can be done in the UI layer... its a non issue.
@raize221
I fail to see why you think the EXOPC doesn't have what it takes. It's hardware is much better than the HP slate
11 inch screen
2GB ram
HD Broadcom chip
Pineview Atom CPU
GPS
As far as hardware foes this thing is better than any netbook and pretty much has maxed out specs as far as a windows tablet goes
Add that the the EXOPC gui layer and Exopc App store and this tablet has alot more to offer than the HP slate.
@raize221 As far as I know Microsoft doesn't have any involvement whatsoever in the development of this device. If ExoPC wants to turn on single-click by default in Win7 that is their choice.
I do agree with you that MS should create a set of standards for Windows 7 slates that require a default set of options regarding DPI size and other things like single-click to open. It does seem like MS's approach is to be completely hands off and let the manufacturers decide the default software configurations.
For myself as an experienced Windows user I like that I can customize the OS perfectly to exactly how I want it. I've had tablet PCs before and so I know how to make the experience very finger friendly.
@raize221 "I'm holding out for HP's eventual WebOS tablet "
You know I really like the webOS UI (I'm a Pre owner), but I can't see myself investing anymore into the platform. The webOS app store is dead and Flash support never materialized. I think I'd rather have an ExoPC or TouchSmart skin over Windows 7 and be able to use all the applications I want and view all the websites I want including those that use Flash and Silverlight. webOS's useability is worthless if there is no software worth running on the device, no widgets and tons of websites that are not compatible.
HP is going to have to raise a sinking ship if they want anyone to seriously consider buying a webOS tablet. Given the top level defections from Palm and HP's history I don't have much faith in HP turning webOS into a serious Android and Windows competitor. Not only does webOS need a major upgrade to keep pace with Android and Windows functionality, but they need to convince developers to start supporting the OS and like iPad upgrade their existing webOS apps to a large screen. It's not impossible to save webOS, but it seems unlikely.
Guys, guys, guys. Quit it while you're ahead. People WANT WINDOWS 7 TABLETS!!!! Why do you think EVERY MAJOR OEM IS IN THE PROCESS OF BRINGING THEM TO MARKET?!?!?
Try to print something from an iPad with all the touch UI and then get back to me.
Some people want iPads and some people want REAL COMPUTERS!!! It's not a zero sum game.
Nobody has suggested a Kindle App for this yet?
@bravokiloromeo yes the Kindle App was already suggested and many many more ebook apps. Go on there forum, they are really open to comments.
http://exopc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=72
@bravokiloromeo
There are ALREADY a Kindle and Barnes and Noble eBook app for the PC that works pretty well on Tablet PCs with touch. Niether have a very fancy UI but they are quick, text is EXTREMELY good looking and page flipping doesn't help me read faster. The B&N is quite a bit better supporting annotations and look up while the Kindle app doesn't at this time but with ALL of these Windows 7 slates on the way, yeah these apps are going to just get better. Use both all the time, its just great to have all what I can do with Windows 7 on one device. Just awesome and powerful.
Either this or hp slate will be my next piece of hardware I'm gonna get :)
Some of us just want a netbook with the keyboard cut off. This totally fits the bill.
This has a newer Atom Pineview cpu, 2Gb ram and an Broadcom HD chip as you can see int he videos it runs alot better than nay netbook
The openness and usefulness of a device like this kills the closed eco system of the ipad. I will be ordering the EXOPC on day one
Photos of the ExoPC dock, stand, and stylus are here:
http://exopc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=50
I for one will be buying an ExoPC in September, its the best in its class when you look at the complete package.
For all you others out there that cant wait until its release here's a fun countdown until the predicted release date!
http://kevindark.co.uk/ExoPC.aspx