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Pricey Flybook V5 now available in America
Call the timing what you will (we're calling it opportunistic), but that ultraportable with the stifling price tag that we first saw some 15 months ago is finally available in the US of A. Make no mistake, this subnote isn't playing in the same pond as the Eee PC, Wind, RazorBook 400 or any other low-cost lappie. Instead, the 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo ULV processor, 4GB of RAM, 8.9-inch display and snazzy enclosure are being aimed directly at those shopping for the X300 and / or MacBook Air. Sure, the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera and integrated WWAN is delightful, but the $3,000 sticker is still quite the stunner. So, the question beckons: anyone on the phone right now placing their order?[Via Wired]
Haier's crazy / crazy expensive laptop
Apparently, in other parts of the world, Haier (a minor brand here in the States) is busy manufacturing highly expensive and totally bizarre laptop computers. The cats over at Engadget Chinese have gotten their hands on info concerning this totally outrageous laptop / tablet PC, apparently an offshoot of the Flybook line, which rocks a Core Duo U2500 processor (coupled with an Intel 945GM chipset), 2GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, 802.11a/b/g, an 8.6-inch widescreen tablet display, plus a fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth, and an option to go all 3G wireless (should you so desire). Apparently, the system folds down into a tablet, replete with handwriting recognition and all, and can be yours for the fantastically low price of 35,999 Yuan (or about $4,790). We wish you nothing but good luck on finding one, and even better luck on footing the bill.
Hands-on with the Flybook V ultra-connected ultra-portable
Unlike CES, there is no shortage of newly announced UMPC devices here at CeBIT. Perhaps that's due to this being the 1st anniversary of the platform's launch. But if you're looking for the ultimate in QWERTY portability, then look no further than the new FlyBook V5. This 1.2kg pup packs pretty much everything the discerning road-warrior could want: 1.06GHz Intel Core Duo ULV U2400 processor; up to 2GB of DDR2 memory; Intel 945GM graphics; 8.9-inch, 32-bit color, 1024 x 600 (WXGA) touchscreen display which works with the touch of a finger or included stylus in both landscape and portrait (tablet) modes; 40GB hard disk; 1.3 megapixel swivelling camera built-in to the bezel; Gigabit LAN; stereo speaker; and fingerprint reader. It also brings a reasonable mix of expansion which includes Express card, 2x USB 2.0, and TV-out. The best part, however, is the number of radios packed into this ultraportable. It starts with Bluetooth 2.0, sprinkles in some 802.11a/b/g WiFi, and and then smothers it all with 3.6Mbps UMTS/HSDPA and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM. The V5 measures just 235 x 163 x 30-mm and packs a 1.2kg heft making it feel solid, not heavy in the hand. Good thing too, cause those controls you see between the keyboard and display allow you to pick the unit up while in a traditional laptop config and continue navigating the display. The miniature 80-key keyboard of the working prototype v5 that we tapped upon was seriously springy. The reduced size and key bounce would certainly take some getting used to. A sacrifice we'd be privileged to make if we could call this unit our own. Still, things might stiffen up before the April release – The Netherlands and Italy first with the rest of Europe to follow "soon" thereafter. Sorry, no definite plans for a US release date making us want one even more.%Gallery-2185%
Flybook's V5i 8.9-inch convertible Tablet PC
If LG's C1 Xnote is just too much bulk for you, and Fujitsu's Lifebook P1610 is putting you off with that lack of 3G, you might dig the up and coming Flybook V5i, which does it up right with an 8.9-inch convertible touch screen, 1.2Ghz U2500 Core Duo processor and the HSDPA hookup. Of course, at sizes like this, you're going to be making some sacrifices, and it looks like Flybook decided to axe the trackpad, instead opting for an OQO-esque thumb stick. This latest entrant into the ultra-ultraportable Tablet PC space is a tad frumpy in the looks department, but we're sure it'll make plenty of mobile professionals very happy all the same. As for price, the laptop should be going for $2200 - $2500 when it's released, which should be soon.[Via Carrypad]
Dialogue's Flybook V33i reviewed
We've been salivating over Dialogue's FlyBook V33i for some time now. Finally, we've dug-out a review of this "dressed to kill" 2.6-pound tablet-style PC with smokin' suite of WWAN connectivity options including HSDPA / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM and EDGE / GPRS / GSM. Thing is, as the reviewer quickly points out, the V33i is not a tablet PC although you might be fooled by that rotating touch-screen. Instead, Dialogue goes with Windows XP and some Ritepen handwriting recognition software which, when coupled with the keyboard, means you "might not find that a disadvantage" -- just prepare to re-calibrate after each screen rotation. Although the 1.1GHz Pentium M is starting to show its age, the V33i includes a 64MB ATI Radeon XPress 200M which helps offset the load somewhat, albeit not enough for any serious gaming, but certainly enough for normal office-type usage. The Carrypad review also found the key pitch tight on the keyboard which took some getting used to and the stylus was just plain "terrible." Although they were stoked by the removable 2.5-inch hard disk which allows for DIY upgrades while the battery delivered an expected 2-2.5 hours under typical load. After four "privileged" days with the machine, Carrypad dubs the v33i a winner in terms of looks and performance particularly for those in need of an ultra-mobile PC with a full suite of fixed and WWAN connectivity options.
Dialogue's FlyBook VM and V33i with HSDPA launching in Japan
We've had a lust affair with the Flybook line of ultra-portables ever since we spotted the V33i model last year. Today, Dialogue announced that they'll be offering the Flybook V33i (pictured) to Japan with the option for built-in WWAN for HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GPS connectivity. Oh never mind that Japan hasn't even launched their HSDPA service yet, this chicken has hatched and set to roll on July 4th for ¥268,800 (about $2,336). Just enough time for local carriers to meet their most aggressive launch targets. Oh, and remember that "airline friendly" Flybook VM we saw at Computex? Well, the little Core Duo, swing-arm pup will be turned out in Japan on June 20th for ¥216,000, or about $1,877 hard cash. VM action pics after the break.[Via Impress]Read -- Flybook VMRead -- Flybook V33i
Dialogue's Flybook VM laptop with airline friendly telescoping screen
Ahhh, so that's what you get when you cross a Clio NXT and swing-arm styled iMac... the Flybook VM from Taiwan's Dialogue. That swingin' 12.1-inch, 1280 x 768 widescreen panel folds down and around tablet-style which is sweet enough. But the inclusion of a telescoping arm means the panel can be projected safely away from that reclining econo-class fatso seated in front of you. The VM is Dialogue's first Core Duo (1.66GHz) and sports Intel's 945GM integrated graphics, up to 2GB of RAM, a 1.8-inch 30GB disk, integrated webcam, stereo speakers, fingerprint reader, ExpressCard slot, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, a dual-layer DVD writer, and up to 7 hours off optional six-cell battery. Wait, there's more. According to the press release, the VM will also feature a built-in GSM/GPRS/EDGE radio. Oh please daddy, give us a pinch and tell us that's true 'cause that little tidbit is conspicuously abscent from their website's specs. No word on pricing or availability but at 3.6-pounds and about an inch thick, we'll be keeping an eye out sho'nuff.[Via RegHardware]
