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Compal, other manufacturers skeptical of MIDs
Remember the dedicated team that Compal had set aside back in 2007 to focus on all those Atom-based MIDs expected to flood the market? Pilfered, another victim blind-sided by the rise of the netbook. According to DigiTimes' moles inside the Chinese manufacturing juggernaut, Compal, Quanta, ASUS, and others are focusing resources on netbooks while remaining conservative on Intel's MID platform. Even with Intel's battery-sipping Moorestown platform around the corner, we remain skeptical about devices that are too large for the pocket and double the price of netbooks that bring twice the screen and full QWERTY keyboards -- for mass market consumption anyway.
Toshiba's leaked product roadmap gets us hot, extra bothered by fuel-cell powered L01 MID
If the roadmap posted after the break is to be believed (and we think it is) then Toshiba is set to capture a lot of attention with its Snapdragon-based handhelds over the coming year. Techblog.gr has what it claims to be the Toshiba Device Roadmap through 2010. They've shown us a PowerPoint sample off-line that seems to support the claim. Of course, this isn't the first time Tosh has leaked an entire product cycle and the named devices align nicely with some of the prototypes Toshiba was showing-off at CES in January (see gallery below). Toshiba was already off to a good start in 2009 with its incredibly thin 4.1-inch TG01 running atop Qualcomm's snapdragon platform. It just gets better from there. First we've got the TG02 (launching in Q4) update to the TG01 that adds IPX4 water resistance without changing the specs or the dimensions. The TG03 ups the ante again with the inclusion of a 3-channel speaker for a better video experience. Also in Q4, Tosh looks ready to launch a 15-mm QWERTY slider version of the 9.9-mm TG01 with new capacitive (!) touchscreen called the K01. All other specs look unchanged including WinMo 6.5. Next is the K02 clamshell with primary 3.5-inch WVGA display and QWERTY on the inside coupled with a secondary LCD and 10-key on-screen keypad on the outside. The K02 features a resistive touchscreen, HSPA data, and same QSD8x50 chipset found in the TG01 (and all the other devices on this roadmap). Last, but by no means least, is the 7-inch L01 looking every bit the love-child of a Nokia N800 and HTC Advantage. The very same device that was shown powered by a DMFC (fuel cell) at CES in January. Interesting since Toshiba has promised a consumer device powered by a fuel cell before March of 2010. Unfortunately, it's limited to WinMo 6.5 (with a hint of a Windows Mobile 7 in 2010) and the same WVGA resolution seen on the smaller screens when it launches. Assuming the leak is true, of course.%Gallery-41724%
Augmented reality on hand at museum in the Netherlands, threatens to make learning cool
This is not the most prurient example of augmented reality we've seen, and it may not have an obvious movie tie-in, but we will give it bonus points for being educational. Visitors to an exhibit titled "A Future for the Past," currently at the Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam, can peep context specific info and virtual reconstructions of Satricum and the Forum Romanum, superimposed on large scale photographs of each respective site. There are two types of hardware on hand -- both the MovableScreen-packin' iMac stationary display and the UMPC devices allow the user to seemingly view through the photos, exploring specific points of interest. There's no telling how much a setup like this would run you if you wanted to, for example, let your friends and neighbors virtually peruse that massive Lego city you built in the garage, but make sure you let us know when you get it up and running. That would be so sweet. Video after the break.
dmedia renames G400 MID, hopes to showcase M0 at Computex
While dmedia has definitely shown signs of life here lately, we've been decidedly left in the lurch with regard to its elusive MID. Initially spotted last November as the WiMAX-packin' G400, said unit skipped out on promised booth appearances at both CES and Mobile World Congress 2009. Being that we're the forgiving bunch, we're still maintaining some level of hope that the recently renamed M0 will indeed make itself seen at Computex this June. Outside of the identity swap, most everything else looks the same; specifications include a 4.3-inch touchscreen (800 x 480 resolution), a 5 megapixel webcam, a Fujitsu-sourced WiMAX module, built-in GPS module and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. Details beyond that are few and far betwixt, but hopefully we'll know more as warmer months approach.[Via Pocketables]
Owl's iMpc A10 UMPC just wants some respect
We've seen bulky UMPCs with hidden QWERTY keyboards and svelte ones you could almost slip in a pocket, but regardless of size they've always been comfortable with their lot in life: not being treated as full computers. Not so for Owl's iMpc A10, a plucky portable that wants you to believe it's a real machine, starting with its name, which intentionally implies "I'm a PC." So too is John Hodgman, though, and funny as he is we wouldn't say he's a very good portable computing device. The A10 should be, with a 1.2GHz VIA C7 CPU, 1GB of RAM, and a 16GB SSD. It also sports a 5.6-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen, a webcam, 802.11b/g wireless, and a claimed 5 hours of battery life -- decent specs but nothing to really differentiate it from the crowd. A price of 2,999 yuan, or about $440, seems reasonable enough, but no availability outside of China means no respect from us.
WiBrain M1 UMPC gets more real, but still not completely real
WiBrain's M1 has seen a pretty rocky road to launch since it first arrived on the scene way back last summer, but it looks like the company is finally moving forward with it, and reportedly kicking the UMPC into production. Despite its extended stay in prototype form, however, there doesn't appear to be too many changes to the device, with it still packing a 4.8-inch 1,024 x 600 touchscreen, along with an Atom Z520 processor, up to 1GB of RAM, a max 16GB SSD, and all the connectivity options you'd expect, plus some (presumably optional) HSDPA. The one big change from the early prototype is the slide-out QWERTY keypad, which now opts for some membrane-style keys that could make an already difficult typing situation even tougher. No word on a price or expected release date just yet, but it seems likely that it'll remain a Korean exclusive, at least initially.[Via jkkmobile]
Touchscreen-based CUPC-P80 UMPC just might double as a carputer
Comfile Technology's CUPC-P80 isn't quite a full-fledged UMPC, though it could definitely get away with posing as one. Realistically though, we suspect this one was engineered to control media and such within your vehicle. The 12v power system and the 10.2-inch display sure make it an ideal candidate for replacing that stock radio in your '87 Taurus, and while the 500MHz AMD Geode LX800 isn't potent enough to stream YouTube videos in high-def, it should be plenty to spin your latest Tears For Fears-filled playlist. Other specs include 512MB of RAM, an Ethernet port, 4GB of flash storage, three USB sockets and an SD card slot. The rig can be purchased now for $699 without an OS, or for $849 with Windows XP embedded.[Via Zedomax, thanks Max]
UMID M1 put through numerous paces on video
We know it's torture seeing all these UMID M1 videos with little to no hope of a US release, but just think -- it's the perfect excuse for you to use that dusty passport before it expires next year. The all-too-intriguing handheld, which is currently strutting its stuff in South Korea, has been heavily videoed by YouTube user loa2000kr. We're talking Warcraft / Quake III demos, 1080p movie playback tests and even a look at how it handles 2D side-scrollers. For a peek at the most excellent, jump on past the break; for the full monty, tap that read link.
UMID's mbook M1 gets sturdier shell, further away from reality
Man, talk about loving the drama. UMID's mbook M1 has sent us on a roller coaster of emotion, and clearly the ride is far from over. After hearing that the totally cute MID was actually nowhere near a US release and that early builds were having some nasty quality issues, Pocketables has come forward with some (mostly) positive news. For starters, the unit will be delayed until May in Australia and Hong Kong, but the reasoning is sound: there's an improved shell being implemented that will hopefully not crumble with use. Sadly, a US release date is still "unknown," and we're told that models sans HSDPA will be available prior to those with HSDPA. Check the read link for a few of the finer points, but don't even bother if you're not willing to pull the import trigger.
Ubuntu 9.04 ported to Nokia's N8x0 Internet Tablets
Already bored with Cupcake, are you? If your Nokia Internet Tablet needs just one more operating system to test out, we've excellent news to pass your way. Ubuntu 9.04 (Jaunty Jackalope) is primed and ready for installation on Nokia's N8x0 family of handhelds, which obviously includes the N800 and N810. It should be noted, however, that Usplash and audio aren't working at the moment, but everything else seems to be humming along just fine. If you're looking for the step-by-step guide of hooking your handheld up with a real-deal OS, give that read link a long look.[Thanks, Addae]
A pictorial guide to the subtle differences between small, cheap laptops
We've yapped it up with MID and UMPC makers before in order to figure out exactly what makes the two any different from one another, and now that lines are being blurred at a blistering pace in the ultraportable / netbook / low-cost laptop / undersized PC market, it's about time someone laid down some ground rules. Thankfully, there's no "discussion" necessary here -- just follow that flow chart above and you'll be an expert in seven to ten seconds flat. Guaranteed.
VIA's VX855 Media System Processor handles the 1080p
Big news, folks -- 1008p is about to hit the minuscule PC market, and VIA's making darn sure it doesn't miss the boat. Hot on the heels of HABEY's BIS-6550HD announcement, VIA has stepped in to formally introduce its VX855 Media System Processor, which aims to bring hardware-based 1080p decoding to VIA-based rigs. The highly integrated single chip package sucks down just 2.3 watts and provides hardware H.264 video acceleration when snapped in alongside a VIA Nano, C7 or Eden processor. Other specs include a 400 to 800MHz FSB speed, support for up to DDR2 800 memory (4GB maximum), six USB 2.0 ports and the company's own Chrome9 graphics set. There's no mention of when this bugger will find its way into shelf-bound rigs, but we're hoping Computex sheds some light on the situation.[Via HotHardware]
Nurian X40Kris e-dictionary is an OS away from a UMPC
On one hand, we're pretty impressed that someone would actually bother to produce an e-dictionary this fancy. On the other, we're disheartened that those very "someones" didn't just throw a real-deal OS on here and call it a UMPC. Hannuri Biz's newest premium pocket dictionary goes by Nurian X40Kris and features a 4.3-inch LCD, QWERTY keyboard, 4GB of internal storage, 79 different dictionaries (saywha?) and support for XviD, PDF, Flash, JPEG and MP3 files. We're told that it'll be offered up in South Korea for ???379,000 ($253), and we're giving it around a fortnight before someone shoves a TV tuner and their favorite flavor of Linux on here and calls it a day.[Via PMPToday]
Samsung Q1EX UMPC reviewed, dismissed
Rats. Just when we thought that someone had figured out how to make a winning UMPC configuration for consumers, out comes a review to pan it. While the Samsung Q1EX sounds good on paper with its 7-inch resistive touchpanel with 1,024 x 600 resolution, 1.2GHz VIA Nano processor, 4.5-hour battery, and $775 price tag; Laptop Mag was unimpressed when it came to go-time. Unfortunately, Laptop found text entry to be too much of a chore thanks to the loss of the thumbpad used on previous Q1-series UMPCs and the lack of a digitizer that severely impacts the unit's ability to accurately recognize handwriting under XP Tablet Edition. Boot times were slow and battery life was poor at just two hours compared to the 4.5 hours stated. Sure, you can add a dock with keyboard (pictured) and optional 6-cell battery (bringing the price to $977), but at that point, you'd be wise to look at the latest in wee netbooks offering bigger screens, the same power, and longer battery life at half the price.
UMID M1 mbook now less close to US release
Less close, further away -- take your pick. The bottom line is that the UMID M1 mbook that we've been secretly swooning over for weeks now may be further away from a US release than any of us Yanks would like. According to new intel gathered by Pocketables, a Stateside release of the MID is still planned, but it's apt to ship later than previously expected. Furthermore, the units already prancing about in other corners of the globe aren't likely at all to support US 3G bands, so importing one won't fill that hole in your soul the way a WWAN-enabled MID should. Better hurry up and deliver the goods UMID, else we'll be forced to buy a rivaling unit and hack it up to suit our needs. Don't say we won't.[Image courtesy of UMPCPortal]
Samsung's Nano-powered Q1EX UMPC loses its QWERTY, gains 4.5-hour battery at the FCC
Meet the latest iteration of the Samsung Q1 handheld: the NP-Q1EX. First spotted at CES in January, Sammy's going back to its UMPC roots by ditching the split QWERTY in favor of a clean, slate look that keeps the eye focused on the 7-inch, touchscreen display with 1,024 x 600 pixel resolution. Inside you'll find XP Tablet Edition running on a 1.2GHz VIA Nano ULV U2500 processor, VIA's Chrome9 HC graphics, 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 memory, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, a SiRF Star GPS receiver, SD card slot, and a rear-mounted camera of unspecified pixel density. The unit that passed through the FCC for US airwaves approval also features a 60GB hard disk and 4-cell, 4,000mAh lithium ion battery for up to 4.5-hours of battery life according to Samsung. A quick search through the Intertubes also reveals a retail price of about $775 at on-line retailers. No launch date yet, but it can't be long now can it? A couple more pics after the break.[Via Navigadget] Read -- Samsung official specs Read -- $775 listing
Hot vs. not: Viliv's S5 vs. UMID's Mbook M1
While neither has officially gone on sale yet here or abroad, two anticipated MIDs, the Viliv S5 and UMID M1, both went on pre-order last week in their home nation of Korea, and while the S5 sold out of its initial allotment of 1,000 units in just 8 hours, UMID still has unclaimed devices from its first batch of 500. This is at least in part due to some sketchy quality on the M1, with a finish on early machines that looks like a Tamiya kit haphazardly glued together by a four-year-old. The company is saying it will step up and replace all of the pre-ordered units with better ones once it gets its molds to line up, but having to trade in your new computer after a few weeks seems to partially defeat the purpose of getting one early in the first place. Of the two only the S5 is said to be officially coming to America at this point anyway, so hopefully that's the one that caught your fancy.
Forthcoming UMID M2 already dancing on M1's spotlight
In today's world, it's a pretty safe bet that revision two is already on the drawing board by the time revision one hits the market. That said, it's still somewhat embarrassing for UMID that we already have leaked proof that the M2 is on the way to replace the just-barely-official M1. Judging by a purported roadmap, the MID M2 will be smaller than 3-inches and will boast calling capabilities. Furthermore, it'll support HSPA, WiMAX and a slew of other wireless protocols (or at least some of 'em), but we wouldn't expect to see more of it until late 2009. Unless UMID wants to completely cannibalize sales of that M1, of course.
UMID M1 gets official, handled on video
We never in our wildest dreams imagined UMID would be the one to blur the line between netbooks and MIDs, but sure enough, it has. The all too elusive mbook (or M1, as it were) has reserved itself a spot on the web, and moreover, we've finally found ourselves a video of this fellow in action. We're still believing a 4.8-inch screen is just too small for the Atom inside to be fully appreciated, but maybe our goliath fingers and awful eyesight aren't indicative of the majority.[Via PMP Today]Read - Official websiteRead - Hands-on video
Trimble rolls out rugged Yuma UMPC
It's been quite a while since Trimble last popped up on our radar, but the company looks to be making a respectable showing for itself with its new Yuma UMPC, which packs all the ruggedness you'd expect from the company (MIL-STD-810F and IP67 ratings) plus some decent enough specs. That includes a sunlight-readable 7-inch WVGA touchscreen, the requisite 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor, a 32GB SSD drive, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS, ExpressCard and SDIO slots for expansion, and not one but two geotag-enabled cameras. No word on a price just yet, but Trimble says it should be shipping by April.[Via OutdoorRugged, thanks Matthew]
