umpc
Latest
OQO bringing Atom-powered Model 2+ UMPC to CES
If it feels like forever to you since OQO's Model 02 hit the market, your instincts are pretty darn good. But if you were overly optimistic that the Atom-powered prototype it showed off back in August (pictured) would eventually become a reality, you -- sir or madam -- take today's golden crown. In a recent Digital Experience! email blasted out to media members worldwide (full blurb is after the break), we're very clearly told that OQO will be on hand to demonstrate its new Model 2+. Said UMPC will pack a 1.86GHz Intel Atom CPU, a touchscreen OLED display, 2GB of RAM and global 3G connectivity. OQO even goes so far as to say that it will offer performance "up to twice as fast as its predecessor." Did our heart just skip a beat over a UMPC? Why, yes it did![Via GottaBeMobile]
ASUS R50A UMPC reviewed -- same internals as the VAIO P, runs Vista poorly
ASUS's R50A UMPC has been sort of lost in the company's flood of Eee PCs, and maybe for good reason -- the crew at UMPC Portal just reviewed the $2,000 handheld and came away unimpressed. Although the software package overall was described as "atrocious" and the lack of a keyboard was annoying, the biggest problems were all essentially related to running Vista on the 1.33GHz Atom Z520 CPU with 1GB RAM -- you can delete bloatware and use a bigger stylus, but you can't fix "pretty bad" performance on the lowest possible graphics settings. Ruh roh: Sony's upcoming VAIO P supposedly has a similar 1.33GHz Intel chip in it and runs Vista. Here's hoping Sony's got something a little more impressive up its sleeve for us than what ASUS managed to put together here -- otherwise the full R50A review at the read link might be discouragingly prophetic.
Gigabyte's M528 MID gets unboxed, photographed lots
We've already had the pleasure of checking out the Aigo Patriot in its natural habitat, and now we're finally being treated to the same with its Gigabyte-branded counterpart. The Atom-based MID has been unboxed all official-like over at UMPC Fever, and the photographer didn't even shy away from snapping a few with the lid off. Have a look yourself in the read link below, but don't get too attached -- so far as we can tell, it'll cost you a pretty penny to get it imported from a foreign land.[Via SlashGear]
Viliv's Atom-powered S5 MID gets detailed and pictured
Viliv got us salivating when it introduced the S5 MID and S7 UMPC back at IDF, and now we've got a few tasty updates on both. Starting with the former, we've learned via an interview with parent company Yukyung that the S5 MID will come packing a 1.33GHz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM, a 1.8-inch hard drive (1.3-inch when paired with a WiBro module in South Korea), a 4.8-inch 800 x 480 resolution touchscreen, integrated GPS / DMB and a primary battery good for up to six hours of use. The OS will be a home cooked system that's fairly attractive, though the outfit has made clear that WinXP versions will be available in the future. Speaking of the future, the currently unpriced S5 is expected to ship in South Korea this coming January or February, while the S7 is still on track for release sometime after that.[Via Slashgear]
Mysterious T-swivel handset appears on Korean site, keeps us guessing
Here's a Sunday challenge for you -- what in tarnation is this thing? The mysterious T-swivel type handset has appeared on a Korean site, presumably signifying its status as a simple concept. Obviously, the device packs a full QWERTY keyboard, a front-mounted camera, a rather sizable display and a swivel contraption to keep things horizontal when texting and the like. Beyond that, your guess is as good as ours here. Any clues on this thing's origins? We only ask because, you know, we'd love to actually toy around with one.[Via Pocketables]
Has the Atom-powered WiBrain i1 UMPC fallen off the map?
Or more importantly, do you even care? One quick glance over at WiBrain's website will leave you searching to no avail for any traces of the i1, and while it's a shame we might not ever see this hardware package mass produced, we can't say we're terribly surprised. We mean, really, how many of your nerdy friends have saved up for one of these unwieldy UMPCs over, say, a netbook or the like? If the i1 really puffed its last breath at IFA, at least we can say we went to its farewell party. Ah well, onward and upward, right?[Via Slashgear]Update: The unit is still hanging around on WiBrain's German website, which possibly explains its IFA presence. Maybe it's being reserved for a Europe-only introduction? Thanks, xtron!
AMtek reveals Atom-powered T10L touchscreen UMPC
It's been almost a full year since we last heard from AMtek, but we have to admit that we're at least mildly interested in what it has going on in the T10L. The touchscreen-based UMPC packs an Intel Atom N270 CPU, integrated graphics, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a rechargeable Li-ion, 80GB hard drive, 10.2-inch 1,024 x 600 resolution display, 1.3-megapixel camera, dual speakers, WiFi and a basic array of ports. Everything's tucked into a portable 2.6-pound package, though there's no telling when or where we'll see it emerge. CES-bound, maybe?[Via GottaBeMobile]
Trigem's Atom-based LLUON Mobbit crashes below the $500 UMPC sweet spot
You know what we could really use right now? A chunky slab of XP running on a device that is simultaneously too big for our pockets but less functional than a netbook. Oh, what's that Trigem, you've got that? Suweet. Meet the LLUON Mobbit PS400, an Atom Z520-powered UMPC MID with a 4.8-inch (1,024 x 600) touchscreen LCD, 2 megapixel camera, 1GB memory, choice of 30GB hard disk or 16GB SSD, WiFi, and Korean WiMax (WiBro) and digital television (T-DMB). Here's the interesting part: the price. According CNET, it will cost "around" $411 (600,000 won) when it ships in January -- that's a lot of kit for that price (the similarly-speced R50A from ASUS costs over $1,800). If true, then the Mobbit looks to have finally achieved the pricing goal set by Microsoft and Intel for these UMPC-class devices way back in early 2006. Add the RAM- and touch-friendly Windows 7 OS and we might finally be home... albeit 3-years (too?) late.[Via Akihabara News and CNET]
Asus R50A finally arrives, jacks your wallet in the process
If you're looking to drop nearly $2,000 on a UMPC, well, first of all, you're nuts, but second of all, you're in luck, 'cause the Asus R50A is shipping at €1,475 ($1,878). They weren't kidding when they said it would be above $500, but for the price you'll be running Windows Vista on a handheld with a 1.33GHz Intel Atom processor, a gig of RAM, a 32GB SSD hard drive, a 5.6'' screen at 1024 x 600, three USB ports, a microSD slot, a wireless keyboard, and an external DVD reader / writer. Connectivity options include 802.11 b / g WiFi, Bluetooth, and 3G. These specs aren't all that different from what you'd find in a netbook (save for the SSD), except you're paying more than twice as much and you get to look like you're playing games on a GP2X while you're using it on the train. Maybe it's supposed to be a status symbol?[Via Pocketables]
UMID F1 GPS-enabled, breathalyzin' UMPC available in Korea
Does a UMPC with a breathalyzer still raise eyebrows? In addition to making you face your demons (something several family-led interventions have failed to do) UMID's F1 is a GPS-enabled device aimed clearly at drivers. This 7-inch, 800 x 480 LCD touchscreen PC sports HSDPA and WiMAX connectivity, a VIA C7-M 1.2GHz processor, WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, a GPS receiver, DMB TV tuner, FM tuner, a remote control and Windows XP Home. Available with 512MB or 1GB memory and up to 60GB storage, this machine is currently on sale in Korea. No word yet on pricing.
UMID's "super mini laptop" is small, shiny, super
Netbooks too big for you? MIDs too cramped? What you need is a super mini laptop from Korean company UMID, one of the sexiest entrants into what seems to be a burgeoning sub-netbook category (or subnet-books for the network admins out there). It weighs just 315 grams (a little over a half-pound) and, while exact dimensions weren't listed, seems to sit somewhere between Nintendo DS and Everun Note in terms of size (judge for yourself, more pics below). Inside it can pack a 1.33GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, and up to 32GB of storage via SSD, meaning it can hold its own against the netbook hordes, and do so on the run thanks to WiBro, WiMAX, HSDPA, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. It also has a 1.3 megapixel camera situated next to a 4.8-inch 1024 x 600 touchscreen and can be yours running XP, Vista, or Linux. Well, not yours, since we don't know when or where this thing will be appearing for sale first or, for that matter, how much it will cost when it does. [Via jkkmobile]
How-to video shows 3G implant into Aigo P8860 MID
Aigo's P8860 MID was already a potent, handsome piece of machinery in its factory form, but adding in 3G is like adding melted chocolate to a glazed hot doughnut from Krispy Kreme -- it's just better, even though it's tough to accomplish and potentially harmful to your health. Far-reaching metaphors aside, our pals over at jkkmobile have put together an all-telling 18 minute video that explains how to add 3G HSDPA to this here MID. For seasoned DIYers, the process of opening it up, soldering a mini PCI-e connector / SIM card slot and tossing in a 3G card / antenna won't seem that difficult. For everyone else, we'd recommend watching thrice to make sure your confidence level is at the appropriate position before delving in. Vid's after the break, per usual.
New HDPC from MIU offers sleeker shell and Intel Atom-power
When it was introduced two years ago, the premise of the Hybrid Dual Portable Computer was simple: mobile OS up front, Windows XP below, and ugly all over. The most recent refresh was a big visual improvement, but MIU apparently isn't done, teasing another new version that looks far sleeker and packs an Intel Atom processor inside, though exactly which hasn't been revealed. Beyond that, this pocket-wunderkind offers the same bevy of features as before, obviating the need for a separate nav system, PMP, e-book reader, netbook, and even in-car rear-view camera monitor. It'll make phone calls too, and with GSM, GPRS, and CDMA connectivity, you're pretty well guaranteed to be able to check your mail anywhere. No information on price or availability just yet, but hopefully the former stays close to the current version's $500 and the latter extends to somewhere in North America.[Via Pocketables]
Raon Digital prepping SSD-based Everun Note UMPCs
We're glad to see that Raon Digital isn't just ditching its Everun Note entirely after having to recall the thing, and better still, we're stoked to hear that it'll soon be doling out speedier iterations with built-in SSDs. UMPC Portal has it that two new Everun Notes will be landing shortly, both of which will boast SSDs within. The first newcomer (S16S) will come loaded with Ubuntu Mobile, a 1.2GHz Sempron CPU and a 12GB MLC SSD; the higher-end sibling (D24S) will offer up Windows XP, a dual-core Turion processor and 24GB worth of delicious solid state storage. Look for both to land by mid-November for $659 / $950, respectively.[Via Pocketables]
Digital Cube Telson UMPC reappears, could break into reality soon
Before we go any further, we'd like to inform this here Telson UMPC that if Pandora can finally get out of the starting blocks, so can you. Today, we're looking at new evidence that Digital Cube (the handheld's new parent) could be inching ever closer to bringing this shockingly thick gaming handheld to market. Out of seemingly nowhere, images have emerged of the portable posing beside a USB 3D camera dongle (saywha?); additionally, we're told that it will pack a 1.2GHz VIA C7M CPU and feature a 4.3-inch display, 512MB of RAM, 30GB hard drive and Windows XP. Oh, and we're also informed that it'll be "released in October" in at least one section of the world, so we've got T-minus 27 days to see if that claim is legit.[Via Pocketables]
Acer Aspire One hacked into a UMPC for reasons unknown
We know that there are those of you who have been asking -- quite insistently -- "What does it take to get an Acer Aspire One UMPC around here?" Apparently, it doesn't take much: pop out the screen, replace it with an 8.9-inch touchscreen kit, flip the lid 'round so the display sits on top, toss out the keyboard and screw it all back together again. The specimen pictured above is running Ubuntu on top of the Aspire's 1.6GHz Atom CPU with 1.5GB RAM and an 8GB SSD (and quite happily, we might add). Hit that read link for details and plenty of pictures.[Via SlashGear]
Sony VAIO UX490 gets Hulkified by U7600 mod
The last VAIO UMPC mod we saw swapped out the UX280 CPU for a 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo U7600, but this new UX490 tweak beats the pants off that by a long shot. According to "computercowboy," a forum member on Micro PC Talk, he's managed to push his handheld to a 45,999 score in Crystal Mark, easily besting the UX280's 30,069. The swap of this CPU into the UX280 results in radically higher FPU and ALU figures, making it the "fastest UX in the world" -- or so says the modder. Now it's only a matter of time before someone comes along and overclocks this thing, a move which will undoubtedly result in badly singed hands and a melted VAIO -- don't say we didn't warn you![Via UMPC Portal]
ClarionMiND MID re-introduced with Atom, optional 3G
We haven't heard from Clarion since June, and as fate would have it, it was then when the company told us to expect a GPS-equipped MiND in the foreseeable future. Fast forward a few months, and here we have the formal (re)introduction of the ClarionMiND. Definitely dubbed a MID, this Atom-powered handheld is currently scheduled for release in US / Canada this November, while Europeans will have to wait until January 2009. Outside of the oh-so-fresh CPU, you'll find a 4.8-inch (800 x 480 resolution) display, 512MB of RAM, a 4GB SSD, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, a SiRFstarIII GPS module and a rechargeable Li-ion good for two hours (four hours with the optional extended cell). You'll also get a pair of USB 2.0 ports, a microSD card slot and optional real-time traffic support. The just described "standard" model will demand $649.99; the way-more-delicious Premium version doesn't yet have a price, but it should be out next Spring with integrated 3G.[Via Pocketables]
BenQ's 3G-enabled, Atom-powered MID Aries2 (S6) boots up in Italy
Is it really time to shine, BenQ, or are you just foolin' again? Judging by a product page at Italy's TIM website and a fresh report from the Italian branch of Tom's Hardware, the S6 (or MID Aries2, or BenQ MID... gosh, we're so confused!) is finally ready to order. The Atom-based MID impresses with built-in 3G capabilities, 512MB of RAM, a 2GB SSD, 4.8-inch 800 x 480 resolution display, WiFi / Bluetooth 2.0 and -- just to really pound the message home / incite jealously -- 7.2Mbps HSDPA. The current asking price sits at €429 ($626), and while the value proposition may be debatable, the amount of possibilities packed into a frame this small (6.2- x 3.5- x 0.86-inches) definitely isn't. Let's get these out to other nooks and crannies of the wide world, eh BenQ?[Via UMPC Portal]
Raon Digital recalls Everun Note
Maybe it's a netbook, or maybe it's a ridiculously small notebook. Whatever it is, it's recalled. Raon Digital has issued a recall for its delightfully tiny Everun Note due to a handful of "failure symptoms" detailed on its Korean website. Best we (and Pocketables) can tell, users hearing a high-pitched fan tone, seeing a "Blue Screen phenomenon," or getting torched by an unfathomably hot CPU have a problematic unit, and even if your battery indicator is acting wonky, you too are entitled to a replacement. It's not clear whether affected users will be gifted with a new unit or if they'll receive their old machine back in tip-top condition, but either way, we'd hit the read link and do a little investigating if you own one of these puppies.[Via Pocketables]
