The first unit of the project Origami, has received as a platform final name for UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), were presented March 8, 2006. And already at the show, just a couple of days later, the visitors an opportunity to own hands to feel the first copies. And I must say that exhibited UMPC aroused mixed feelings. The idea of integrating a large number of specialized devices in one, of course, attractive to the buyer and the manufacturer. But, unfortunately, any flexibility at the present level of technology development is achieved only through compromises. In the case of UMPC tradeoffs are manifested in the form of the comparative severity and cumbersome devices, conceived as a mobile. Not solved the problem of short, 1-3 hour battery life, as well as the monstrous heat (which, incidentally, is connected to each other). Functional richness and abundance of the claimed areas of application developers to make very small area to collect the constructor of a decent amount of controls (buttons, joysticks, shuttles) and connectors of various nazacheniya. This leads to an obvious design errors. For example, the Samsung Q1 power connector have exactly the midst of his right hand, so to keep two hands connected to the UMPC is very inconvenient. Likewise is the case with a USB connector. Management and approaches to work the UMPC platform can not be attributed to the intuitive. Device management requires habits. Users will have all certainly familiar with the guidance and, apparently, to face several challenges. Those wishing to admire the interface of these devices can take a peek here and let us tell you about the first concept based on the new platform.
Samsung Q1
Option UMPC from Samsung, Q1, causes mild surprise at the quality of manufacturing, assembly, and actually design. Lacquered black finish, so good looking at the promotional photo, as soon as you take it in his hands, covered with sloppy stains on your fingers. Casting quality also makes an impression similar to those that arise in the form of products begins Chinese electronics manufacturer. Buttons and joystick buttons are not clear.
From design flaws, as noted just above, above all, prevents sticking right into his hand the power plug.
On the credit side, we have smart without stammering and complaints work of the basic Windows XP interface, developed mechanism to switch screen resolutions (between physical and virtual interpolated), high sensitivity touch screen. Round half the keyboard on the edges of the screen for text input with your thumbs work clearly, text typed, although the process requires some skill. If you take out of the Samsung Q1 all the wires, the UMPC fits in your hand very nicely and uhvatisto. One of the average male hand is unlikely to get a long to keep the computer on one side only in the middle of the palm. In the women - even less chance. Basking in the idling Samsung Q1 strong, but not critical.
On the back of the Samsung Q1 designers have provided a nice folding podstavochku, to be put on the table and UMPC to watch a movie or ponabirat text on the external keyboard. Stated on the stand when alternatives Samsung Q1 on sale in the European market - April-May. Price - up to 1000 euros.
Look at the Samsung Q1 from all sides here.
Asus R2
Asus has its own UMPC Asus R2 showed only showcase the hands to get the computer failed. However, on the screen spinning commercials, so that the device will likely work. Design Asus R2 square order, the amateur. There is a built camera, fingerprint scanner and a GPS module. Unlike the Samsung Q1, UMPC wire on either side will not interfere to keep it in your hands. Asus R2 terms of occurrence in the market have been declared the second quarter at a price of just over $ 1000.
It is curious that stand assistant misspoke about the fact that the ASUS is in the bins yet another development on UMPC. However, further rasprossy resisted. However, in practice, applications for booths to believe you can not always. Rate Asus R2 on all sides here.
Amtek
Quite unexpectedly, your obedient servant, ran for another yet another member of the platform UMPC, this time from the company Amtek, codenamed Amtek T-700. It is striking that the Taiwanese company released its completely finished product on the UMPC platform almost simultaneously with the "big" Microsoft partners on this topic. However, the development is done, most likely under the order, because the recently announced line of UMPC TabletKiosk V-700 is actually the same product.
In general, the machine caused a sensation about the same as the Samsung Q1. This is not too sleek lacquered body, rather Loose controls. But the most striking impression - this is the case temperature in operating Amtek T-700. Despite the noisy fan, e-filling warms the body is very noticeable. Wants to change hands.
Another nuisance was less sensitive to the touch of a finger touch screen layer. The stylus works wonderfully, but when you try typing with your thumbs unexpected sensory layer to work almost stopped. Stand assistant complained to the sensor and advised him to grow on thumbs nails to the point of contact with the screen was smaller, and iron could confidently identify the center of depression. Perhaps, it is necessary to make a list of requirements for users:)
Otherwise, no substantive comments there. Within five minutes of acquaintance Amtek T-700 is not hung, worked quickly. Unlike all other models, the final price on Amtek T-700 should be around 800 dollars, that's interesting. Promise to "surrender" to the market a couple of months.
UMPC Founder MiniNote
Perhaps the most pleasant and dodelanny UMPC - is Founder MiniNote. He ECS H70 (Elitgroup Computer Systems). Great layout, nice quality performance, although clearly masculine design. Buttons - crisp, the screen on your fingers without long nails withdrawn gangbusters. Heated moderately, everything works.
More and say there is nothing (as usual the good:)), except that once again called for a term issue the second quarter of 2006, and over the price data do not.
UMPC in dry figures
In the plate just below you will find the characteristics of the heroes of this material. Some of the parameters is still unknown.
In the plate just below you will find the characteristics of the heroes of this material. Some of the parameters is still unknown.
First UMPC clod
Of course, the exhibition samples often differ for the worse from the retail units as well as mainly in the stands get prereliznye version. It is possible that the ultimate UMPC will lack many of the bugs or defects. This is especially true of body parts and organs of governance. In general, my impression is that the first generation of these devices a few vymucheno manufacturers. Most likely, most of the models is vyalovatym response partners on the political will of Microsoft, thinks that, well, it's time, let's do something about it. After all, the idea and the project Origami, seems to have at least a few years. So none of the manufacturers while not particularly want to invest their own money, because the prospects are not clear platform. Stated prices on the first generation in poor agreement with their field of application. They should be cheaper by at least one-third, to become really interesting for the mass users. However, Microsoft has repeatedly argued that the one who has enough money to be persistent and to alter their practice's failed at first production, in the end, will receive the market. The classic example - the way this company on the first Windows CE handheld to the current dominant position. It's about besklaviaturny machines. Here the software giant had enough money. In general, we will wait and in this case. If the case goes, we may see a really nice multi-purpose UMPC with a duration of at least 5-6 hours, dostochno thin and weighing about 500-600 grams, with a good clear screen, and the price is not more than 600-700 dollars . Otherwise, a pair of PDA and laptop for many will be preferred, although even more expensive alternative. The authors, translation:
Siegfried Tsebitovich
