Handtops, UMPC - Flipstart Rules!!!! [first impressions]

01/23/08 + rr0123

I just got mine. I've only played with it a little, but I am already impressed. It really is like a smaller U101. Performance is excellent, video playback is awesome. The screen is great. The click-type buttons will make it much more difficult than the U810 to try to touch type, but with the smaller size I can see how why they would have made that decision on the conclusion that it might work better for most situations.

I did not buy I flipstart at its opening or initially reduced price, b/c I thought it was just too expensive, esp. for a mere 30 GB. But at $699 it is a truly amazing deal. It is a better machine than the U810, not even close.

I am thinking of getting another one!! At this price, it is the BEST handtop out there, IMO.

01/28/08 + jobjob

Does anybody knows what comes next from flipstart?
Cause this sounds realy like an sellout from the first stuff.

01/28/08 + muntaser7

I asked them if they were going out of business they said a strong "NO!"
I said, ok, then are you coming with a new model? they said "we cant say'
so its a double negative! haha!

01/28/08 + rr0123

I hope they come out with a new model, I am really enjoying the 1.0. I do wish they price it more reasonably, though. The initial asking price for the 1.0 was just way out of line. I hope the battery and power adapter stay the same b/c I just ordered a second set......

01/29/08 + mhoepfin

Just got the Flipstart and it compares favorably to the OQO 02. I'm impressed with the speed and hardware. Even Vista Business seems peppy.

Looking forward to spending some more time with it. It's about as pocketable as my 02 with extended battery and stronghold case is... at least in the polo khakis i tend to wear. The trackpoint mouse is taking some getting used to as its not got a great feel to it yet. I'm still making adjustments.

I could see this replace my 02.

01/29/08 + rr0123

Yeah that trackpoint mouse is way too stiff. I just use the mousepad instead.

edited: Jan 29 2008 + scoobie

jobjob said: "Does anybody knows what comes next from flipstart?
Cause this sounds realy like an sellout from the first stuff."

Given they can't be making any money at this price, I'm guessing they are clearing stock for the next release.
If they make as much of an improvement as oqo did between 01 and 02 it could be sweet.

01/29/08 + mhoepfin

I'm hoping the trackpoint will loosen up in a few days.

I do like to use the trackpad when it's balanced on my knee though.

So far the best position is flipping the screen all the way back and kind of holding it like the OQO. It's better since it naturally puts the screen in front of your face since it's taller.

One thing I'm noticing is the keyboard gets a little warm.

01/30/08 + ronaldheld

I only use the trackpad.

Recent Blog: FS fan question

01/30/08 + mhoepfin

Trackstick is getting better after day 2...

The FS is running a bit hotter than I would like. Fan is set to high, although it's not running right now and the keyboard is a little warm. Is this normal?

I love this thing though!

01/30/08 + juantoad

It does run warm, especially with fan on low as I use it?
As far as the trackstick, this to me was the only thing I was disappointed in with the Flipstart. I had always been a trackstick person, even bought my laptops specifically because they had tracksticks. I never could use the FS trackstick. The good thing is that the pad is one of the best pads I have ever used, and just as good as any trackstick. I was amazed they could make a pad so small and precise.

01/30/08 + mhoepfin

I just can't bring myself to use a trackpad. I'm like you, always bought Thinkpads because of the trackstick. Now I love the trackpad for scrolling though. It's perfect on the FS for that.

Anyway, I'm finding the trackstick is really improving with use. Not sure if this is some type of break in or if I am just getting more used to it.In fact, I'm about as comfortable with it as I have been with the 02.

Performance so far is incredible for a machine with 512MB of ram running Vista. I seem to recall a post by the product manager of FS some months ago which said 1GB ram only gave them like a 12% performance boost over 512MB.

So far great machine, and no doubt best in class keyboard/thumbboard for it's size.

After reading all the reviews, I really think the FS got shortchanged because it is definitely one of those devices you have to live with for a while to appreciate. Some thought went into the design and architecture of this.

01/31/08 + snowviper

Just a theory tho:

FS sold (or contracted) better version of their system to GD. That means that the FS has the a lot of point to expand, if they don't bound by contract.

And for the GD MR1 the price is very Military/Government level, for example I ask for the price list this what I got

$4500 you get the base unit which is Flipstart with core solo and touch screen (no dynavue) NO wireless what so ever BAREBONE.
512 MB add on cost roughly $400 and you could calculate the rest.

Thus I abandon my hope to own one =(

01/31/08 + elsewhere

unconfirmed rumors (but from reliable source)

FLIPSTART IS DEAD AND EOL

No new machines being built, no new models down the pipe,
no upgrades, and no prospect of future support.
Vulcan working on a brand new design (tablet PC, not handtop; possibly no keyboard)
that won't be FlipStart branded.

If this is the case, I predict they will make all the same mistakes they made with FS
only compounded with new and dumber ones.

I'm still tempted to buy up a $699 device and lock it away in storage
(with ~ 20% charged batteries, @15 C

)
as replacement for when my original dies, unmourned by anyone else.

I'm not 100% happy with my FlipStart-
just haven't yet found any device that makes me happier.
(and its unclear that next-gen oqo/sony/fujitsu necessarily will fill that void better)

01/31/08 + muntaser7

elsewhere said: "unconfirmed rumors (but from reliable source)
"

and this "reliable source" is?
if you dont tell us because this and that then your post has 0 credibility even if it is true, because anyone can type what you typed.
I mean no offence to you whats so ever, just a thought.
thanks

01/31/08 + snowviper

Does anyone has or know where to find the fs dissected ?
I'm wondering if I could change the CPU or at least the memory.

thank you