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.

02/13/08 + diJenerate

@Toughle: is this the card you used?

diJenerate

Recent Blog: Raon Digital Gets Serious w/First 64-bit Dual Core Handtop

02/14/08 + Toughle

I ha been busy "FlipStarting" and to my great joy discovered that I can play EVE Online on it so please excuse my late reply.

The card I used is the card diJenerate linked to. It has a minipcie card inside. I am not sure exactly what model as it as I could not find any identification on it, and I used the drivers that came with it from my provider. My card is probably locked to my provider in some way so altough I tried to install it with some drivers somewhat available online in order to be able to use a better "connection manager" than the one my provider provides, I had no luck.

After reading up on SSD replacement, I have put that upgrade on hold atm. I still would like to add some usb flash for readyboost/swapfile and perhaps it is also possible to install parts of windows and applications to flash in order to minimize hd use. My main reasons for this is heat/noise an battery life. The flipcam port is an obvios candidate for this if it is in fact a standard usb2 interface. It will require some casemodding as there is not much room under the slider. Another option is to remove the small lcd in the lid. I am rettu sure I can fit at least one small gutted flashstick there maybe even a tiny hub and dual sticks or sd-reader.

You might want to check out link for iinspiration on hardware mods within a small space. The EEE has a lot more room to play with, but some of the mods can be adapted.

02/15/08 + diJenerate

Thanks Toughle.

Just curious tho', does that LID

1. Actually work with the main system off as originally stated before this system was released?

2. Have any firmware update options that you can see (via BIOS or software) and or have a visible JTAG interface (that you saw when you opened the top that is)?

diJenerate

Recent Blog: Raon Digital Gets Serious w/First 64-bit Dual Core Handtop

02/15/08 + Toughle

In my eyes the lid-display is a complete waste. I have a smartphone that goes way above and beyond what that display will ever do, so I havent really bothered to examine the hardware. on the contrary I have disabled the software that makes it work at all, and the next time I oåen the lid I will look for ways to remove the thing altogether. The BIOS of the flipstart is the most basic/boring thing I have ever seen. just about the only thing you can do is to change boot order......

02/16/08 + mhoepfin

Well, if you didn't have a smart phone, or if you carried your FS with you everywhere, I could see the lid being useful in its current form.

It would of course be better if I coould use it as a sideshow display or connect it to read feeds or something.

In it's basic form, it would work well for meeting reminders from outlook, if I didn't already have a Treo that does that.

02/16/08 + pierro78

I've read a really negative review about the flipstart keyboard. See here : link

Would you say guys say the flipstart keyboard is good for "thumboarding" ?

(answer on the gottabemobile forum preferred as it's got "email notifications")

Thanks !

02/16/08 + ozone

Huh! Interesting link. I was considering picking up a FlipStart and now I'm not so sure. Hate to depend on reviews too much without seeing the device in person but I'm nowhere near any vendors that have anything (Oqo, FS, nada....).

02/16/08 + rr0123

Yeah it's not too comfortable due to the width. The 02 is definitely much easier.

But for $699, you could get 2 FP's for the price of any 02 except the cheapest one.

02/16/08 + ozone

So the FS is a little too wide to cradle in your hands while thumb typing? Doesn't that defeat the point a bit? Guess it depends on the size of your hands (!).

02/16/08 + pierro78

Thanks rr0123 for your answer. Really appreciated.

02/16/08 + rr0123

ozone said: "So the FS is a little too wide to cradle in your hands while thumb typing? Doesn't that defeat the point a bit? Guess it depends on the size of your hands (!)."

Actually now that I have picked it up again, it seems like more of an issue of the overall size of the key board, not just the width. You have to move your thumbs pretty far while still balancing the FP on your remaining fingers. With some practice you can probably find a way to properly hold it that gives you best results. For me it seems like maybe three fingers along the bottom and the pinkies up against the front.

02/16/08 + rickshot

Are there other experienced users out there that can comment on the keyboard? I am a 6 foot male, would this be a problem? I ordered a Flipstart Friday, but it will not ship until Monday, so I could cancel the order. I really only intend to use it for web browsing and occasional email while sitting on the couch.

02/16/08 + mhoepfin

I have an 02 and a FS, and I think the FS keyboard is MUCH better. On the O2 you have to reach yoru right hand past the trackpoint. I find the FS keyboard nearly perfect for thumbboarding, so I'm perplexed at the negative reviews. Granted, if you are trying to reach across the keyboard it would be a stretch, but you"ve got shift, control and function keys on both sides so you don't have too. Right hand thumb for the right part of the keyboard, left hand thumb for the left part of the keyboard.

I'm a big guy with normal sized male hands. I hold it with 3 fingers behind, pointer finger running along the side, and thumbs to type.

I think the spacing, feel and layout of the keyboard are really well done.

Also, I normally thumb type with the screen flipped all the way back, so it's almost at the same angle with the keyboard. This alignment puts the screen almost right in front of your face when sitting on the couch. Couldn't be better

Mike

02/16/08 + rickshot

Mike, thanks for the reply. Do you have the larger battery? I have read mixed opinions on whether the FS gets warm while in use. What is your opinion? Any other advice?

02/16/08 + mhoepfin

My opinion is you'll love it.

It comes with the larger battery. It gets a little warm, but nothing too bad. Fan is very quiet compared to oqo. Screen is great and so is the resolution.

It's running Vista Business very well. It's got a powerful processor so it's really snappy. I've had it for a couple weeks.

Now that the battery is conditioned, I'm getting about 4 1/2 hours. I'm thinking about activating the Sprint WWAN at some point.