Handtops, UMPC - Flipstart competition

03/26/07 + rr0123

It's not a clamshell, but the form factor seems to make it more of a competitor to the FP than the UX or 02. And it looks much nicer than the FP.
link

03/26/07 + Kenrick

According to engadget it runs Aero too, on a VIA chip.

edited: Mar 26 2007 + GreatDane

Kenrick said: "According to engadget it runs Aero too, on a VIA chip."

Hi Kenrick,

Not sure I would want to run Aero on it, but it sure is a step up for keyboard based UMPC's from the current batch that are at present only concept designs.

I agree that it is more like competition for the Flipstart than the Sony UX or OQO, but if they bring it out with a CPU faster than the 1.2 GHz one tested, and a decent amount of RAM, it could be giving everyone a go.

I am particularly pleased about this design, even though I doubt it will ever fall into the range of computers I would like to own, as now finally we have a UMPC scheduled for release that can offer the touch type aficionados and the Psion guys an alternative to the thumb keyboards currently available. With the Intel UMPC's due for release in the near future as well, it might just be a good year for UMPC's after all!

Recent Blog: Performance Capped

edited: Mar 26 2007 + Kenrick

I agree, although now that they announced I can initiate the complaints

The 800x480 resolution seems small for a 7" screen, I would have liked 1024x768... the PC Mag article has more info.
link

03/26/07 + GreatDane

Kenrick said: " PC Mag article has more info.
link"

PC Mag, in my not so humble (in this case) opinion should stop writing about UMPC's and Handtops, they are pretty clueless on the subject.

Recent Blog: Performance Capped

03/26/07 + scoobie

Agree screen resolution should be higher on a 7 inch

03/26/07 + ArchiMark

1 GB RAM, so already has the edge over the FlipFlop in my book...not to mention the touchscreen too...

;-)

03/26/07 + LKay

OOF! Will they HURRY UP and get this thing OUT already!? I want one in my pocket NOW!

03/26/07 + scoobie

I'm not sure it will fit in your pocket. Its meant to be the size of 2 DVD cases. Thats quite big

03/26/07 + LKay

I can fit a trade paperback in my pockets, and that's about the same size. I always make sure I have larger pockets, because I use them for everything! LOL.

03/26/07 + LKay

... and if it comes with 3g, I HOPE they hook up with T-Mobile. That would end my need for a separate cell phone.

03/26/07 + Kenrick

Sounds like the machine for you, LKay

In the engadget post they did say "Unfortunately, the full keyboard just had way too many keys packed in to type remotely accurately on." but I'm sure we will hear more about that soon... my other beef is it has the 30GB drive like the Flipstart but maybe it can be replaced. It's also an engineering sample so I'm sure things may change. I love the slide and tilt action.

03/26/07 + Hite

Kenrick said: "According to engadget it runs Aero too, on a VIA chip."

looks like they got ahold of a newer chipset, now theres a potential noncrippled Via-based device. hopefully the OQO will adopt it as well.

03/26/07 + ecsk2

link

edited: Mar 26 2007 + Hite

Kenrick said: "In the engadget post they did say "Unfortunately, the full keyboard just had way too many keys packed in to type remotely accurately on.""

ppppppppppppppppppppppfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff, every mainstream publication has been preaching that same shit for years on any device 10.6" & under. if people would STOP judging a KB after using it for 10seconds in a press room & let themselves get used to it then maybe they would actually understand. i have learned to use these mainstream resources for nothing more than the latest news. i dont listen to their "user impressions" at all. they are completely clueless about anything ultraportable. these are mainly young hipster goofs that lug monster-gaming-hardcore-gfx-dude 17" laptops around all day & say they live a portable lifestyle.

personally i love small laptop KB's.. smaller keys, closer together, shorter depress time vs bigger keys, much further apart, longer depress time. it's the less travel time across the KB & quicker depresses that makes them shine. going back to my desktop KB is a PITA & my hands actually get tired after to long.