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.

02/10/08 + snowviper

Is it possible to upgrade the flipstart memory ? The only downside of FS is just the memory (I use photoshop + illustrator often).

02/10/08 + neatgear

Memory upgrade is not possible. I use Paint .Net and 512 MB is just fine.

When the price dropped to $700, I purchased 3 more. I have owned the OQO 1 and 2, UX280P, Nokia, n810, Asus EEE, and the Flipstart. The Flipstart is the best value for $700 period.

For $700, you get Sprint modem, Vista Business, Small computer, case, docking port, etc.

02/11/08 + ozone

So, I take it from the comments that the FlipStart with Vista Business is fine? How quickly does it start up? I would have thought XP would have made a significant difference.

Also, can you output a VGA signal from the FlipStart itself, or do you need the dock to do so? (As in a presentation with a projector, as opposed to an external monitor.)

02/11/08 + kamodt

You do need to use the port replicator to connect to a projector. The device has a full USB connector but VGA is only on the PR.

Recent Blog: Some choices

02/12/08 + Toughle

My flipstart was delivered 4 days ago, and I have used it almost all the time since. My trips to the bathroom have gotten considerably more frequent, longer and more enjoyable :-) I also have trouble going to sleep since it is such a great companion in bed (web, ebooks, movies etc. Im not that into porn). Being the MacGyver type I had to open it up almost right away to see what upgrades might be possible, and I have already switched out the Sprint datacard with a card that works with my mobile provider. I am happy to report that it appears to follow standards for SIM-slot as well as express interface as my card (option icon 7200 usb, gutted for the expresscard inside) was recognised and installed without problems with software from my provider. My next project will probably be to swap the HD to SSD if I can find a reasonably priced unit. Unfortunately there is no room inside the case for further hardware as just about every cubic millimeter is occupied. I was hoping to find space for a tiny usb flash unit to use for swapfile to increase performance and reduce power draw, heat and noise from the HD, and preserve the SSD when I get it. As you understand I am really happy with my device.

02/12/08 + tknguyen

You could solder a usb flash (Sony tiny micro vault) to the non-standard usb port under the Flipstart sliding door on top of the computer. When you swap the HD with a SSD could you please see if the Flipstart can resume from standby. Thanks.

Recent Blog: Extra USB port for Flipstart

02/12/08 + ozone

Okay... so I need to haul the dock along to make a presentation (unless, I suppose I get one of those USB-to-VGA convertors). How much does the dock weigh? Is it bulky?

Also, any comments on XP versus Vista Business speed/startup/performance on the FlipStart? I've only seen some scattered comments around various forums.

Thanks!

02/12/08 + mhoepfin

The dock is small.

I'm running Vista Business and it's as speedy (if not more so) than XP runs on my OQO 02. I think there's a post that has some speed comparisons. If you are worried about performance on the FS, it probably shouldn't be a concern.

I'm going on 2 weeks with the FS now, and I still really like it. It gets a little warm, that's my only complaint. Keyboard, screen, and thoughts toward ergonics are excellent. Weight and size have not been a concern so far.

Mike

02/12/08 + mhoepfin

Oh, and it comes out of standby in just a couple seconds. Also, I've noticed it seems to connects to the wifi network faster than the 02 does.

02/12/08 + ozone

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback. I have Vista Business on a tablet, and the thing that irritates me is that it seems to have difficulty connecting to wireless networks - very random. I suspect it's a security setting somewhere.

02/12/08 + Orgwon

FlipStart with XP Pro has a faster boot time and better benchmark performance numbers then FlipStart running Vista. However; Graphics performance numbers are little better on Vista compared to FlipStart running XP. What is kinda wierd is the graphics driver used on Vista are the original XP drivers, Vista must manage the memory segmented for graphics better then XP.

02/12/08 + mhoepfin

I should note that I am not a gamer and have not tried any games on the FS. My primary usage is java development, web browsing, web-based email and instant messaging.

02/12/08 + diJenerate

Toughle said: "...and I have already switched out the Sprint datacard with a card that works with my mobile provider. I am happy to report that it appears to follow standards for SIM-slot as well as express interface as my card (option icon 7200 usb, gutted for the expresscard inside) was recognised and installed without problems with software from my provider..."

Nice work

I have two request if you don't mind...

1. Could you post a link for this card and if possible pics of the inside of the FS where you swapped out the card? I assume this is a GSM card.

2. Have you opened the top half as yet? If so can you post pics? I'm curious about the LID and how I might get that to work in linux for simple things like wireless control (wifi, bluetooth and WWAN), multimedia playback, email (via mozilla thunderbird) and support for extfs3.

diJenerate

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

02/12/08 + snowviper

diJenerate: someone post the FCC pic link

It have the dino board and WWAN board.

I wish they show the processor and the memory module. (If someone have the pic of Processor and memory could you please post it)

Thank you much =)

02/12/08 + kamodt

Just to note, I have played several 3D PC games on my FS without significant problems and I know people who've played WoW with the device connected to a 42" plasma. The device uses Intel's graphics, so it won't play some of the most recent games but there shouldn't be any problem running others.

Recent Blog: Some choices