Handtops, UMPC - My current Handtop ranking

02/12/08 + rr0123

These are just of ones I own. I use them mostly just for fun, such as surfing while traveling, occasionally opening office documents, and looking at pics or video.

If price not a consideration:

1. OQO 02
2. Flipstart
3. UX
4. U101
5. U810

If price a consideration:

1. Flipstart
2. 02
3. UX
4. U101
5. U810

The 02 wins over the flipstart because it even though it's not much smaller than the FP, when you're talking about things that compact already, it makes a difference. Just because of its weight and size, I would take it more places than the Flipstart. And the keyboard makes it easier to use on the go, like at an airport. I do wish they would resolve the blacks issue, the screen just can't handle black backgrounds, which seems to me like a software issue.

The U101 wins over the U810 because I have been very unimpressed with the U810's power, and it's smaller size compared to the U101 isn't enough. Amazing that a machine as old as the U101 would still outperform so many modern day handtops. It can play full DVD VOB files without hiccup.

I am still struck by the overall value of the Flipstart at $699. I am surprised it didn't sell out right away. I may end up getting another, but I figure if it hasn't sold out at $699, maybe it will drop in price again......

02/13/08 + ArchiMark

Interesting thoughts, rr0123....agree with most of your comments...

Also, interesting as I've had 4 out 5 of your choices...all except FS... ;-)

Currently, happily using the U810.... ;-)

Prior was OQO E2 and prior to that was SH6 and then prior was UX90S and way prior was U101....

;-)

edited: Feb 13 2008 + scoobie

I wonder if the list will be the same at the end of the year? At the moment I can't think of any handtops that are coming that might make it to the list. Maybe the LG handtop perhaps (though that really is an OQO in disguise)

02/18/08 + KidDoc

I have both a UX (380)N and a U810 on my desk right now. I generally use the UX as a desktop replacement, and the 810 as a walking-around-in-clinic-and-on-the-hospital-floors computer. I had an OQO model 1 as my first handtop, but found it totally underpowered. These two work well, for their purposes.

Does anyone else think that these handtops are an addicition? Look at ee0123. He's had at least 5 of them, for little purpose other than playing!

KidDoc

edited: Feb 19 2008 + elsewhere

Hm....

I have not used a U810 or UX, so can't really fairly rank them, but I would list-

1. Zaurus

2. FlipStart
3. U810
4. OLPC
5. UX

Zaurus is.... underpowered, old, and poorly supported.
Only runs Linux, and on a non-x86 platform.
Its form factor rules! Its light, and solid-state. (no moving parts)
Keyboard is small, but really not worse than FS'.
Its standard battery lasts longer than any others of the above.

Until my FS comes back from repairs....
The 3-year-old Zaurus will probably keep sitting on top.
Probably FS moves back into first place, when I can start using it again...

OLPC XO-1 isn't really a handtop, but its light enough to
(securely) hold in one hand, and thumb-type with the other.

Full-sized (mushy, gummy) keyboard, 1200x900 screen.

U810 is too bulky for me... but if I can find a way to fit one
pocket-side, would probably be higher-ranked.

UX keyboard and lack of flip-top screen protection are still
negatives for me; though its hardware otherwise seems most promising.

02/19/08 + rr0123

I think with the success of the EEE, we're getting a lot closer to a more fully functional linux-based UMPC that is sized somewhere between the Nokia N series and the OQO 02. Sort of like an updated Zaurus. The form factor is already out there all over the place in those handheld dictionaries that seem so popular in Asian countries. I can't wait!!

02/22/08 + pierro78

which one is the best for thumboarding : u810 or flipstart ?

02/22/08 + mhoepfin

pierro78 - I understand the keyboard in general for the u810 is hard to use because each key perform three functions. The FS on the other hand, has a relatively well laid out keyboard that makes thumboarding enjoyable, for me at least.

That said, I don't have a u810 so I can't comment specifically.

02/22/08 + elsewhere

mhoepfin said: "The FS on the other hand, has a relatively well laid out keyboard that makes thumboarding enjoyable, for me at least.
."

I can type *faster* on the FS, but the Zaurus' keyboard just feels more comfortable (though smaller).
Having seen pictures of a U810, I have long thought that its keyboard would have a better feel,
but when I got to briefly play with one in person I was not nearly so happy.
(Sorry, purely subjective, and I didn't have long enough to give a real review)

A major complaint about the FS keyboard from some people... is that the board itself is
"too big" for thumb typing. I find it a little bit of a stretch, but not terribly so.
I think I would have liked it better if the keys were larger (shaped like U810 keys)
in the same space, but then I'd be 4-finger touch-typing, not thumb-boarding.

The FS layout overall is good. Better than OQO, UX, (possibly U810).
Your own hand-geometry may have a significant impact.

* If you have long fingers with medium-large fingertips, you should have no problem.
* Long, skinny fingers/fingertips- still ok. [like me]

* Short, fat fingers- it will slow you down, but not so bad as OQO/UX/U810
* Short, skinny fingers- sorry. You may find the kb is "too big", which will also seem absurd

02/22/08 + rr0123

pierro78 said: "which one is the best for thumboarding : u810 or flipstart ?"

Flipstart.

02/22/08 + rr0123

KidDoc said: "Does anyone else think that these handtops are an addicition? Look at ee0123. He's had at least 5 of them, for little purpose other than playing!"

Hehe, I haven't been able to part with any of them yet. I almost gave the U101 to my brother, but I just couldn't do it. I still find it handy. It's the smallest handtop with two integrated usb 2.0 ports capable of powering most usb devices.