- Warner Crocker

I imagine we’re going to see more and more of this kind of testing on the ultra-sub-mini-net-low cost-mobile PCs as they continue to roll out. But for now, jkkmobile is testing out Vista on the Asus 901 Eee PC running an ATom processor. Note that he’s running this on a 30GB drive. As things continue to evolve in this sector this sort of trend will be an interesting one to follow as we continue to wander through the OS murky zone between XP, Vista and whatever Windows 7 will bring. Check out the video.

 

- Rob Bushway

Lenovo has just announced their newest ultra-portable, the X200, which is sporting the new Intel Centrino 2 processor and a whole slew of additional changes. I've been fortunate enough to have used the X200 over the last several days and let me tell you - it flies!!! If this is any indication of the future X200 Tablet PC, I can't wait!

The X200 is a mobile-warrior's dream, sporting a new WXGA screen, integrated camera, 5-1 media card reader, Express Card 54, GPS support via WWAN ready cards, and up to 9 hours of battery life with the 9 cell battery. In addition, they also re-engineered the keyboard, making it the same size as the T series. I can tell a clear difference in typing on the X200 vs the X61 tablet and Dell Latitude XT. Typing is superb and fast on the X200! Lenovo did drop support for 1394 in this new update.

- Truc Bui

There has been a recent push for the small UMPC/ULCPC/MID/Netbook/Mini-whatever-the-catch-phrase-of-the-day-is devices to include some implementation of 3G connectivity. Joining Asus's eee Pc and Fujitsu's U810 (and the others who started life with WWAN), Acer's Aspire One is also getting its own 3G connection. I know that with the Fujitsu U810 as well as the T2010 with WWAN capabilities, users are locked in to AT&T's network. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not as you are not only locked in to a specific carrier with these devices, you are also locked to the device. If the UMPC is the only computer you have with 3G connectivity, it will be the only computer you can access the web with, unless, of course, you have another way of getting wireless data. What would you rather have, a small USB or ExpressCard 3G modem or would you rather each device have its own dedicated modem? I wonder if the integration of WWAN into these supposedly low-cost devices is one of the reasons being given for their seemingly high price. What are your thoughts and comments on these small netbooks having WWAN built-in?

- Truc Bui

Daewoo Lucom's Lukid has entered the UMPC arena with a mini notebook, this time geared towards the education market . Although the Lukid isn't marked for US release, its use of Intel's Classmate platform provides movement within the lower-cost, lower-powered education sector where educational integration of technology is on the rise. The 9" screened device is powered by Intel's 900MHz Celeron processor, 512MB RAM, 30GB HDD and runs XP. The price for these devices runs 549,000 KRW, which based on today's currency conversions, totals roughly $530.

Unfortunately, as Matthew pointed out, roadblocks remain for America's transition in integrating technology into the curriculum. There has been signs of progress, however, as can be seen with the utilization of HP's Mini Note into the Fresno Unified School District's educational plan starting next year. I'm hopeful the release of MSI's Wind at $500 will churn more interest in other school districts to adopt integrated technology.

- Warner Crocker

Not helpful.

Information Week has published a UMPC Buyer’s Guide. Problem is Bill O’Brien, who wrote the article, needs a little more information. First, he falls prey to the astounding market confusion over UMPCs, MIDs, Netbooks, Subnotebooks, Mini-Tablets and the like. He actually tries to invent a new class of devices called “Notebook UMPCs.” That name, unfortunately, makes as much sense as anything else, and I guess no one can blame him. I have difficulty sorting that out myself. Second, he confuses some info on the difference between MIDs and UMPCs and that confusion runs through the article. As an example, when it comes to listing devices for the guide he lists TabletKiosk’s UMPCs, the v7110E and the TufTab v7112XT, in a very short list of MIDs. (Of course that list is short because we still haven’t seem much come to market in the MID line.) Third, as is the case with many, he gets caught up in the keyboard issue as a defining point. He overlooks completely the huge differences in chipsets, storage, and price points.

But Intel, Microsoft, and OEMs should take note of just how poorly they’ve been communicating their message in this murky arena when it comes to this statement:

Because the only real distinction right now seems to be that if they're Windows-based you call them UMPCs, but they're MIDs if they run Linux, they are doing an excellent job of muddying the water.

So are you, Bill. So are you.

- Matthew Dillon

Love them or hate them, netbooks are becoming blazingly popular and promise to become even cheaper than they currently are.  A netbook is typically described as a smaller laptop that offers less performance but small form factor and reasonable price.  They came about largely because of the One Laptop Per Child project which attempted to deliver a $100 USD laptop to children who did not have access to technology.  The term netbook was official introduced by Intel, and there is still some confusion about what to call this popular emerging market.  Subnotebook, Netbook, regardless of what you call them, there are a few companies you'll want to follow.

The only major differences besides screen size and keyboard layout relate to processors.  Most of these subnotebooks are opting for the new Intel Atom Processor that offers solid performance, longer battery life, and lower energy consumption.  In fact, most of the new netbooks lack a fan because they aren't as hot as traditional notebooks.  All good things for people who want to be mobile. 

If you've gotten swept up by the netbook craze, these are a few companies and machines that you'll want to pay attention to:

MSI Wind: The MSI Wind looks to be one of the strongest newcomers to the netbook scene.  Besides a larger 10 inch screen, utilization of the Intel Atom Processor, and cheap $399 price (with linux and 3 cell battery), it features a larger keyboard.  There are also rumored to be a few clones that might simply be rebranded and cheaper versions of the Wind.  I'm excited for the Wind as the 6-cell version offers 5.5 hours of battery life and offers great mobility. Engadget reports that these should be available in 3 to 5 weeks.  Learn more by visiting the MSIWind.net.

 

Everex Cloudbook:  The current Cloudbook came about around the same time as the Asus Eee PC, but didn't find quite the same success.  It relies on the VIA C7-M Processor which performs sluggish compared to the new Intel Atom.  These badboys can be picked up at your local Walmart for $349. I'd expect to see prices dropping as the next version of the Cloudbook will more closely resemble the MSI Wind.  Called the Cloudbook MAX, this netbook is rumored to come with 3G WWAN / WiMAX capabilities.

 

Dell E:  The specs of the upcoming Dell E Series that is designed to compete with the Asus Eee PC aren't completely concrete.  Dell's fan-base and quality for building somewhat solid machines should make it a big player in the netbook arena.  Engadget reports that the Dell E Series will have a starting price of $299-- that's makes us pay attention.

 

Asus Eee PC Series: Most people somewhat familiar with the netbook bandwagon will know the famous little Asus Eee PC 701.  It could be argued that the 701's success has brought all of these newcomers to the fight.  The 701 is a solid machine with good performance despite a tiny 7 inch screen and small keyboard.  Trying to continue their success, Asus has introduced the Eee PC Series that gives more options for consumers.  Perhaps the strongest selling point of the Eee PC is the rich community support that has developed.  There are many mods, tweaks, and hacks to improve your Eeexperience.  Checkout the forums at eeeuser.com for more information.

 

Acer One: The Acer One looks to make a strong running when it is released.  The Acer One should be directly competing with the Dell E and MSI Wind as they have very similar specs.  This little machine has a sleek, bold design similar to the HP Mininote.  The $399 price point also makes it worth considering.

 

Intel Classmate: The Classmate was one of Intel's children and was marketed to schools in competition with the OLPC XO laptop.  While I don't see the current Classmate PC competing directly with these netbooks, you might be able to pick one up for a lower price.  It offers essentially the same options as other netbooks as long as you can get over its 1980's retro look.  CTL currently sells a rebranded "2go PC" Classmate PC with the original Celeron M Processor for $399.

Ultimately, you have to decide which netbook is right for you.  Wikipedia has a great comparison of current netbook devices. This may be a good starting point as you decide how to be more mobile.

Which netbook will you be opting for?  Leave your response in the comments.

 

- Warner Crocker

Yep, you read that right. Elantech has put out a driver that will give Eee PC owners some trackpad multi-touch capability. Elantech is the maker of the trackpad. jkkmobile has a video showing this off.

 

- Sierra Modro

HP announced today a large scale deployment of the HP 2133 Mini-Note to the Fresno (Calif) United School District. The 7,000 Mini-Notes are going to kids in K-12.

“The HP Mini-Note is a powerful laptop that is small enough to fit on students’ desks along with their textbooks and papers, allowing them access to the Internet and educational content from around the world without leaving their seats,” said Kurt Madden, chief technology officer, Fresno United School District.

That's a huge commitment that the school system is making to getting excellent PCs into the hands of (probably all) its students. As important as it is to get the technology to the kids, it is equally important to help the teachers understand how to effectively use the technology in their classes.

HP also announced the HP Professional Development Program to assist in providing training to teachers on using technology in the classroom. This is in addition to their existing program, The Teacher Experience Exchange, a joint HP and Microsoft project that provides free resources to teachers through a community environment.

I'm impressed with HP for these commitments to providing both the technology and training to K-12 students and their instructors.

Read the Press Release

- Rob Bushway

OQO is known as the king of ultra-portability with their Model 02 Tablet PC. It is pocketable, wearable, inkable, thumbable, dockable, and ultra-small.

What can OQO do to improve their products? What are they doing right and where are they falling below expectations? Are there clear open opportunities that OQO should take advantage of? How is their customer service and product quality standing up? If you are not a OQO customer, what could they do to make you a customer?

My opinions: OQO should take a clear lead in the 8.9" market left open by Motion Computing, and develop what we are all asking for: active digitizer support in the ultra-portable space. If there is a company poised to do it well, it would be OQO.

As far as their current model: give us capactive touch, front / back webcams, SD support, increased RAM support, and continue balancing performance with battery life.

- Rob Bushway

JkkMobile has the specs on a new Netbook convertible from Aware, priced at $300:

 

7 inch 800 x 480 touch screen
Aday5G-800 MHz X86 with 512RAM
4GB NAND FLASH
Wifi, Bluetooth and optional 3G/GPS
Webcam
USB x 2
Ethernet
VGA out
MMC/SD
4 hour battery life with 7.4V 3400mAh battery
225 mm x 165 mm x 40 mm, 870g
LINOS 2.6.21

- Warner Crocker

Asus created such a sensation with the Eee PC that it totally disrupted the mobile computing market. Now, Asus seems to have both the wherewithal and the desire to turn the early success into a ubiquitous range of devices to fit every need and apparently every hand size. The tiny keyboards on the early Eee models (and other ultra-mini-sub-net low cost portables) aren't for everyone, and Asus has announced that they will be adding larger keyboards to two different models in their 900 range. The 904 and the 905 will run Atom processors and offer larger keyboards. According to DigiTimes this is going to replace the 901, which if I'm remembering correctly just launched recently.

This market seems to change almost overnight, and I'm not so sure playing "up the keyboard size" is a good thing for it in the long run.

- Warner Crocker

As we look at the immediate future of mobile devices, Ink is still very much a second class citizen. The ultra-sub-mini-net low cost notebook pond is so full of contenders swimming around in the shallow end, you need a Baywatch-sized cast of lifeguards to sort them out. Running along side that pool and parallel with that development is a move towards touch and multi-touch (Windows 7). But touch and multi-touch haven’t dipped their toes into the shallow end of the pool with all those ULCPCs yet. Forget the shallow end. I want to leap off the high dive and do some serious swimming around with the adults using a device that let’s me get some real work done.  For me, and I’m sure for others, that means note taking in Ink. Ink is getting left behind, which is still puzzling to me, given how many folks have to take notes in their daily chores.

I’ve been using an evaluation unit of Motion’s F5 Tablet PC quite a bit lately. I really enjoy the mobility of that device and the Inking works very well, although I wish it had the Inking enhancements of Vista. I even enjoy the handle. Running EverNote on that device gives me the ability to Ink away in rehearsals or meetings and have that information back at my desk or at home, or anywhere that I can connect up for that matter. But I don’t need all the bells and whistles (or the price tag) of the Motion F5. As I watch how things are evolving these days, and enjoy the note taking I do on the Motion F5, it leads me to want a device that incorporates Inking but with the parameters that seem to govern the rise of the netbooks.

Here’s what I think would work well:

• An 8 to 10 inch Slate form factor
• Some sort of minimal OS that allows access to the Internet, but also allows for a similar Inking experience to what we have in Vista
• WiFi, BlueTooth, and 3G
• Instant On
• Works well with Windows Live Mesh or another file syncing option
• A price point between $600 and $900

Here’s what I think is completely unnecessary for this kind of device:

• A keyboard
• An optical drive
• Multiple ports
• Complicated and overhead heavy media playback features

Yeah, I know. I’m dreaming, but follow along here.  My needs are actually pretty simple. I want to be able to take notes in Ink, have them sync to a more powerful desktop or Tablet PC automatically. I’ll use the Internet or Cloud for other rudimentary chores (email, document creation and review) I might need to do while I’m using this device. With the exception of enough power to run an active or capacitive digitizer, I don’t need to have a lot of power on this device. I certainly wouldn’t need lots of storage, or too many of the other bells and whistles we get on Tablet PCs these days. They are nice, but for this device I don’t see them as necessary. I want this to be a low cost Netbook with Inking. I know that flies in the face of marketing considerations that are governing the market today, but I think there are quite a few note takers who would gladly take advantage of this kind of device.

Here is range of my other thoughts on this.

File Syncing

The advent of some excellent file syncing options, and the potential for Windows Live Mesh, and Apple’s MobileMe, have led me to believe that I don’t need a full featured PC when I’m taking notes. I believe I can rely on that kind of Cloud communication, (when I have connectivity) to do my work. But the key is sliming everything down. Heck, a device that could run EverNote successfully might be all that we need, so maybe if the EverNote folks come up with a Linux based option that allows Ink, we’d be all set.

Silverlight

Maybe we’ll have a shot at something like this once Microsoft takes the wraps off of Silverlight. Some talk as if that’s the real future because of its potential for low overhead. We certainly haven’t seen enough yet to know whether it will be or not. I certainly hope that, in combination with Live Mesh, it might provide an opportunity for an Ink Enabled Notebook, but then that would require some OEMs to get on board as well. Adobe Air and Microsoft’s Silverlight are going to be in competition in this low overhead space, and both are aimed at the increasing number of users who have multiple devices using multiple platforms. Here’s hoping one of them won’t leave Inkers high and dry.

Apple’s Role

Apple’s iPhone/iPod Touch line has proven that you can get a lot done on a small handheld device. I believe it is about to prove you can do even more here shortly with the roll out of iPhone 2.0 and MobileMe. The only thing missing is a larger screen and Inking. Maybe that’s all that the long rumored Apple Tablet needs to be. Expand the iPhone size a bit, add credible Inking, and go.

Get Rid of the DRM Overhead

From an OS standpoint, I certainly don’t need the overhead that the various DRM schemes force Microsoft and Apple to employ so they can bring the latest and greatest in media to small devices. Would I give up some media playback possibilities on this dream device? Again, I’m hoping that’s what Silverlight or Adobe Air’s low impact solutions offer us. So, if they do, great. But then let’s craft an OS that doesn’t carry this legacy DRM code around.

Quite honestly, I don’t care who comes up with an Ink Enabled Netbook first. It could be a Linux based system, come from Microsoft, or come from Apple. Maybe Asus will get smart and realize that they came very close to a good Inking solution  with the R2H UMPC, although it was encumbered with so many other problems. When I look at the early starts on what we’ve got going at the moment, I see great potential. So, somebody take some notes and get cracking on this.

 

 

 

- Warner Crocker

Looks like the MSI Wind has finally gotten in line for FCC approval here in the States. (Thanks to jkkmobile for the link, where you can find lots of pictures.)

But at the same time, we’re seeing reports of another delay in shipping (this time to July 7) due to a continuing battery shortage that we reported on earlier. Let’s hope this isn’t too much of a bumpy ride.

 

- Rob Bushway

I'll share more details later, but the biggest takeaway for mobile users is Shrike ( PUMA's successor) and Hybrid CrossfireX. Hybrid CrossfireX is discrete graphics and integrated graphics on the same mobile computer, and turns discrete off when going to battery: great graphics capabilities when plugged in, battery savings when mobile. I've very excited about Hybrid Crossfire and the potential for mobile users.

Shrike is the successor to PUMA: GPU, CPU, and south bridge on one chip, now called an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU). Coming 2nd half of 2009, aiming for 17" gaming machines to 8" ultra-portables. Shrike will finally bring AMD to the ultra-portable space. Shrike is a great opportunity for AMD by fusing it all on to one piece of silicon.

Turion X2 Ultra to be available on OEM units in the next couple of months.

 

 

- Rob Bushway

IDG is reporting that Panasonic showed off its' new mini-tablet this past week and plans to launch it this coming Wednesday. I can't wait to see what this will look like and run it through a review:

The machine is based on Intel's Centrino Atom
platform and prototype versions have a touch-sensitive 5.6-inch screen
under which is a compact QWERTY keyboard that's been split in half with
a number pad filling up the center. The letter keys were divided to
make them all within reach of the user's thumbs so its possible to hold
the machine and type.

Update: here is a picture courtesy of Akihabaranews.com. That keyboard looks like it would be quite challenging. Thanks for the link, jkkmobile!

- Warner Crocker

Om Malik has been checking out the new class of ultra-net-mini-sub-low cost portables, most specifically the HP 2133 Mini-Note and thinks that they are a “genetic experiment gone wrong.”  He sees some pluses but mostly he sees minuses and he lists a spate of features that he feels should qualify a device in this category.

1. Instant On
2. Doesn’t generate too much heat.
3. Minimum 5 hours of battery life.
4. Must feature at least four communications options: WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth & Wireless Wide Area Network connection to, say, an EVDO or HSPA Network.
5. Less than three pounds (Batteries included).
6. Screen size of 3.5 to 8 inches (wide-screen proportioned)
7. The primary function of the computer should be cloud-based activities that can include everything from listening to live music, reading blogs and watching videos. Writing research reports or cranking out spreadsheets isn’t the primary purpose of these machines.
8. It should cost no more than $300. This isn’t a computer; it’s a communications device. It should really be an on-the-go device. It is a device for the moments when your cellphone isn’t enough, and laptop is too much. An iPhone should qualify.
9. Its innards, ports should be geared for Internet-based activities — from making calls on Skype to consuming RSS feeds — though it should be able to handle external peripherals.
10. In the future it should move away from the keyboard and have a touchscreen interface that allows one to sift through large amounts of data (or web pages) quickly, as cramped keyboards and touchpads can be hard to use.

I can’t say that Om is far off and his list of specs make sense, especially when it comes to price. I think we’re a ways off from seeing that consistently, although a few are trying to make that happen. The most interesting spec he lists though is number 10. It makes Om’s ideal device sound very much like a UMPC.  It raises the long term question about how this class of devices is going to play with Windows 7 and its multi-touch environment. Will they stay away from touch screens and stick with Linux and the Windows XP environment (as long as they are able to) or are we going to see development that actually puts touch screens on these devices in the future? I’m not holding my breath for the answer to that question, and if nothing else, the rise of the ultra-net-mini-sub low cost portable class has proven that the market won’t either.

- Warner Crocker

Jenn at Pocketables is running a contest to give away an MSI Wind. She’s starting up the Pocketables Forum to compliment her already excellent blog and to get in on the contest all you need to is register and participate in the forums. Here’s a link to the guidelines. The contest runs through July 1.

And in the category of “it is a good day when you learn something new” Jenn tells us that Wind is an acronym for Wi-Fi Network Device.

 

- Warner Crocker

Laptop Mag has been on a tear with reviews of some of the new ultra-sub-mini-net-low cost portables. They’ve posted a review (first I’ve seen) of the Asus Eee 1000H PC by Joanna Stern that begins with a great analogy to Russian nesting dolls. Anyone who can work a reference to matryoshkas into a tech review is on to something in my book.

But on to the review. Joanna covers the device ranging from the viewing angles, to the improved sound, and the other features in Asus’ latest, including screen resolution switching and the Super Hybrid Engine Switcher. That Super Hybrid Engine Switcher is activated by a button that allows you to overclock from 1.2GHz through 1.6GHz to 1.8GHz.

Well worth a read if you’re interested in this device, or even this range of devices.

- Warner Crocker

OK, we can’t count. Or I should say Matt can’t count. This is GBM Podcast #53 but we kept referring to it as number 52 in the show. So, if you get confused, blame Matt. After all the younger guys are supposed to keep up with this kinda thing, sparing us old geezers with ancient brain cells a little work.

Regardless of our lack of counting ability, we cover a lot of territory in GBM Podcast #53, including some interesting info on how Matt’s GIS work has come into play with the recent flooding in the Midwest. We also talk about Fujitsu’s new T5010 Tablet PC, HTC’s shifting plans and Origami Experience 2.0 among other topics. Give it a listen.

• Download Podcast #53 here ( 40.27 minutes, 37.04 mb )
• Virginia Tech Leaks Info on the Fujitsu T5010 Tablet PC
• HTC’s Shifting Mobile Gears
• jkkmobile’s video review of Origami Experience 2.0 
• Dell buys a vowel and gets into the Eee chase
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All GottaBeMobile.com InkShows and Podcasts are sponsored by TechSmith.

 

- Warner Crocker

Looks like the MSI Wind is experiencing some delays. From what I’m reading we’re talking about a new shipping date is June 27. What is also intriguing here is that MSI seems to have some problems getting enough 6 cell batteries and until supply opens up are going to be shipping 3 cell batteries. MSI will be dropping the price to $479 because of the battery switch, but that will obviously drop the battery life.

I’m wondering if we’ll see battery shortages with other ultra-sub-net-mini-net-low cost-portable notebooks? Let’s hope this is just an anomaly.

 

Via MobileWhack.com