Hugo--this "I am going away" things seems a little mysterious and ominous---going away as in leaving GBM? Leaving tablets and umpc blogging? Or just going on one of your many trips? Those more distant fans who don't have the scoop---we worry you know!

Hi Hugo,

I can't wait to hear your first thoughts on the U1010. Please let us know how the inking compares to the Fujitsu 1610P. Are there vectoring issues? How slow is Vista with 800mhz?

Your Inkshow on the TabletKiosk i440D made me want a duo touch/active digitizer but it's somewhat expensive, doesn't have a keyboard and well rather big with its 12.1" screen but still very tempting. The OQO is attractive as an active digitizer but too small and I'd really miss the touchscreen. So hard to decide on just one. I wish I had your stable of UMPCs to play with. :)

What design do you feel more efficient, the one in the U1010 or the one in your OQO 02?

Looks very cool compared to the oqo but this comment concerns me "not too sure about the execution" - what's this - speed? or Touchscreen problems?

How does this processor compare to Sony UX's ?

not sure if your model includes the webcam, but can you test Skype performance of videoconferencing?

Hi Hugo,

I'm stuck deciding between the U1010 and Samsung Q1U-V due to battery life and screen readability -- can you test "real life" battery as well as using MS Reader (or Adobe Acrobat)?

Can the U1010 still be used with the screen closed (non tablet)?

:-D

With a keyboard that size on the U1010, I'm assuming you're not able to type normally, but instead, you probably have to type like a 70 year old reporter with an old typewriter (with your index fingers). I'm interested to find out, because if you have a device that has a keyboard, but it's not practical, what good is it?

Well with a computer this size, one of the things I would like to use it for are as a pda replacement, and a portable multimedia player. I heard that the samsung umpc that uses the same chipset struggles to play video clips. I'm hoping for something that can play movies back at standard dvd quality, meaning I'm not really concerned about playing HD quality videos. I also heard that the OQO 2 struggles to play videos unless you use specific software, what has your experiences been with this? Also, I'm considering the Sony UX, how do you feel about that unit?

Hi Hugo,

I'm trying to decide between the U101 and the Everun, and it'd be great if you can compare their speed and power comsumption running programs like Powerpoint! Thanks

@Jim:

Hi Jim,

Thank you star! It's nice to know that I am wanted - no big announcements here mate! Here to stay! (I just need a holiday. LOL.)

@Veronica:

Hi veronica,

I will disclose more on my InkShow - thank you for your comment. The irony about your comment is that even I am subject to the same stresses. recently I had to choose which device I am travelling with and it was a nightmare. Ultimatly I settled on the Toshba R400. (More on that another day)

@Ctitanic:

Hola Frank!

I will disclose more shortly (via an InkShow) but at this stage I find it hard to be as enamored with the Fujitsu U1010 as the OQO model 02. That is a hard statemen for me to make as I really do love the Fujitsu products. I will explain more soon.

@Scoobie:

Well spotted Scoobie. I will disclose more on my InkShow but at this stage I am afraid the U101 borders too much on FUN ad not so much on FUNction. More soon!

@Sam:

Hi Sam,

regrettably the Sony UX is not, and has never been, on my radar. I have not had in my hands long enough to answer your query and I apologize for that. Watch the InkShow next week and it may be enough info for you. Thanks.

@Citivolus

Hi Citivolus. This is a great idea. I will make sure I do this on the InkShow. Thanks for the comment.

@Jammer:

Hi Jammer,

Can you clarify what you mean by: "Can the U1010 still be used with the screen closed (non tablet)?"

As far as battery goes I will tell you know - the Q1U is way better by about 45 minutes minimum. (When using std battery on both.)

@Big D:

Hi Bid D,

This is the ebst description of the U1010 keybaord I have heard! (oops, watfor the InkShow!!!) LOL.

@Miguel:

Hi Miguel,

With the Samsung Q1U-V I a having a good time. The trick is RAM and codec. It seems as though (and not surprisingly) the preferred codec is WMV, and the best RAM is the maximum 2GB! I had a call from one guy today telling me that after he switched t WMV and upgraded the RAM that the Q1U rocks.

WRT the U1010 there is not 2GB upgrade as it uses the same mini DIMMs as the P1610. these are costly and there is still no 2GB versions. I will test video and let you know.

WRT the Sony I have to say (as I did above) it is not on my radar at all and therefore I do not know the exact answer. happy to get the input of anyone reading that has the answer.

@Jim:

Hi Jim,.

The EVERUN is coming back to me on Monday and I will shoot my video then. I will install Office 2007 on both and let you know what happens - via the InkShow. (I can tell this InkShow will be popular!!!



THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND THOUGHTS. KEEP EM' COMIN'
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Big D - I have seen videos of people typing relatively fast on the U1010. Remember everything is relative, you can't put a full size keyboard on a small device, but its gotta be better than a thumbpad which hurts your fingers after much use (As an OQO 02 owner I find this)

First of all, when it comes to typing, under most circumstances I would choose a keyboard (even if it's crammed), than a thumb pad. But looking at the U1010 I couldn't help but picture the 70 year old reporter slouched over in a smooky room with a cigarrete barely hanging on to his lips, and those skinny glasses barely hanging on to his nose, hacking away at the typewriter with both index fingers...

And when it comes to playing multimedia on UMPCs, assumig you're saving the files onto the internal memory, the ideal would be to watch movies at full DVD quality (the screens might be too small to appreciate full HD). However, it might not be wise since it will eat up too much memory. I also use my UMPC as a portable multimedia player, and my first purchase in this sector was to replace my Archos 700 which was stolen in my last trip to Paris. Actually, to be fair, I forgot it in the taxi, and it was quickly evident that hunting down a taxi in Paris is not the easiest thing. Anyway, I'm getting away from my point. The compression on any Archos device is just about right. It's not crystal clear, but it doesn't take up a whole lot of memory either. I had been struggling to find a piece of software that would help me realize this healthy compromise in my UMPCs, And I was fortunate enough to find it. However, it wasn't a piece of software, but a piece of hardware that helped me realize my goal. Check out the ADS DVDXPRESS DX2 (or equivalent, because I think they came up with a newer model) and this little box is a miracle! You can record from absolutely any source and convert the file to any type available today (MPEG, AVI, WMV, iPod, PSP, etc). You can even record DVD rentals! ***gulp*** Not that I do, or condone that type of thing... Anyway, you have complete control over the settings of your video recording and it uses absolutely no RAM from your computer! It's arguably one of the best purchases I've ever made. Now I carry with me at all times the last few chapters of Entourage, sporting events and brand new movie releases at all times. Too bad I never have time to watch them all. LOL Hope this helps.

Big D

Sam and Miguel,

In response to your inquiries about the Sony UX, it is equally as capable (if not more) than any other device in the market. That's right, even if we include the ubiquitous OQO 02. (say that a fews times in arrow...) I own an UX380n running Vista Business and I absolutely love it. Multimedia is flawless (assuming you read my earlier post), and I use it to work away from the office all the time. I activated the WWAN feature and I have instant internet wherever I go. I cannot even begin to tell you how liberating that is. My only complaint to Sony is that you will definitely have to buy the extended battery if your're planning on watching more than one movie at a time, and it's expensive! In addition, it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to ergonomics. What I usually do is run the internal battery first and I only use the extended battery when absolutely necessary. And by the way, just in case you decide to buy it and activate the WWAN feature, one last piece of advice: Ditch the 64K SIM card that comes with the computer and switch it at any Cingular store for the much quicker 3G card. Depending on your location and signal, you can hit decent speeds.

Big D

Hi Scoobie,

When it comes to Big D's comment about the keyboard I hate to admit but I agree. In using the U1010 I think the only poeple happy are "small ones." I am tall and my fingers long and I find it awkward. Not to say that it is useless - it actually has a really nice feel. the keys have a lot of bounce and the definition between each key is enough to consider touch typing a possibility. On my OQO 02 (again I hate to admit this to you) I actually really love using my thumbs. It is the fastest means to quickly reply to something. There is a lot to be said about using ones thumbs to typing, while in a bus, train or walking. I cannot see myself doing the smae on the U1010.

I will post a video with my thoughts soon. Thanks for the great comment.

Hi Big D,
Great se of comments mate. Sorry to hear about your trip t Paris - although if I read correctly it sounds like it was a "user problem." :-)

Thank you for contributing to the UX questions. I am the first to admit that I have not followed that device with passion so even I found you response interesting.

WRT media I really like your recommendation too, i.e. "ADS DVDXPRESS DX2". Now I have to hunt the unit down in Oz!

Hugo - I have small hands thats why I think the Fujitsu keyboard will be fine for me.

I agree with you that for typing on the go the Oqo 02 is an ideal form factor. The oqo is the best umpc thumbpad keyboard I think and how the sony UX should have been. Somehow I doubt people will use the fuji in thumbpad mode despite fuji saying its a way to use it.

I have a new topic request for your review please - Fan noise and Heat - how is the Fuji compared to the Oqo? The Oqo fan noise is bad I find (it just kicked in right now and its noisy) , and it heats up pretty quick (45mins).

Hi again,

Thanks for responding so quickly :-) . What I meant was using the U1010 as a closed device for music playing -- obviously to squeeze out more battery life with the screen off. Or to even use the device with the docking station and normal computer screen/keyboard/mouse? I take it that the 45 minutes extra on the Q1U-V is on top of baseline for both of 2.5 hours?

The U1010's tiny keyboard is the main reason why I ended up getting the new Kohjinsha SH6 instead...

I can actually touch-type pretty well on it....the added benefit to this choice is the larger display (7" vs 5.6") that you get when you have a larger keyboard....

;-)

Was reading all the questions n comments of the different UMPC. So I decided to share my experience.

I had a Sony UX and its really cool, the specification is good for a UMPC. But after 6months I sold it for two main reason. Holding it while u work on it is heavy and it became worst when u need to type n hold it. As u see, the only shift button is on the left so holding the UX and holding down shift and try to type capital Y, its a stretch.

N yesterday I got my U1010, for me, the keyboard is nice to type on though only a few fingers are working on it. Super light to hold it, but battery life is bad so the weight allows u to carry the small light charger everywhere u go.
I am happy with it until now (I am typing this comment with it white on d bed).

I have b4 purchase U1010 looked at Kohjinsha SH series, its a good 7inch n the mouse pad is conventionally placed near to the user. But the keypad is hard to type on compare to both UX n U1010. So its a turn off for me.

Lastly, when u want to purchase a UMPC, must know not to expect it to work as a multimedia equivalent of a notebook or desktop. I think it can be use for simple task like browsing the net, do short simple office documents n reading email while on the road. Or like me use it in the room, surf the net n chat with friends on msn.

between SH6 and U1010, I guess the choice is between wanting something really small/light (U1010), and something that is small/light enough (SH6)

Sony UX (i owned a second hand UX27 before) is out of my consideration, due to ridiculously HIGH price, not-so-easy-to-type pad (sunken keys), and the adapter is so huge, all your mobile benefits wiped out by the need to carry a huge charging adapter...