P1610 vs. Flybook V5

[johnmcd]

Hi all,

This is my first post to the GBM forums. I've been a tablet user for a few years (HP TC1100), and I'm looking to replace my unit with something newer and more mobile. I was almost all set to buy the P1610, but then Dialogue came out with the Flybook V5. Here's my take on the two:

Common factors:
---------------------
Similar form factor (size/weight/screen size)
Fingerprint reader
Similar price (for maxed-out config)
6-cell battery available (optional)
Passive touch screen

P1610: Advantages
-------------------------
Outdoor-readable screen
Docking cradle (I'm in and out of my office frequently)
Well-known international vendor for support (I travel internationally a lot)

P1610: Disadvantages
-----------------------------
Slower CPU
Less max memory
Minimally Vista-capable

Flybook V5: Advantages
------------------------------
Integrated HSPDA (I currently use a Cingular PC Card)
Fast CPU (Intel Core Duo 1.06GHz)
Gigabit Ethernet
TV/Video output
Max of 2GB memory
Newer ExpressCard/54 slot

Flybook V5: Disadvantages
----------------------------------
Small company (International support issues?)
Non-standard screen resolution (1280 x 600)
Awkard pointer/button set-up
Small disk (40GB, but easy access to upgrade)
No hands-on reviews available
Slightly heavier (approx. .5 lbs)

It seems to me that the Flybook V5 is basically a moderately upgraded P1610. It will be available from Dynamism at the end of April.

Am I missing anything?

Thanx.

John

[Matt Faulkner]

Did you see our, inkshow?

http://www.gottabemobile.com/CESRepo...PCInkShow.aspx

the button placement makes sense after you see it in person.

[doggie]

If I go with the more expensive bent, rather than with a umpc--I face the same choice.

It seems the flybook wins out on the plus/minus figuring if you see what Matt means on pointer/button and like that UMPC-style way of operating the machine.Then you consider that the only reason we have no hands on reviews is that there are no units available yet (as least that is my impression). Also dynamism provide tech support and repair support if you buy flybook from them. Three minuses might be eliminated then to some extentand flybook wins. (And I love fujitsu, having the most reliable tablet I have owned from them).

Anyways that really is my assessment for myself.

My trouble is deciding between an "all out" purchase of flybook pending good reviews or go more companion device style with a umpc (leading contenders also pending--Amtek 770, Q1 Ultra, and TK Tuf Tab.)

[chippy]

I couldn't resist commenting on this.
The V5 and P1610 comparison is going to be a really difficult one.

On the mouse button positioning, I have to say that it really does make sense after you've used it. Don't worry about that on the V5.

The keyboard on the V5 is also slighly better. When compared side by side with the 1610 in March, the V5 clearly had the better keyboard.

In Europe the support issues should be no problem. There isa big numberof resellers here. U.S. is obviously different.

The V5 is definately the coolest of the two devices!

Screen on V5 is not LED backlit. P1610 is better.

I would personally go for the V5 if I was in the market for such a device.

Side-by-side specification comparison link

Steve

[doggie]

I have to wait to hear about vectoring issues on the V5 too. P1610 is the best it can be on a touch screen in terms of no vectoring from all I have heard. I have not seen any info on that on V5--anyone know anything on that issue?

[johnmcd]

Matt,

Yes, I watched the video review (several time, actually 8-)). That's the one decent source of 'hands-on' type information I've found for the V5. What I'd love to see is some kind of report by someone that owns one and has used it 'in the wild' for a few days/weeks. Unfortunatly, given how new it is, I'll probably have to wait a while for that, and I was hoping to buy something in the next few weeks.

To everyone else that replied, thank you. I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something major in my comparison and it sounds like I haven't. I really appreciate the input.

John

[Edwood]

P1610: Disadvantages
-----------------------------
Slower CPU
Less max memory
Minimally Vista-capable

*P1610 has faster clock speed Core Solo 1.2 GHz.
VS. the Flybook V5's Core Duo 1.06GHz. While it will probably multitask better, in most cases, the P1610 will be faster in CPU dependant applications.

Flybook V5: Advantages
------------------------------
Integrated HSPDA (I currently use a Cingular PC Card)
Fast CPU (Intel Core Duo 1.06GHz)
Gigabit Ethernet
TV/Video output
Max of 2GB memory
Newer ExpressCard/54 slot

*P1610 also has Gigabit Ethernet.
While it's possible to upgrade to 2GB of RAM, I haven't seen any info about what kind of RAM it uses, two slots? regular SO-DIMMs? I mean, the P1610 can theoretically support 2GB of RAM due to the chipset being able to support it, but it probably won't happen.

Flybook V5: Disadvantages
----------------------------------
Small company (International support issues?)
Non-standard screen resolution (1280 x 600)
Awkard pointer/button set-up
Small disk (40GB, but easy access to upgrade)
No hands-on reviews available
Slightly heavier (approx. .5 lbs)

*Flybook's LCD resolution is 1024x600.
P1610's LCD resolution is 1280x768.


-Ed

I have been considering the same thing for the past few months and also initially attracted by flybook v5's more up-to-date all-in-one spec. (I sold my tc1100 in preparing the v5)

But after a closer comparison between these two models, I realized that it would be very difficult for me to use the v5 as a tablet pc since there is NO buttons on the screen or on the side. Once you flip the screen to cover the keyboard, the touch screen is the only interface you have access to.

So I am back to the waiting game. I think I will buy the p1610 if I travel to HK within the next few months (I prefer the black version than the US silver verson) or just wait for a better one to come.

[Chuckl]

Once you walk around with the Flybook for a while, you realize why the pointing devices are where they are. Their location is balanced for holding in both hands and can be used by either thumb.