Comments on: Samsung minitablet debuts in U.S.

Q1 device to sell through Best Buy's online store next week, show up in some of retailer's outlets this summer.
Photos: Samsung's Q1 unveiled

[JFDMit]

Not ready for prime time

I can't really see why Origami products are being released now when they are obviously not ready.

All the reports I've seen talk about how battery life is poor, connectivity is fairly limited and there are no killer apps that make these things better than laptops or PocketPCs (they don't even have 'instant on').

Added to this is the fact that even Microsoft are talking in terms of 'challenges' and 'many issues need to be addressed.' That's what beta testing is for.

These guys should go away for about another year and come back when they have something worth buying. Otherwise, they'll tarnish the Origami concept irreparably.

[Hernys]

Because there's an use for them?

There are many scenarios that call for this kind of device, and any of them could sell units. For example:
- Media Center control (and home automation control)
- Travel companion (so you don't have to take your PC with you on vacation). This includes downloading your pictures and videos from your camera while on the road, keeping notes and maps on the machine, etc.
- portable Picture and video viewer (so you don't have to see tiny videos on an iPod).
- eBook reader (at last a format you can take to the bed).
There are many more uses for a device like this. Will the first gen be just a shadow of the future units? Of course. I still remember the first Pocket PC (the Nino) Compared to a modern pocket PC it sucked, but it sill go the job done at the time.
The first version of the Origami can work in all those scenarios so I think it's a good idea to launch it now. Future versions will expand the concept to its full version but current customers will probably do fine with the current units.

[stan.winikoff]

Origami computers

This may actually be a useful product if the sort of folding keyboards like those sold to accommodate the Palm Pilot could be attached.

[JFDMit]

True, but...

...then all you've really got is a subnotebook PC that you snap together before using.

I think the real potential of Origamis will not be apparent for quite awhile, and will depend on the killer apps that emerge from the current flurry of 'Web 2.0' development.

If they have to rely on traditional notebook PC USPs, I can't see them being anything more than entry-level devices for kids or low-end users. And that's certainly not how they're being sold.

[rubik5x5x5]

Check out the Nokia 770

Although much slower processor and less ram, the Nokia will actually fit in a pocket. Using vncviewer, it's exactly what I was looking for.

[JFDMit]

I have...

... its a neat device and delivers some useful functionality despite its limited processor and memory. The one thing that stopped me from buying it was that Skype wasn't yet available for the device (although I understand a version will be available soon).

The size and shape of the Nokia is ideal for a truly portable yet useable device. It's big enough to render true web pages, while being small enough to, as you say, fit in a pocket. I'm eager to see a new version with faster CPU and better memory, perhaps with some form of 3G connectivity in addition to WiFi. That would be a tough combination to beat.

[feranick]

Better yet: Nokia N800

It fixes all N770 shortcomings (slow processor, not enough memory, a nice webcam...).