The NetWalker is part Netbook, part ultramobile PC.
(Credit: Erica Ogg/CNET)CHIBA, Japan--The Sharp NetWalker comes off like a computer with an identity crisis.
It's part Asus Eee PC Netbook and part Samsung Q1 ultramobile PC.
And it's a little bit puzzling.
The NetWalker is dressed up like a super-petite Netbook, weighing less than a pound, with a five-inch touchscreen and a measly 512MB of memory and wireless LAN.
It's got a pretty robust battery life--up to 10 hours, according to Sharp--and runs Ubuntu. There's a Firefox browser, Thunderbird for e-mail, a Twitter app, and some open-source programs for word processing and reviewing spreadsheets, so you can perform some normal PC functions on a screen larger than an iPhone or BlackBerry, but smaller than the increasingly standard 10-inch Netbook display.
The way you use it, though, is more like an ultramobile PC. Holding the NetWalker with two hands, you type with your thumbs. On the right side above the keyboard is an optical pointer that, when you run a finger over it, functions as a mouse.
The price is a more Netbook-like $500, but it's unclear how consumers will respond. It's only been available here in Japan for a couple weeks, so there aren't any solid sales numbers yet to offer any picture of how customers are reacting.
Still, history shows that just hovering somewhere in between two established categories of computing can be an easy way to turn off a lot of potential buyers.
Ultramobile PCs have always found themselves to be the tweeners of the mobile world: too large to be easily pocket-size, yet too small to be usable as full-fledged computers. While the landscape just a few years ago was marked with products ranging from Samsung's Q1 to the OQO, often costing way too much money, now cheaper smartphones and Netbooks have crowded in on either side with portable power to spare.
The Viliv S5, currently an import-only product, returns to the scene of the crime with a lower-cost Atom-based touch-screen device that runs full Windows XP, has Bluetooth and GPS compatibility, and even pulls up its own haptic-feedback on-screen keyboard. You'll need it, since the 4.8-inch screen's extremely fine resolution gets a little hard to manage. While a physical keyboard would have been nice (as would an SD card slot), the bulk of the S5's thickness goes towards a battery that boasts impressive life.
Read the rest of our review of the Viliv S5 UMPC.
And would you ever buy a handheld UMPC as opposed to a Netbook or an iPhone/Pre/Android phone? Sound off below.
On Sale Now: $1,099.99
View the latest prices for Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium
Get a high-end Netbook for a low-end price.
(Credit: Buy.com)Notebook or Netbook? It's a question for the ages, or at least for anyone shopping for a new portable PC. Buy.com has the Acer Aspire One Netbook for a tantalizing $289.99 shipped. The hitch: it's a refurb.
The last time I posted about the Aspire One, it was $309.99 new. However, this refurb has much beefier specs, including 1GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive, and Windows XP instead of Linux.
The One also features a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, an 8.9-inch screen, a Webcam, and 802.11b/g wireless. It's modeled in sapphire blue, which I can tell you firsthand looks mighty attractive.
That's because I've got one of these babies right here. You can read about my experiences with it in The Netbook Diaries, but I'll sum up: it's a great little travel companion if you don't mind a slightly cramped keyboard and screen and have easy access to AC power (battery life bites).
This configuration sells for around $370 new, so if you don't mind a 90-day warranty instead of the usual 12 months, the refurb is definitely a good deal. If Buy.com runs out, you can get the same model for the same price from TigerDirect.
On Tuesday morning, Fujitsu announced updates to two of its LifeBook lines, the UMPC-like U series and the tiny P-series tablet. Designed primarily for use in vertical markets (think health care and manufacturing), the systems are also sure to appeal to buyers who want something as portable as a Netbook but are willing to pay more for a more thorough feature set.
The U820 doubles as a Garmin GPS
The 5.6-inch LifeBook U820 updates the U810 we reviewed last year, adding a GPS receiver, plus integrated Garmin Mobile PC software for driving directions and points of interest.
The U820 is built on a Z-series Intel Atom processor and includes 1GB of RAM, plus your choice of a hard drive up to 120GB or a solid-state drive up to 64GB. There are plenty of features to appeal to mobile workers and their IT departments, including a 1.3-megapixel Webcam, fingerprint reader, and Kensington lock slot; WWAN will be offered as an option in 2009.
Fujitsu lets buyers choose between a two-cell battery, which reportedly lasts 3.5 hours, and a four-cell battery, which lasts 7.5 hours. The battery choice will also make a difference in weight: The laptop weighs 1.3 pounds with the smaller battery and 1.6 pounds with the larger one.
The LifeBook U820 is available immediately at prices starting at $1,049.
LifeBook P1630: A slightly larger tiny tablet
If that 5.6-inch screen seems too small, you could bump up to the 8.9-inch LifeBook P1630. This new 2.2-pound tablet updates the P1620 with Centrino 2 components, including an Intel Core 2 Duo SU9300 Ultra Low Voltage Processor and 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity. The new model also includes a 1.3-megapixel Webcam, an optional solid-state drive, and optional Bluetooth connectivity; WWAN will be offered as an option in 2009.
The company claims that the LifeBook P1630 can run up to 6.2 hours with the high-capacity battery. Starting at $2,179, the tablet is available immediately.
Listen now: Download today's podcast
 |
EPISODE 104 |
Hottest solar-powered sports car ever
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/08/seat_brisa_the.php
Solar ice maker
http://dvice.com/archives/2008/08/solar_icemaker.php
Xbox 360 coin-up arcade
http://gizmodo.com/5042961/xbox-360-goes-coin+op
Logitech Squeezebox Boom: The ultimate Wi-Fi radio?
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10027437-1.html
Nikon D90: The hotness
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10026094-1.html
PinkWatch:
LG to join the UMPC bandwagon with the Netbook X110
http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2008/08/lg_to_join_the.html
It’s about time
Chococlock delivers chocolate every hour
http://www.mystichackers.com/1054.html
Why didn’t I think of that?
GE Profile frontload washers & dryers
http://www.uncrate.com/men/home/appliances/ge-profile-frontload-washers-dryers/
Kill me
The Fuggit by Fuggis Hilton, Part II: The actual box of fake hair
http://gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/go_fug_yourself/2008/08/the_fuggit_by_fuggis_hilton_part_ii.html
A propos (of) nothing
Kinesio Tex Tape
http://www.uncrate.com/men/body/health-fitness/kinesio-tex-tape/
What the hell!?
Teddy Bear USB drive is a headless horror
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/08/27/teddy-bear-usb-drive.html
But with Intel's new low-power and low-cost Atom CPU, the prices for these machines are coming down to almost reasonable levels. And many vendors, realizing that no standard mouse-and-keyboard-based UI is suitable for this form factor, are releasing their products with new, iPhone-like interfaces that are a better for their touch screen displays.
All the new ultramobiles come with wide-area networking technologies (either HSDPA, EVDO, or WiMax), which makes them potentially very interesting Web application platforms. To my knowledge, though, there are no HTML standards nor generally accepted guidelines for writing a Web app for a touch-screen interface, except for what Apple is doing. This will make using these products as Web clients frustrating at first.
Several of these new devices were on display at the Intel Developer Forum. Many of the products are currently for sale in Asian countries, but some are coming to the U.S. later this year or early next. Click through to the embedded gallery for a tour.
(Credit:
CNET Networks)
These are tough times for the UMPC, whose promise of pocket-size, always-on computing has been overshadowed by the proliferation of cheaper Netbooks. But Samsung, one of the first companies to announce a UMPC back when the initiative was known simply as Origami, has continued to issue updates to its Q1 Ultra. The latest, announced Monday: the Q1U-CMXP, notable for its integrated HSDPA cellular modem, and the Q1UP-V, a Q1 Ultra Premium running Windows Vista Business.
The Q1U-CMXP is almost identical to the Q1 Ultra released last year, with the addition of a 3G cellular modem that's compatible with AT&T's network. The Q1UP-V, meanwhile, features the same 1.3GHz Intel Core Solo U1500 CPU as the model we reviewed last month but increases the RAM to 2GB to better handle Windows Vista Business.
There's little doubt that these two enhancements seem designed to up the UMPC's appeal among corporate IT buyers, who may be the only folks left who can shell out $1,400 for a tiny tablet. But that's still a hefty price tag, considering that much of the same functionality can be had with a Netbook or one of today's newer smartphones.
Which all begs the question: is there vitality yet in the UMPC format, or should Samsung (and other manufacturers) pull the devices off life support? Tell me what you think.
(Credit:
SlashGear)
Even as Everex prepares to ship its much-awaited 8.9-inch Cloudbook Max with WiMax later this quarter, rumors are already spreading that the company will launch a 10.2-inch model to compete in the same space as the Asus Eee PC 1000 and MSI Wind. The leak, which is said to come from within Everex's manufacturing partner FIC, also indicates that the new Cloudbook will feature onboard 3G connectivity and optional WiMax.
It is not known whether the new 10.2-inch Cloudbook will use an Intel Atom or VIA processor or that it will run on Windows XP or Linux, but the information revealed so far suggests a maximum of 2GB RAM, 1,024 x 600-pixel display and a 1.3-megapixel Webcam. In addition to 3G and optional WiMax, it will come with 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, two USB ports, an ExpressCard slot and a 4-in-1 memory card reader.
According to the leak, the 10.2-inch Cloudbook is slated for a November launch this year. There is no word on whether it will make it to Southeast Asia. The 8.9-inch Cloudbook Max is expected to be launched in Taiwan and Japan next month, followed by the U.S. in September.
(Source: Crave Asia)
(Credit:
Panasonic)
Panasonic today added a tablet UMPC to its rugged Toughbook line. Sure, you could buy six Asus Eee PCs and still have some walking around money left for the price of one $2,499 Toughbook CF-U1, but we doubt you'll grab your lunch pail and Eee PC and head down to the mine. Panasonic's latest Toughbook is, of course, built for use in the field. It's "engineered for the walking worker," according to Panasonic, and comes loaded with features.
The 5.6-inch LED backlit LCD touch screen is designed for viewing in direct sunlight, and below it is a backlit thumb keyboard divided by a number pad and arrow keys in its middle. On the right side, you can see a hand strap, but should you choose not to tether yourself to the Toughbook CF-U1, you can rest easy knowing it's been engineered to survive a four-foot drop and to resist rain, spills, dust, and vibration. It ships with two batteries, which, according to Panasonic, adds up to 9 hours of running time. The unit measures 7.2 inches wide by 5.9 inches deep by 2.2 inches high. It weighs a trim 2.3 pounds, which includes lugging around both batteries. It's completely fanless and uses a solid-state hard drive and an Intel Atom CPU, all of which should aid battery life.
In addition to a 2-megapixel Webcam and fingerprint scanner, it also features barcode and RFID readers and GPS. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G-mobile-broadband are also onboard. Many of these features are listed as options, so they most likely will add to the $2,499 price. Panasonic expects the Toughbook CF-U1 to ship in August.
Full specs after the break. ... Read more
Panasonic's Toughbook line could see a mini-tablet soon join its ranks.
The word is Panasonic will introduce an Intel Atom-based mini-tablet to its Toughbook line on Wednesday. Our colleagues at CNET Asia saw the unit earlier this year, which featured a 5.6-inch touch-screen display and a thin strip of QWERTY thumb keys below it. If you value ruggedized protection over usability--or really enjoy thumb typing--this mini rugged tablet might hold some attraction. Unknown is the price, but with the Asus Eee PC and its slew of imitators on the scene now at prices as low as $399, this Toughbook tablet had better come in low if it wants to find its way into the mitts of those working outside the medical and insurance fields.
Check back Wednesday when we expect to have full specs, pricing, and a ship date.
