Netbook Review, notebook review, tablet review, PC review » UMPC

Sinchun M5 UMPC runs Windows 7

iKendra — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 13:37:39 +0000

Here is another Chinese MID/UMPC that sounds to be a very interesting device. The SinChun UMPC has an Atom Z515 processor, 5-inch touchscreen WVGA display, 160GB HDD, 1GB RAM, and is powered by Windows 7 OS. Everything sounds fine to us, except to the ridiculously small 2-cell 1900mAh battery. Seriously, what were they thinking?There is no information on its price or if it will ever be released in the US/EU.

Atom-powered Ekoore ET10TA Tablet

Brooke — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:30:38 +0000

Here is another 10-inch Atom tablet all set to rival the Apple iPad. Featuring Atom N270 processor, it comes with 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity. There is even a memory card reader and standard output jacks, something which are not found on the iPad, unless buy yourself those clumsy accessories. Ekoore is giving you the choice to get one with either Windows XP installed or Ubuntu.

Unfortunately, it is available only in Italy at a price of 479 Euros

Shenzhen Kinstone UMPC makes its apperance at FCC’s website

Peter — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:34:07 +0000

Shenzhen Kinstone, certainly is not the most popular computer company in US. Recently, its slate-type UMPC/tablet was noticed at the FCC's website. It comes with a 7-inch screen; 120GB HDD for storage. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios are built-in. It runs Windows XP and uses VIA processor.No information about price and released date.

Shenzhen HT560 5.6-inch UMPC/MID noticed – Runs XP

Kamal DS — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:29:48 +0000

Shenzhen has unleashed a new 5.6-inch UMPC, which uses the infamous VIA C7-1.0GHz processor. It has 1GB RAM, 16GB SDD, 2x USB 2.0 ports and built-in 1.3MP camera. It comes with 4800mAh battery which is huge by UMPC standards. It packs all the latest wireless radios too: GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth. There is a front-facing 1.3MP camera too which can be used for video calls.Its display has WVGA resolution (800x480) which means that the web-browsing is not going to be very satisfying as you will find yourself doing a lot of horizontal scrolling. It weighs 410gm. Comes pre-loaded with Windows XP and we expect its C7 processor to run it just fineHere is a catch: To buy one, you will have to order a minimum of 10 pieces. So what are you waiting for? Move out and convince your friends!No information about its price. However, we expect it to be affordable as Chinese local products generally do not cost a bomb.

Camangi WebStation UMPC coming December 2009

Peter — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:55:16 +0000

Camangi is actually a MID that runs Android OS. It is quite funny when a company calls its product a UMPC when it cannot even run a Desktop OS like XP, Vista or 7. Anyway, Camangi is going to launch its Android MID this coming December (2009). Price is expected to be around $399.It runs on a Marvell 624MHz processor; has built-in WiFi (b/g), Bluetooth, GPS and can even act as USB host. This would be great for those who wish to plugin their external keyboard and mouse for easy input.There are two cameras: one in the front (0.3MP) and another one at its back (2MP). Battery life is expected to be around 4-5 hours.[Camangi Webstation website]

Pierre Cardin PC-729 UMPC – Underpowered, yet expensive

Brooke — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:24:05 +0000

The Pierre Cardin PC-729 UMPC comes from a Chinese company called Shenzhen Vogue Industries. It has an 7-inch 800x480 touchscreen and is equipped with a 1.2GHz VIA C7-M processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB SSD, WiFi and a webcam. It runs Windows XP and weighs just 691gm.Expected price: $436.

Sinchun 891A Tablet Netbook – An 8.9-inch UMPC

Twinkle — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:58:43 +0000

Sunchun's 8.9-inch 891A UMPC, a tablet netbook that is made in China. It has 1024 x 600 pixel touch screen display which supports finger as-well-as stylus input. It comes with same boring netbook specs that you used to find in an year old netbook: Intel Atom processor N270 (1.6GHz), 1GB RAM, 8/16/32GB SSD, Wi-Fi and Windows XP Home. It is possible to get one with build-in 3G modem. It is very light (weighs approx 1kg).The weakest part of this netbook in term of specs is its small battery, whose capacity is just 1700mAh. It will barely be able to provide you with 2 hours of battery life. Expect the price to be around $441 USD

Viliv X70 gets Windows XP treatment – CrystalMarkScore results

Jane — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:10:20 +0000

Ctitanic over mobilitysite has installed Windows XP on the Viliv X70 UMPC and he got pretty good results when running the CrystalMark test on it. Although, it is clear that he despises Windows XP and considers installing Windows XP as 'crime and punishment' on a sleek machine like Viliv X70.However, we beg to differ. Windows XP is still a fine OS to run on netbooks. Granted, Windows 7 will make things only better, but by no means Windows XP is a 'crime and punishment' on such UMPCs.

Another unboxing of VILIV X70 UMPC/MID

Kamal DS — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:48:45 +0000

CTitanic has got hold of Viliv X70 UMPC which is an 7-inch tablet running Windows XP with touchscreen. Compared to the Viliv S5, it has a bigger screen (and thus bigger chassis) and uses uses SSD instead of HDD. [More pictures here]

Fujitsu offering Back-to-School deals on U820 and M2010

Kamal DS — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:54:03 +0000

Fujitsu is offering back-to-school deals on M2010 netbook and U820 UMPC. There are two codes that you can use on the Fujitsu's online store.1. MINIPCDISC code:Receive $50 Off, Free Shipping and No Payments for Up to 90 days through BML financing on your purchase of a new Fujitsu M2010 Mini-Notebook. To redeem offer, use coupon code MINIPCDISC. Offer is valid for U.S. end user purchases from 7/22/2009 thru 9/11/2009 through the Fujitsu Online Store at www.shopfujitsu.com2. BACKTOSCHOL code:Receive Free 2 Year Warranty Extension, Free Targus Backpack Essentials Bundle, Free Shipping, and No Payments for Up to 6 Months through BML financing on the purchase of a new LifeBook T1010 Tablet PC or LifeBook A1130 Notebook. To redeem the above offer, please use coupon code BACKTOSCHOL. Offer is valid for U.S. end user purchases from 7/1/2009 thru 9/11/2009 through the Fujitsu Online Store at www.shopfujitsu.com[Fujitsu U820] [Fujitsu M2010]

NetDVD: Add a virtual DVD drive to your Netbook or UMPC

Paul Merak — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:07:19 +0000

NetDVD allows you to play DVD movies, audio CDs & games, install applications and burn CDs/DVDs on a Netbook PC. NetDVD adds a virtual DVD drive on your Netbook which connects to a real CD or DVD drive on another computer connected to your network[Learn more here]

New Viliv X70 Manager and Cube UI available for download

Paul Merak — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:17:13 +0000

Viliv has updated the manager and Cube UI for its UMPC and it is now available for download. The major improvement that the new manager brings is the ability to use 3G and Bluetooth at the same time. Earlier that was not possible, but now it is.[download new versions]

Pictures: Viliv S5 with 3G USB modem with and without USB orientation changer (adapter)

Paul Merak — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:27:43 +0000

In most of the slate UMPCs (say Viliv S5), using pen drives and 3G USB modems on-the-go can get in the way when you are working on the device as they protrude at 90 degree angle from sides. This can be seen in the below picture:But, if you get yourself an adapter (link) that changes the orientation of the USB port, then you can use the device much comfortably and you won't have the 3G modem getting in the way while using the device.

Herbi Writer – a UMPC App For People With Learning Disabilities

Paul Merak — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:52:39 +0000

Herbi Writer is a Tablet PC/UMPC app for people with learning disabilities that lets them develop handwriting skills.

Herbi Writer shows sample letters to the student, and the student writes the letter on the computer screen. If the software considers the student’s letter to be a match for the sample, positive feedback appears on the screen. You can have reinforcing phrases spoken by the computer too. A simple game can be played to see how many letters of the alphabet are correct when writing all the letters of alphabet.

The developer of this application has been kind enough of making this fine application for free.

Kohjinsha rolls out SK3 UMPC – replaces the SC3 UMPC

Peter — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:03:17 +0000

Kohjinsha has launched a new 7-inch convertible tablet PC, Kohjinsha SK3. It comes with Atom Z520 1.3GHz processor and dual camera. You will also find GPS, SD card slot, PCI Express card slot, VGA-out and LAN connection on this unit. Windows 7 will be supported once it is out.

OQO cancels all preorders for MODEL 2+

Paul Merak — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:35:34 +0000

First we saw the disappearance of the OQO models from the expansys store and now we get the news that OQO has canceled all the preorders for the model 2+. This further makes us think one think: Is OQO on the brink of getting bankrupt?Clearly, UMPCs are now dying due to their huge price tags and poor demand. Companies need to realize that in such tough times, it would hard for the consumer to shell out $1000+ on a UMPC. ASUS has pretty much understood this fact that they released their tablet/UMPC at a fair price tag of $549.I am personally not at all surprised due to the fact they were NOT able to offer satisfactory service to the customers in US or anywhere around the world. See this POST for more information about the extremely poor OQO customer support.

Companies preparing to introduce Multi-Touch technology in netbooks and UMPCs

Paul Merak — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:19:25 +0000

Plethora of Taiwanese LCD manufactures are readying themselves for the Windows 7's multi-touch feature. Young Fast Optoelectronics, a Taiwanese company has already started manufacturing capacitive screens for the notebooks and will soon start manufacturing for the netbooks. Resistive touch screen makers like Mildex Optical will also start production to give some competition to the capacitive screen manufactures.Windows 7 will probably be launched later this year (or early next year) and most of the netbook manufactures will FINALLY make switch from Windows XP to Windows 7. The reason is simple: Windows 7 offers some great multi-touch features which can change the way we use our devices and it will result in bump in demand of touch panels in netbooks/UMPCs.

Loreda UNPC ad – Great ways of using UMPC

Paul Merak — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:16:37 +0000

I do not think if it is a good idea to walk with a UMPC around your neck though.

Although I could not understand anything as it was all Chinese, but you can easily see the advantages of using UMPC as a mobile device. Also, one more thing is for sure: Chinese and Japanese people are more aware of the term UMPC than any other country in the world.Also, since it comes with a 2600mAh battery, I doubt you can have all that fun throughout the day that they girl is having in the video.

loreda official webpage

UMID M1 launches in Korea (plus typing demo video)

Paul Merak — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:08:52 +0000

UMID M1 has finally been launched in Korea. This tiny 4.8-inch little monster runs on Intel Atom processor and promises a whoping 6 hours battery life, which should be enough for a full day use. However, due to its small size, do not even think about writing a novel on this small device. According to slashgear, the keyboard is surprisingly nice for thumb-typing.The base model starts at $465 and goes upto $532 for high end model.Here is the thumb-typing demo:

Trimble’s new rugged UMPC: Yuma

Peter — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:46:29 +0000

The Yuma UMPC by Trimble is all about ruggedness combined with power and strength. Sporting the MIL-STD-810F and IP67 ratings, it also comes with an Intel Atom N270 processor @ 1.6GHz and 32GB SSD drive. On the connectivity front, it has built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. It also has SDIO and Express card slots for expansion. There is no words about its price tag yet. It is supposed to be made available in the month of April, 2009.Specifications

7-inch WVGA touchscreen
1.6GHz Atom N270 processor
32GB SSD
Built in WIFi, Bluetooth and GPS
Express Card
SDIO slots
Two geotag-enabled cameras

Skype 4.0 – now even more usable on Netbooks

Paul Merak — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:37:16 +0000

The Skype has released version 4 of their desktop client. The new version: offers single-pane interface puts contacts and conversations in tabs increases video size improves video and audio quality The first thing I did when I heard the version 4.0 news was to install it in my now old EEE 701. Interestingly, it fits [...]

Samsung shows-off the Q1EX UMPC

Peter — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:32:53 +0000

It has been quite a long time since the Samsung came up with the any UMPC news. Anyway, Samsung had the Q1EX on display at CES. The Samsung Q1EX comes with a small 7-inch display and is powered by a VIA processor. By the photo given below, it seems to have a resolution of 1024 [...]

Is the Google Chrome recommended for the netbooks like ASUS EEE 700 series with WVGA resolution?

Paul Merak — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:17:55 +0000

Google Chrome came out of its beta stage a couple of days ago. It is working great on the notebooks and other latest netbooks with 1024 x 600 resolution. But, how does it work on the UMPCs and netbooks with WVGA (800 x 480) resolution. Installation The installation was painless. I just pointed my browser [...]

Trigem’s Atom-based LLUON Mobbit: Finally a UMPC below $500 UMPC

Peter — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:14:11 +0000

Ever thought of a UMPC of under US$500? Well, meet the LLUON Mobbit PS400. According to CNET, it is too big for the pockets and it is less functional than a netbook. I don’t agree with it. It has never meant to be pocketable. It is a portable device that can run XP. That is [...]

So, that’s a UMPC?..no! It’s a netbook!

Paul Merak — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:04:19 +0000

Well, there has been a lot of confusion regarding all these technology terms. Myriad of such terms have come up and they’ve literally confused us so much. Don’t they? Strange thing is that they sometimes look like contradicting themselves. The terms ultra-portables and mini-notebooks sometimes get tough to differentiate between. Don’t they? Well, here is [...]