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

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

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)

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

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

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+

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

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

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)

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

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