Samsung's original Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), the Q1 was an interesting computer, but in the end I found myself underwhelmed by what it offered. That was back in May 2006, and you can read my review at ZDNet.co.uk, here.
The original Q1 has been replaced by the Q1 Ultra, a machine of the same size as the original and again with the UMPC concept at its heart. Samsung has upgraded the machine to Windows Vista and runs it on a specialised chipset from Intel, designed to make the most of what the UMPC format can offer. Sadly the requirements of Vista rather overwork the chipset and I found the Q1 Ultra ran too slow for comfort.
I did like the new mini keyboard, the cursor control systems - of which there are many including some touch-screen based options - the clear, sharp display and the fact that two batteries are supplied. But sadly other shortcomings are also present, and in the end I remain unconvinced that there is a place for the UMPC in between the ultraportable notebook and the handheld computer.
ZDNet.co.uk has published my full review. Read it here.
The original Q1 has been replaced by the Q1 Ultra, a machine of the same size as the original and again with the UMPC concept at its heart. Samsung has upgraded the machine to Windows Vista and runs it on a specialised chipset from Intel, designed to make the most of what the UMPC format can offer. Sadly the requirements of Vista rather overwork the chipset and I found the Q1 Ultra ran too slow for comfort.
I did like the new mini keyboard, the cursor control systems - of which there are many including some touch-screen based options - the clear, sharp display and the fact that two batteries are supplied. But sadly other shortcomings are also present, and in the end I remain unconvinced that there is a place for the UMPC in between the ultraportable notebook and the handheld computer.
ZDNet.co.uk has published my full review. Read it here.