UMPCs Take Different Tacks

Samsung Q1B Since it doesn’t have a keypad, Samsung’s Q1B is smaller than the PepperPad3 but weighs about the same. It does have cursor and mouse pads similar to the PepperPad’s, but there are only a few special function keys on either side. Its design is sleek, and rear flip-up supports operate in multiple configurations for adjusting the viewing angle. The Q1B runs Windows XP Tablet Edition on a 1GHz VIA C7-M processor (the new processor almost doubles the system run time compared to the Celeron used in the Q1 version). It has 512Mbytes of RAM and a 40Gbyte hard drive, and the 7-in LCD delivers a resolution of 800-by-480. Like the PepperPad3, it has 802.11b/g and Bluetooth support, as well as a VGA output ideal for hooking up to a projection system. The Windows-based operating system and applications had no trouble handling servers or USB-based storage devices. The same was true for Bluetooth devices including cell phones, mice and keyboards. A wireless mouse is much-preferred to the button-style joystick next to the screen. As with many current UMPCs, most of the applications running on the system are designed for laptops or desktops, making them less-than-optimal for use on a UMPC. However, there was no problem loading and running standard Windows applications like Firefox and Thunderbird. Navigation and text entry, however, are limiting factors, and screen size—albeit adequate—does not help. Menus are small and difficult to use even with the stylus. There are effectively three ways to enter text: an on-screen keypad, handwritten text and an on-screen split keyboard Dial application. The latter puts a pair of semicircular keypads on the screen that you can use your thumbs to operate. A full QWERTY mode would be handy since the default configuration takes some getting used to, even for those familiar with touch-typing. Novices will likely prefer it since it’s designed more for individual data entry, though it does not take after the Dvorak keyboard. The system’s application launcher uses larger buttons and icons, but provides access to applications with tiny menus and buttons. This is not really a finger-oriented interface. The stylus is almost always out of its holder, which is on the rear of the unit. This keeps it out of the way, but it’s a chore when switching between the touch screen. I usually used the stylus rather than the Dial keys for data entry. Programmers and developers will find the platform appealing. There are no special tools required for development, and standard applications work nicely. Designers should keep in mind the limitations of the user interface, though this is a general problem with UMPCs and other hand-held devices. I did not try booting other operating systems but this platform should support them nicely. The only limitation may be drivers for the wireless and touch screen support. The rest of the platform is just like that of a PC. In Comparison Both units—which I’ve been using on a regular basis for a few weeks—have proven robust and mobile. Most users will find them a good sidekick to a laptop or desktop PC. Using only a UMPC will be limiting because of screen and processor performance. A drawing tool like Adobe Illustrator, for example, is usable but tedious. It’s impractical for large, complex drawings that are relatively simple fare for a dual core processor with a couple gigs of memory and a large SATA hard drive. Those who make a UMPC their only PC will likely invest in a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Browsing and emailing were simple with both systems. The PepperPad was good for writing long responses, but the Q1B was better-equipped for handling attachments that required applications beyond standard ones like Acrobat PDFs. As for display options, the Q1B’s screen can be rotated, which is handy for reading eBooks. Unfortunately, switching between portrait and landscape mode takes quite a bit of stylus tapping. And the cursor button does not rotate with the screen, sometimes making scrolling tedious. The PepperPad only works in landscape mode and would be rather cumbersome in portrait mode due to its keypad. Both platforms are preferable in a class or presentation setting where portability and battery life are an advantage. Battery life was only an issue during heavy, continuous use like watching a movie. WiFi support was key: untethered, these systems are wonderfully mobile. Since UMPCs have larger screens than other handheld devices, as well as excellent WiFi support and sufficient storage, they’ve got a great deal of potential in vertical markets. Related Links AMD Hanbit America Microsoft Pepper Computer Samsung VIA Technologies