UMPC
After the big promises for the size, operation time and estimated prices UMPC devices during start-up Microsoft's platform has been more than two years. So far we have not seen for sale any device approaching the framework outlined at the presentation even slightly close. For two years, only a few manufacturers have created devices in the UMPC platform and even fewer models have reached the shelves. Certainly, a significant role in the overall picture is the high price of representatives of the UMPC. For example, Samsung Q1 (called, incidentally, the official Russian website "ultraportable") is in Russia, about 25,000 rubles. But progress is not in place, manufacturers are not asleep and are more compact UMPC, which are mainly based on the sign referred to the second generation UMPC.
Everun Raon
Perhaps the most high-quality and interesting UMPC from all represented at the exhibition. Is the next generation after the model of Vega, a commercially available including here in Russia. There will be released in 4 versions and will be available in mid-July. Retail prices range depending on the "charge" will be from 600 to 900 USD. That's so it will look lineup.
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As you can see, the line seems to be quite reasonable - you can choose your own version, a compromise between memory size, speed and operating time. Standard battery capacity of 2300 mAh, which occupies almost the entire area of the device from the bottom, can really provide 6 hours of work. High-capacity battery of 4000 mAh battery will increase the life of almost twice as thick Everun Raon - 5-7 mm. Housing, keypad and buttons are made of a very high level, no comment on the quality not. The issue of ergonomics in this case in the exhibition was considered almost impossible - very much need to think about much at such a large number of controls. But at first glance, all in their places. Machine heavy, after all, a pound, and work with it in an upright position while typing, it will certainly contribute to the development of muscles.
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| Raon Everun |
With regard to recruitment and keyboard buttons, the situation is simple. Producer actually implemented the full standard QWERTY keyboard on the front panel, including the keys F1-F12 and various modifiers - Fn, Alt, Ctrl, and as a vertical and a horizontal orientation of the device.To control the cursor under the right arm is provided "mouse versa" (are leading your finger on the viewers), and under his left hand - the joystick. Will be useful and buttons to toggle the screen resolution, adjust the CPU frequency.
In accordance with the specification UMPC resolution touch screen is 800 by 480 pixels, size - 4.8 inches. Integrated 2D accelerator can display an image on the screen image is scaled up to 1680 to 1050 points, and the external video output - up to 1920 to 1200. Also present on the standard modules Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. And on top of the standard - HSDPA modules and WiMAX. In general, it can be called Everun Raon UMPC this second generation, the work done a lot.
Amtek U560
One of the new UMPC from Amtek, despite its modest size, has a screen with a truly "adult" resolution of 1024 by 600 pixels, while the diagonal it is only 4.8 inches. The screen can be moved, thus freeing up the keyboard, designed to work your thumbs. All design fits pretty tight, no backlash, has a sliding screen door closer and locking mechanism. Amtek U560, perhaps, stout (36 mm), lies in the hands of the weight (700 grams). Shifted the screen, however, practically does not create additional burdens. UMPC is based on Intel A110 processor and the Intel A100, the frequencies of 600 and 800 MHz. Default memory installed 512 MB (400 MHz), but it is possible to replace a module of 1 GB. Passive cooling machine is not enough - in the body hidden fan that will certainly impact on energy consumption. Another highlight of the device - Built-in CF slot on the top. And also want to note the presence of two full-size USB port on the left side. Otherwise, features fairly standard for a UMPC - modules WiFi and Bluetooth, navigation, stereo, programmable buttons. The options provided docking station with a large number of additional ports and high-capacity battery.
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| Amtek U560 |
Expect Amtek U560 in the world market is in October, at prices so far no information, as well as the exact list of the range.
Amtek T770
Unfortunately, Amtek T770 can not leave a price band "around 1000" - it should be on sale in July at a price around 850 USD. Built on the VIA chipset and a 1.2 GHz CPU VIA C7M NaNo. 7-inch screen has a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels. No outstanding and innovative in the device there. Performance on average.
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| Amtek T770 |
FIC CE260
Curious UMPC subnotebook has shown once again the company First International Computer (FIC). FIC CE260 has a special slot for additional modules - GSM, GPS, DVB, watches and so on. Nest is located next to the screen and is a very controversial decision. Modules that the user will have to purchase an additional, suitable only for a given model or line of FIC, and will not be used in any other way. However, much depends on the prices that are not yet known.Subnotebook has a touch 7-inch wide-screen output DVI, as well as built-in slots for four formats fleshpamyati cards.
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| FIC CE260 |
At the exhibition this model shows at several booths under different names. Clear answers about the availability and the price could be obtained. Themselves as models looked more like engineering instances. The situation appears to be normal - a cycle of development, created test models, but now started thinking, how did it sell, and whether it is necessary at all.
Gigabyte U60
Introduced at CeBIT 2007 and has quietly launched a retail UMPC from Gigabyte is perfectly weighted standard solution, but more expensive even in their homeland - in Taiwan it is around 900 USD. We have repeatedly written about this device, therefore, to dwell on it makes no sense. We only note that, as in the case of the communicators, the company may think the manufacture of body parts from more modern plastics. However, it is likely that the Gigabyte in this case is not as a producer, and U60 gets under OEM.
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| Gigabyte U60 |
Compact computers
We talked about about half of all the UMPC solutions exhibition. Models behind the scenes, hardly worthy of attention and are unlikely to have any future in the form in which there are now. Too many vendors are ready computers and components try to orient some of their designs to create a compact mobile solutions. Besides UMPC-like computer offers a wide selection of all sorts of specialized solutions for home and just not full of very powerful PC in a very compact body and with passive cooling. Expect the appearance (and in our market in particular) low-cost ready platforms in a modest-sized buildings, such as 800 MHz x86 + 256 MB of memory with no fans in the housing 17x12x4 cm for 150-200 USD. Add to this any 2.5 inch HDD, Linux and obtain a completely quiet affordable solution for your home network.
Conclusion
The first half of 2007, not without the participation of Computex, the year has brought a lot of interesting new features. Even in the summer vacation season is expected to appear here in Russia to sell several new models of smartphones and related equipment. Let's hope that fall will be just as exciting for the fans PDAs and smartphones. The authors, translation:
