South Korean electronics giant Samsung has collaborated with Intel (News - Alert) and Microsoft to challenge the limits of mobile technology and deliver reportedly the world’s first ultra mobile PC (UMPC), called Q1.
According to Samung, this is by far the first and only device incorporating the UMPC platform developed by Microsoft (News - Alert) and Intel, as part of the Origami project. Some might argue that the Q1 is Microsoft’s attempt to revive the Slate Tablet, but those claims have been finally put to rest.
Samsung (News - Alert) Q1 defines a groundbreaking path for ultra mobile computing by integrating the capabilities of laptops, PDAs, smart phones, GPS systems, tablet PCs, storage devices, and media players such as PMPs or MP3 players, into one streamlined solution. The device addresses all concerns related to connectivity, computing performance, entertainment, and ultra mobility.
Samsung expects this new Windows-based PC is going to redefine how users compute on the go. Gone are the days when users complained of narrow bandwidth, slow transfer speeds, poor viewing, dismal sound quality, or ineffective synchronizing with the PCs. The Q1 breaks out of the mold of traditional mobile devices and represent a complete convergence of functionality, taking mobile computing to its highest level to date, according to the company.
The Q1 is a fully functional PC bundled with the Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005 operating system. It tiptips the scale at a mere 1.71 pounds or 779 gm (without the optical disk drive) and measures 9.0 by 5.5 by 1.0 inches.
One of the device’s major attractions is the seven-inch WVGA Touch Screen LCD included in the front panel. Having a touch screen means that the user does not need to use a stylus; the finger generally suffices. A built-in stand on the back end helps adjust the device in two positions.
The Q1 ships with an assortment of pre-installed software such as Internet Explorer, AVS (News - Alert) Now, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Windows Media Player, MSN Messenger, Sticky Notes, Windows Journal, and Norton AntiVirus (trial version.) The device has a default resolution of 800 by 480 pixels, which aids in viewing basic business documents or writing short emails. The user can use the portrait (vertical) orientation for taking notes or the landscape (horizontal) orientation to view presentations, graphical diagrams, or charts.
The Samsung Q1 lays special emphasis on connectivity under almost any circumstances. The device has a built-in Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR), WiFi (News - Alert) 802.11 b/g, wired 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet, USB 2.0 Data Cable, and a twin array microphone that allows making calls using VoIP technology. It also includes a USB keyboard travel pack, which makes it a truly usable mobile computer.
To toggle the screen in the Q1, Samsung provides an Auto Scaler button located just below the Scroll button. The user can choose between two resolutions: from 800 by 600 to 1024 by 600 pixels. There is provision to connect an external display device via the integrated VGA port.
Intel has powered the Q1 unit with two processors that the user can choose from -- Intel Pentium® M ULV (1GHz) or Intel Celeron® M 353 ULV (900MHz) processor. The Q1 comes with a 60GB or a 40GB hard drive for storage. For system memory, users can select either 1GB or 512MB SODIMM DDR2 400MHz. Of this, the system devotes at least 8MB to the Intel integrated graphics subsystem.
Using the Standard (three-cell Lithium-Ion) and Optional (six-cell Lithium-Ion or eight-cell Power Bank) batteries, the device runs smoothly for longer time. Under normal use, the standard batteries last up to three hours, whereas the optional batteries run for up to six or eight hours respectively.
The Q1 includes standard features such as AVStation for playing many video and audio formats, such as MPEG, AVI, DVD, WMV, MP3, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, VCD, ASF, TS, and so on; AVS Now (instant-on without booting); CF card slot; two USB ports; and an eight-way joystick.
The device has two stereo speakers (two watts each), 3.5mm stereo out, a twin array microphone, and SRS True Sound. The Q1 even supports virtual surround sound for moviesUsing the three button pad together with the eight-way joystick, the user can enjoy PC gaming to the fullest.
The device has a built-in CompactFlash card slot to install an optional Pharos GPS CF card. In addition, it has an internal 802.11AG wireless card and a built-in Ethernet port.
Rahul Prabhakar is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To see more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
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