Reader question: how will Vista run on a Q1 with a 1GB upgrade?
Rich’s note gets the nod today. He’s asking a general question that I’m sure quite a few folks might be interested in: "I use a Toshiba M400 Tablet at the moment and I am thinking of getting a Samsunq Q1. I wanted to ask…If I upgrade it to 1GB of RAM will it run Vista well? I intend to use it as a media player, and use outlook 2007 for email. I will not want it to replace my Tablet and won’t do anything too taxing with it."
That’s a great UMPC scenario as it becomes a companion device to another computer, in this case an M400.
My general thoughts first followed by items specific to Rich’s situation:
- I personally wouldn’t consider running Vista on a Q1 without upgrading the RAM from 512 MB to 1 GB using the simple five minute upgrade process. This is a relatively inexpensive way to boost performance for either XP or Vista. Remember that up to 128 MB of RAM can be allocated to the graphics; that means for a full allocation, you’re running your OS on just 384 MB of RAM, and that’s without any open applications. Doubling the RAM is quick and easy way to get a boost.
- Dovetailing with the upgraded RAM strategy, I’d look for a 1 GB or more flash drive to take advantage of the Vista ReadyBoost functionality. It won’t provide the boost that the extra RAM will, but it definitely helps.
- If you plan on running Vista and want the Samsung Q1 series, I’d probably opt for the Q1P over the Q1. For the extra money, you’ll get the 1 GB of RAM included, move from a 900 MHz Celeron to a 1 GHz Pentium M, and grab 50% more hard drive capacity with 60 GB of storage.
- Outlook 2007 in my Vista partition runs just fine for me on my Q1P. Remember, that model has the 1 GB and I do use ReadyBoost.
- From a media player perspective, I do run the Zune software on it as well. It’s not as snappy as when I run Zune on desktops or other full-sized Tablets, but it is very usable if you don’t mind the occasional lag in response. I’ve also used the Media Center functions in Vista; again, there can be some lag, but it’s very usable. The Origami Experience is a gem in Vista; having the 1 GB of RAM will help keep it running smooth and fast.
Based on the above recommendations, I think a Q1 (or Q1P) would suit Rich’s needs. What do you think? Should he consider a different UMPC, wait for the Q1 Ultra or just stick with his M400?
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I agree with all that you say, Kevin. After experimenting with Vista, I decided that I could do all I wanted to do on the Q1 using Vista with a bit snappier performance. That’s interesting that Rich wants to use a Q1 as a companion to an M400. I am sort of at a crossroads trying to decide whether my Q1 needs a big brother (a full-size tablet) or whether just to get a notebook (maybe a MacBook Pro) as a desktop replacement. Is it handy to have 2 pen-enabled devices of different sizes or does the Q1 cover all the inking that one reasonably needs to do?
I would recommend one thing: Hold on your horses!
The “newer” generation of UMPCs is about to hit the market. These are designed for Vista… Example, the Amtek T770 is on the market since a few days and it is bellow 1000$ and runs vista pretty well according to the videos I have seen. Here for the T770: http://www.pocketpc-solutions.co.uk/at770.htm
Thats funny this was posted because i just asked Kevin a very similar question. I cant wait to get the Q1P, just have to sell my x41T. i will be using it as a companion of my HP dv2000t. Thanks for the info.
I just put Vista on my original Q1 (with a gig) last weekend. I have to say that it’s faster than XP was. I’m not seeing any speed issues. I did choke it once today but then again I was installing the SQL Server Tools (1 freakin’ gig!), running a large report and I had Outlook, 5 Excel sessions and IE running all a the same time.
Other than still working through a few video driver issues, I’m very happy. I can’t test battery life since I’m waiting for a new battery from Samsung but so far, I wouldn’t go back.
Mark
It’s interesting to read of other peoples experience with Vista on a Q1.
I spent yesterday reinstalling XP on my Q1 (1GB) because I want to use it as a media centre and Vista wasn’t capable of doing it. I had no driver issues and everything worked. However, even videos on the hard drive were jerky and non-responsive. And streaming? Forget it. Files transfers with wifi were slower than a slow thing. With XP back on it now flies and I can stream videos from anywhere in my house, even in the cellar. And before you say I hate Vista, I put it on my m200 which has less ram and I couldn’t be happier.
Quite honestly, I can’t imagine running Vista on any UMPC with less than 1Gig of memory.
I’ve been running Vista on an original Q1 upgraded to 1M for a few weeks now. Overall I’m pretty happy, but I took a hit in battery life. I’ve been trying everything I can think of to help that situation, including turning off every service I possibly can. But nothing is helping. From what I can tell, something is hitting the hard drive about every 20 seconds so it can never spin down.
I can’t speak to a speed difference between Vista and XP on the device. For me they seem about a wash. Also I don’t really notice any difference with or without ReadyBoost. My feel here is that it can really help with app starting, but on such a small device I don’t really start and stop apps all day.
Going back to XP is simply not an option now, however. I use this device primarly for notetaking and journalling, and Vista’s handwriting recognition simply smokes XPs.
For now I’ve ordered the 6 cell battery. But I’m sure eventually someone will solve the battery life issue.
Hi All, i am very keen to install the copy of Vista Home Premium i have onto my Q1 with 900MHz Intel(R)Celeron(R) M processor, 1 gig of RAM, 60 GIG HD, after installation will i need to download any additional software to ensure things run smooth? only asking as i have spoken to samsung UK and they recommend that i don’t upgrade my Q1 to Vista as certain aspects of the Q1 won’t work! i am a bit confussed as i have read many of forums of people that have upgraded with no problems
David, Samsung UK is technically correct since you’ll need to install / tweak the Samsung specific software. Things won’t work after you upgrade to Vista, i.e.: sound, touchscreen, etc…unless you install the proper software and drivers. Most of what you need can be found here: http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2006/10/vistagami_part__1.html Check the links on that post as it walks you back through the basic process.
Long story short: you can get Vista fully functional on the Q1 if you work at it. Since I wrote the upgrade posts in October, I’ve received at least a dozen e-mails asking for a comprehensive step-by-step. Is everyone still interested?
Hi Kevin, Thanks for the quick response, if it is not to much trouble, i personally would love a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to get Vista running on my Q1, because my past history with upgrading, i would end up with a very expensive door stop.