Refreshed Pocketable PC Arriving Next Month From UMID
Although a handful of enthusists have enjoyed using the UMID M1 pocketable computer, you don’t see too many of these devices in the wild. Steve at UMPCPortal checked in to see if the company was still around or went the way of OQO, Raon Digital and the dodo. UMID is alive and kicking, but has been slow to add more supply due to some LCD shortage issues. Maybe that’s a good thing because the company told Steve that an slightly updated product should be available in September. The portable PC will be available in a sleeker looking black model that addresses some screen angle issues found in the earlier product run.
Dynamism appears to be the solo U.S. importer of the UMID M1 at the moment. They currently offer two models at $599 and $749 and are expecting more supply in the final week of August, which jives with Steve’s report. The main attribute accounting for the $150 price difference is a bump of the Solid State Disk hard drive — the base model offers 16GB while the more expensive version offers 32GB capacity.
Both models offered by Dynamism share the vast majority of other specifications:
- 0.69 pounds in weight
- 6.1 x 3.7 x 0.6 inches
- 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520 CPU
- 512MB of RAM
- Microsoft Windows XP Home
- 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0
- 1024 x 600, 4.8″ touchscreen
- 1.3 megapixel camera
- MicroSD clot, MiniUSB port, 55 key QWERTY keyboard
- 17 Whr battery
Fans of clamshell form factor computers ought to be checking out the UMID M1, especially if the company has addressed some early issues. Not that long ago, I would have been all over a pocketable PC with a full desktop operating system, but my move to web-based apps and services has tempered that desire. Well, maybe not completely, but the gadget fund is a little low now that I added a new netbook to the stable.
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First, and “MicroSD clot” port might be problematic.
A netbook is really the smallest thign I can accept not being a tablet. Clamshell design to me is not very useful because you always have that keyboard in the way of using it as a tablet. As such, something like this to me isn’t really an option – especially not with devices like the Viliv S5 out there.
Kevin, I think your cat would like this UMID, since its small keyboard your cat can type and skype with built in cam. ;) So you must purchase this little device.
I seriously looked at this device before purchasing my SC3 because I’m sure it will fit in with my usage perfectly. However, the small memory and storage space were the deal breakers.
Nice form factor, reminiscent of the Jornada clamshell series of last decade.
I would have liked to see this device with a larger screen (they could have done 6.5 widescreen like the Jornadas did). I remember I found the keyboard to be very usable then.
With built-in 3G this would be a great device for many people. I could see myself going back to 2 devices (something like this and a simple small phone), instead of an iPhone.
I was torn between this and the Viliv S5. In the end, I went for the Viliv on battery life (cost, screen res, CPU, and storage were all otherwise similar). Bad move: WinXP is surprisingly keyboard-centric (I’m not a Windows user normally). On the other hand, none of these gizmos are useful for ageing forty-something eyes (presbyopia — long-sightedness — is a pain).
upsize the screen, and it will be what i think would be a great “smartbook” form factor. custom OS, great battery life, 3G built in(along with the other wireless necessities).. hurry up Qualcomm (also deliver on the promises)!!
The Psion 5MX is, for me, the benchmark form factor and the UMID mimics the psion almost precisely, but with a full WinXP OS. In fact, the UMID is actually a few ounces lighter than the psion…And those of us who have used a Psion (me since 1992) will have no trouble with the no-mouse, touchscreen and stylus combination.