Comments on: First Impressions of the Viliv S5 Premium UMPC

By: JR

JR — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:51:44 +0000

Hi,
Do you know if I have to download drivers to be able to use the Cable out to TV. (components, s-video, or RCA). I bought the S5 premium with Vista, everything work perfect, but I can not connect to any tv using the cable, I can use VGA and work perfect.
JR

By: Windsage

Windsage — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:45:16 +0000

Just so people know.

The S5 does indeed have a mic input. The jack that is labeled for headphones is actually for a headset. It is the same jack used on the iphone. If you go and get any of the headsets designed for the iphone, it works fine. I use a Sure headset adapter and the ear buds that came with the S5 and have no issues with skype and other voip software.

By: Walter Wise

Walter Wise — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:13:04 +0000

James, what software are you running on your S5? I know that you have Firefox. I got mine today and now letting it charge. Plan on starting to play with it later this evening.

Is there a decent email and calendar program that can use the small form factor? Outlook perhaps or T-Bird/Lightning? Or I suppose I could also use Google apps since my calendar is in Google.

By: Ivan Samuels

Ivan Samuels — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:10:05 +0000

you mention rotating the screen with a simple keypress. however you don’t tell us what keys to press to make this happen. i have not found this function. pls give us more detail on screen rotation.

By: bt

bt — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:50:56 +0000

Wow! truly some ignorant ppl here. It’s like complaining a Porsche 911 can’t tow your trailer.
“SD slot; no mic or mic in (I’d expect to able to use VOIP with a device costing this much); no battery meter; no joystick or other way to control the cursor while using it as a handheld; no webcam.”

That’s what a USB port is for, a SD usb reader that’s really small cost you $10. A mic?! you pussy are complainting about a mic? use a freakin bluetooth headset man, its 2.0+EDR, forgodsake! “battery meter”?! I rest my case… joystick, when you have a whole screen to touch.
Webcam…I have 3 usb ones in my drawer that can hook up to it…bu I won’t…coz I like most people….don’t need to carry a webcam/webcam-capable 24/7.

ON THE OTHER HAND, of all the other alternatives you stoneage ppl mention, can any of them run XP and fit in the pocket?

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 08 May 2009 01:24:56 +0000

Hi James,
I’m considering upgrading from a Nokia N800 to a Viliv S5. I’m curious if you’ve used the N800 and could compare the onscreen thumb keyboards between the two. I do OK with the N800, and I’m concerned about the size of the S5 keys – are they smaller or larger? Thanks.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:43:14 +0000

James,

Is it possible to upgrade the memory on this device? I really am intrigued but think as the move to Win 7 happens it would be better with 2gb. Thanks.

By: korea

korea — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:35:06 +0000

By: bristolview

bristolview — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:03:05 +0000

Can someone please comment on using the onscreen (the included included one) keyboard for more than just entering a URL or search term into Google? I mean, like writing something longer such as emails, posts like this (which isn’t long, but is a normal thing to do frequently), etc. The OQO keyboard excelled as this type of thing, and I’m hoping the Viliv keyboard can be a reasonable alternative.

By: bristolview

bristolview — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:59:59 +0000

>Namely no SD slot;

I use my mobile phone as a card reader. Stick the card in, then connect via Bluetooth, or USB tether. Bluetooth is more convienent, but if lots of data, USB is faster. No problem.

> no mic or mic in (I’d expect to able to use
>VOIP with a device costing this much);

Again, bluetooth headset to the rescue. Works great with Skype. Also, just about any USB headset will work as well. Both Bluetooth and USB options offer sound and mic. No problem.

> no battery meter;

What? Do you mean an external one? XP clearly shows you the battery level. Not sure what you mean here. I might be misunderstanding the issue, but I do not see a problem here.

>no joystick or other way to control the cursor
>while using it as a handheld;

It’s a touchscreen. Open your mind to something new Grasshopper. Seriously though, I prefer the touchscreen for this. I don’t use a mouse or keyboard anymore, I find them quite awkward actually. For me anyway, No Problem.

>no webcam

Ok, I’ll agree on this one. This would be nice.

Also, someone posted about how the streaming music to a car stereo works. Simple, it works via Bluetooth A2DP and AVRCP. This is not a new feature really, many auto head units already support this, and just about any PC with XP/Vista and bluetooth can do it. I do it with my Windows Mobile phone and my car all the time, works great for audio books and tunes. I used to do it with my OQO as well, which sadly won’t boot anymore and I’m not sure OQO is going to fix it under warranty before they go south. (Now that’s a problem, but not with the Viliv… one I’m hoping the Viliv will solve for me)