Reader question: how will Vista run on a Q1 with a 1GB upgrade?

Origami_experience_vista_2

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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