OK, OK, ever since teasing you about the handheld gadget that is on the way to me at Mobile Tech Manor, my email inbox has been smoking. Everyone wants to know what is on the way so I’ll stop the teasing and let you know that it’s the Viliv S5 Premium that will soon be here.
Why am I so excited about this UMPC? There are lots of reasons and I’ll share those now. First up, I have missed the Sony U-50/70/750 that I used so long ago. There is a lot to be said about how useful a full computer that fits in your hand (and large pocket) can be for a mobile worker like me. No gadget I’ve tried since the U has even come close to filling that need, but the S5 looks on the surface like it could easily do so.
There are several things that set the Viliv S5 apart from other handheld gadgets. First up the hardware specs:
- Processor: Intel Atom 1.33 GHz (Z520)
- Display: 4.8-inch, 1024 x 600 touch-screen
- OS: Windows XP Home
- RAM: 1 GB
- HDD: 60 GB
- Input: on-screen keyboard with haptic feedback
- WiFi: 802.11 b/g
- Bluetooth: 2.0+ EDR
- GPS: Sirf Star3
- Battery: 22.9 Wh (estimated 6 hours)
- I/O: Audio, USB, Mini-USB (for host mode), docking connector
- Size: 154(W) x 84(H)x24.4(T) mm; 6 x 3.3 x .96 in.
- Weight: 420 g (w/ battery); 0.926 lbs.
One particualr thing in the S5’s favor is the on-screen keyboard with haptic feedback. It will depend on how good the keyboard is to use, but for short entry tasks it should be sufficient. I can see using the S5 with a Bluetooth portable keyboard for more extended sessions, which would be quite handy.
The quoted battery life is impressive for a device this size. While the six hours is probably not realistic, even 4.5-5 hours would be pretty good for a pocketable device. I am also intrigued by the standby mode that Viliv has put into play. This is apparently a deep sleep mode similar to that of mobile phones that they claim generates 200 hours of standby while still taking only 5 seconds to fire back up. This is exciting, as it fits the way mobile workers will often use the S5, so it could be a game-changer.
You can probably tell how excited I am about the Viliv S5; I can’t wait for it to show up. The evaluation unit is coming direct from Viliv in Korea on behalf of Dynamism, and I thank both companies for it.
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