FlipStart now priced at $699

UMPCPortal just got word that the FlipStart 1.0 clamshell UMPC that first went on sale for $1999 and later dropped to $1499 is now selling for only $699. FlipStart Labs themselves confirm the new price, which actually just went into effect yesterday, so the huge slashing isn't exclusive to a particular retailer or a limited-time offer or sale. It's simply the new price.

You may remember from my FlipStart review that the unit's biggest sticking point was its exorbitant original price. A 1.1GHz Pentium M unit with a 30GB hard drive and 512MB of RAM wasn't worth $2000. Not by a long shot.

But the same device for nearly a third of the cost? Tempting.

Comments

[FlashGal]

Thanks for the update about multiple retailers. A 30GB hard drive and 512 MB of RAM seem awfully small for a business-oriented UMPC to me...these days especially. I know, I know, I'm quibbling over minor details considering the new price, but does anyone know if the hard drive and/or the RAM can be swapped out by the user?
By the way, I loved your CES coverage, Jenn! Your posts are always so informative without getting lost in the weeds!

[Jenn]

This may be just a rote answer, but according to this interview, upgrading the hard drive or RAM isn't possible. I haven't seen any pictures of a unit disassembled by anyone, but that could just be because of the crazy original price, not because it couldn't be done.

Thanks for your feedback about CES. I appreciate your comments. :-)

[orbitalcomp]

I'll tell you what...that price definitely is going to help FlipStart move a bunch of those machines. Even though the RAM can't be upgraded, 512MB is more than enough to run XP, which is how it can be ordered. Plus, the Pentium M is no slouch, it's right there with a Core Solo.

If you compare the FlipStart to the $499 Eee PC (8GB), the extra $200 is well worth it for the higher rez screen, faster processor, much more storage, and the Sprint EVDO Rev A and Bluetooth.

In fact, it makes the Eee look very overpriced...

I'm even tempted to get one, and I don't even really need it at all (you know how that is, right Jenn? ;-)

[Jenn]

I know it all too well. Gadget addiction is bittersweet, isn't it? Happy on the one hand, broke on the other! Oh well. Food and shelter are overrated, anyway.

Do you think the price cut is the result of company trouble, a new model on the horizon, or a sudden interest in competition? FlipStart didn't seem to care about what its UMPC rivals were doing when the unit was first released, so maybe it's just the rejuvenated interest in the small notebook form factor?

I have a soft spot for tiny clamshells, so I hope a better looking, better spec'd FlipStart 2.0 is in the works.

[orbitalcomp]

Jenn -

I have a feeling they underestimated the usefulness of a touchscreen, especially when every other device in this class has one. When you read some of their executives' quotes around the web, they say that users prefer the clamshell in order to protect the screen. Well, the U810 is also a clamshell that can protect the screen, but it also has the swivel touchscreen, so Flipstart's argument doesn't hold up too well.

I'll bet that they aren't giving up just yet, especially now with all of the new excitement and new products coming out in this arena. Like you said, they're rejuvenated. This form factor is definitely one of the best, as I can attest to after using my U810 for a few weeks now. I love the multiple ways it can be used, it's very convenient. Sometimes I hold it in both hands, and the pointer stick and buttons are in the perfect place, like the FlipStart. Sometimes I use it in laptop mode and put it on my lap, just like the FlipStart can be used.

Next revision probably has a swivel touchscreen and 1 GB RAM, plus the newer Intel chipset that enables better graphics performance...those are really the only things that need changed, in my mind, for this to be an awesome device...

[Jenn]

I'd like something much easier on the eyes. A touchscreen that swivels left and right would be nice as well. I don't know about you, but I keep trying to twist my U810's screen the wrong way.

[Geoffrey]

Before I butt into your conversation, let me first say that I just started reading this blog about a month or so ago and really enjoy it; I visit daily.

I also have a U810 and just reviewed the FlipStart's specs again because for $699 I was tempted to buy another "toy." :) Unfortunately, I'm rather concerned that it would be too heavy for much thumb typing, and that the keys aren't conducive to any other use, unlike the U810, on which I can type well. (I don't really see the FlipStart usable in the lap, at least not for typing.) With it's standard, high-capacity battery, it's also a tad heavier than the U810.

I really hope that FlipStart has a strong rev 2 product in the wings that will be at a better price point from the start. It would be a shame to see them go under after it took so long for their first version to come out. I really like seeing all the variety and competition in this area.

Although, I am still tempted because it might be fun little Linux plaything.

[orbitalcomp]

Jenn -

Yeah, I wish the screen could swivel either way...Fujitsu's P16XX series does have a hinge that goes either way, I believe.

Geoffrey -

Feel free to jump right in...the FS looks like it may be better suited for thumb-typing, whereas the U810 is just a shade too large. Maybe Jenn can chime in about the weight since she has used one.

The Linux idea sounds nice, but I bet it would be difficult to use the Sprint modem. And if it is the same Novatel X720 that everyone else uses, that modem has built-in GPS functionality, which would really make the FS a nice unit.

I wonder which of the three of us will be the first to order one of these :-)

[Jenn]

It's up to you guys, orbital, because it won't be me.

@ Geoffrey: Thanks for your kind feedback about the site. You're always more than welcome to join in any conversation that's going on here. :-)

I touch on the FlipStart's weight (1.75 pounds with included extended battery) and how it affects typing and general comfort in my full review. The high-capacity battery negatively impacts thumb typing (I was able to type at 40% of my normal typing speed) and the ability to hold the unit between your hands for an extended period of time. My forearms aren't very strong, though, so part of my assessment could be because I'm a weakling. ;-) I actually find the U810 to be a bit too heavy as well; I kind of wish the standard battery (the one that sits flush against the casing) came as an included accessory.

Typing on the FlipStart in laptop mode on a table is okay, but not as easy or comfortable as on the U810. The FlipStart's chiclet keys make it tricky to type quickly.

If you're looking for a new Linux plaything, have you considered the Eee PC or Nokia N810?

[Geoffrey]

I have been considering the Eee PC. I'm not even vaguely interested in the Nokia because I want to play with a PC processor for simplicity. I will probably wait until my partner's office has their annual sale of old computers and pick up a laptop cheaply.

I'm actually really interested in seeing the Inventec with sliding keyboard become reality. It's a sharp design and I hope it is done well.

[Al]

I can see why the price has dropped. To me their form factor is all wrong. What people want is more of a true clamshell design like the old Psion 5mx or HP Jornada 720's. Those had longer designs that were about 3.6" x 7.25" x 1". If Flip start made a device with more of that dimensions then it would have a touch type keyboard not a lame thumb input. To me that is the real problem not their price. I would pay their original price for a jacket size touch type computer but never for any form of thumb input device.

[Jenn]

I'm not sure if we'll too many touch-type units this year. It seems that most companies are responding to the mainstream market's resounding cry of "Smaller!"

The DataWind PocketSurfer2 and the Willcom MID prototype look to be among the only new devices with Psion-like dimensions.

What kind of functionality would be ideal for you? I wish every new piece of hardware came with a wide selection of operating systems (full-blown Windows, all manners of Linux, Windows Mobile, Palm, everything) and was equally capable of running each one well. That way, we could all just mix and match hardware and software to our heart's content. I don't know how many times I hear stuff like "Sexy design but I hate Vista" or "Too bad it only runs WM" or "Put Linux on it and I'll buy it."

A silly dream, perhaps, but a dream nonetheless. :-)

[Al]

Jenn, I like the look of that pocketsurfer2; too bad it is not a full PC? It seems so amazing that they have built full PC's smaller than devices like a Psion with terrible methods to input and do not undestand why mainstream people do not buy them?

I saw pics of the Digifriends device and it is very hard to tell but the keyboard looks like it could be touch type but maybe it is thumb? Do you know which it is? That was one new CES device that looked kind of promising? I was amazed at the lack of good keyboard designs at CES 2008.

Why is it that the Koreans seem like the only ones that have the form factor right but their products are not sold outside of Korea? Like the Samsung sph p9200; I think that is the best device I've seen but it does not look like I could ever buy one as they did not sell their old p9000 outside of Korea?

[Jenn]

The Digifriends MID's keyboard is definitely made for the thumbs.

With devices getting smaller every year, I really don't think we'll see multi-finger touch-type keyboards on UMPCs, MIDs, and other handtops (touch typing with thumbs is certainly possible on some devices). Are all of the 7-inch clamshell units too big for your needs? At the moment, that seems to be the sweet spot for touch typing on a mobile device (and even then, many still say it's too small).

[Al]

Jenn,

Yes a 7" screen can not be jacket size as they are all the size of bible. What I want is a simple computer that runs full windows and can fit into a standard inside jacket pocket. A standard inside jacket pocket can handle a maximum of about 4.25" x 7.3" and maybe 1.25" thick. All of the 4-5" screens seem to be thumb input and all of the 7" screens need a mans purse or computer bag to carry them around.

I think it is the result of MS pushing around hardware companies over the years to the point they have no good designers that are in touch with mainstream users. I find it amazing that they can make a full windows computer smaller than handhelds, yet most of the reviews and opinions of mainstream users are, "cool, but I wished it had a real keyboard".

The only devices that seem to have a good design seem to be the Koreans like the Samsung SPH P9200 and other WIMAX type devices that never are offered outside of that country.

[pierro78]

About upgrading the hard drive with another zif-40 5mm pata drive : this can be done, check it for example on handtops.com here : http://www.handtops.com/forum/3333/3/#

The flipstart takes the same hdds as the MacBook Air.

[Lucy]

Would anybody like to sell me a Flipstart? (lucy_woodman@hotmail.com)