Pocketables

Review: UMID mbook M1

While preparing my full review of the UMID mbook M1 that came out of its box a few weeks ago, I started to compile a list of everything I liked and disliked about the compact clamshell device (1.33GHz Atom Z520, 512MB RAM, 16GB SSD, Windows XP). I don't normally make lists like this, preferring instead to put my final thoughts together after the meat of the review is written, so I didn't expect to end up deciding to ditch my standard review format after the list was done.

The list was just so unbalanced that I think sharing it will be more useful to prospective buyers than my typical style. See what I mean below.

Review: Viliv S5 Premium

One of the most highly anticipated MIDs/UMPCs to be released this year is the Viliv S5 Premium, a compact Atom-based device that packs a 60GB hard drive, 4.8-inch haptic touchscreen (1024 x 600), WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS into a truly pocketable unit that weighs less than a pound. Priced at just $599 at Dynamism, the S5 Premium runs Windows XP Home and features stellar battery life, HD video playback out of the box, and exceptional build quality.

But is it right for you? Find out by reading my full review below.

Review: U2O iWalk battery packs for iPhone/iPod touch

Looking for a better way to keep your iPhone/iPod touch running longer? Then check out the U2O iWalk external battery packs (800mAh and 5400mAh) from Ultimate Travel Gear.

Not only do the batteries provide extra power for the Apple devices, they're compact and stylish as well. Form and function sound great, but are they worth their £16.99 and £44.95 prices? Read my full review to find out.

Review: iriver P7

When the iriver P7 was first announced at CES 2009, it was easily my favorite portable media player on display at the company's booth. I was intrigued by its magazine-like interface, pleased by its microSD card slot, and impressed by its wide array of codec support.

The P7 is now in stock and shipping from Warehouse123.com, who sell the 8GB and 16GB versions for $145 and $187, respectively. But now that the 4.3-inch touchscreen player is out of the showroom lights and in my hands, does it still fare as well? Read my full review below to find out.

Review: Carrymobile Sony Vaio P leather case

Carrymobile offers several choices for Sony Vaio P owners to protect their mini notebooks. One that enables in-case use of the device is the "book type" leather case that retails for $50.

Check out my mostly pictorial review below and find out how you can get this case for free.

Apple iPod touch 2G vs. Cowon S9 vs. Samsung P3

If you're in the market for a touchscreen portable media player but can't decide whether to wait for the upcoming Sony X1000 Walkman or choose from what's already available, then read on for an objective and subjective comparison of the top three contenders you can get today: the second-generation Apple iPod touch, Cowon S9, and Samsung P3.

Mistakes Samsung made with the Q1 (YP-Q1) digital media player

The Samsung Q1 (YP-Q1) digital media player is so boring and frustrating that I don't want to spend any time giving it my full review treatment. Instead, I'd like to share some of the photos I originally took for the review and talk about what I think Samsung did wrong when designing the flash-based player.

Review: Samsung P3 (YP-P3)

The Samsung P3 (YP-P3) is the long-awaited upgrade to 2007's P2 (YP-P2), the company's first touchscreen digital media player. Though almost identical in design, the P3 one-ups its predecessor with an aluminum casing, haptic feedback, integrated speaker, DNSe 3.0 sound enhancement technology, and customizable Flash-based user interface with widgets. It retains the same rich Bluetooth 2.1+EDR support and 3-inch 480 x 272 display of the P2, but features a slightly revamped design that gives it a cleaner, more streamlined look.

Released in Korea in December 2008, the Samsung P3 is expected to become available in the US in the first half of this year. Of course, if you can't wait, Warehouse123.com already has the 8GB ($247) and 16GB ($268) models in stock.

Review: Sony Vaio PC cleaning kit (VGP-CG100)

I'm a complete neat freak when it comes to taking care of my electronics. I buy six packs of compressed air to keep my keyboards dust-free, wipe my screens with lens cleaning cloths, polish away smudges, and even detail my computers with Q-tips and alcohol. Add to this obvious neurosis a consuming affection for anything that Sony slaps its Vaio brand on . . . and well, you understand why I had to import the company's PC cleaning kit (VGP-CG100) from Japan. I paid a bit more than the 2480 yen (~$25) retail price, but for something that will probably outlast all of my gadgets, I think it was money well spent.

Review: Raon Digital Everun Note D24S

Raon Digital's third entrant into the ultraportable computer market is the Everun Note, a compact clamshell with a 7-inch WSVGA touchscreen released in September 2008 and now available in several different configurations.

The D24S is the top-of-the-line model that boasts a powerful 1.2GHz dual-core AMD Turion processor, 1GB of RAM, 24GB split SSD (8GB SLC, 16GB MLC), and Windows XP Professional. And thanks to Dynamism, it is also the subject of this review.