Pocketables

Limited-edition UMID mbook Pink now available from Dynamism

As of today, there is now one more variation of the UMID mbook M1 that we have reviewed a few times, and it comes with limited-edition appeal and color. Yes, the picture to the left is correct. That is the new mbook Pink, not to be confused with the pop artist of the same name. Even though we have seen this color before, since there originally was going to be a rainbow of colors, this is the first time the two-tone design is available from Dynamism. It appears to have a matte finish, keeping the same theme as the black mbook M1 recently seen here.

Normally I wouldn't be posting about a pink device, but since Jenn is busy with other things right now, I'll go ahead and accept the responsibility. Continue reading past the break for the specs and a few more pics if pink is your thing.

Kohjinsha PA series mini review

I've now spent a full workweek with the Kohjinsha PA series and since this is the last post I'll be writing before my husband and I start our new lives as parents, it's definitely time to share my thoughts on what is currently the smallest Atom-based convertible around. I usually prefer to spend at least a few weeks with a device before reviewing it, so what follows is just a mini review (albeit a long one) covering my general impressions of the unit.

VIA working on MID phone that runs Windows XP and Android

Despite my slight sense of deja-vu after yesterday's news concerning the Windows XP running ViewSonic VCP08 phone, an anonymous source leaked some new information and images of a prototype VIA-based MID phone that not only runs Windows XP, but also Android at the same time!

The concept of the device seems to have been in existence since Computex 2009 in June, where a non-working mock-up identified as the Dr. Mobile or CCI MID with preliminary specifications was on display. The latest information and images of what seems to be a working prototype, however, indicate that the VIA MID combines two separate hardware systems: a UMPC portion running Windows XP and an independent smartphone system running Android. Detailed specifications are currently unknown apart from the MID side of things using a 500Mhz VIA processor, most likely the Nano. Previous information mentioned the use of an 800Mhz Freescale chip powering the Android portion of the device, although there is no confirmation of this in the leaked information. Unlike the ViewSonic VCP08, the VIA MID is a more conventional slider arrangement with a full QWERTY keyboard and a single screen that switches between the two operating systems.

ViewSonic VCP08 phone runs Windows XP

Followers of our coverage of the ITG xpPhone will be interested to know that ViewSonic has just announced its competing VCP08 phone also running Windows XP. Featuring an interesting side clamshell design in comparison to the xpPhone's slider arrangement, the VCP08 has a 2" external display and standard numeric keypad on its front for conventional phone use, with a 2-megapixel camera on the back. The clamshell opens to reveal a 4.3" internal screen and a full QWERTY keypad and finger mouse arrangement.

Other known hardware specifications include an unspecified Intel ULV processor, 512MB of RAM, 8GB of storage, and support for microSD cards. Network connectivity is currently unknown, but is likely to include the usual suspects of WiFi and 3G.

Adesun introduces new AD-708 UMPC tablet

Adesun, a Chinese technology company based in Shenzhen, China, have just launched their new UMPC, the AD-708 Terminator Series. Based on the information from the English version of their website, the AD-708 features a 7" WVGA (800x480) LCD touchscreen in a tablet form factor, is powered by the old 1.2GHz VIA C7M processor, and runs Windows XP while also being compatible with Vista and Linux.

The Adesun AD-708 is available in two configurations; a basic version and a deluxe version. Both measure 7.9 x 4.8 x 1.4 inches (W x H x D) and come with WiFi (802.11 b/g), Ethernet (10/100), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, a 300K pixel webcam, stereo speakers, microphone, VGA output, two USB 2.0 ports, and Express Card slot and SD card slots. In addition to the touchscreen, the UMPC also has an optical mouse and supports external peripherals through USB. Like other similar devices, an accelerometer adjusts the display based on the orientation of the unit.

Kohjinsha PA series size comparisons

Gadget size comparisons are pretty common around here and since this is probably the last time I'll be able to put one together this year, I've gathered more of my mobile devices than usual to pose with the newly unboxed Kohjinsha PA series. Have a look below.

Unboxing the Kohjinsha PA series

It isn't a stylish device by any means, but the new Atom-powered Kohjinsha PA series is now available and shipping worldwide from Conics to anyone who can overlook aesthetics in favor of versatility and function. Yes, the bezel surrounding the unit's 4.8-inch touchscreen is too thick and cluttered with buttons/controls, but its convertible form factor, 32GB SSD, optical mouse, and standard ports make it an interesting alternative to the UMID mbook M1 and a compelling choice for a Windows XP-based MID/UMPC.

But before I can get into any device comparisons, general impressions, and other usage notes, I need to get the PA series out of the box first.

UMID M1 gets rebadged as Sagemcom Spiga PocketBook

The UMID mbook M1 may not please everyone with its limited amount of RAM, non-standard ports, and lack of a pointing device, but something about its compact clamshell design is obviously compelling enough for other companies to rebrand the unit as their own.

First it was Kohjinsha, who chose one of the lower configurations and called it the PM series. And now it's French technology group Sagemcom, who hopes to begin selling the Spiga PocketBook, which is basically the 3G-enabled UMID with an 8GB SSD and 1.1GHz Intel Atom CPU, this month for €499 (~$742). If mobile operators and their data contracts become involved, the price of the device will of course be lower.

Review: Viliv S7 Premium

This guest review was submitted by Ben L.

The Viliv S7 Premium is a convertible mini notebook from Korean manufacturer Viliv. Their recent S5 Premium and X70 models impressed folks over the last few months and nearly started a revival of the UMPC. While the S5 and X70 were good, many people were saying that these devices could be perfect if only they had a keyboard.

Enter the S7, the first UMPC from Viliv with a hardware keyboard. Can it live up to expectations? Read on to find out.

MobileDemand xTablet T7000 designed for durability

Out in the field, one may have encountered the devices of MobileDemand. The company designs ruggedized tablet PCs, barcode scanners, and credit card readers. Recently they announced the latest addition to their lineup, the xTablet T7000.

MobileDemand designed the 2.5-pound unit to withstand temperatures ranging from -4 F to 122 F, repeated drops, and inclement weather. The tablet's specifications remind me of most netbooks; it has a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, 802.11 b/g/n wireless, and a 60GB HDD. Additionally, it includes a 7" touchscreen that is viewable in sunlight. Options of a bar code scanner, RFID reader, SSD, EV-DO, and GPS are also available.

Pricing starts at a whopping $1900. Although not designed or priced for consumer use, the xTablet T7000 is ideal for industrial work. I can see this being used in warehouses or out on construction sites, where replacement costs are frequent and portability is essential.

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