mobile internet devices - MID

[haven]

The question everyone is asking is, What about Apple's MID?

Most people think it be a slate computer, with internals similar to the iPhone so it can take advantage of all the free and low-cost applications available through the iTunes store. This version would have a 9 or 10 inch screen.

Or perhaps Apple will release a new version of the iPod Touch. Its display will be larger than the iPhone's 3.5 inch (diagonal), 320x480 screen. Perhaps 5 inch, 480 x 800 would be most appropriate. Remember that the iPod Touch did not get a hardware upgrade when Apple released the iPhone 3GS. So the Touch is overdue for a faster processor and built-in GPS.

 

[haven]

Following the success of the iPad, a number of new mobile internet devices (MIDs) have been announced. These all appear to be WiFi only, no 3G modem, so you'd need help to access the Internet. Three are Android devices, and the fourth runs Ubuntu Linux.

-- Dell "Looking Glass"
http://www.liliputing.com/2010/04/d...ertible-netbook-tablet-arm-based-netbook.html
slate, no keyboard
7 inch screen, 480x800,
1 GHz ARM processor, Android OS,
WiFi only
Pro model offers higher resolution, optional TV turner

-- Velocity Micro "Cruz"
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/22/velocity-micros-cruz-tablet-has-android-2-1-with-full-flash-sup/
slate, no keyboard
7 inch screen
800 MHz ARM processor, Android 2.1
price about $300

-- Archos 7 Home Tablet
http://www.liliputing.com/2010/04/archos-7-inch-android-tablet-up-for-pre-order-for-200.html
http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/03/archos-7-home-tablet-and-pmps-hands-on/
7" display, 480 x 800
600 MHz ARM processor
WiFi only
720p video playback
2 GB to 8GB of flash memory
price to start at $200

And a 5 inch slate

-- Sharp Netwalker
http://www.liliputing.com/2010/04/sharp-updates-netwalker-drops-the-keyboard.html
slate, no keyboard
ARM processor, Ubuntu Linux
5 inch 1024 x 600 display
WiFi only
8 GB flash storage

 

[haven]

Viliv N5 UMPC

Korean manufacturer Viliv has introduced a new version of their ultra-mobile
windows PCs. This one is the Viliv N5. The N5 provides an
alternative to Apple iOS and Android devices. It has the advantage of
running standard Windows software. The base N5 costs $650, and
the model with 3G modem costs $800.

The N5 is a clamshell design like a typical netbook or laptop, but much smaller and lighter.
The keyboard is large enough for hunt and peck typing, or for thumbing like a cell phone.
The UMPC runs Windows 7 on an Intel processor, so the N5 will run all of the typical PC software.

The N5 includes a GPS chip, so navigation software is accurate. Full
specs are listed below.

In USA, the Viliv N5 is available for order at Dynamism.com. Delivery
should start in a couple of weeks.

Edit: I found a good review of the N5 online here
http://www.pocketables.net/2010/06/review-viliv-n5.html






Specifications

Intel Atom Z520 processor, (1.3GHz)
1 GB RAM
32 GB SSD storage
slot for a Micro SD flash card up to 32 GB

4.8 inch 1024 x 600 resistive touchscreen
web cam and microphone built in for video chat and Skype calls
edit: The review listed above reports that standard cell phone voice calls
are possible, too, with the 3G modem and AT&T SIM card

no video out port on this model, although a "Pro" model with video output
has been rumored

one USB port
GPS built in

dimensions 6.77(W) x 3.38(L) x 0.98(H) inches
weight 14 ounces

battery provides up to 6 hours run time, 150 hours on standby
battery is easily swapped out when depleted

Windows 7 Starter, properly displays Flash videos
Windows boots up from sleep mode in 5 seconds

3G data modem optional for $150 extra
The radio in the unit works with HSPA/UMTS 850/900/1900/2100MHz
In USA, AT&T offers 2G and 3G service on 850/1900MHz

 

[Chazz Layne]

HP 95LX

I used to have one of those! :jump:



HP's "BrightView" is usually adequately sunlight viewable, and seems to be standard equipment on their netbooks. In my case, I'm stuck with something that size as I use it to back up the camera and occasionally do in-camp slide shows for other participants on longer trips (a pocket projector is on my wish list now).

I also carry an HTC Fuze, which handles just about all my mobile internet needs and tethers to the netbook if I'm at camp and want a real keyboard. The smartphones (HTC or otherwise) are generally inexpensive enough to be worth having, especially if you consider that you are upgrading your phone, not just buying a MID.

 

[Jerry L]

Thanks Haven

I love this discussion on new mid,umpc and netbooks. I have tendencey to get amped up over the hardware. yet I think the most successful devices are the ones you dont give a second thought to while in use. This goes for the apps also. My goal is to use my favorite apps and be platform agnostic.

Iwould love to have one of these MID devices for the Jeep but at this point I am concerned they still dont have enough horsepower for all my favorite apps.

Haven keep the hardware reviews comming these devices keep evolving and keep getting closer to my ultimate goal.

Thanks

 

[KG6BWS]

"So why would I want to spend twice as much for a MID when
a netbook is more powerful and you can run standard software?"

I guess this is the question that prompted me to start this thread.
We'll have to see what people think about the trade-off between
portability, usability and purchase price.

Incidentally, there are plenty of MIDs that run standard Windows
or Linux. So standard PC software and *nix apps will run without
modification.

I saw an article recently that said there were 40,000 applications
available for the iPhone through Apple's iPhone store on iTunes.
Now, I admit that a lot of these are trivial, but there are very useful
applications, too.

For example, there's an iPhone app that allows you to view USGS
topo maps, even when you're not online. The iPhone's GPS capability
shows you where you are on the map.
http://www.navigadget.com/index.php/2009/03/18/get-topo-maps-on-your-iphone
http://www.ebranta.com/topopointusa

Chances are you'd be willing to carry your iPhone when you're taking
a hike, but you'd be less likely to carry your netbook or laptop.

Chip Haven

For me personally, I would rather have the netbook with the larger screen. I agree with you on the portability of the iPhone's and such, but for in the vehicle, I want a big screen. I currently have a Samsung netbook with a 10" screen and even that I find is a little too small. Having a Tacoma however, I have to compromise on screen size and overall size. I find that it works better than my regular laptop because of the smaller physical size.

My main purpose for mounting it in the truck was for naviagtion. I have my gps plugged into it so that I can run it along with NatGeo Topo. WHile my gps has a fairly large screen (Lowrance 540c) I still found that the screen was too small when I wanted to get a larger look at the area. Scrolling has its uses but when trying to route-find, I find it easier to have the larger screen, a wider view of the map and not having to scroll around. It helps keep things in better perspective when I can see points A and B in the same view.

Ive considered the MID's but, just still cant get passed that small screen regardless of how powerfull they may be.

Just my $.02

 

[haven]

The Viliv N5 (described a couple of posts earlier) has a competitor in the UMID BZ.
The BZ is $150 cheaper, and has several advantages over the N5. Read more and
see a video comparison here

http://www.umpcportal.com/2010/07/viliv-n5-vs-umid-bz-two-grown-up-psion-5s-compete-for-your-hand/

An upgrade to the UMID BZ has been announced. The new UMID SE has
specs are very similar to the N5. Upgrades include double the RAM (to
1 GB), somewhat faster processor, and faster wireless ethernet. It's
likely that its price will be similar, too. Dynamism.com will be the USA
distributor of the UMID SE.

 

[haven]

Much attention has been given to the threads for iPad, iPhone and Android devices, and this thread has been neglected. Time for an update!

Much of the progress in the last 6 months has been in the "super phone" category. These devices have several characteristics that distinguish them from ultra-mobile PCs:

-- Always on. The super phone demands very low power in its idle state, allowing it to be used for a full day before recharging is necessary.

-- Always connected. These devices can be constantly linked to the Internet via WiFi and cell phone 3G technologies.

-- Always available. The "super phone" class of device is small and light enough to take with you without a second thought.

-- Inexpensive applications, and lots of them. Be it iPhone or Android or a version of Linux, the apps that these devices run are cheap.

-- Ample screen size. The super phone has a 3.5" screen or larger, with a minimum of 640x400 pixels on the screen.

-- Touch screen. Even devices that have a separate keyboard have some degree of operation via a touch screen.

Current examples of super phones include the iPhone 4, the Samsung Galaxy S, the HTC Evo 4G, the Motorola Droid 2, and the Dell Streak. The Blackberry Storm 2 doesn't quite fit, in my opinion, but the rumors of the Storm 3 sound good.

I know people who now use their super phone for just about all contact activities (email, voice mail, Facebook, Twitter, IM, and so on) and many web browsing activities, including navigation using Google Maps. Photos and movies captured by these phones are improving in quality. Entertainment options are also expanding, with on demand streaming access to movies and TV shows, several options for music, and interactive gaming. Video chat is coming into the mainstream with Apple Facetime and Fring, among others.

The software behind smart phones is based on versions of Linux, including Apple iOS, Google Android, and Meego (a project of Intel and Nokia). Microsoft is about to release Windows Phone 7, and all the major phone manufacturers will release models running it. HP owns the WebOS software that is behind the Palm PRE and related products. It's unclear if WebOS will appear in another super phone.

Super phones will become even more attractive as the major cell phone companies introduce higher speed data networks. Verizon Wireless will roll out 4G service based on LTE (Long Term Evolution) in 30 cities by the end of 2010, and will add more as fast as they can. AT&T is planning to introduce LTE in mid-2011. T-Mobile is deploying HSPA+ (enhanced high speed packet access), a theoretically slower 4G alternative, to 100 metro areas in USA this year. And Sprint has WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) service in 60 cities today through its partner Clearwire, with more cities to come. [Update: MetroPCS has rolled out LTE service in Las Vegas, and plans to have it available throughout the nation by early 2010.]

The bad news is that you'll need a new phone to take full advantage of the higher speed data service. The radio in the phone is different. Perhaps the cell phone carriers will offer trade-in programs to help people make the switch to the faster data service. [Update: Many phones that T-Mobile sells today are compatible with the HSPA+ service, an advantage compared with the other cell phone companies.]

Super phones are meeting the computing and communication needs of a growing number of people. Laptop sales are down this year. Super phones are one reason.

How about it -- Does a super phone provide enough capability to be your only mobile computer?

 

[Chazz Layne]

How about it -- Does a super phone provide enough capability to be your only mobile computer?

Nope, though many of them do have enough processing power for it. The problem I run into with the concept of using these devices as a sole mobile solution comes down to size... not being able to use a full-size keyboard is a deal breaker. For many of the things I do, I could even tolerate a 3.5" screen at 640x480 if I could just type at full speed.

I'd like to see drastic improvements in the accessory market. If I could sit down at camp with even a netbook-sized bluetooth (or USB) keyboard to use with my phone it would be enough to make me strongly consider giving up my netbook (which goes with me everywhere). Throw in a mouse and I'd probably be sold. I know such things are available for a select few devices... I'd like to see a more generic standard developed (much like on a full Mac/PC) so we can ALL benefit from it.

It still wouldn't be my sole mobile setup though. There's some things you just can't do without multi-core processors and gigs-o-ram.

 

[haven]

2011 is looking to be a watershed year for mobile computing.

First, ARM Holdings, the company that designs the processors found in most super phones and tablets, has new versions that will be faster (higher clock speed), more powerful (dual cpus), and use power more efficiently.

In 2011, Intel is back in the game with new low power processors and graphics co-processors for mobile computing. Moorestown is for Meego tablets; Oak Trail is for Windows 7 netbooks; and Tunnel Creek is for embedded systems like cell phones. All three use GMA600 graphics chips.

Second, Google is poised to release two operating systems that will be used in mobile computers. The first is Android 3.0, which expands the capability of Android devices beyond the realm of the mobile phone. The other is Chrome, the operating system built around a web browser for "cloud" computing.

Google has competitors for operating system dominance, of course. The obvious is Apple. iOS 4.2 will bring the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch under the same OS for the first time. Intel and Nokia have joined forces to produce Meego, a Linux-based OS for mobile devices that looks promising. HP has the development team that produced WebOS for Palm, and they are working on new versions. Last, Microsoft will release its Windows 7 Phone software.

Third, the success of Apple's iPad has not gone unnoticed. Dozens of hardware manufacturers have shown slate and smartbook prototypes using screens from 5 inches to 11 inches, and everywhere in between. There will be strong competition for the dollars of mobile computer users, which means lower prices and faster evolution of products.

Fourth, the major cell phone companies in USA will introduce higher speed data services in 2011. Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint (through its partner Clearwire) and Metro PCS. Data downloads will be 2-5 times faster than current 3G service, making services like Apple's Facetime video chat and real-time multi-player video games feasible.

A year from now, the mobile computers we buy will be faster, more capable and cheaper than today.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Anybody have any idea when the Archos 9 PC Tablet will be available for sale? Looks like it could be good. From what little I know.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Nevermind, looks like it's available now. Weird. The Archos website seems to show it's not.