First impressions of the Samsung Q1 Ultra
- Transfer
On Monday (May 7, 2007), Samsung published a press release (Eng.) On the release of Q1 Ultra for sale. And right after the presentation, the PC World correspondent got the opportunity to get acquainted with the serial copy and here is his opinion.
Q1 Ultra is a compact computer weighing 700 grams that allows you to run a full version of Windows Vista with a video conferencing camera and the ability to use ordinary applications. I was invited to the Q1 presentation and got the opportunity to try it out. I can say that the Q1 Ultra is still quite an expensive device, but Samsung has added quite new features to the second generation of UMPC for a more detailed description of its advantages and disadvantages.
Q1 Ultra is perfect for presentations using MS PowerPoint, network communication and entertainment. In stores, the device costs from 800 USD to 1,500 USD per model with a VGA camera, high-speed network access from Cingular, 80 GB of hard disk and Windows Vista Home.
Q1 Ultra uses Windows Vista.
The charm of the second attempt
The first UMPC from Samsung - Q1, was introduced a year ago, and during this period it has been repeatedly criticized for its excessive size, inadequate battery life and a missing keyboard.
Samsung acknowledged most of the comments and reduced the weight by 120 grams, the screen resolution was also improved, the battery life was increased, and the built-in QWERTY keyboard was added.
The new model also contains the latest ultra-mobile Intel processor - McCaslin, with super-low power consumption. Also used is an updated version of Microsoft's Origami interface, which allows most of the operations in Windows Vista and XP to be implemented using only the touch screen.
What I liked and did not like
Of course, the appearance of a QWERTY keyboard is a significant improvement. But a separate keyboard is not designed for people with thick fingers. The keys are grouped quite closely, and as a result, it is often impossible to press the desired button without hitting the next one. Even if your fingers are thin, you will most likely find the keyboard not comfortable enough for anything more than typing a short message or website address.
The wireless part is improved. In addition to the built-in WiFi and Bluetooth + EDR adapters, the most advanced models also have the Cingular now and Sprint broadband access adapter for cellular network 3.5G in the next couple of months. Verizon (or SkyLink) customers can purchase an EVDO-USB adapter for the Q1 Ultra.
Together with high-speed network access, the Q1 Ultra can be used for video conferencing (some models have a built-in VGA camera) and for watching television with services such as Slingbox . During the presentation, a videoconference was held via the HSDPA network of Cingular, and the video quality did not raise any questions.
Getting the video does not cause problems.
The Q1 Ultra uses a 7-inch screen, like its predecessor. But this higher resolution screen is 1024 x 600 and it is brighter when compared to the Q1 800 x 480 screen. High resolution and brightness make it even more comfortable to read from the screen, browse Internet sites and watch videos.
Surfing is quite convenient.
However, not everything is so rosy. When using Q1, I noticed that if you take a computer with you on vacation or on a short business trip, you have to buy and carry quite a lot of accessories. Samsung sells an optional battery that can last up to 11 hours, a compact QWERTY keyboard, an external DVD-RW drive, and a car adapter. Together with all these accessories, the Q1 and Q1 Ultra do not look compact at all, and the question arises: “Why not just bring a laptop with you?”
Samsung, of course, has fun creating a device combining the functions of a laptop and a smartphone. But most likely the Q1 Ultra will become a source of debate about the need for an "under-laptop" and a "re-smartphone."
UMPCs in the modern world are not too suitable for people with thick fingers who are too big for small keyboards and for those whose vision does not make it easy to read small text in Excel spreadsheets. That is why I still use my laptop and not too “smart” smartphone.
Q1 Ultra is equipped with the most necessary ports, such as Ethernet and VGA output to an external monitor.
Performance
| Windows Vista Compatibility Points | |
| Processor | 2.0 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4,5 |
| Graphics | 3.4 |
| Gaming graphics | 2.6 |
| Primary Hard Disk | 3.4 |
For more information on performance tests, see the 3DNews website review.
Modifications
| LCD | |||||
| The size | 7 ”WSVGA | 7 ”WSVGA | 7 ”WSVGA | 7 ”WSVGA | 7 ”WSVGA |
| Resolution | 1024x600 (basic) 800x600 640x480 | 1024x600 (basic) 800x600 640x480 | 1024x600 (basic) 800x600 640x480 | 1024x600 (basic) 800x600 640x480 | 1024x600 (basic) 800x600 640x480 |
| Backlight | LED | LED | LED | LED | LED |
| Brightness | 300 nits | 300 nits | 300 nits | 300 nits | 300 nits |
| Touch screen | Tsp | Tsp | Tsp | Tsp | Tsp |
Sources:
- First Impressions: Samsung's Q1 Ultra Second-Gen UMPC @ PC WORLD by Tom Spring
- Samsung Q1 Ultra - the next level of mobility @ 3DNews by Sergey Verveyko
- Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC Specs and Pricing @ GottaBeMobile by Rob Bushway
Additional Information