Linda A. Epstein ~ September 2007
With the addition of a split-QWERTY keypad, faster boot times, longer battery life and weighing 3.76 pounds Samsung's second generation UMPC sets out to improve the Ultra Mobile PC experience for users.
Paying close attention to the requests and feedback from consumers the new Q1 Ultra includes a significant number of enhancements and improvements including a split-QWERTY keypad, 4.5 hours of battery life, SRS TruSurround 3D, stereo speakers, enhanced LCD brightness, 1024 x 600 resolution, Support for 3.5G HSDPA wireless cellular modem communications, video chat web cam support and a high- resolution recorder/still picture camera video, enhanced biometrics and full Tablet PC capabilities. (my demo unit does not have a fingerprint sensor so there is no info in this review on the biometrics)
Features:
In designing both the Q1 and the Q1 Ultra Samsung took into account the fact that a UMPC will most likely be used in addition to a main computer rather than a replacement, and included a USB Data Cable and instructions so that users can easily transfer files between another computer and the Q1 Ultra. Build in software in the data cable gives you a split screen so you can drag and drop files between the two machines with ease. The Samsung Data cable is one of my favorite accessories.
Samsung's Easy Button Manager allows users to easily change button functions to suit their needs.
Display: 7 inch WSVGA touch screen 1024 x 600 gives users a clean crisp picture that can be seen indoors and out. The clarity of the screen is also very good for watching downloaded movies.
Speakers: Best sound quality of any UMPC. The speakers on the Q1 Ultra produce sound quality that is good enough to listen to a pod cast, watch a movie or listen to music without headphones.
Pen Feel: Like most UMPC the pen that comes with the Samsung Q1 ultra is thin and small. It works well enough for navigating the Q1 screen and the net and once you get used to its size you will have no trouble writing with it.
Who is it For: The Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC Tablet PC is for those who who would like to have a second computer that's light in weight, small in size and functional for checking email, sharing and viewing photos, surfing the web, watching a movie, video chatting or taking quick notes.
Battery Life: 3 hours 31 minutes in always on mode, wireless on, no standby, no hibernate and the screen and hard drive on.
There is no question that these setting are going to give you the shortest amount of battery life. It's always good to know the absolute minimum battery life I can expect, that is why I run all of my battery tests this way.
Dual Cameras: for video chatting -300P, video/still-1.3MP
Heat: heat was never an issue with the Q1 Ultra, it may get warm but not overly so.
WiFi: 802.11b/g) connected easily and worked where ever I was without a problem.
Ports: 2 USB, Ethernet, Dc in, VGA, SD slot,
Weight - 3.76 pounds
What's in the Box:
- Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC
- Battery
- Samsung Q1 Ultra Getting Started Guide
- AC adapter & Power cable
- USB Data Transfer Cable
- Pen
- Travel case
- Hand Strap
- Samsung System Software & System Recovery Cd's
- Safety instructions guide
- Samsung Recovery Solution II / reinstalling Vista guide
Q1 Ultra Outside in full Sun
There is no problem viewing the Q1 Ultra outside in the shade
Small enough to take anywhere, The Samsung Q1 Ultra at the Hollywood Bowl
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Genuine Windows® Vista™ Home Premium
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Display: 7" WSVGA touch screen (300 nits, 1024 x 600)
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Processor: New Intel Ultra Mobile Processor A110 (800 MHz)
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Battery: Li-Ion (Prismatic) 4 cell (over 4.5 hrs)
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Two Stereo Speakers (4w total)
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Integrated split-QWERTY keyboard
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Dual cameras (video chat-300P, video/still-1.3MP)
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Integrated mouse/joystick
Click Full Specs
Samsung has announced three new additions to its Q1 Ultra family of Ultra Mobile PCs, the Q1U-SSDXP, the Q1U-ELXP and the Q1U-XP. The new Q1U-SSDXP is the first Q1 Ultra to incorporate a solid state Flash NAND hard drive instead of a traditional rotational disk drive. All three of the new models are using Microsoft Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system.
- Great Display
- Best Sound quality of any UMPC - stereo speakers
- Built in keyboard for those who are good with their thumbs
- Small and lightweight so it doesn't weigh you down
- Fun for surfing the net or email when your on the go
- Built in stand
The Cons:
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800 MHZ processor and only one gig of ram is just not enough power for running Windows Vista - which explains why the new Q1 ultras that were announced are running windows XP.
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Calibration for the pen and touch isn't as accurate as it should be
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no fingerprint reader on this model
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keyboard buttons are small and hard to read if you don't have good eye site.
In Conclusion:
The Samsung Q1 Ultra is fun for those times when you don't want to be without a computer but don't want to be loaded down with anything bulky or heavy. Its nice Nice for checking email on the fly and watching a downloaded movie on a plane or for the kids riding in the back of the car.
Samsung is working hard to keep their Q1 ultra evolving and meet the needs users are asking for. I look forward to a Q1 with a bigger processor, more memory and wireless wan - that will make the Q1 useable anywhere, anytime, which will make it more productive if your someplace without wireless.
You can optimize the Samsung Q1 Ultra to suit your personal needs by turing off the bluetooth (and any other processes your not using) and removing programs from the startup that you don't need.
However as Microsoft's Windows Vista OS slows down the Q1 Ultra considerably, until the day comes when UMPC's have the capability to use 2 gigs of memory, I highly recommend that for the best user experience you choose a Q1 Ultra that is running Windows XP.
