CNET have published a review of the WiBrain B1E UMPC. 'Priced at $699 and offering a variety of useful input options, the WiBrain B1E avoids the two pitfalls that commonly beset UMPCs--high price and low usability. Its price makes it the cheapest UMPC we've reviewed; it's $300 less than the Fujitsu LifeBook U810 and a fraction of the cost of the OQO Model 02 or the Sony VAIO UX390, which approach or surpass the $2,000 mark.
PC Magazine have published a review of the Raon Digital Everun L30H ultraportable PC. 'The L30H has the feel of an oversized smartphone in your hands. The dimensions (6.7 by 3.3 by 0.9 inches, HWD) are more in line with those of the Sony PSP. There's a nice heft to it, making it feel less like a toy and more like an expensive piece of machinery. It's a tenth of a pound heavier than the OQO model 02, ideal for a coat pocket but definitely not for the tight-jeans crowd. And its length allowed Raon to put in a decent-looking 4.8-inch widescreen that's large enough for video-watching, Web-surfing, and reading documents. (Both the OQO and the Vulcan FlipStart have bigger screens (5 inches and 5.6 inches, respectively), in case the Everun's screen is a little too small for your taste.)'
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Pocket-Lint have published their review of the Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC. 'When it comes to the UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), Samsung has really got behind the idea of what handheld computing should be. This is the third version in less than twelve months and is a move away from the original concept. UMPC was designed to be a keyboard-less device that you access using a touchscreen and onscreen virtual keyboard.Sadly, the TouchPack software as its called, leaves a good deal to be desired, so it’s no surprise that the Q1 Ultra comes with its own QWERTY keyboard.'
The Sony mylo handheld combines instant messaging, Wi-Fi Internet access and Skype internet-telephone connectivity packaged in neat handy device. 'Weighing 5.3 ounces and measuring 0.8 inches thick, the mylo is certainly pocket friendly. Our unit's glossy black surface--it also comes in white--and curved base give it a sleek feel, even though it smudges easily. We also dig the chic, sci-fi pulsating light on right side of the mylo, which glows when you're connected via Wi-Fi.
CNET reviews the recently launched Palm Treo 700wx [Sprint version] smart phone. 'We're not sure if you've heard, but Sprint is getting its own version of the Palm Treo 700w. OK, we say this with a bit of sarcasm as the specs, the images, heck, even the user manual were leaked all over the Web. But now we can say officially that the Palm Treo 700wx for Sprint is here. The Windows Mobile-based Treo is available starting today for $499.99 with a two-year contract or $549.99 with a one-year contract. We had a brief chance to check out the device, and our initial impression is that the 700wx offers a couple of advantages over its Verizon variant, among them, increased program memory and thus, improved performance. We will continue to test its features and performance over the next few days, so check back next week for our extended review.
Tony Smith writing over at Reg Hardware previews the soon-to-be launched Linux-based HandyPC. 'German phone maker Road has announced its answer to Nokia's Communicator. Dubbed the HandyPC, the phone-computer combo is based on the Linux operating system and Trolltech's Qtopia GUI. It's a quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE device with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on board too.
Mobile Magazine previews the upcoming launch of the Blackberry 8707g. 'On the surface, the BlackBerry 8707g, ready for launch some time this week, looks a heck of a lot like the rumored 8703e that's been kicking around the internet, but it's quite a catch on its own. High-speed data junkies will be able to get their fix through the 2100 MHz UMTS capabilities of this unit, which can be exploited as a tethered modem for laptops. The 8707g latches onto GSM/GPRS networks over four bands (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), and throws down a full QWERTY keyboard (hurray! no SureType!), 64MB of flash memory, Bluetooth 2.0, 320 x 240 color LCD, a built-in speakerphone, and BlackBerry's usual suite of PIM software'
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Gizmag previews Sony's WiFi broadband communication and entertainment device known as "mylo". 'The device, available in black or white, comes embedded with popular instant messaging services: the Google Talk instant messaging service, Skype and Yahoo! Messenger. These services are free and the product does not require initial computer setup or a monthly service contract.
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Chris Ziegler has posted a "hand-on" review of the ARINC's eFlyBook on Engadget. 'Speaking from a pilot's perspective, the $899 eFlyBook gives major bang for the buck for one simple reason: it eliminates reams of books and binders that all but the most casual flyboys need to have at the ready. Reams, people. To make matters worse, the documentation is subject to fairly frequent updates. The eFlyBook rocks a subscription model that automatically updates loaded charts via a link to a PC -- you get six months for free, then $249/year thereafter. ARINC's loaded a custom app onto the iLiad to manage their charts in an intelligent way, though the software was a bit flaky (read: sluggish, partially non-functional) at the time of our encounter and an update is promised in the next couple weeks.
The HTC TyTN 3G Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 based Pocket PC phone receives a favorable review over at Shiny Shiny.tv. 'The design of the Tytn is much like you would see on the T-Mobile Sidekick (guess who made that?). It feels solid but not heavy, and the keyboard slide is smooth, with a reassuring click when it's in place. The screen automatically switches from portrait to landscape on that magic 'click' and there are soft buttons in both views which make it easy to access key functions,if you don't fancy getting out the stylus for the touchscreen.
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Digital Trends.com provides an in-depth analysis of the features of the latest portable, computing product from Sony. 'The Sony VAIO U line of PCs, first introduced in 2002, has gone through many revisions. From the early U1 through the U70/U50, the ultra-portable U series has had its fair share of innovation and drawbacks. The early models, including the U1, U3 and U101 used the classic clamshell/laptop design. They were largely seen as simply tiny, underpowered laptops for niche vertical markets.
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Laptop Mag gives the "thumbs up1" (or should that be thumbs down) to EmailTreo, a push email solution for the Treo that enables users to get email instantly on their Treo, and remain continuously synchronized with their web mail and desktop applications including Outlook and Thunderbird. 'Accessing your e-mail from a cell phone is not a big trick, really, since Yahoo and Google generally offer easy ways to view your Web mail accounts on the go, and a number of clients from third-party vendors even hook you into your POP3 inboxes. What makes BlackBerry stand apart is “push” functionality, having the device always on and always polling your inbox to buzz your pocket with every new message. Nokia, Microsoft, and others are all working on their own BlackBerry killers, but EmailTreo’s simple and dirt-cheap ($1.66 per month) solution for the Treo is a very attractive alternative for those of us without an IT department.'
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ZDNet blogger, David Berlind, offers his take on the new smartphone from Motorola which will be launched with Verizon and Sprint. 'Per the promise of Motorola CEO Ed Zander last week at both JavaOne and Gartner Symposium/ITxpo, Moto announced today that its Q smartphone is finally shipping and, not surprisingly, Verizon Wireless is the launch carrier. Sprint will very likely be next as the Q is CDMA-EVDO ready (Sprint and VZW are both on CDMA/EVDO).Support for the 3G wireless flavor run by Cingular and T-Mobile won't come until the end of the year at the earliest. So, now the question is whether or not the Q will redefine mobility for both mobile office workers as well as consumers. '
CNet previews the new Palm OS-based smart phone for both Sprint and Verizon Wireless. 'As the newest member of the already famous Treo family, the Palm Treo 700p has found a way to distinguish itself from its siblings in a couple of ways. First, it's the first Palm-based Treo to support 3G EV-DO networks, so you can take advantage of broadbandlike speeds on your device. In other words, that means faster e-mail, messaging, and attachment downloads. In addition, the 700p supports streaming media, so you can enjoy live TV and movie clips, music, and more. Yet another distinction is that the 700p is the first Treo to offer built-in dial-up networking capabilities (DUN). Yes, you can finally use this smart phone as a wireless modem right out of the box. What's more, you have the option of connecting via Bluetooth or USB. The latter will charge your device at the same time--nice.'
Rob Pegoraro pens a rather unflattering preview of the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet for the Washingtonpost.com. 'The Nokia 770 Internet Tablet ought to possess all the ingredients necessary for tech success. This thin, light device -- essentially, a touch-sensitive color screen framed by a few buttons -- looks like an artifact from science fiction. It comes from a company with a long history of innovation in mobile devices. And it runs on the tinkering-friendly, open-source Linux operating system. But while this $360 gadget might fit in great on "Star Trek," in the real world it competes with a galaxy of other handheld devices -- most of which do more than the Nokia 770, and do it far more reliably and gracefully.'
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Riyad Emeran reviews the MDA Vario and though he notes the absence of 3G, delivers a positive assessment of the device's capabilities. 'The MDA Vario is probably the closest thing I’ve seen to a “do it all” mobile device. It works well as a pocket size data centre and is just about small enough to use as a phone. As a mobile data device the Vario doesn’t quite have the edge of the SPV M5000 or XDA Exec both of which offer 3G high-speed connections. However, I’ve been using the Vario as my mobile mail client for a few weeks and it works admirably. Likewise, it’s a great device for using instant messenger on the move – for a true testament of mobile computing, I recently spent a train journey chatting to my News Editor, Gordon over MSN, while he was sitting in Brazil with his notebook.'
Though the Cingular 8125 may be a bit heavy as cell phones go, the device comes packed with the latest features which more than compensates for the extra weight. 'This quad-band (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) world phone comes with integrated Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and EDGE support. In addition, there's a full QWERTY keyboard hidden behind the slider design, and since it will be upgradable to Microsoft's Messaging and Security Feature Pack, you can receive your e-mail in real time with push technology. Unfortunately, with all these features, the phone is on the larger and heavier side.'
Linda A. Epstein pens a fairly comprehensive review of the Electrovaya Scribbler SC-310 on TabletPc2.com. 'As the Tablet PC market continues to climb and we get ready for the new Microsoft Vista operating system later this year, larger hard drives ad better graphics cards become important features in the Tablet PC. Even if your not currently using programs like Adobe Photoshop, or Autocad, The speed and quality of the 128 MB Intel GMCH-M915GMS Graphics Controller in the Sc 3100 will be appreciated once Vista arrives.'
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CNET reviews the Palm Treo 700w smart phone which is available via Verizon Wireless for $499. 'Back in September, Palm, Microsoft, and Verizon Wireless released a few tantalizing details about the Palm Treo 700w, then called the Palm Treo on Windows Mobile 5, but left us wanting much more information on the long-fabled smart phone. Finally, at CES 2006 in Las Vegas, the three companies announced its availability and many more details, including the final name. Yet while we were initially excited by the Windows-based Treo, our elation slowly deflated as we spent more time with the device.'
Ed Hardy of Brighthand.com ponders the categorization of the latest version of the popular gaming machine. 'There are several devices that just hover on the very edge of being a "true" handheld computer, but never quite make it over the line.Among the most prominent of these are some of the top-of-the-line portable gaming consoles.These offer a few of the features of typical handhelds, but lack important ones, like PIM, web access, word processing, etc. But, one of these, the Nintendo DS, has just taken another significant step beyond being just a toy. '
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Sandra Vogel reviews the Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX N520 on Trusted Reviews. 'The Pocket LOOX N520 is small and light at 160g with dimensions of 116 x 71 x 14mm. It’s styled in the same slate grey and silver that followers of the LOOX line will recognize and also continues that line’s use of rectangular shortcut buttons and navigation keys.Not only do these look nice in themselves, but they’re different from the crowd, and have a rather nice blue light behind the icons. But the main design feature as far as this particular PDA is concerned is the way the SiRFStar III GPS antenna is buried within the casing.'
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