So here are the new Kohjis!

The first differences I see is that it looks a bit thicker, and there are more buttons on the bezel, including a redesigned mouse pointer. It also appears to have slightly different shape. What the big news is, it now has the Intel’s A100 processor in place of the AMD Geode. This means the graphics card is probably the GMA950. Also reported to be added are a T-DMB module and “navigation” which presume is GPS. Price is about $865, available in both black and white. More info as we get it, for now enjoy the rest of the pictures over at Aving.

This is a version of the red prototype that’s been seen around a number of times over the last year. Spotted by Aving at Computex, its in a slightly different format now. I wonder if someone’s picked this up for manufacturing.

There’s not much in terms of technical information apart from the screen size of 5.6″. It looks like 1024×600 judging by the icon sizes. The keyboard could be much better. I guess its only for show.

Via Aving.net

This is what I’ve been looking for. A tiny DVB-T module with built-in aerial. The Terratec Cinergy Piranha gives you DVB-T and DAB radio along with the usual PVR software. it costs only 79 Euro although I’m seeing it online for around 70 Euro inclusive delivery. Should be available in about 3 weeks in Germany.

I wonder what the reception is like! I will order one of these as soon as its available.

update: Ordered. Received. Its small. It works!! Report coming soon.

jkk has posted a video showing the EB MIMD (Mobile Internet Media Device) and the Compal MID (Mobile Internet Device) prototype. Pankaj Kedia, head of the mobile ecosystem at Intel talks about a launch 9-12 being months away.  That’s a platform launch I presume, not a product launch.  The Elektrobit device is running RedFlag Midinux as I suggested a few days ago. Midinux is currently with developers but I’m not sure if it will be productised as a downloadable distribution. You might find that it only appears as a tailored version in MID devices.

Via jkkmobile.

I watched with great interest and anticipation the GottaBeMobile InkShow video review of the Q1 Ultra last night. I took notes as I watched and have a fair bit of feedback on the review. The quality of the review is really good. Dennis does a really fantastic job of talking around the device and the macro work on the camera is excellent. You really get to see the whole device in detail. What camera are you using Dennis? The later parts of the review look at more detail about performance and, of course, inking! I have also had a chance to use the Q1 Ultra for about 30 minutes (admittedly, not really long enough to have a fully qualified opinion on the device) and I’ve read as much as is possible on the device. I have a lot of opinions on the Q1 Ultra and I remain fairly positive about the device (my purchase order is still being processed!) but I want to air my notes to try and get a few more answers and to stimulate more conversation on what I believe to be one of the best UMPC products there is right now. Read on!

I’ve just seen today that Amazon in Germany will be offering the Medion UMPC (Model MD 96277) for €899, a good 10% reduction over the original Medion asking price. Not only that but you’ll get a DVB-T module bundled in.  I suspect that we’ll see this price on the Medion web shop too when they’ve finally got details of the next shipment through. At the moment its looking like 4-6 weeks for delivery. €899 is exactly the price I said it should come in at although that was six months ago. Today (or in 4 weeks time)  that €899 is arguably still too expensive.

Interestingly, the Gigabyte U60 that was on UMPCshop.nl has also disappeared. I wonder if Arima are having problems getting this model through the production lines.

A few days ago Hugo posted a video about why he’s chosen the OQO Model 02 UMPC and has stopped using his tabletPC. I’ve just watched it with interest and a pencil in my hand. Its well presented (I can learn something from Hugo here. He’s got a very smooth delivery.) and is a good outline of why he’s moved from using a tablet PC to a UMPC.

My notes:

• Its significant that a tablet MVP has dropped pen input. I’ve said before that I think handwriting input is going to become less important. Especially for mobile and mass market consumers. It will still be useful for a niche segment but its not important for devices that are not targeted at this segment.
• The Samsung Q1 organizer keyboard is not cramped. Its one of the best quality mini keyboards that I’ve ever used. I’m using it right now and have no need to attach a full size keyboard. Have you got farmers fingers mate?
• Do you need that Dopod any more? You’ve pretty much said that the OQO does everything that the Dopod does and better. If I were you I would move down to a feature phone.
• Pocketing an OQO Model 02 is going to be 1 – awkward 2 – going to rip your pockets. I used to carry a lot around in my suit when I worked in London but I ended up at the tailors every three months!
• Is it really your desktop PC or do you have a larger desktop that you use for video editing?
• Numeric keypad. How many numbers are you putting in per day? really needed?
• Q1 organizer pack is a table-top solution I agree. Not a sofa, standing, car, bed solution.
• I agree. Windows is not optimized for touch but there is a lot of software that is. Navigation for example. Touch is important.
• I use the Q1b as a desktop replacement but its not quite good enough. Intel based devices make far better desktop replacements. XP on 1.2Ghz VIA is probably about the entry point so yes, I agree it can be used as a desktop and yes, you have to change your working style a little.
• What battery life do you get with your extended battery. Is it a full day like with the other two solutions or did you sacrifice some battery life?
• We know that the keyboard on the OQO isn’t much faster than on screen typing/handwriting. Would you be happy to lose 4-8mm on the depth of the device (or have a bigger battery capacity) without a keyboard and use an on screen keyboard?
• Don’t forget to highlight that the OQO Model 02 with docking station is around double the cost of a Q1b with organizer! You have to be tech-savvy and also be able to justify saving minutes per day to balance the extra cost.

There’s a general negative feeling in my notes there but all I’m doing is highlighting some very important points. I too believe that a small UMPC replaces the need for a smartphone and that a three-device strategy based on small feature phone, a 5-7″ UMPC and powerful home PC (if you need to do videos, games etc) is something that could work for a lot of people. Moving from on-screen handwriting to keyboard is also something I find significant. Especially for a Tablet MVP

I’m still looking for that perfect Carrypad solution myself. Currently I have the Raon Digital Everun, the Fujitsu UMPC and the new EB slider UMPC on my list. I wouldn’t buy the OQO because it doesn’t have a touchscreen and its damn expensive. I also think that its too big for a pocket (I don’t wear suits or cargo pants or have the nerve to wear that on a belt!) UMPCs will always be too big for pockets and so to me, the 6-7″ range (possibly a 7″ with 1024×600) could be optimal for me. But as we all say, it depends on your usage requirements. Hugo’s Hugometer spreadsheet and my UMPC buyers guide are good places to start in order to make that decision.

Thanks Hugo, for stimulating a good conversation through the video.

She’s an attractive little minx isn’t she. I wonder what version of Linux they are running. Must be RedFlag because that’s the only one ready I think.