Update: The Full U560 review is now available.
I only received the Amtek U560 yesterday (Thanks to Mobilx.hu who have sent it over for testing.) but I’ve been with my curvy little friend for most of the last 24 hours and we’re hitting it off quite nicely! Here are my first impressions, some images and and a set of three videos.
Note: I’ll be live this evening, after the Apple keynote and able to show off the U560 if you want to join me at UMPCPortal.com/live.
Let me start by saying that the U560 is probably the ‘easiest’ ultra mobile PC device there is right now. What I mean by that is that it has control elements, speed and feel that make it very easy to use. It beats the Gigabyte U60 ultra mobile PC because it has a mouse pointer and because of that mouse pointer, you can use it when the keyboard is closed. The keyboard buttons are easy to reach and use, the Windows XP operating system is fast (Oh, so much faster than the Q1 Ultra and HTC Shift that I’ve tested on the same Intel hardware) the screen brightness is good, the form factor is easy to hold. The kick stand is there and the battery life isn’t a worry (3hrs wifi-on) This might even please a few mainstream tech journalists. Shock! Horror! Personally, I love it. I’m slowly working around the 1024×600 problem for my eyes (125% magnification in IE7 is 820-wide, big fonts, big icons are good) but in general, I really like it. More-so than I liked the WiBrain as the U560 is faster, has better video capabilities (WMV especially) a CF slot (this CF-based HSDPA solution could be perfect), slightly better battery life and an easier keyboard. I also think it looks better.
But it’s not all good news of course. The screen resolution is extreme. It’s not pocketable. There’s no screen rotation. Its bigger than a UX, OQO or Everun. Some keys are very hard to find and use. WebCam is for daytime use only. The fan noise is noticeable. No 3G and at the moment, we only have an indicative price. (although its a good indication that this could be competing head-to-head with WiBrain and Raon Digital.)
Here are the introduction videos showing unboxing, some video and browsing performance and finally, gaming. This is one of the first UMPCs I’ve had in my hand where I’ve enjoyed gaming. The graphics capabilities far outstrip those on the VIA based devices and the controls are even useable.
Update: The Gmaing and video performance videos were shot with the device in 600Mhz (low speed mode.) Take a look at my special video-performance test for the latest info. It’s impressive!
I’m running a Q&A discussion thread in the forum and the full specifications (more links and details too) are available in the Amtek U560 product page. Keep an eye on the Mobilx website. Currently they have indicative pricing up and i’m told they will have the final pricing in the next few days and will be able to ship globally.
I’ll be live with the U560 (and other UMPCs) on UMPCPortal.com/live during the Apple keynote today at around 1800 CET (1200 Eastern.) and will be able to demo and answer questions when the keynote is over.
