Connectivity options
The options here are numerous. Here are some considerations and tips.
USB2.0 The most flexible and widely used interface is USB2.0. Through the USB connector you’ll be able to attach external disk drives, printers, DVD writers, wireless LAN modules, Bluetooth modules and many other devices. Fortunately, all UMPC’s have USB ports. For mid-range and netbook devices a minimum of two USB ports is recommended.
TIP: For tabletop operation and quasi-desktop setups, 3 USB ports is recommended. Some external devices also require two USB ports within close proximity of each other.
TIP: Some USB ports on mobile devices are not able to deliver high enough currents to drive some external disk drives or CDROMs.
FireWire is a similar style of connectivity to USB but not common at all so if you expect to download data using this method (often used with video cameras) you’ll need to look carefully at the specifications.
VGA outputs (to external monitors) are common on netbook devices but not always on the 4-10″ devices. DVI-out is only found on a few devices at the moment as is HDMI. Nearly all devices with VGA ports can be operated in ‘extended desktop’ modes which can greatly increase productivity levels. The exception here are some older devices based on the AMD Geode LX800 and LX900 CPU.
SD card slots are common on notebook-style devices but there are some smaller devices that use the smaller Mini-SD or Micro-SD standard. Some are not able to support the higher capacity SDHC cards (4GB+) so watch out for this. Transfer speeds can vary so make sure you test this if you plan to transfer large files using this method.
Headphone outputs are found on most devices but Mic inputs are sometimes left off in favor of a built-in mic. Some headphone ports are actually ‘headset’ ports that provide the headphone and mic ports in one socket.
PCMCIA is a standard that many used for expansion cards on laptops. This is found on some mobile devices but it has been largely phased out in favor of the ExpressCard slot. The slots are smaller but still only found on the bigger, more pro-mobile devices. These ports can be useful for 3G cards, SSD drives and some external 3D graphics adaptors. In general, most of these features are available through USB ports so unless you have specific requirements, it may not be a key feature for you.
Other ports to consider:
- SPDIF-out (digital audio) Rarely found but if required, can be implemented through a USB solution.
- Ethernet 10/100/1000, Many pro-mobile devices and note-book style devices include an Ethernet port. Gigabit Ethernet is sometimes found although some of the slower disks may be the bottleneck here.
- Docking connector. Often found on pro-mobile tablet devices and can be very useful in implementing a ‘dock and go’ style desktop.
- Video-out (analogue.) Rarely found on mobile devices.
- RJ-11 (Modem) Rarely found.
- Compact Flash slot. Rare
- Memory Stick slot. Sometimes integrated into a multi-card reader.
- Mobile SIM-card slot. See details on cellular Internet connectivity below.
Wireless connectivity.
The most important connection on your ultra mobile PC is likely to be the connection to the Internet and this is generally achieved through the use of a wireless data connection. For wireless connectivity in the home, in hotels, coffee shops and airports, WiFi is a must-have. WiFi types 802.11b (11mbps) and 802.11g (54mbps) are common. Support for 802.11a is not available on all devices but 802.11n, the latest standard, is starting to appear. Reception and power drain must be considered for Wifi and in general, a better antenna reduces the power requirements. Some older and often internal USB-module based Wifi solutions can be very heavy on battery usage. Again, this is something to look out for in detailed reviews.
Cellular Internet access, as provided by many mobile phone operators is rapidly gaining in popularity, speed and value and can be use for on-the-go Internet access in most populated areas either via a mobile phone (see below) or via a built-in cellular data modem that you can find on some ultra mobile devices today. The connection method, speed, type and cost of access will vary from area-to-area, country-to-country, provider to provider and even month-by-month! It’s a minefield just choosing a service let alone getting connected but when everything is working with a good provider the experience can be a step up from WiFi access when on the move. For users in some parts of the world, WiMax is starting to be offered. The early market in the US shows some signs of promise but in Europe, 3.5G and its successor, LTS, has too much market share and investment involved to allow a switch to WiMax. Look out for more detailed information on this topic in the 2009 edition of the buyers guide.
One of the common ways to access the Internet if a device has no built in cellular data module and there is no Wifi hotspot available is via a cellphone. Most cellphones have built in data modems that can be used via USB connection (often through provider-specific software) or by using a Bluetooth wireless connection which brings us to the third important wireless connectivity method. Bluetooth is often left out on cheaper devices so if you need to connect a cellphone (Note that contracts do not allow this ‘tethering’ process) or if you need to use one of the many other Bluetooth connectivity methods (known as profiles) in order to use a wireless headset, wireless speakers, to transfer images or to connect a wireless keyboard, make sure BT2.0 (or the newer BT2.1) is included. BT1.2 is not recommended due to its lower security standards, reduced range and reduced profile set. BT2.1 offers better security, a ‘near field’ paring option and improved power efficiency but is only just starting to become available. BT2.1 is backwards compatible with BT2.0 devices.
One ‘workaround’ solution to accessing a cellular Internet connection is to use a 3G/Wifi adaptor. These are usually battery-power routers that include a 3G modem and a WiFi modem and act as a bridge between the two. Were a 3G connection needs to be shared, the 3G routers can be a perfect and easy to use solution.
In Part 3, we look in detail at the CPUs currently available in the market, the graphics capabilities, memory, battery life and weight.
