Welcome back to the story of the UMPC. We left the story early in 2011 with the Viliv X70EX UMPC a 7-inch Windows 7 tablet running on Intel Atom. In the meantime we’ve seen a few niche products come and go and we’ve discussed the potential for a 7-inch ultra mobile PC on Clovertrail. Today we pick the story up again with the Acer Iconia W3.
The Acer Iconia W3 is said to be a full Clovertrail tablet meaning you’ve got your Windows desktop compatibility, just as you wanted it. The images look professionally produced so this isn’t a prototype we’re looking at and as it’s using the Z2760, there’s nothing stopping this from being produced tomorrow.
The reason it might not be produced tomorrow is the Windows 8 Store issue and a possibly controlled second wave of Intel tablets that could be introduced before BayTrail products are launched right at the end of 2013. A June launch at Computex or pre IFA/IDF launch in August would make sense.
There are a few specifications floating around but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s based on a new, optimised reference design of a CS-capable Clovertrail mainboard that would be offered to manufacturers to test and possibly manufacture smaller Connected-Standby tablet designs. We’ve known it’s possible for some time.
…it’s possible to build a new-generation Windows 8, 7 inch tablet on Atom Clover Trail. With some quality engineering a 16mm Windows 8 7 inch tablet would be possible. With a smaller battery maybe even a 12mm thick Windows 8 7 inch tablet would be possible. Source:Chippy.
In terms of battery life it depends on the thickness. Looking at some of the pictures indicates a fairly thin design. You could probably fit a 24Wh battery in there for 6hrs of video playback, 4hrs of web browsing.
There are more images available at Minimachines.net so do check them out and let us know what you think. Take note of the keyboard dock (above) which is likely to have a battery in it. I really like the look of this design.
Via Liliputing
This is exciting news. I have been waiting a long time for a sweet 7-8 inch umpc. I can’t wait to touch one again. I do miss my old Samsung Q1.
Hmmm…..definitely interesting, Chippy……
FYI, minimachines.net took down the images…so must have hit a nerve with Acer…. ;-)
Yeah. Given the quality of the photo’s it’s looking like a real product!
If nothing else is released or officially announced to come out a couple of months out after this Acer then I’m buying it.
I would have preferred a smaller slider type design with a thumb keyboard and mouse but I’ll take it. I hope there aren’t any build and battery life issues.
“You could probably fit a 24Wh battery in there for 6hrs of video playback, 4hrs of web browsing.”
That doesn’t make sense, it should be the other way around.
But, we’re talking about CLOVER TRAIL. Have you forgot it already Chippy? 25WHr battery touting Asus VivoTab Smart gets 6-8 hours in real use. Reviews are showing 7.5 hours of battery.
Video playback uses less battery on Clovertrail than Web browsing but yes, my figures are low. Wifi off video playback on an 8″ screen with mid brightness could be 10hrs. Web browsing, 6hrs-8hrs.
I’d buy it. Not like there’s anything else to buy at that size. Besides anything with Bay Trail will probably be another year after or never. Maybe less if this sells well. I don’t think there are enough of us who don’t mind using the Windows desktop on such a small screen so sales will probably heavily depend on how well Microsoft and app devs can improve Windows 8 and Modern UI apps.
Ideally, I’d like an integrated mouse in the bezel like the Viliv because, to me as a non-artist and non-inker, it’d be more useful than an active pen. Maybe have a cover that has a touch pad on it or if possible some basic keyboard keys like the Surface if that’s even possible.
Yes, a mouse in the bezel would be very useful. More so than a stylus. Maybe a small touchpad or optical mouse. If aesthetics isn’t a big factor then a nub would be great.
I really hope with the Atom finally improving and Windows is becoming more touch friendly but still keeping the desktop would make UMPCs sell this time.
Another win for Windows 8. Seems it will be very popular very soon.
If it is the same form factor as my Nexus 7 (which fits in my pocket) then I’d buy in a heartbeat!
That second image is odd, like one device docked with another.
Btw, the original source of the images seems to have been compelled by Acer legal representatives to remove the images.
A sign that something is on the way. Could be something to look out for on stage at Computex.