Going mobile....

[Big_Saw]

Not a lot of discussion so far about being light-on-your-feet when it comes to computing....

Most of us have the means to come by a laptop or a PDA/Smartphone, but for real portability and computing power, I suggest something a little more high-grade.

I own a highly customized Samsung Q1 Ultra, and a handy little pack of accessories, which were granted to me by my employers (commo and uplink access.) It's about the size of a small book, has a touch screen, ruggedized components, EMP shielding, solid-state core drive, a 2 x 4GHz dual-core processor, bluetooth, WiFi, NavCom package built-in, biometric access security, and a few other gizmos/software which are 'hushy-hushy"...



For about $1000 OTD, you can get a great starter platform with all the consumer bells and whistles, and have a nice PC that can stow a helluva lot easier than a laptop, and pack a lot bigger punch than PDAs and Smartphones. It's also less of a hassle to recharge w/solar or crank power than a big laptop.

Anyone else have good "on-the-fly" tech?

[Diesel]

that is very cool, i was going to get one of those mini notebooks that are out now.. but I like that too.. those all in one mini touch screen devices like u have , have come a long way! I'm going to be researching that.

Looks like u took the pic, using that device, very cool

[Diesel]

that's not a solidstate drive is it?

[Big_Saw]

that is very cool, i was going to get one of those mini notebooks that are out now.. but I like that too.. those all in one mini touch screen devices like u have , have come a long way! I'm going to be researching that.

Looks like u took the pic, using that device, very cool

Yup....this thing's what I talk to you guys on while in the living room.....rather than the PC in the office...(too much solitude in that cave I call an office!)..I use a bluetooth keyboard rather than the integrated keypad on the device....but the keypad works well, too...just not as fast as typing on a traditional KB. The built-in cam is still and motion capable, with fixed front and rear optics, and also has IR imaging capabilities...another 'gift' from the guys upstairs.

IMHO...You can't beat the platform for mixing portability w/power....of course, I got mine gratis, as equipment, but if I hadn't, I'd get one anyway....

[Big_Saw]

that's not a solidstate drive is it?

Yes...120 GB SS drive. with HCSD drive, USB x 2, HDMI, and a few other I/Os...

[Zombie Axe]

Cool! I love computing on the fly :)

[Big_Saw]

I carry this rig w/me everywhere, even in the field...as required by my firm's SOP. It's stood up to everything I've let it have, but you must understand...the consumer models will require a bit of ruggedizing to be able to withstand abuse....also, if you get something like this and SS drive is available...get it...no matter the cost....the old-fashioned Hard drives are way too sensitive to shock, etc....

[West Texas!]

That's just damned cool.
Alll I have in a fancy-schmancy Smartphone type thing...BlackjackII with ATT.

I wish these internet forums had mobile sites so I could surf when away from my office laptop.

[Big_Saw]

That's just damned cool.
Alll I have in a fancy-schmancy Smartphone type thing...BlackjackII with ATT.

I wish these internet forums had mobile sites so I could surf when away from my office laptop.

Great thing about these little slates is you don't need any specialized mobile sites....they run and display the same as a standard PC...

You might also consider one of these:



It's an OQO V2 UMPC, and it's every bit as powerful as your PC, if not more, with the right tech...
Smaller screen, so maps would be less convenient than the Q1 Ultra UMPC, but the computing power is awesome, and the portability factor is off the chart..

[Diesel]

So how does that compare to yours?

Great thing about these little slates is you don't need any specialized mobile sites....they run and display the same as a standard PC...

You might also consider one of these:



It's an OQO V2 UMPC, and it's every bit as powerful as your PC, if not more, with the right tech...
Smaller screen, so maps would be less convenient than the Q1 Ultra UMPC, but the computing power is awesome, and the portability factor is off the chart..

[Big_Saw]

So how does that compare to yours?

Well, the Q1U consumer version maxed out, against a comparable OQO Model 2, is a slightly better machine in terms of processor speed and connectivity, but the OQO wins out in terms of poweer consumption and portability, since it is slightly smaller.

I like the fact the the Q1U has no external moving parts to snap off or misalign, as opposed to the OQO, and the machine feels better in my hands than the diminutive OQO (yes, I had one, until recently.....since I got the Q1U, I never used it and ended up selling it to a buddy).

The Q1U is about twice size and the weight of the OQO, but we're talking about a matter of ounces, so it has little bearing, IMHO...

The OQO has a 5in screen, the Q1U a 7in screen, and both display very well.

The OQO has to onboard stylus storage, and no flip stand for setting up on a surface, while the Q1U has both.

The OQO doesn't have built-in serial I/Os, like the Q1U, but includes one USB, one HDMI, a docking port, a headphone jack, built-in mic, a backlit keyboard (the Q1U is lacking here),VGA/Ehternet,

The Q1U has integrated biometric access hardware/software (print scanner), 2 USB, serial I/O, headphone jack, HCSD slot, built-in two-way vid/still camera, an integrated blackberry-type keypad (split), front-mounted touch-style menu quick access.

Both machines support TOTL wireless, bluetooth, and integrated LAN ports.

For thee money, I'd go Q1...it's more expandable, a more solid device, IMHO, and just feels more like a man-machine than the PDA-like OQO.

As stated, the screens to vary quite a bit...you may think that there's not much difference between 7in and 5in, until you try to read the font, or view a map....we're talking about a 29% difference in viewing area and size.

Here's a pretty good rundown of the basic consumer models....(you have to paste the whole thing into your bar....the link won't fire just by clicking it...;) http://www.umpcportal.com/products/compareWindow.php#[[57,106]]

[das]

A SSD ultra portable without 3G or future WiMax capabilities? Am I just missing the market here or what is the point if you can only use wifi or LAN? I'm sold on the form factor but cool to the lack of high speed anywhere connectivity. Can I connect it to a SAT phone for data communication? HECK, even a MODEM (USB at least) would be welcome for off the beaten path communication.

[cudalyon]

Everyone should just go out and buy an iPhone.

[cwconnertx]

In addition to my laptops for heavy computing I use Q1 Ultra.

I highly recommend it to those looking for a portable device. I plug a usb GPS into mine and it gives turn by turn directions. The screen is great and the expandability is excellend. When my primary system went down, I plugged in a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and was able to keep working.

For travel, it can't be beat, with the extended battery I can use it for days without charging (1-3 hrs per day). I think the extended battery claims 8 hours life.

I also like the lack of moving parts, no sliding screen or flip up monitor.

I took mine apart and upgraded the ram to 2gb, and it made a huge improvement in performance when running multiple applications. Not necessary for strictly field use, but makes it an option as a replacement for a larger laptop or desktop.

[Big_Saw]

A SSD ultra portable without 3G or future WiMax capabilities? Am I just missing the market here or what is the point if you can only use wifi or LAN? I'm sold on the form factor but cool to the lack of high speed anywhere connectivity. Can I connect it to a SAT phone for data communication? HECK, even a MODEM (USB at least) would be welcome for off the beaten path communication.

Actually, USB cell and satcom adapters are available.....