TabletKiosk announces i7200 series UMPC

TabletPC2 had the sneak peek we mentioned last week and it turns out the device pictured is the newly announced TabletKiosk i7200 series UMPC.  Based on the Founder device the new eo will come in two models, the i7209 and I7210.  The two models have different features as follows:

i7209- $1,099

CPU	Intel Celeron ® M 900MHz w/ 512KB L2 cache
System Memory	1 x SODIMM DDR2 Slot with 512MB
Hard Drive	1.8" 30GB, 4,200 rpm
VGA Chipset	Intel 915GMS with Embedded 3D Engine, DX9 Supports Dual-Display Option with Cradle
VGA Resolution	800x480 Native Zoom mode to display 800x600, 1024x600
Display	Ultra Slim 7 " TFT-LCD Resistive Touch
Input Device	Resistive Touch Screen with stylus pen and Synaptic Stick Cursor
Wireless Networking	802.11b/g and Bluetooth v1.2
Operating System	MS Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
Shipping	By the end of August 2006

i7210- $1,399

CPU	Intel Pentium® M 1.0GHz w/ 2MB L2 cache
System Memory	1 x SODIMM DDR2 Slot with 1024MB
Hard Drive	1.8" 60GB, 4,200 rpm
VGA Chipset	Intel 915GMS with Embedded 3D Engine, DX9 Supports Dual-Display Option with Cradle
VGA Resolution	800x480 Native Zoom mode to display 800x600, 1024x600
Display	Ultra Slim 7 " TFT-LCD Resistive Touch
Input Device	Resistive Touch Screen with stylus pen and Synaptic Stick Cursor
Wireless Networking	802.11b/g and Bluetooth v1.2
Operating System	MS Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
Shipping	By the end of August 2006

I'm guessing this new line will totally replace the original eo with the Via processor, a device that was problematic for TabletKiosk from its release.  Full details and ordering can be done at the TabletKiosk web site.

-jk

Comments

[Kevin C. Tofel]

I was wrong, thinking it would be rebadged by Toshiba or Dell. Looks like the same relative specs as the Q1 on the base model for the price except the hard drive is 30 GB in lieu of 40. The higher priced model might be worth the RAM, CPU and storage upgrade, but now you get into price competition with larger and more powerful tablets. I like the fact that this model went with a 4-in-1 card reader and a dock!

[Rob Bushway]

it won't replace the v7110. The v7110 will continue to be TK's lower end model, with the i7200 series tailored to the higher end market.

Spec for spec with the Q1, this appears to be competitively priced.

[JonGH]

Since the launch of the UMPC I've preffered the look of the Founder device. The specs are smart enough too especially in the i7210 model which packs a lot more in for only a few hundred dollars more. I'd be very interested to find out when this will reach UK shores.

[Fred]

Spec for spec with the Q1, this appears to be competitively priced indeed, but the position of the buttons of the 7200 serie is way more ergonomic than the Q1... but badly lacks for PCMCIA or CF slot.

[Kevin C. Tofel]

One thing I'm personally not fond of (unless I'm missing it in the specs): there appears to be no Ethernet port in the unit itself meaning you have to use the dock if you want to connect to wired LAN. Not a big issue by any means....more of personal preference to me, while I'm sure others won't mind. All in all, it's a VERY nice looking unit.

I don't really see any need for a PCMCIA or CF slot on any of these devices at this point, so that's not a deal-breaker in my book either. Long term, I suspect that 3G PC cards are on the way out in favor of integrated 3G radios and\or 3G phones that tether. I'd take the SD slot over CF as well, just due to the smaller form factor; it's one thing I wish the Q1 had...well..that and a better stylus! Speaking of which....has anyone seen the stylus for these new models?

[Scotty]

The use of the 1.8" hard drive makes the unit slower than a Q1 for disk operations, but at the same time makes it lighter, more durable and gives it better battery life.

I'm also curious about Bluetooth 1.2? Doesn't a device like this badly need Bluetooth 2.0+EDR?

It sure looks like we won't be seeing those $500 UMPC's any time soon though.

[silliecutie]

Sigh, after a few months, you figure they'll come out with better accessories for the existing model of the UMPC, like a extended battery for MUCH LONGER battery life between charges. Instead they come out with models that are only slightly better but yet still not portable enough. I currently own a Q1 but the battery life is not long enough. The point to having these UMPC wasn't for main computing strength, but portability. I would be nice to only have to charge the UMPC just ONCE for a day and you'll be able to use it throughtout ur day non-stop. That would be a better goal. As of right now, because if it's battery life, it's not portable enough. I do not like to carry the AC adaptor along with the UMPC. You don't see ppl carrying a cell phone charger with them where ever they go do you?

[Alslayer]

I want this toy.
:)

[Ozone]

Personally, I think a PC card or CF slot is big bonus on portable devices. I use a dSLR camera that uses CF cards and if the device has a slot, then it's a good way to transfer data/pictures without needing to bring yet another accessory along (card reader and/or USB transfer cable) that can be lost. A larger card format also means you can easily get adapters for smaller cards (CF to SD) to maximize versatility: not so easy or popular going the other way.

[Matt]

Hi all - I just read through the i7200 pdf manual from tablet kiosk and came across a bad sign - under "bluetooth connectivity" pg. 47. It shows the dredded settings page of BlueSoleil !! Now, you all remember from JK's days of the sony u750 and the socket bluetooth card - the hassels involved and how bad the drivers were, right? I used the same setup and had the same problems, I then switched to the billionton CF card and what a difference! My question to JK - what drivers/setup interface does
the EO v7110 use? I have already pre ordered the i7200 and this may be a deal breaker for me. I'm seriously considering cancelling my order and getting the v7110 instead - IF it does not use BlueSoleil drivers. Yes - I do consider hassle free bluetooth that high a priority! thanks in advance for your response.