Why David Carnoy will never buy a UMPC

That's what I would have called the title of this CNET editorial piece that David Carnoy wrote, but instead he chose to be a little bolder: his title is "Why you'll never buy an ultramobile PC". Fortunately for me, I bought two over the past year, so he's not swaying me. The downside is: his article will garner a gazillion more views than my opinions here. David, any chance of me publishing an opposing viewpoint on your CNET site? Here's a quick draft outline of my opposite opinion....

• First up, we need to understand the context of what a UMPC is for. If we're going to compare it to cutting edge laptops that have matured over the past 20 years, then we're not comparing apples to apples. There's a time and a place for laptop and there's one for a UMPC within some consumer's usage patterns. Heck, desktops have their place too, which brings me to point number two.
• When the first battery powered laptops appeared, I'd say it's a safe bet that we heard the same downsides, only this time, we compared the laptops to desktops. Poor battery life, heavy, clunky, etc....why would you need a laptop when you have a desktop? The same reason you could use a UMPC when you already have a laptop or desktop: it's the right tool for the task in a given setting.
• Let's look at the hardware choices used to determine that people will never buy UMPCs: the Sony Vaio UX and the Vulcan Flipstart. These are among the priciest of ultramobile PCs, so while it's easy to question the value, why not look at the sub-$1000 offerings? A Samsung Q1B or TabletKiosk eo can be had for around $800 to $900. Oh and that HP Pavilion tx1000 mentioned as a preferred Tablet PC alternative to a UMPC isn't quite the $1,150 quoted. Yes, that model does start at that price, but you can't call it a Tablet PC if the more expensive touchscreen option isn't included in the base.
• I definitely agree with the confusing names and platform approaches in this market segment. We're still under a year since the first UMPCs arrived however, let's give the segment time to mature. That's what it's doing, it's maturing across different hardware and software platforms. Call me crazy, but when a market is maturing, I don't think I'd every say "you'll never buy a device in this market segment". Over time, I expect we'll see positive change here; we already have in the first year alone with new chipsets that provide more efficient power use, LED backlit screens, keyboard integrations and even integrated WWAN features.
• An interesting question closed out the article: "So, why would I need a UMPC that costs three times as much, has worse battery life, doesn't offer that much more functionality (in terms of core needs), and still requires me to carry a cell phone for voice calls?" The answer is going to vary by consumer because personal computing is just that: personal. Finding the right took for the task at hand is what it's all about, so for David, a UMPC may never meet his needs and that's OK. For someone who works while mobile more often than at a desk, a UMPC or ultra-portable laptop can address those needs. I'm not sure where the "costs three times as much" part comes into play. As stated, you can find a UMPC for around $1000, so would you have us believe that you're using a $333 laptop for you primary computer? Doubtful, but more power to you if you can. See, that's the difference right there: I only have the right and the knowledge to explain why a UMPC will or won't work for me; I'd never be presumptuous enough to summarily dismiss a technology for everyone else but me.
• One general comment: UMPCs are not the "holy grail" of computing; that's not my point here. There are times I use a desktop because a UMPC or laptop isn't the right tool for an audio or video editing task. When I'm at my son's little league game and want to jot down some ink notes, watch an iTunes video between innings or mindmap new post ideas, the UMPC will win hands down every time. Are there issues with UMPCs? Of course! Are the being addressed? I think so and I'm excited to watch and participate in the device maturity. Ink and touch as input is still part of this maturity as well; let's give these complexities time to develop.

Thoughts?

Comments

[Ctitanic]

I wont waste my time login into CNET to post a message to him. This person is the pure example of "If I don't need this, the world wont need it either".

I have been using my UMPC already for almost a year as primary PC. And I can imagine a better tool for me than this. Of course there are things that need to get better but like you said, if I compare my first laptop Tandy with current laptops that's like comparing the Sun and the Moon.

[Lee]

I've alwayus considered myself close to, if not on the cutting edge. Bought the 1st Toshiba tablet as soon as it came out, then returned it after 2 weeks since it was too heavy to be practical and bought the Compaq TC1100(?) which I enjoyed for a couple of years.

I had pre-ordered the UX-180 (remember that model - seems like years ago) but sold it after about 2 months, since it was nothing more then a "toy" due to its crappy battery life. I played with a Q, but a computer without a keyboard is just not practical for me.

I agree with a lot of what David's article has to say. I really really want to like UMPC, but I keep buying them and returning them because they are just not there yet. I don't need 6 hours of battery life, a real 4-5 will do. But no matter what people tell you, the UX is good for about 2 hours when using wi-fi, the Q a little longer and that is just not practical. What good is a mobile device if I have to carry around a power supply and look for an outlet, or carry extra batteries around?

I can work easily with blackberry style keyboards and love crusing the net with a tablet in portrait style, but I have yet to find a UMPC that satisfies my needs and that is too bad. For now, I'll stick with my Sony TX series, which, while not perfect and while lacking a touchscreen, easily gives me 6+ hours of usability everytime using every function.

I'm sure I'll end up ordering the HTC Shift and hope that this is the UMPC that finally hits the sweet spot, but until now, I need to make too many compromises with the UMPC.

[Sumocat]

No shock here. Carnoy is a young tech editor (as opposed to an old school editor who appreciates the power of the pen), which means he sits at a desk using a keyboard and mouse/pointer interface. Obviously, he has little need for a mobile PC with a touchscreen and, in typical fashion, he assumes no one else needs one either.

[Xavier]

I don't agree with a lot of what David has to say, but UMPCs really do need to improve on is battery life. The on-the-go mobile user needs all-day juice.

[Kip]

The UMPC isn't a dead parrot...it's a Norwegian Blue

[steve hammill]

I've been using "portable" computers since buying one of first Kaypros made. I've had Toshiba Librettos, LG Phenoms, NEC MobilePros, Sony Picturebooks, Apple Newtons, Palms and IPAQs...and on and on and on...

Until some one figures out that these devices need a full-powered OS without code-bloat --- all is lost in the wait for technology to build a chip capable of running bad code as fast as my old Kaypro could run CPM machine code.

[Julien Boyreau]

Hi everyone,

I think for UMPC (= x86 shrinking) to be successful is ONE key argument => They need to be POCKETABLE.

If you need a Bag to carry, you will always find a good keyboard+screen+price to larger laptops.

But if you are POCKETABLE, you need to :
Compete with mobile phones.
Attach seamlessly to big screen+keyboard when availabled.
Get rid of the Desktop metaphor.

That's why I think the new MID concept from Intel is quite interesting.

[Anton P. Nym]

I get 5-6 hours a day on my Q1 w/6-cell battery pack. Target met, in my opinion.

My Q1 also came with a sticker price about 25% lower than the bottom-end Sony's, and about half the top-end, if price is an issue. Heck, the eo line can even beat that. So those comparisons just don't match out, especially with the "nerfed" Pavilion not offering the same functionality.

I agree, the UMPC will not replace Notebooks in the marketplace. I, however, have found it fulfills all the roles I require of a portable computer with half the weight and bulk, so the price premium was worth it for me. Plus I can use it in places and circumstances I'd never be able to use a traditional Notebook. (I've edited digital photos on-the-spot while knee-deep in snow. Good luck doing that on a Clie.)

In my experience, even though it won't make laptops obsolete, UMPCs do hold a worthwhile place in the market.

-- Steve

[bobm]

Funny Story --

I'm at the Compusa going out of business sale with my 9 year old (I'm 51) and we were looking at the Sony UX, I could not for the life of me read what was on the screen (I have not trouble with my Fujitsu P1200 though).

However my son said he could see everything just fine. The price wasn't low enough to get him a toy but maybe some of the UMPCs are just too small for folks my age..

That said, the new Fujitsu UMPC looks really nice and they tend to be pretty price competitive.

[Anton P. Nym]

Another point I'd like to address; Carno's condescending use of "PursePC". To which my only reply can be "pthbtbtbt" and a thumbing of the nose.

I use a CaseLogic portable DVD-player carrier as a mini-laptop case for my Origami and ALL its accessories, right down to spare batteries for the bluetooth keyboard and headset. (Well, except for the chargers... I don't carry those around daily anyway.) Beats carrying around a leather laptop bag all hollow in terms of weight and bulk, plus it doesn't suck up all my carry-on allowance.

If that's too bulky and/or insufficently masculine, try putting it in your attache case along with the dead-tree stuff. The neoprene sleeve will protect the UMPC against Bad Things(tm) if it's slotted into one of the file folder keepers or if the case has a holder for a daybook. That's how I carried mine around before caging that (not-so-wee) surplus laptop case at work for a while.

-- Steve

[HG]

I have the Q1P with Vista and use the 6 cell battery and get a good 4 to 4.5 hrs of battery life. The UMPC is a great device if you know how to use it, or need it for mobilty. Yes you can't compare to a regular laptop that's a CD2 but if you compare it to a Celeron its able to keep up with those and its a mobile machine. Many complain about not having a keyboard; what can be done is get a bluetooth keyboard which I use a ThinkOutside BT and the USB keyboard from samsung. I do agree for real power I just use my MacBook Pro for that but normally for work related and even more I can still use the Q1P. At my home office I have a 19" monitor that I connect to the samsung and use a MS BT mouse, with Logitech BT keyboard and set the Q1P to one coner behind the monitor and works just like a computer. The advantage is that I'm able to unplug quickly and take notes and go on the road with no problem. Everyone can go on about how bad a UMPC is but, if they don't have a use for it they will always say its bad. Also I posted this using my Q1P on the road with no problems and what's really great using Vista with the Q1 is that I put it in standby and when I flip the switch to power up it's on within 10 seconds.

[Fabian]

I thought this was the best summary so far. It clearly and very fairly displays where the UMPC belongs, not the niche it is forced into by mainstream media. Like you said, there is a time and place for laptops, as there is for UMPC's. It will take a while for cranky so-called technology experts to find the true value of Ultra Mobile devices, or at least for general consumers know better than to rely on every single opinionated statement by them. Big thumbs-up, Kevin, very fair and very accurate, I think this is what really belongs in Professional Tech Magazines for the technology world to get anywhere.

Fabian

[Matt Lust]

It seems everyones looking for the "killer app" of new hardware. Why must UMPCs replace Laptops or Desktops. I'm likely going to invest in a Q1P percisely because its not a laptop replacement. I have a laptop to replace my Desktop so why would I want something that is my desktop too?

In my opinion, UMPCs serve the same function that laptops did 10 years ago, niche solutions. However, Moore hasn't failed yet so we'll likely see an increase in power and performance per dollar spent as the UMPC begins to match the laptop market. However, UMPCs will also eventually compete with Blackberry/RIM as the devices get more sophisticated.

[ljmjag]

That's funny, Steve. I had a Kaypro "portable" computer too. I loved that machine. Hooked it up to my dot matrix printer and carton of track fed paper and I was set. If I recall correctly, I used PerfectWriter, which was a great (for the time) word processor. I think I eventually replaced that machine with a Zenith. Those were the days.....

[mcdoken]

Like so many people, David misses the point. The UMPC is not for work. It won't replace the Latitude D600 that he so faithfully dragged around for the past three years.

[Alan Pozner]

I have a Samsung Q1P and I use it for almost anything that does not require heavy processing. IMHO nothing beats it for surfing in bed (yes, I'm single :-), in an easy chair or while standing.

I use it at work to take notes in meetings (I really like ritePen - great app), as a data transfer tool between work and home and with a pair of good headphones and Winamp as the best MP3 player I have ever used.

Its also great for watching videos. I often "tape" Speed Channel AMC PBS or TMC programs using a Hauppage PVR ($100!) to a desktop then transfer wirelessly to the Q1 for viewing later anywhere.

I also use its bluetooth capability, a GPS and some data acquisition software in my race car to wirelessly capture runs for later analysis.

Finally I have used it along with a bluetooth keyboard to be the center of an autocross timing suite.

While I could have used other types of devices for any of these activities, the fact is that I would either
1) Have to carry a whole gadget bag full of little devices
or
2) Used something far less portable.

I find that the <2 lbs. weight of the Q1 is about all I really would be comfortable holding and using for any period of time. A laptop won't cut it for any handheld browsing or viewing.

There are certainly other devices that can do all of the things my Q1 can. But I have found my life with it more enjoyable and I have not tired of it in 3 months.

[Patrick]

dudes! save some good points for me to use! I agree with pretty much what evryone's said, especially with the parallels drawn between laptops and umpcs - I believe that as soon as umpc's hit the prices of cheap laptops, the market will come alive. Having said that, I think that umpcs (as evident in the next gen versions) will have to have a keyboard, thumbboard or larger, in order to become mainstream. It seems like we just can't shake it as a preferred input device, no matter how cramped and tiny the keys are (btw, I'm typing this all on my ipaq's cramped and tiny thumboard). I guess its why treos and blackberries do so well vs 'slate' style versions, even though some cost more than laptops! On a final note, I think that part of the reason why umpcs have yet to hit the mainstream, is because they are focusing on the wrong aspects. They focus on having a full desktop operating system, and therefore drawing inevitable comparisons to more capable, albeit larger, laptops. Instead, they should be touting its strengths: ie full, uncompromised web-surfing, as a truly unrestricted pmp (even plays itunes video and music!), an ebook reader, a portable gaming machine, AND in a pinch, a handy laptop replacement, all in one handy package...now, doesn't that sound better than a laptop without a keyboard and a slow processor? I mean really, us geeks already know the possibilities, so it shouldn't need to be marketed to us - they should be marketed to everyone else. Personally, when I get my tax return, I'll be saving it for the raon digital vega mkII when it comes out :) Umpcs ARE the right tool for most people, they just lack the imagination to see all the stuff they can do with it ;)

[LongWinter]

Yes David Carnoy's missed the point... and on so many levels.

1. More "useful" full-sized laptops don't have longer battery life... because when used for video editing, or gaming or any of the apps that don't make sense on a small device are being used, they suck up more juice. I don't know any laptop no matter how long the batter life is advertised as that lasts more than 3 hours when playing Quake 4.

2. Usage patterns... Ok, he's a journalist and wants to write articles. But what about consumers who want to update their facebook account, twitter some ridiculous thoughts ;), check the football scores, and listen to music... basically all at the same time??? There is a whole new type of user growing up out there who could really use a UMPC when they are moving about and can't get that functionality from an itty bitty underpowered mobile phone.