Samsung releases the Q1 Ultra Premium

Samsung has announced the latest version of the venerable Q1 UMPC, the Q1 Ultra Premium.  The Ultra Premium is largely the same hardware-wise with the exception being bigger keys on that split QWERTY thumboard on the sides of the screen.  From the Samsung press release:

Aimed at the commercial market, as well as to those individuals that travel frequently and thereby looking for the smallest PC-compatible form factor, the Q1 Ultra Premium UMPC advances Samsung’s Q1 Ultra line by delivering enhanced performance, extended battery life and superior text entry. Fueled by a 1.33GHz ULV Intel Core Solo U1500 Pentium CPU running at a clock speed of 1.33 GHz, along with 1 GB of high-speed DDR2 system memory, the Q1 Ultra Premium UMPC is a no-compromise, high-performance mobile computing solution that offers full PC functionality in an ultra-light, sub 2 pound package. Powering this advanced platform is a 57.7 watt hour Lithium Ion polymer 6-cell battery that will provide up to 7.5 hours of battery life. Additionally, this new model features the split-QWERTY keypad – Version 1.5 – which provides larger, improved keycaps making text entry even easier now. With these advances, combined with the UMPC’s enhanced features and ultra-portable form-factor, the Q1 Ultra Premium is a compelling solution for those mobile applications that require a no-compromise, PC-compatible, ultra portable solution.

Samsung is also producing new accessories for the Q1 Ultra Premium, a docking station, USB keyboard, organizer case and a GPS receiver.  The new Q1 will retail for $1,399 and Samsung says it will reduce prices on the older models as a result of this release.  Interestingly, and Microsoft can't be happy about this, Samsung will put Windows XP Tablet Edition on the new Q1.

Comments

[Mike Cane]

>>>The new Q1 will retail for $1,399

And therefore still not sell.

[Alslayer]

I agree with you Mike. Ever since the EEEpc came out I haven't been looking at anything else.
:)

[Peter Norman]

Does inking (in OneNote, for example) work well on the Q1 series? Or does it freak out because your hand is resting on the screen as you write?

Its expensive but if inking works well, then the new Q1 Ultra Premium would make a great satellite or companion device to my main pc for notetaking at meetings etc. Lugging my LE1600 around with its slice battery is too much like carrying a full-size laptop (without the advantage of a keyboard).

James and Kevin, I'm really enjoying your CES coverage! Thank-you very much!

peter

[Peter Norman]

Sorry, I answered my own question on 'inking' on the Q1 by doing a little web-based research.

According the reviews I've read, inking on the Q1 series of devices is, in fact, subject to 'vectoring'.

Vectoring is essentially wacky cursor behavior while using the pen to write with your hand resting on the screen. Its due to the fact that the Q1's screen allows for both 'touch' and 'ink'. When both happen simultaneously, the machine can't cope, resulting in poor inking.

Maybe someone at CES will report on whether vectoring has been eliminated or improved on the new Ultra Premium.

Thanks very much!
-peter

[Kevin C. Tofel]

Peter, I've seen no mention of any palm-rejection on the new Q1, so at this point, I suspect, it will subject to the vectoring that's inherent in most touchscreen units. We've got a stop at the Samsung booth scheduled, so we'll double-check for sure!