Blogger Brunch: and 3x UMPC

Frank Arrigo and I: A picture I took this morning after Brunch had ended.

Today was about as good as my morning gets.

I woke up and followed the normal routine of feeding my son, dressing my son, and driving him to school. On this occasion however we were joined by longtime friend and fellow blogger, Dr. Neil Roodyn.

For those of you that haven’t seen Dr.Neil interact with kids you would totally crack up. He fires off random intellectualized questions at the little monsters to test their IQ and mental stamina. My son, Leon, now on Level 22 reading (while all his kindergarten mates are on level 3 or 4), absolutely loves Neil and enjoys the morning spar; he sure gives Neil bang for buck. The reason Neil was at my place so early (and as opposed to our normal outings) was this morning’s Bloggers Brunch. This morning we had been summoned invited to Brunch with Australia's answer to Robert Scoble, the infamous Frank Arrigo.

I sat next to Frank, who sat next to Neil. The reason we kept getting glanced at was that I annotated on my EO V7110 UMPC, Frank on his Motion LS800 UMPC and Neil on his Samsung Q1. That Rocked!

Obviously the room was buzzing and full of opinionated folks. There were beef burgers; sandwiches, banana bread and all the coffee you could fit in (just ask Uber.Legend Michael Kleef who had two coffees before I finished one). All-in-all the boys and girls really behaved well and delighted themselves by jousting and probing some of Microsoft's classier comrades.

Dr. Neil Roodyn (Contractor Extraordinaire) and John Hodgson (Microsoft)

Had you of been invited you would have heard and seen some wonderful displays of bravery that were sometimes shot down just as quickly. Even John Hodgson of Microsoft managed to leak some confidential information regarding an upcoming announcement about Windows Live XXXXX. [I won't be the one to cause John's Donald Trump-like "you're fired" so if Frank wants to jump onto the blog and repeat what was said then I’ll let that be ok with that. Frank???

Overall it was a fantastic meeting and worth being part of. I’ve definitely put my hand up for the next Bloggers Brunch! Because a fellow attendee, and blogger, has already posted a blogroll of the morning I won't need to. (Please identify yourself as I cannot work out which on you were – plus I think you and I need to talk)

Straight after the meeting Frank left to his first (of many) talks he’ll be running at Tech.Ed, this time with fellow Aussie Blogger, and mate, Long Zheng. Long and I have pinged each other for a while and I actually sold him his first Tablet PC a while back. Frank was pumped about Long being on stage as his readership is so good in the blogosphere. Good job Long! The irony is that at the Bloggers Brunch was another Mate/Blogger that I too sold a Tablet PC to, the cool Mitch Denny.

Blogroll (as recorded by HacStart.com/blog):

From recollection the event attendees included (in no particular order):

Frank Arrigo

Cathy Jamieson

John Hodgekins

John Pritchard

Tony Wilkinson

Michael Kleef

Bloggers

Hugo Ortega - UberTablet

Mitch Denny - NotGartner / Readify

Mark Jones - Financial ReviewGeoff Orr

Trevor Cook - Corporate Engagement

Dr Neil Roodyn

Nick Hodge - NickHodge.com

Jeff Putt - CIO Magazine

Rodney Gedda - Computerworld

Phil Sim - mediaconnect

Ben English?

Namir ?

Phil ?and a few more i didnt meet.

IT forensics', Tablet, UMPC and my cafe meetings

This week I must have had over half a dozen cafe meetings regarding Tablet PC, and Ultra Mobile PC. Because I’ve been handed the reigns to the Tablet PC Cart downunder I find myself in all manner of conversations. Yesterday, Saturday, I sat with an IT Forensics’ Expert that gets called in to retrieve data from Crime Related PCs. THIS WAS a FUN TALK.

Imagine being flown across the country, as an IT guru, whose job it is to reach into the embers of a petroleum-inspired fire, pull out the remains of what once was a laptop, and start to recover data. He recalls that on one such occasion the spinning platters normally found within a standard PATA/SATA hard drive had to be removed and "almost surgically" re-installed into a new encasement in order to begin the data recovery process. Often these criminals are so desperate to TRASH their PC (and the evidence therein) that they dunk them in sinks full of water and with the power packs plugged-in they turn the electricity on; he also mentioned an occasion where one 'crim' took a sledge hammer to his device and repeatedly beat at while police were breaking down his door.

It made me recall an instance where I performed some Tablet PC surgery myself. I know that firstly there needs to be a love for PC intestines when doing this sort of work. It isn't for the faint hearted and should not be attempted at home. If I were the ‘crim’ I'd resort to running (literally) two Tablet PC’s with a copy of Microsoft OneNote 2007 BETA installed on each. This way I could synchronize my handwritten notes over a second PC and burn one laptop while making away with another under the arm!!! LOL

Another meeting I had this week was with a Window Manufacturer. He tells me that the Window Manufacture industry is one of the largest in the world and most lucrative too. The contracts on big high-rise buildings are obviously an example of really good "danger money." This particular guy had an awesome application designed to ‘measure and quote’ a Window job [using Microsoft Windows...sorry couldn't help the punt].

We sat there and enjoyed coffee while he installed he's application on several Tablet PCs, took photos and familiarized himself with several Tablet related products on the market. The one question that keeps rearing its head seems to be that of "active digitizer" vs. "touchscreen" pc's. Talking my way through the XY coordinates of a touch, vs. the XYZ coordinates of the Active Digitizer; it becomes clear that in almost every case the merits of the active digitizer far outweigh that of the touchscreen.

As a project the Microsoft Origami Project was designed firstly to bring down the cost of regular (active digitizer) Tablet PC's. It was apparent early on in the project that the highest consumption of the manufacture dollar was the active digitizer board itself; hence, UMPC was released sporting touchscreens. What we've now created is a new market appeal where the price point has reached a happy medium for Tablet PC (via UMPC) but we are now looking at reversing the excitement due to poor User Experiences with the touch. What I'm looking forward to is the day where Wacom, or equivalent, decide to release boards with pricing equivalent to that of the touch; hopefully then we can integrate Touchscreen Tablets with an Active Digitizer too.

Right now we can lock off a touch screen’s "touch ability" via a simple locking mechanism. If therefore that same Tablet had an embedded Wacom style active digitizer board then a user could pick up a pen and enjoy the XYZ coordinate appreciated by so many Active Digitizer users. The only dilemma that remains now is to solve the price issue, and not [contrary to popular thoughts] the manufacture process of such a device. We can manufacture such a device but who would buy it??? You're already complaining Tablets are too expensive!

This week I helped a fellow blogger with the purchase of a Tablet PC, the Fujitsu LifeBook T4210. I had the pleasure of reviewing its predecessor, the Fujitsu LifeBook T4020, but the T4210 sports several new features like multi-directional screen rotation, water resistant keyboard, on-screen biometrics...and a new silver/charcoal colour too. The blogger Mitch Denny even posted about the arrival of the beast! Best to you Mitch.

One unique part of my week was attending a meeting regarding the opening of a new cafe in Sydney. Not only did I 'floor' the group when I started annotating on my Slate but I managed to hand it around too. I had to consult on several IT related matters but most amusing was my talk about the "Power of Blogging for Business." Those of you that run blogs should spend a portion of your week evangelizing Blogging, not just the topic you ACTUALLY blog about. I've been tuning into Cameron Riley lately, and, as some of us do, he has been making ends meet by consulting. He's preferred topic is MediaCasting and the power of manipulating the media, i.e. almost becoming the media, around you. Well done Cam! Another legend who spends time evangelizing blogging itself is Frank Arrigo.

Next week I’m at Tech.Ed Australia 2006 helping out (as a volunteer) on Microsoft’s Mobility Stand. Pop in if you get a chance.

I loved my week, it was great.

Jeffa, Hugo and MeeGo!

How great was today. The sun was out, the birds were singing, and my friend Uber Geek Jeff Alexander and I had lunch at the Gourmet Pizza Kitchen in Chatswood (same place I sat with Motion's Brett gross).

Microsoft Australia has always been a supportive of my Mr. Tablet Persona (and I don't mean Pharmaceuticals!). Today was no different as Jeff and I made our way through a Hawaiian pizza (jeff) and Fremantle pepperoni pizza (hugo). We talked kids, renovations, Franka & Team, Vista MCE, MCP/MCSE, Vista Tablet Stuff...and did I mention the Pizza!

By the end I walked away full of food thoughts and a road map for TechEd Australia 2006. I was so enthused that I joined the long list of MeeGo fanatics. What is MeeGo you may ask? MeeGo is the TechEd friend that you build out of online bits and bytes. He actually is quite customisable and very often becomes quite a reflection of the actual alter ego...the real you!

Here's my MeeGo. I'll be at the Microsoft Mobility Stand (obviously) throughout the conference so if you're in town and attending, be sure to take a moment and "Talk tablet."

Tegatech Australia makes Fujitsu Available

Tegatech Australia recently launched a strategic alliance between Tablet PC giant Fujitsu PC Australia. Not only has Tegatech NOT released an official Press Release, or publicized the event, but as of today they have officially completed their first delivery of a Fujitsu tablet, the T4210.

The magic behind this occasion revolves around the buyer, in this case, Blogger and Techno Geek, Mitch Denny of Canberra. Mitch was so enthused that the has posted a blogpost about the event on his blog (cleverly named) NotGartner. Mitch spotted the convertible on the website only 3 hrs after Tegatech, Australian Tablet PC Distributor, had placed the product online.

Tegatech will release a PR shortly and ask you all to blog about it. As an opportunity to track the expectant arrival of Mitch's Tablet Tegatech has released this photo of the departing Tablet PC; no doubt Mitch will pick up the story from his end.

(Not a TabletKiosk venture.)

Enjoy Mitch! we're all jealous.

Audio InkShow: An interview with Darin Fish

If you follow GottaBeMobile.com you'll know of the Great "Ink Shows" they run. This week is no different with an awesome interview between Rob Bushway and Mrs. (*Update 08.18.2006) Calling Darin Mrs. was a mistake and unintentional...Sorry Darin, Sir!) Mr. Mobility in Redmond Darin Fish.

I've had the pleasure of communicating with Darin and I must admit that he runs a really tight ship - all emails replied, and all questions were answered.

Snipping:

Darin is the Director of Business Development for the Mobile and Tailored Platforms Division at Microsoft, which includes Tablet PC and Ultra Mobile PC / Origami. He has been with Microsoft for 22 years, 4 1/2 of which has been spent working with the Tablet PC team. Darin was on the Tablet PC team for about a year before launch and has been on the team since. Darin’s team manages the relationship with OEM, ODM, IHV, and ISV Partners. If it has to do with hardware or software for Tablet PCs and Origami devices, Darin and his team have their hands in it.

Watch for our next Software InkShow to be launched this week on Vista and the TIP experience.

• Listen to the Audio Inkshow (direct download: 26:56, 31.5mb-MP3 format)
• visit TabletPC.com and Microsoft’s Partner site
• Visit Microsoft’s Vista website

Fantastic Job Rob B. I especially liked the Sony "UMPC" question! LOL.

Some like it BLACK

It's been so busy but I thought I'd take the opportunity to share a photo. Not only did the Black eo V7110 outsell the White 60/40 but they also had extra delays on their delivery dates. Finally Australia has seen three shipments of the black ones go out and this time I ripped one out of a box (before I got my hand smacked) and took a quick photo.

They're sexier, but, as we all know they get covered in finger prints. Oh well, I guess the FBI will never have a problem dusting them for prints!!!

Rugged UMPC on the way

How good is Chippy? (retorical Question). He's come up with a little announcement that many people I've spoken to have been waiting for, a Rugged UMPC.

"'Ruggedised' always means higher production costs and niche target market so don't expect this version to turn up in your local electronics store. "

"We've seen the X15 design before (the 7" version shown below is due to go into production in September but we still don't know how its going to end up looking or who will brand it.) and the VX3 looks to be based on the X15-7 original design. The specifications (pdf download here) are excactly the same apart from the 'ruggedisation' and re-style."


Mobits X15-7 Data sheet
Mobits X15-5 Data sheet and links.

mobilitysite.com get Ulta Mobile

It's quite a unique opportunity to witness the meeting between a Pocket-PC evangelist and an Ultra Mobile PC. I enjoyed this review for the fact that we're getting a Tablet PC virgin taking his first look at an UltraMPC.

Watch here or here as Chris, of mobilitysite.com, walks us through his thoughts:

Great effort Chris! Click here to see my VLOG on the Q1 vs. EO battle.

An Australian Ultra Mobile PC review

ROAM Magazine with UMPC on cover

Adam Turner has done a great job of reviewing the eo Ultra Mobile PC in this month’s issue of ROAM Magazine. On this occasion his distaste for the product is shortly overshadowed by shades of hope for the form factor. “Not good for business” and “clunky too;” with comments like this it’s not hard to see why UMPC is having a slow uptake.

My understanding is that most regular Tablet PC’s, with Wacom styled active digitizer boards embedded, are more than twice the price of UMPC. With NOT more than twice the functionality I think the UMPC form factor uptake will gain steam and motivate more users to buy it as a 2nd, 3rd or 4th PC. All we need to explain is the functionality vs the inabilities and users will soon look past the limitations and find a happy place for UMPC, wherever that may be. Perhaps as a portable Camera mate!

Ultra Mobile PC at Camera Action Australia

This afternoon I went and bought a copy of ROAM Magazine, an Australian magazine dedicated to the mobility scene. Now I know we’re still searching for an answer, as to whether or not UMPC is useful, so when I saw the first Ultra Mobile PC oriented advertisement I thought I’d better post it.

On this occasion it’s a mob called Camera Action from Melbourne that a using the UMPC fame to capture the imagination of the target market. Not only have they placed a picture of the eo and a Canon Digital Camera on the full-page ad, but they’ve also followed up with a catch cry like “The future of mobile computing lies with the TabletKiosk UMPC. The future of digital imaging lies with us.”

Let’s hope this is the start of something good.

Ultra Mobile PC in Australia NZ: Take 2

Tegatech Australia website

Tablet Kiosk Website

Tonight saw the Ultra Mobile PC story take yet another turn downunder. Tegatech Australia, Tablet PC Distributor, tonight released AUD pricing (Australia and New Zealand Market) for yet another UMPC. Having famed itself in the UMPC space by supplying Australia’s first ever Ultra Mobile PC Tegatech Australia is anticipating great things for the Nation’s second ever range of devices.

Because of its long standing relationship with TabletKiosk Tegatech Australia has followed in the footsteps of the United States and begun taking orders. Being their sole Distributor downunder Tegatech Australia has wasted no time in preparing the channel of resellers for this latest arrival.

Some of you may know the device as the "Founder" UMPC but from now on the world (thanks to an internationally exclusive deal) will know the devices as eo i7210 and i7209. Both devices are driven by Intel CPUs and sport onboard 1.3 mega pixel cameras and much more.
So if you love the bleeding edge or you need to get some R&D done then head on over to Tegatech Australia and place your order. ETA on delivery is expected as early as the end of August 2006.

Download Official Press Release

Vice President of Parent's & Citizen's Duties

I love the last Tuesday of every month. With my duties as Vice President of the Parents and Citizens Association at my son’s School, Balgowlah Heights Public, I always get a chance to expose Tablet PC to a normally unexposed group of people. This week I had to Chair the meeting because our President, and Senior Manager of Macquarie Bank, had called in absent. As I commenced proceedings I couldn’t help but overhear whispers race round the room. It seems that the newcomers had seen my Slate (Sahara Slate – Sydney Morning Herald) and couldn’t help but be in awe.

On several occasions I’ve taken several Tablets into the meeting and been known to hand them out. So if you’re ever in the area on the last Monday of the month and you want to talk Tablet just pop into Balgowlah Heights Public School P&C Meeting…I’ll be there with an artillery of Tablet.

Samsung Q1 gets 2 pages

One of my favourite Australian PC Magazines, APC, has released a two page review of the Samsung Q1 Ultra Mobile PC. Although due to copyright I can’t scan the article and allow you to see it I can give you a taste of the Authors thoughts. His name is Anthony Caruana, a Melbourne based freelance tech journalist whom I had the pleasure of meeting on one of my recent trips to Melbourne. If you ever meet Anthony you’ll instantly realize one thing…”Geek!”

The article reads pretty well and shapes up UMPC as a device with portability possibilities yet gives warning to “inherent limitations.” The thing I like most about the article is its use of a real life case study by means of UMPC and TabletKiosk reseller Apex Mobile Tech. Here are some quotes from Anthony’s article.

Source: APC Magazine
Author: Antony Caruana
Date: August 2006 Edition

“…the NP-Q1 looks like it’s being pitched at the more image-conscious amongst us.”

“When you first hold a UMPC, it’s the screen that stands out. The NP-Q1’s 7in display is clear, but we couldn’t help thinking that a couple of weeks of heavy use with a stylus might lead to some scratching.”

“…an integrated microphone which makes the Q1 handy for meeting…”

“Our main complaint is that the provided stylus is a short plastic stick – and not all that comfortable to use for extended periods of time.”

“Overall if you’re looking for a portable device for field work or meetings, then the NP-Q1 UMPC could well fit the bill – but be aware of its inherent limitations.”

Darrell Cann of Yarra Valley Valuations in the outer suburbs of Melbourne says “the combination of a UMPC, a Disto and Bluetooth phone means that the lead time for drawing an accurate property plan and sending it to the client has been reduced from a couple of days to a couple of hours.”

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To buy the Samsung Q1 in Australia phone Toll Free: 1800 615 617 (Tegatech Australia)

Ultra Mobile PC: An Australian Story

Today, as part of my Aussie Tablet PC Guy duties, I decided to sit down with both the Samsung Q1 and the TabletKiosk EO Ultra Mobile PCs. Because there was so much ground to cover and lots of omissions due to time constraints I’ve turned the VLOG into a two-part series. The show notes below give you guide as to what’s contained and I’ll leave the rest up to your own viewing pleasure.

Now you all know that I’ve done my best when it comes to evangelizing Tablet PC (sometimes useful, other times arguable) so when it came to UMPC I’ve remained creative so as not impose on the already prolific works of MVBs such as GTM, JK, Craig Pringle, OnlyUMPC, Chippy, Linda, CTitanic, The Heiny’s and countless others.

On this occasion I’ve aimed at making the review informative and have chosen the touchscreen as the main subject matter to focus on. Every time I rip a VLOG I also gain a new found respect for VLOGgers in the Tablet space.

Australian Tablet PC Distributor Tegatech Australia is now shipping the Tablet Kiosk EO Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) and hopes to have the Samsung Q1 ready for Distribution shortly.

Sit back and enjoy this two part series named: Ultra Mobile PC: An Australian Story.

Show Notes:

Part 1 [35MB/9.25 minutes]

• Ergonomics
• Ports, buttons and stands
• The XYZ Factor (chapter 1)

Part 2 [37MB/9.56 minutes]

• Touchscreen weight (pressure sensitivity) and DialKeys
• The XYZ Factor (chapter 2)
• The speakers
• The Pen – ouch!
• Interpolation of pixels
• The verdict

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*Update 22nd of July 2006 1320*

I have updated the video with subtitles correcting myself on the touchscreen weight (pressure sensitivity). Thanks for your understanding and support. :-)

*Update 22nd July 2006 0830*

In all my excitement (late night and longer video than usual) I misrepresented one key specification...the weight (pressure sensitivity) of the touchscreens. While my point still remains, that is the Samsung needs far less pressure on it to obtain an XY coordinate than the EO, I should clarify that the Samsung needs 70grams (not 700g as stated) of pressure while the EO needs 120g (obviously more).

thanks Fernando!

Hugo Ortega writes for Redmond Newsletter

Nice to be part of "The Community"

My friend Lora Heiny runs a Mobility Newsletter with a team of passionate and efficient Mobile lovers. I’ve known Lora for a while now so when the opportunity came to help her back I just had to take up the call to arms.

As part of my "Australia's Tablet Guy Adventures" I have joined the team of writers coming out of Redmond. As some of us know there are lots of newsletters that come out of the Microsoft Office in Redmond of which several are pertinent to our cause; of the others we either don't read them or don't receive them. What I like about the newsletters is that they're targeted at particular audiences and therefore give the reader the power to pick and choose - I hate generic newsletters.

This month my contribution revolved around Australian UMPC reseller Apex MobileTech. Since they are resellers of the Tablet PC Distributor Tegatech Australia Apex were able to release screenshots of their new UMPC-specific software. See the article here, here, or here!

By using this link, and your Microsoft IM login, you can pick and choose which communities you need information from. I’ve signed up to:

Mobile PC News - ISV Edition

• Published monthly, the Mobile PC News - ISV Edition focuses on mobile PC developer and marketing resources. It also includes updates on notebook, Tablet PC, and Ultra-Mobile PC hardware models, developer articles, events, software applications, and ISV partner news.

Microsoft Hardware Newsletter (US, XX)

• News for manufacturers and developers about beta and final product releases, specifications for new technologies, and updates to the Windows Hardware and Driver Central web site.

MCP News Flash

• A monthly news brief of Microsoft certification program updates, including exam announcements and special promotions.

Microsoft for Partners Newsletter Registered Edition (AU)

• Keep in the loop of what's happening in the Partner Program at a registered partner level. This fortnightly newsletter informs you of the latest product and program updates, beta availability, training and special offers available only to partners.

Insider Update (US, XX)

• Keep up-to-date with news and information that can help you get more out of your computer, both at home and at work.

I highly recommend that you pay the site a visit and use some of the services; surely from the list they provide you can attain some new and exciting resource for your daily grind!

I'm a geek, just ask my wardrobe!

Recently my good friend Dr. Neil Roodyn came back from TechEd 2006 in the United States. He was performing regular duties as Mr. Keynote and yet managed to think of me. I don't know about you but there's a trend that's becoming rather alarming...T-shirts. First it was Tablet Kiosk with its apology gift and now Neil brings me a handful of new additions to my "I'm a geek and not afraid to let you all know about it" wardrobe.

I love them!

Samsung Q1 has a place in Australia

Ever since receiving the Samsung Q1 it’s been difficult to find its place amongst my artillery of devices. Given that the time has come to let go of the device it makes it a real shame that I have only just found where it's most comfortable...under my TV.

At home we have access to over 6 different Tablet PCs. The arrival of the Samsung Q1 meant that we had to get to know it and therefore find its place in the scheme of things. Not only is the Q1 awkward to email from but reading can be a chore too. What we found was that as portable media player the device really was an enjoyable adjunct to our lifestyle. One asset that the Q1 holds is the wonderful set of speakers. This means that turning her on and streaming radio stations from around the world really is quite functional. With iTunes installed we can stream music from our NAS server and send the sound to our room of choice too. Because it looks so good we couldn’t help but provide it a very prominent home, and therefore part of our tools of entertainment.

[video review coming soon]

What a pretty site...oh! the tulips look good too!

Operating System Tablet PC Recovery on UMPC

Not much to share here except that the experience was rather painless. With most installations taking between 45 – 90 minutes this recovery was a treat. Not only did I get the whole thing done in under 20 minutes but even better it only involved one disc and a couple of clicks of the mouse. One idiosyncrasy that I noticed while performing this installation was the loss of the touchscreen throughout the process. I didn’t bother plugging in a mouse because the manufacturer chose to allow the EO joystick to keep working up until the touchscreen driver gets called up…cool.

Here’s a photo of the GUI that I thought was rather nice; reminds me of the DOS days. Gone is the lovely XP GUI, replaced only by this. Cheapskates.

17" widescreen Touch Computer

A friend of mine recently handed me a rather awkward looking thing called a Pelham Sloane. A Pelham Sloane is a rather clumsy all-in-one computer that sits inside the confines of a monitor. If that wasn’t enough to grab your attention it actually ships as a touchscreen too. Of all things it runs an Intel Pentium M Processor (usually reserved for a notebook) and a long list of extras that include Bluetooth, TV Tuner, two iGgabit Network cards, WiFi and in case that wasn’t enough you can actually rotate the screen through 90 degrees also…the whole thing.

Now I know the Uber Tablet blog, and Australia’s Tablet Guy, Hugo Ortega, shouldn’t really be distracted with such a monstrosity, but the fact remains that in the world of UMPC (touchscreen with no digitizer) it’s computers like this that may become the next Tablet on our desktop???

While I didn’t think the device was really worth blogging about I did like the inner organs of this beast. I thought I’d post some naked shots for any geeks like me, the ones that would rather peak inside than watch yet another demo of how Windows runs.

Enjoy this centerfold of the 17" PSynergy 1700: all-in-one Computing Solution (boy do these guys mean all).





A brief look at the Intel motherboard draped in HDD, fans, more PCB, some cables, bluetooth...OMG!

It was really cool to see just how homemade she is.

That's her on my lap...mmmmmm! I should have put dialkeys on her...LOL




I love how Bluetooth was attained by an array of piggy-backed PCB, cables, and eventually...a USB Bluetooth dongle.

RDNS Open Tender for 1,000 Tablet PCs

It's been twelve days since my last blog post and some of you have been wondering where I've been (thanks for the emails); I guess 1,000 Tablets will do that to me...allow me to explain. I've been caught up helping with a proposal for the supply of 1,000 Tablet PCs to the Royal Districts Nursing Society, based in Melbourne. The Tender closed two days ago and took up most of my spare time.

The Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) is a not-for-profit organisation and is the oldest and most respected provider of home nursing and healthcare services in Australia, delivering nursing care to people in their homes, schools and workplaces 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. As part of the Mobile Computer Device Refresh Program 2006 RDNS recently asked interested parties to attend a Respondent’s Briefing; with the Tender having been advertised on the RDNS website, TenderSearch and TenderLink the turn out was always going to attract attention. The documentation was lengthy and looked as though it had been handled by more than one lawyer before reaching the respondents. An excerpt from the document reads: “RDNS has 850 mobile tablets and 110 compact notebooks requiring refresh. A desirable consideration of this refresh is to consolidate the tablet and notebook users onto the one device, on the basis that a cost effective tablet/notebook solution is achievable.” You may read the entire 52 pages here.

Th outgoing fleet of RDNS Tablet PCs is comprised of two models, the HP TC1100 and the TC1000. With HP’s decision to discontinue this range it would mean that the TCXXXX hybrid feature, i.e. Convertible Tablet and Slate ability, would prove difficult to replace. However after having read through the 52 page “Request for Tender” document it would seem that narrowing down the choice might not be so difficult. With mandatory requirements such as PCMCIA, Tablet Operating System, 1.6GHz Processors or above and 2 GB of RAM, it was very evident just how much thought RDNS had put into the tender request.

After an embarrassing technical hiccup, causing one attendee to yell out “I think you need some new notebooks”, the Melbourne Respondent’s Briefing was on its way. Held on Tuesday 4th of July at the RDNS HQ the briefing proved to be a real who’s who of the Tablet space; especially when you consider that the refresh would involve the supply of almost 1,000 Tablets. Attendees incorporated the obvious Fujitsu and Toshiba, with other hopefuls such as Motion Tablet PC and Tablet Kiosk also making their presence felt.

The briefing was designed to clarify issues that needed resolving: of which overheating, a suitable compendium cover and breakages in the AC port all required attention. It was interesting to note that RDNS would favour a fare-play policy that covered accidental breakages. In their eyes fare-play meant that a “no questions asked” and “quick turn around” policy would be looked well upon by the RDNS Tender Committee. One key feature that seemed to catch several of the respondents off guard was talk of a “User Engagement Workshop” (UEW). The UEW would see the designated supplier of these devices also provide an in-depth training and support program; the type of training was left fairly open but suggestions seemed to point towards databases of “Macromedia flash movies” and the use face-to-face rollouts that empowered the RDNS employees.

After the briefing one of the respondent’s, Anvantec’s Stuart Charlton, who has put together a primarily Slate oriented proposal involving the Sahara Slate PC, seemed confident and excited about the prospect of supplying so many Tablets at once. Being Distributed in Australia by Tablet PC Distributor, Tegatech Australia, the Sahara slate is seen as a fairly vertical market product so when asked about his chances Charlton was heard to say “I think we’ve got a good chance. The product is lighter than most and feels good in your hands. I think we’re on a winner.”

No matter what happens the RDNS Tender has sparked a real wave of enthusiasm in the Australian Tablet PC space. Whatever market you are in, if the chance comes to supply a Company over 1,000 Tablet PCs in a single concurrent sale, surely there will be players fighting tooth and nail to make a great impression. With the closing date of the 13th of July” now having past respondents must now wait in bated breath. Short listed evaluation units are required for August and the intended rollout is shooting for an October/November 2006 schedule.

Nice to be appreciated!

Recently GottabeMobile’s Rob Bushway posted a letter of thanks from new Tablet PC owner Mark de Jeu. Amongst the various insights Mark offered he also managed to name the resources that helped him narrow down his choices.

Until now. After months of daily reviews of GBM, JKOTR, WickedStage, Uber, and Buzz forums, I have landed on the Fujitsu P1510D. I heard your comments on trying out the ink, and I did try it out. No issues, and it may be that there will be a behaviour modification requirement for those that want non-Herculean touch screens (just as there is a behaviour modification requirement to become proficient in inking legible characters).

I just wanted to say to Mark: “You’re welcome mate!” I'm really glad I could help.

The P1510 is an awesome machine; if you’re interested in the device why not look at Rob’s Video Review of the P1510.

James comes sniffing in my backyard

The Legendary James Kendrick came sniffing in my backyard just recently with this post. It seems that Chatswood based Aussie Jonathan Benson has spotted a device doing its best to impersonate a UMPC. The device is stocked (sort of) by the C1 Group in Australia and goes by the name of C1 UMPC, albeit a recent modification to its previous name – C1 Tablet PC.

Just for your interest, if any, I was able to remember seeing the Tablets Manufacturer Website a few years back so I did what I could to track it down. I managed to find it via Global Sources with the Manufacturer, Singapore based Tronic International Pty Ltd, having placed an advertisment there.

If you look at the tronics website you’ll see that this device is quite the chameleon; first with its UMPC jacket, then with its iPod hat (see website for tacky photos). On their website it goes by the name of PMG Quadpad, it comes in white or black, and it seems to have found a happy home as a semi-rugged input device. Go C1 the time is almost right for the picking on this one!

Note: Steve, from CarryPad.com, was also right in stating that the PMG Quadpad travels as the "Paceblade P8" while staying in Europe.

Origami UMPC and National Australia Bank

The first deliveries of the Ultra Mobile PC platform have hit the streets of Australia and it seems that The National Australia Bank (NAB) is part of the bleeding edge. On this occasion Australia's Tablet Guy, Hugo Ortega, has been invited into a "Staff Only" TechExpo run by the NAB.

"As I walked in I gathered that the NAB was doing a great impersonation of a Tech Savvy Company. Not because they are behind the eight-ball but mostly because the next big thing on everyone’s lips was the Windows XP rollout about to happen…next year!” Ortega Said. Obviously with all the security issues, and the need to have standardised platforms in banks, we can forgive the NAB for talking-up XP as something new. What Ortega found to be more refreshing was NABs’ involvement with new platforms like iMate JasJam and the EO UMPC.

Hugo has become well known for exposing and for getting exposed, so on this occasion you can expect nothing less! (Has someone taken a digital eraser to Hugo’s head?) Watch as Hugo makes his way around this very closed and private Expo (with a Video Camera) and finds his way to the Innovations Booth. With talk, behind curtains, of “Project Madonna” and “Customer Realignment Program” it looks as though NAB and UMPC will be a force to reckon with.

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UMPC Still Causing Provocation

Got an email from a friend:

Aint much love for the UMPC they are saying … interesting perception:http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,1995,1978818,00.asp?kc=MWRSS02129TX1K0000535

Which prompted this reply from another friend:

All I’ll add is what Analysts and Journalist almost never add (because it doesn’t make for compelling reading) is “yet”

Remember the slating Microsoft Word got compared to the “de facto” standard of WordPerfect 5.1
Remember the slating Microsoft NT 3.1 got compared to the “networking dominance” of Novell
Remember the slating Microsoft Exchange 4 got compared to the “workflow dominance” of NotesAnd far more recently…
Remember the slating that Microsoft Windows CE got compared to the “functional dominance” of PalmAnd Smartphone compared to Symbian & RIM.

This is a version 1 product, and there is no competitor in the same space. (Yet :o) unlike any other enabling technology we’ve come out with.

So, read the analysts and journalists, even pay for their opinion, but don’t let it unduly influence your strategic insight, which should appreciate tenacity and persistence.

While I won't disclose the names of the parties, I will say this: UMPC has provoked many threads around the world of which this is only one!

UMPC Available in Australia...Finally

Tegatech Australia is pleased to announce that the first roll out of Ultra Mobile PC in Australia has gone through without a glitch. Unlike the rest of the globe, Australia chose to not receive faulty devices (battery issues) and experienced delays while waiting for healthy EOs to deliver.


As you can see by these photos, deliveries that fell part of the first allocations also received the Tablet Kiosk apology touch, i.e. tee-shirts and free simple stands. While it is still very early to deem UMPC a success in Australia, especially when you consider that the first buyers are those on the bleeding edge of this thing, what I can disclose it that every single delivery was greeted with the same reaction..."well worth the wait!"

UMPC made it to Western Australia (perth), Melbourne, South Australia (Adelaide), Queensland, The Government (several sectors), Education, Home Automation, 2/4 Major Banks, several finance institutions and more...

A defining moment for Origami by Craig Pringle

Although I've only just found these posts I feel that they're relevant enough to reference.

• More on defining UMPCs (Craig's follow on post)
• PC that is ultra mobile <> UMPC (his original post)
• Steve over on The CarryPad UMPC Journal (Steve got involved)
• Betsy Weber and Craig Pringle talk UMPCs / Origami (Rob Bushway gets involved too)

Even though Craig corrects himself on his own previous definition, i.e. "When I use the term UMPC I mean something running the touch pack. I use the term Ultra Portable to describe other devices like the LS800" I do believe that now he's on track:

"We have a real problem with confusing terminology here. Let me be crystal clear on this next point Steve, and others like him, did not cause this problem. Microsoft did."

and this one

"From this point on I am going to avoid using the term UMPC at all. For devices running the MS touchpack Im going to revert to the term Origami. For other really small computing devices In going to stick with the term Ultra-portable."

As for my opinion you may have noticed that I've been dubbing these devices Origami for a while now, even on the Official CeBIT Blog. I thought it only appropriate given the lack or clarity that Microsoft provided on the subject. While the snowball effect of codename/releasenames is almost irreversible I also agree with Craig, "who cares really." Lets all make an effort to denote these devices as Origami as it stemmed from that Project. Ultra Mobile PCs is a generic term that should be allowed to be used by anyone...otherwise we might see Microsoft coin "Really Clever Software," or Intel coin "Very Fast Processors;" they're both tags for marketing and not definitions of entire movements in the PC space, or hardcoded monikers for all to rule over.

I'm done!

Sydney Newspaper says "Keep Taking the Tablet"

On one of my recent trips to Melbourne I left the EO Ultra Mobile PC with Journalist Adam Turner. I've followed his reviews for a while in such publications as APC and ROAM Magazine. I got to know when he chose to review the Sahara Slate PC and needed access to one; this time Adam has written an article on the EO. While most of it is not very flattering all-in-all it's not as scathing as some others I've read recently.

Adam is known for his frankness and yet on this occasion he has also put on his "Swiss Soccer Jersey" and remained as neutral as possible (my literary reference to the current FIFA action).

Here is the article written on 13th June 2006 in the Sydney Morning Herald, titled Keep taking the Tablets.

Snipping:

At first the v7110 appears to be this dream device, but because the screen is practically useless outside and you can't use it in portrait mode, the dream is somewhat spoilt.
It's also still a little heavy and bulky; we'd at least want to halve the weight and thickness before declaring it the ultimate portable computing device. The v7110 lies somewhere between a tablet PC and a hand-held PC in terms size, features and performance.

Australia's first Ultra Mobile PC Software

click here to see screenshots of Software for UMPC

The Ultra Mobile PC has started to find a home amongst the Home Valuation space. With the Tablet Kiosk EO UMPC now shipping in Australia it has been Apex MobileTech that has developed, and released screenshots of, Australia’s first UMPC specific software.

This evening Tegatech Australia (Ultra Mobile PC Distributor in Australia) went live with the first screenshots of Apex Software's latest development. With a great set of 800x480 images it's not hard to see why UMPC is finding a happy home as a clever workhorse.

ZDNET's Tablet PC Buying Guide

This evening I was looking for some Tablet PC related posts and comments on the net. My main focus was tablet in Australia and my diving led me to a ZD Net article titled "Tablet PC Buying Guide." (one notable absentee from the list was the Sahara Slate PC)

While a lot of the initial commentary is rather vague, and somewhat naive in its description of Tablet PC, i.e. clipboard, and digital signature input, I did however find some very resourceful links. What was also a pleasant surprise to me was mention the UberTablet Blog, and Craig Pringle's Blog, in the "Tablet PC forums, blogs and podcasts" section.

Here is a link to the article and below are some of the links they provided (under the heading of "Business Case for Purchasing Tablet PCs"); the webcast on ROI is worth a look at [it requires a very simple online registration], and the Whitepaper on Vista on Tablet is resourcesful too.

Business case for purchasing Tablet PCs

Maximising ROI with Tablet PCs
While tablet PC prices are dropping, the devices still cost more than the average laptop. How do you justify the extra expense?
Webcast

Enterprise Mobility by Forrester Research
How does mobile and wireless technologies affect businesses, their employees, and customers?
Whitepaper (PDF)

Tablet PC technologies in Microsoft Windows Vista
In Windows Vista, Tablet PC shifts into the mainstream. Ink becomes more ubiquitous, integrating directly into the presentation subsystem in Windows Presentation Foundation.
Whitepaper (PDF)

The case for Tablet PCs in healthcare
The Tablet PC, with its versatile form that supports pen navigation, makes it easy for mobile healthcare workers to capture, access, and use information wherever the job takes them.
Whitepaper (PDF)

Another Story from Kosovo: & Tablet PC

Hugo Ortega (me) on a U.S Army Tank - in Kosovo 2000

A lot of you may not know but I actually spent two years of my life as a volunteer in Kosovo. When I saw Rob Bushway had posted a Tablet Tale from Kosovo I couldn't help but point to it. Although while I was in Kosovo I did not have a Tablet PC with me I do know that it would have made life a lot better while there. Enjoy this article as Jeff Singfiel, of the Missionary Geek blog, takes you through Tablet PC in Kosovo, and how its help make his life more productive (great job Jeff! I think you and I will have a lot to talk about).

The Opening of the Gjilan Municipal Park - Kosovo 2001

My role in Kosovo mostly revolved around kids; I helped them deal with post traumatic syndrome by organizing activities and exercises. The culmination of my work was the construction of a Municipal Park in the town of Gjilan (pronounced: geelan), it even made the . For your interest I am posting a couple of photos from my years in Kosovo, and you can also listen to my tale here, as I was interviewed by a friend for his podcast titled: "Extraordinary Everyday Lives".

UNHCR had lent me a vehicle for a few days - Kosovo 2000

The article is part of GottaBeMobile’s “Life With Ink” series, of which my mate Warner Crocker will be the new henchman. Go get em’ Warner! I’ll be logging in daily. I think a great additioan to the spot will be David Wallace and his “Life with Ink” as a Quadriplegic Tableteer.

Canberra Windows User Group

This last week I spent time in Australia’s Capital City, Canberra (pronounced Kambra if you’re an Aussie). Amongst the sites and sounds that engulf this wonderful place are: our Parliament House (and our politicians), The Royal Australian Mint (where we make our coins) and Questacon – a Geeks Haven. Apart from enduring enjoying the four hour drive from Sydney I also had the chance to catch up with friends and acquaintances too. My main reason for being in Canberra was to conduct a Tablet Talk for the Canberra Windows User Group.

As I arrived in Canberra the one distinguishing feature that really hit me was the cold; as I left Sydney that morning it was a healthy (18 degree Celsius = 64.4 degree Fahrenheit). As I made my way to my meeting I knew my body was experienceing the weather difference, I glanced at my in-car thermostat and realised it was (1 degree Celsius = 33.8 degree Fahrenheit) and dropping rapidly - it got to -7 degrees Celsius that evening. As usual I had my little wheelie luggage bag full of Tablet PCs and now Ultra Mobile PCs too; knowing that the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) is covered in Governmental Agencies I came armed with resources and answers. I spent the evening prior developing a PowerPoint presentation that would take attendees through the past, present and future of UMPC. I will post this later for your own resources.

The CWUG is actually conducted over two 90 minute sessions with a pizza session in the middle. The first session attracted a lot of representatives from the Australian Defense Force and other Governmental Agencies. Judging by the amount of left-over pizza it looks as though the turn out was not as big as intended. The second session was mostly Microsoft Staff members that were keen to get a look, and understanding, of UMPC in Australia. The main topical questions revolved around battery life and Internet connectivity, but I was however pleasantly surprised with the two group’s enthusiasm and interest. The sessions turned out to be a real deep-dive with some more intriguing topics like implementation scenarios and internal hardware specifications getting a lot more focus than usual.

All-in-all my Canberra event was deemed a success by my host, David Mackie, and has sparked a wave of conversation and thought. I look forward to returning to the ACT shortly and continuing the traveling UMPC show. My commitment remains unresolved and my passion remains focused on building an understanding, and faith, in what will shortly become the Form Factor of choice in the enterprise arena…UMPC!

PS. Special thanks to Jeff Alexander, Microsofty, for garnering attention towards the CWUG, and my UMPC convoy!

Long Zheng on Vista

It seems that since I sold Long Zheng his first ever Tablet PC, a Toshiba M400, he's really picked up the ball and ran with it. First came his video review, and now his Vista wrap-up via pictures and video.

To you give you an understanding as to how much attention this 18yr old University Student has garnered check this out:

• James Kendrick said
• Frank Arrigo said
• ZDNET said
• 644 Diggs
• Tech meme said

Jump onto his site, everyone else has, and checkout these great screens shots and screencasts. I’d hate to steel his thunder but it was me that sold him the Tablet, motivated him to keep blogging, answered all his late night queries, and evangelized Tablet to him…he did the rest!

EO gets Sexy, or Sexy gets EO!

When it comes to attracting attention the Ultra Mobile PC has won many contests hands-down. On this occasssion it would seem that the United Kingdom, via PC Format Magazine, has done its best to make EO stand out. While most of us will not be able to buy a copy of this magazine we should all do our best to see what they actually say about the UMPC.

Here is a link to the PCFormat website that shows the cover girl EO.

Downunder Tablet Bloggers make International Splash

Now there are few occasions that I find more humbling than public recognition; on this occasion I am floored by the International Recognition that two of my favourite bloggers, and some of the world's best Tablet Bloggers, have bestowed upon two of the three "Downunder Tableteers" Craig Pringle and I.

Watch this Ink Show as the dynamic Dennis Rice works his magic (cool editing man) over Warner Crocker. This is a chance to witness two Tablet Blog Aristocrats as they meander their way through Tablet Talk, Tech Talk, History and Future. Stay tuned for the announcement at the end, I won't spoil it now; I'm soooooooo excited about the massive repercussions of the announcement, most of which is great content!

One important note is just how awesome all our Video Blogging is actually getting, we're all pushing the envelope and performing mini moments of magic that connect, and often inspire. GottaBeMobile has to be commended for this interview and thanked for exposing the man behind the Wicked Stage, Warner Crocker.

[Job well done Warner, and clever amalgamation for you both, GottaBe and WC! I clock in first and foremost to Wicked Stage everyday, which means GottaBe will probably move to the top of my list now! Warner has been the most effective blanket of information in the Tablet PC and can only do himself very proud in the GottaBeMobile.com space.]

Listen to the InkShow interview here! ( 17 minutes, 64mb, Windows Media streaming or direct download)

Sumocat empties his Gadget Bag

Sumocat is up to some mischief again. First he paved the way for digital inkers like "late to the party," Matt Faulkner, oh, and himself, Sumocat (I made a contribution too). This time I love his two part rendition of James Kendrick's "What's in your gadget bag?" and "What's in your Gadget Bag, NOW?" Since James started the post I followed its contributions and comments and really began to enjoy the feedback everyone gave. Some of the comments left on the posts that I found interesting were:

• 2 phones, my main voice phone and a backup that I use for data connectivity via bluetooth.
• Western Digital 120G usb drive. This is one of the few that runs without a external power supply or a Y usb cable (using 2 ports). I use this to sync between the work laptop and my travel laptop. What I do in my consulting job is run my clients work in a virtual machine (Virtual PC) and when I travel i grab the virtual machine and have all of my work docs and code.
• Aiptek PocketDV 5900 (recording stuff for my podcast and video)
• Batteries (AA/AAA) - Be Prepared
• CardScan Professional

Judging by some of these comments we've really got some mega-geeks out there...my sorta guys! So tune in here to Sumocat as he talks us through his rendition of What's in my Gadget Bag?" Keep up the great work Mark, it's workin for ya mate! The viewers may not realise what all the video bloggers do; video blogging is not for the faint hearted! We make it look easy so that you don't have to.

Mark 'Sumocat' Sumimoto:

Part 1 [The Bag] Part 2 [The Gadgets]

Note: most of these links and resources come from the ever present, hard working, living/breathing library we like to call The Wicked Warner Crocker.

Gartner thinks Tablet is mature...finally.

Gartner Organization has always provided insights into Technology and its effects on life, and lifestyle. This time Leslie Fiering comes out blazing with her interpretation of Tablet PC, and it’s not all bad, wow! This is a rarity for Gartner and worth listening to.

I found this article via the ever resourceful Rob Bushway and thought it was worth pointing to. Sit back and listen to this Podcast as it walks through TabletPC, in the eyes of a Gartner vice President.

Communications On The Road

Helen Bradley, Jounalist of the Sydney Morning Herald, recently approached me for more information on UMPC. Her efforts, as shown by the link below, revolving around the advent/arrival of the mobile office space. What's cool about this isn't so much her massive insights but her choice to make UMPC part of this topic. While some journalists continue to argue against UMPC as a productivity tool for business at least Helen is a little clearer on its intentions.

Enjoy this article regarding mobility:

Snipping

BlackBerry aside, the hottest new mobile solution isn't a PDA or a tablet but somewhere in between. The Ultra Mobile PC is a smaller tablet PC running a full version of Windows XP Tablet edition. It has wireless and Bluetooth built in and is designed for low power consumption and longer battery life. It will run office applications and Internet Explorer and offers plenty of options for the business person on the go. The first UMPC to be available in Australia is Tegatech's EO.

Samsung, Eo and I: SWMUG

photos: Jon Harsem

So last night I carried out my monthly "Tablet Guy" duties with the Sydney Windows Mobile User Group. For anyone that hasn't attended the group...you should. For those of you that can't, well for you it's important that you know two things about SWMUG, lots of geeks, and lots of Pizza (oh, and lots of geeks).

photos: Jon Harsem

Last night there was a guy from Vodafone Australia (sorry forgot the name) who probably wishes he hadn’t come. Between Dr. Neil and I, we managed to intimidate the socks off him and perhaps think twice about coming near a Microsoft User Groups again. It was more in jest than anything else but what do you expect when “data bundles” and “content management” were what he put forward as topics. We also had the enigmatic engineer/salesperson (in his own words) Stephen Gray from Seratec. In he’s eyes Seratec could do no wrong and provide no harm; I decided to see him again for coffee as anyone this optimistic should surely be a hoot to spend time with! At half time the “real geeks” left the room and joined James Mccutcheon from J3 Technology on a quest into some really cool coding stuff; I stayed for Vodafone Guy and Stephen, oh well!

photos: Jon Harsem

Earlier that evening I arrived at the Microsoft building with a real sense of accomplishment and excitement. Not only had I arrived with the only eo Ultra Mobile PC currently in Australia but on this occasion I also had the only Samsung Q1 too. Now if you've ever heard me "Talk Tablet" you'll know that sometimes I find it hard to stop; on this occasion with both the eo and the Q1 in my pocket it was always going to be special.

photos: Jon Harsem
Although my chat was brief and somewhat interrupted by our uberly time-protective leader, Roger Lawrence, I did manage to squeeze in a brief history of UMPC, an Aussie roundup of the UMPC success and failure and the future...imagine if Roger actually gave me three minutes instead of two! What was interesting after the close of the evening was the enthusiasm surrounding these devices. I still can't work out if it's largely due to the viral marketing campaign that pervades the blogosphere, or due somehow to reality.

What I know is this: "umpc remains a form factor that seems to hit-the-spot in the corporate arena. Not so much for it Tablet qualities but mostly for its size/computing ratio. Its success will revolve around getting it on the internet and its demise, as we all know, will revolve around the battery life. If the device carried 6 hours battery life and had a PCMCIA slot then the device would surely hit-the-spot we all want it to hit. For know between software developers, and enterprise mobility teams, it seems as though we're all trying to understand just where does UMPC lie in our arsenal of devices. Only time will tell.

photos: Jon Harsem
Stay tuned as I bring to you more thoughts, reviews, pics and videos on these magical devices.

Hugo gets the Samsung Q1

The FedEx man has earned a very intimate spot in my geekish heart. It seems that every time he comes calling I am left with an exuberance that is unequalled by almost anything else on the planet...almost! Today as I signed his Symbol RFID scanner I knew that life would never be the same again. What was inside the box? Just the Samsung Q1.

Today I spent the day in and out of meetings, the daily chore type, and yet nothing could keep me from thinking of Samsung. Knowing that I had the Q1 to play with made today all the more cumbersome. I'm just about to sit down to dinner but in the wee hours of the morning, come 1am and 3am, both eo and Q1 will start to get intimately acquainted. What makes the experience all the more unique is that I have both the eo and the Q1 Ultra Mobile PC’s under the same roof, at the same time. From what I know, which is sometimes little, this is a first in Australia. When I told the Samsung Product Manager in Australia that I had the device he was shocked!

If anyone wants me to check anything for them I'll be happy to do so (don’t forget to checkout Kevin Tofel as he is running constant updates on his experiences). If you're in Australia I'll be running my monthly “Tablet Talk” at the Sydney Windows Mobile User Group (SWMUG) at the Microsoft Head Office in Ryde; both eo and Q1 will attend with me! If you’re in Canberra I’ll be running another event there too.

Have a great day/night.

PS. Maybe Frank Arrigo will shout me another coffee so he can see how Soduko runs on the Q1 vs. the eo.

Kevin Tofel making his way into my nightly routine

I’ve never been one to say no to some naked action (my pictorial of Sahara intestines), so when Kevin C. Tofel published his playboy styled look at the Q1 I couldn’t help but link to it. First it was Kevin’s fantastic Video look at the Q1, albeit with a webcam on a shoebox (remarkable Kevin), and now this great peek at some Q1 internals.

Enjoy this look at the latest run of posts from the enigmatic Kevin C. Tofel; I’m going to keep visiting to see any further updates.

Snipping:

Brace yourselves, because this isn't pretty. It's one thing to have an unboxing video of the Samsung Q1, but viewing the UMPC stark naked is a whole 'nother matter. In fact, just to keep it clean for those under 18, I've only put a thumbnail pic here; a virtual UMPC peep-show if you will. Assuming you're of age, you'll have to click the jump for the full thrill ride.