Steve “Chippy” Paine spent some time with the Samsung Q1EX UMPC this past week. Here’s his video:
The $750 UMPC lends back to a sleeker UMPC design–somewhat reminiscent of the first generation Founder device if I recall correctly. The unit also boasts a 1.2GHz VIA Nano ULV U2500 processor, which is not bad. The touchscreen supports palm rejection which looks nice, however, there are no HID drivers so the Tablet Input Panel (TIP) does not float. Battery life? Somewhere in the 3 hour range. Not bad. Oh, and weight? 1.4 pounds. Again, not bad.
I’d really like to give the Q1EX a spin, though even $750 is too much for me at this time. Why? Because I’d really like to try out some of my software on the light touch interface. Here’s what I’m interested in: Does the Q1EX support a capacitive-like feel? If so, is it feasible to flick or scroll content via a finger tip al la iPhone style? My guess is no, but there’s a bit of me if it’s possible. That would make the Q1EX an excellent choice for some consumer apps.
Now as the back facing camera: I’m not sure what they were thinking with it only being 1.3 mp? That’s quite unfortunate. There’s not going to be enough quality there. I wonder if higher resolution chips slowed down the Nano too much. Is the camera upgradable, possibily with a camera that offers a glass lens?
Ah, the possibilities.