Samsung Q1 Ultra Mobile PC
Samsung NP-Q1-V000 - Q1 Celeron UMPC 900MHZ 40GB HD 512MB WL ENET BT WIN XP Tablet

I am writing this review on my Q One. First the good: 1)This thing brings in wifi signals like nothing I've ever used. I can literally pull every network on my block. 2)It has a larger screen than the Sony UX series, though it lacks the Sony's resolution. I can live w/800x480 though, as I no longer need to squint to see pages on the web. If you're seeking HD, look elsewhere, but I hardly call the 4.5 inch Sony monitor an "upgrade." 3)Once you calibrate the stylus (using Touch Kit), it is VERY ACCURATE. The screen is also a true touch screen, unlike some tablets, and there are no funny spots or trails left behind by the stylus. 4)You get a fairly current PC in a palm-sized unit for under a grand. Pretty sweet deal, IMO. It runs XP with no major issues, and is no more sluggish than any other 512k unit. Now for the bad: 1)If you install MS Office, or plan on word processing, you'd better buy the keyboard (~$99). The on-screen keyboard gets old fast, even for emails. The handwriting feature is nice, but who wants to actually write instead of type? 2)There is also a "mouse" feature, accessed by pressing a button and using the joystick; it's worthless. If you don't like using a stylus to point and click, get the Sony. 3)The feel of the actual unit is more like a Nintendo Gameboy than a computer. There is a fold-out stand, but it is fragile, and would not be good for kids. The glossy finish of the unit looks like a toy, not a thousand-dollar computer, and it shows finger prints and smudges after handling. 4)It has a smallish Celeron processor, so you're stuck with XP, not Vista (thank gosh)! I really don't consider that a negative, but some may. Don't try to play Socom over your network, though... Summary: If you are looking for an awesome wireless tablet under $1k, this may be the best thing going. Though it lacks the keyboard of the OQO or Sony UX, you'd really need a keyboard for those, too, if you planned to use one as a word processor. The Wi-Fi power of this unit is incredible, and Bluetooth sweetens the deal even more. The Samsung optional keyboard will fit well in a small case with the Q1, and you'll have a powerful laptop/tablet which can fit almost anywhere. If given a choice between this and the Sony UX, I'd take the Q1. It's 2/3 the price, requires no squinting, and kills any wireless unit I've ever seen in terms of reception. No more sitting in the coffee shop mooching wifi while drinking a $7 latte. You can pick up their signal from three buildings away on the Q1. Adding a keyboard increases the size, but it's still smaller than almost every laptop in its class, and it runs quite well, with no real issues. --Joey C.
 
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