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The
future of computing is looking very portable. In March, Microsoft,
Intel and some other high-profile consumer electronics companies
announced a new platform for portable computing, the “Ultra Mobile PC,”
or UMPC for acronym enthusiasts. A handheld computer running Windows XP
sounded like a great idea, but one that would probably not materialize
as a real product for some time.
So I was happily surprised when Samsung (www.samsungusa.com)
officially launched its new Q1 at the beginning of May. It’s already
available online for $1,099 at Best Buy and CDW, and will show up in
retail stores this summer.
The Samsung Q1 runs a full version of Windows XP Tablet edition that,
along with an Intel Celeron M processor, powers this touchscreen
computer. Measuring just 9.0x5.5x1.0 inches and weighing in at less
than two pounds, it really is ultramobile. The seven-inch widescreen
display, while small for serious photo enhancement, is still big enough
to get basic imaging work done, and it’s a terrific solution for
downloading, organizing, e-mailing and uploading photos on the go.
A 40 GB hard drive gives you plenty of space for applications and photo
storage. There are two USB ports and a CompactFlash card slot built in,
so you can easily connect your camera directly to the Q1, or just slip
in your memory card. And because it’s running Windows XP, you can use
all of your favorite applications, just as you do on your home or
notebook computer.
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