Ultimate Ultra-Mobile PC Blog

Closed

2009-10-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's fitting that the last blog post on Kenst.com is its 100th. I've long since gotten rid of my Ultra Mobile PC and it's too difficult and time consuming to update multiple blogs with interesting information. Therefore I'm officially closing Kenst.com to updates. You can still find me and my interesting posts on MyTechFetish.com.

Thanks for coming!

Windows 7 Officially launches

2009-10-22T11:47:00.001-07:00

Windows 7 is officially available today! Now go out and get it and replace any Vista or XP machines you have with it!

New Mobile Computer

2009-10-14T10:41:00.001-07:00

I just purchased my new mobile laptop, a MacBook Air. I know it's not a PC but it is one of the lightest and most powerful laptops available. Considering the only other options for light laptops were the hard to use and underpowered Netbooks or Dell's super slow Adamo or Latitude Z.

Once my new MacBook Air arrives, Windows 7 will be installed immediately and since it has a 128MB Solid State Drive, it will be super fast! The downside is I have to use an external hard drive, but that's a problem with most light / mobile computers.

Portable Laptop

2009-10-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for a new ultra portable computer for the last few weeks as I contemplate upgrading my existing laptop. I want something that is very mobile, light and yet powerful at the same time. Netbooks are a little too slow and underpowered to work for me. Regular laptops are just too big and bulky.

I was amazed how slow and underpowered ultra portable PC laptops are these days when compared to Macs. Take for example the MacBook Air which runs with a 1.83GHz or 2.13GHz processor. Comparable PC laptops like the Dell Adamo and Latitude Z only run with 1.2GHz or 1.4GHz processors. Why? I don't know. It surely is upsetting.

Posts coming soon

2009-10-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

New posts are coming soon. In the meantime check out My Technical Fetish.com!

ChrisKenst.com is up and running

2009-08-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

I just launched a new website for ChrisKenst.com, so check it out.

Windows 7 Drops Tomorrow for RTM

2009-08-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

Microsoft kicks off the Windows 7 release to manufacturing (RTM) tomorrow which means the build will be available on MSDN and TechNet plus subscribers. I'll be there ready to download and put it on my new work machine!

For non MSDN or TechNet subscribes, you'll have to wait for October 1 for the retail release.

Read the article on Computer World.

Now I just need to buy a new Hard Drive for my laptop and put Windows 7 Ultimate on it!

More Apple Tablet from Wired

2009-07-27T16:49:00.001-07:00

This wired article discusses more rumors of the Applet Tablet computer and pits Apple's iTunes against Amazon.com in a bid for the digital textbook market.

Check it out.

Touch Screen features in Windows 7

2009-07-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

I saw this cool two and a half minute demonstration of the touch screen features Windows 7 has to offer on CNET.. Check it out:

Touchscreen Netbook

2009-07-15T19:17:00.001-07:00

Wired has this interesting article on the Asus Eee PC Touchscreen netbook. It didn't get good reviews because of its slow processor and small hard drive. Check it out here.

Gateway m275 Convertible Tablet PC Review

2009-07-13T12:05:00.001-07:00

I purchased the Gateway m275 Convertible Tablet PC when it initially came out because it was the best of both worlds: Laptop and Tablet PC. I wanted the ability to write handwritten notes for class and yet still wanted to be able to type notes. The m275 was the full tablet experience without the drawbacks.

I would walk into class open the Tablet PC, turn it on, swivel the screen around and lock it into position, then rotate the screen to comfortable position to write. It was a really cool product when it came out and always turned heads in class. This was around the same time Microsoft Office debuted OneNote which was / still is perfect for taking notes because of its layout and ability to transform my handwritten notes into text.

However there were a few downsides in the design:

The entire computer weighed about 6 pounds which even for a laptop was heavy. It was especially heavy for a tablet which averaged around 3 pounds.
The stylus (located on the side of the computer) was prone to breaking making it hard to clip in and fall out.
The swivel was known to wear out and break especially if you didn't carefully toggle it. When I purchased the m275 I opted for the accidental damage since the swivel wasn't covered under original warranty. I wasn't always careful when toggling it and I had to have it replaced.
The bezel around the LCD would scratch and show wear and tear rather easily. I ended up purchasing a better one on eBay and replaced it.

It's amazing that you can still find these things on eBay. I wouldn't want one now given the advancements coming in touch screen and Windows 7, but having a Tablet PC is something I've wanted to revisit ever since I got rid of the m275. Maybe someday it will come true.

Introducing the Google Chrome OS for the Ultra Mobile crowd

2009-07-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

...I'm sure that tagline isn't far off. Ultra mobile devices have always been the smaller, slower powered cousins of laptop computers and with a stripped down, more focused OS from Google, this placement could be ideal. Who knows if this Google OS will be any good (after all they haven't been able to capitalize on anything other than search) but it does center completely around the Internet and as long as it works quickly people will be interested.

Check out the Introduction of Google Chrome OS from Google's blog site.

Amazon Kindle

2009-07-08T19:41:00.001-07:00

Amazon has two eBook readers called the Kindle (second version) and the Kindle DX.
Both of these devices, when compared to netbooks and other ultra mobile pcs, are expensive and function as lower class counterparts. The Kindle has yet to ignite the eBook reading frenzy quite like the iPod did for digital music but it has the potential. So why haven't computer makers, especially those designing ultra mobile computers doing something to hit this market? If people are ok with spending $300 -$500 on a piece of equipment that is basically a low class computer with a monochrome screen, why not incorporate the same type of screen into an ultra mobile or tablet like computer?

That's what I'd really like to see: a color, touch screen ultra mobile computer that is thin enough to replace all my magazine and newspaper subscriptions and yet have a nice readable screen like the Kindle so I can stare at it for hours and not have my eyes hurt. I always go back and forth with the type of information I like to read and whether to get it in hard copy or digital form. True many things aren't offered in digital form, at least in a nice format. I don't really like reading GQ or the New Yorker through RSS feeds and yet the magazines just sit there until I have time.

A few things:

The Kindle 1 is still selling on eBay for around $200 used. I've seen some as much as $350 new.
- Amazon should have updated the look of the Kindle 1, kept the same specs and tried to hit a "cheap" price point around $200.
The Kindle 2's price was just lowered to $300 from $350, but that's a lot of money for something that DOESN'T come with ANY media.
The Kindle DX, which I would prefer if I got one, is currently $489. That's a really expensive computer for no media and a monochrome screen.
My guess is this market is going to get heated up a bit. Plastic Logic debut a touch screen reading device at D7 this year that on the surface is much cooler than the Kindle. How long before most portable computers have a "reading surface" or adjustable screen?

Since ultra mobile "computers" (I use that term loosely) like the Kindle are only going to get better with age, is it worth getting one? Is it worth buying an older used one on eBay or getting a brand new one on Amazon? Or rather should I just stick with buying a new ultra mobile or netbook? I guess only time will tell!

The New Sony Netbook

2009-07-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

I saw this article on Wired today: "Sony Announces $500 Netbook, Wins 'Race to Bottom'". I blogged a while back about seeing a Sony netbook that was around $1k so obviously this isn't their first attempt (possibly their first good attempt).

According to the article "The Vaio W will be a full-on, 1.6GHz Atom powered, ten-inch screened netbook. The other specs also fail to deviate from the cheap formula: 160GB hard drive, 1GB RAM, an Ethernet jack, Bluetooth and a couple of USB ports. The SD reader will work with MemorySticks, too, of course, and Sony has made one break with tradition: The screen is a high-res 1,366 x 768 instead of the more usual 1,024 x 600, meaning that text will be slightly harder to read."

Check on the article here.

Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC

2009-06-18T18:45:00.001-07:00

For those of us using Windows 7, Microsoft released Windows Virtual PC Beta and Windows XP Mode Beta programs yesterday (at least that's when I found it). I'm using Windows 7 on a Virtual Machine and so I couldn't run the new XP Mode on Windows Virtual PC (apparently it won't let you run a Virtual Machine on a Virtual Machine) but you can check it out for yourself here.

I probably won't test the XP Mode since I can't run it on a virtual machine, so please let me know what you think of it. I haven't heard any reviews – good or bad – so I'm interested in finding out if it's a full version or not. I really like the idea of Microsoft providing Windows XP for backward compatibility for Windows 7, not because I'm a business, but because I "full" backwards compatibility. I like being able to boot up Windows XP for a particular program and running it correctly.

Personally I have virtual machines of Windows XP and 2003 on my Vista machine for that reason. Additionally, the file download was only 500MB, although that doesn't mean the unpacked version will be around that size but still. Hopefully Microsoft will also make Vista "Mode" available as well.

Microsoft has changed the name Virtual PC (2007 and 2004) into the new Windows Virtual PC program. It pretty much looks and acts the same. Users that purchase the high end versions of Windows 7 like Ultimate, Professional and Enterprise will be able to download the XP "Mode" for free. I'd like to do more evaluation of Virtual PC / Windows Virtual PC as well as Sun's new virtual machine VirtualBox since I love VMware for my PC and Parallels for my Mac Mini.

Slingbox for the Ultra-Mobile PC

2009-06-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

(There are too many variations in the spelling of Ultramobile, Ultra-Mobile, Ultra Mobile PCs...)

I came across this article in CNET from March 9, 2006 about Sling Media, the maker of the Slingbox, coming out with support for Ultra Mobile PCs (Project Origami) for their Slingbox product. The article posted on Sling Media's website gives a longer description and says there will be a customized application that leverages the touch screen and resolution of the Ultra Mobile PC operating system.

I checked the Sling Media download pages and couldn't find any separate or customized download for their SlingPlayer Desktop software. True it's been 3 years since the announcement but you'd figure a touchscreen application for PCs would still be useful considering Windows 7's arrival.

Oh well, worth a shot. Has anyone tried running the Slingbox Desktop on their UMPCs with with any success? (It's a shame I got rid of mine a while ago!)

"Smartbook" seems like just another word for Ultramobile!

2009-06-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Here are photos from the Computex show in Taiwan, courtesy of CNET. These "smartbooks" prototypes are kind of interesting. Netbook, smartbook - these are all just new catch phrases for Ultra Mobile PCs / computers.

Check out the photos here:
http://news.cnet.com/2300-1041_3-10000973-1.html?tag=mncol

The Ultramobiles of IDF

2009-06-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

I know these photos are from last year (ages ago), but they show some of the work going into ultra mobile computers at the last Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco. The pictures are from CNET.

http://news.cnet.com/2300-1041_3-6245761-1.html?tag=mncol

Hopefully Intel's Developer Forum later this year will have new photos of the latest ultra mobiles as well as advancements in the Atom CPU line.

The Ultimate Ultramobile according to Maxim

2009-05-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

In the June 2009 issue on page 81 Maxim magazine calls the Sony Vaio P “the Ultimate Ultramobile”. The reason for the good review of this netbook is its power: 1.33GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 8-inch screen, 60GB HD - up to 128GB SSD, ultra wide 1600x768 screen resolution, non-cramped keyboard and a GPS device.

The problem is this Ultimate Ultramobile starts at $900 and based on the one I played with at Fry’s, didn’t seem as slick as the other netbooks on the market. I didn’t really like the color, the screen size seemed a bit odd – perhaps it was a little too wide compared to the others - and the even though I prefer the mouse pointer, the mouse keys were too small and close to the bottom of the unit making it hard to click. On the upside it can play HD video, the power is huge (processors are usually the hindrance) and a GPS device is just plain cool!

In the end I hope this ups the ante for other netbooks!

Ultra Mobile Rack Hack

2009-05-26T13:30:00.001-07:00

Instructables has a cool little MacBook / iMac Rack Hack that takes a little rack (probably used for storing files or magazines), modifies it, and screws it to the back of your monitor to hide it.

Wouldn't this same thing work really well for your Netbook or Ultra Mobile? Follow the steps here instead using your Netbook or Ultra Mobile, then install Synergy and you've got yourself two working computers - one that you can take and go. Plus it's nicely hidden - an Ultra Mobile Rack.

I'm sure there are a ton of cool little hacks you can do with any small ultra mobile and if it helps me reduce the cluttered look associated with computers then count me in!

Got an Extra? Make a desk photo frame!

2009-05-26T13:25:00.001-07:00

Got an extra Netbook or Ultra mobile that is just lying around? How about turning it into a hanging wall PC / digital picture frame? The downside would be the small screen - but it might still work well as desk calendar or photo frame!

Check out the link: http://blog.glowview.com/2009/03/20/custom-self-contained-hanging-wall-pc/

Windows 7 Beta Expiration

2009-05-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

I love the reminders sent by Microsoft for Windows 7. It appears the Beta expiration date is coming up so if you've installed Windows 7 Beta on your ultra mobile, you had best reinstall to Windows 7 RC otherwise on June 1, 2009 your system will start shutting down every 2 hours until you do. The Windows 7 Beta officially expires August 1, 2009 and that will be the last time you can use your computer!

Dell Mini 9 review is coming

2009-05-13T00:40:00.000-07:00

The Dell Mini 9 is one of Dell's first introduction to netbooks. One of my friends recently purchased a Mini 9 and I plan to do a review and take some pictures to post here. Netbooks are becoming increasingly popular and eventually with the release of Windows 7 touch screen capabilities represent the next evolution in the ultra mobile pc category. Check out the Dell Min 9 Laptop / Netbook here.

Seldomly used Windows Programs

2009-05-13T00:27:00.001-07:00

I know this is a bit random but there a quite a few programs that I use seldom in Windows that are being carried over into Windows 7. It's nice to be able to disable seldomly used programs in 7 like Windows Movie Maker, Media Center, etc. because most ultra mobile devices with solid state drives don't have a lot of space. But what about programs or features like Windows BitLocker or CardSpace?

Does anyone use or know of a reason to use Windows BitLocker? How about Windows CardSpace? I know most of these programs are tiny, but the more control the better and if you only have a 16GB SSD then a 100MB becomes a lot more noticeable!

Windows 7 Release Candidate

2009-04-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

The Windows 7 Release Candidate is now available on MSDN and TechNet download sites. As we speak I'm in the process of downloading it, hoping to install it on a virtual machine and my Ultra Mobile PC. Release candidates usually precede the final release of software by about 3-5 months leaving Microsoft on target for a September or October release date and just in time for the Holiday shopping season!

If I read my reports correctly this RC should last for 13 months - plenty of time to check it out and get my equipment ready for the final version!