[Nottingham] Re: UMPC recommendations?

[Danny King]

Thanks guys, excellent advice from all of you!

2008/8/5 Jim Moore <jmthelostpacket at googlemail.com>:
> UMPCs are nice, very pretty and in most cases, extremely light, BUT...
>
> They're just not very rugged.
>
> I think the idea of having something that small that can pretty much
> disappear into your pocket would be a bit extravagant (particularly if like
> the EeePC it has no moving parts) if the unit wasn't built to take a couple
> hard knocks - after all, that's what happens to your wallet every time you
> sit on it!
>
> While I've seen and had a play with an early model 4G EeePC, and instantly
> fell in love with the unit in every aspect of its construction and design
> except for the slightly flimsy hinge, I do prefer the slightly heavier,
> slightly better built and slightly more functional Panasonic Toughbook
> CF-M34GPRS, of which I do actually own one specimen. While this isn't quite
> an UMPC, it does have an armoured magnesium case and a seven inch 800x600
> /touchscreen/, plus an internal GPRS modem. Couple that with full-travel
> micro keyboard (which is comfortable for even me to use which is saying
> something considering I've got hands that could span a piano!), fully
> waterproof design and built in strap eyes and ABS carrying handle makes this
> a very portable subnote. Secondhand market has a few of these dotted about,
> new ones can still be had, but they're a bit more expensive than the Asus
> jobs (to be expected considering these things are built for the
> battlefield!) so s/h is the way to go on them, I think. Tag around £50-£600
> depending on source and condition, new (if one can be found!) around £1400.
>
> For something a little bigger (hence a little more usable at SVGA
> resolution!), you can't really go wrong with a Dell Latitude C400 (I got one
> of these too). Same weight as the Toughbook (shy of 3lb with battery), 12.1"
> screen, all the usual connections (PCMCIA, USB, dock, external
> optical/floppy port), fairly robust and quick at a full-clock 1.4GHz PIII
> (earlier models had a 900 or 1000 PIII). Tag on a reconditioned one of these
> is around the £300 mark with new battery, new around £600-£700 depending on
> spec.
>
> For either of these, give me a yell if you'd like to see my samples (not for
> sale, I'm afraid!) so you can get an idea of subnote vs. ruggedised UMPC,
> and I'll bring them to the next Nav meet, hopefully with fully charged
> batteries(!)
>
> Cheers,
>
> J
>
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- Danny King of Gleaming Pixel Web Design.

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