I got the Ultra Mini PC (UMPC) for Christmas that I was hoping for.
It is even smaller and lighter than I expected — about the size of a thin hardback book (Not a Clancy book!). It’s a full PC — in fact it would have been state-of-the-art 5 years ago or so, with a 900 MHz Intel Celeron Mobile chip, 512 MB of RAM and 4GB of (solid state) hard drive. It comes loaded with a version of Linux, though you can install Windows XP if you want. I don’t think I want to; there’s no need.
The keyboard is a little small, and I have been making frequent typos as I write this, but the more I type the better I get. I think with a little practice it will be quite comfortable to type on. The screen is also a little small, but quite usable.
The big advantage is the small size and weight. I can throw this in my suitcase or backpack (almost in my pocket) and hardly know it’s there.
It’s marketed as an easy-to-use computer for kids or new users, but it has found a much broader appeal.
If you need a very small, light, cheap computer for travel or whatever, you should consider this baby.
That appears to be the size of a portable dvd player. Is that about right?
Comment by Heather — December 26, 2007 @ 4:57 pm
It’s shorter then a ruler. That’s cool.
Comment by jocelyn — December 27, 2007 @ 7:09 am
It is about the size of a portable DVD player; maybe slightly larger.
The more I use it, the more I like it. i’m getting used to the keyboard; I still hit the wrong key sometimes, but not bad. The computer is quite responsive, and can do almost anything I need.
Comment by Daryl — December 28, 2007 @ 11:12 am
I was interested in finding out how your mini PC is doing. Do you sill like it? Is it hooked up with wireless?
Comment by Heather — January 6, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
It’s great! I love it.
I take it to bed with me, take it to the table at breakfast, and have it next to me on the sofa while watching TV. I’m typing this on it right now.
WiFi works great too.
Comment by Daryl — January 6, 2008 @ 8:20 pm
heheheheh. It’s like a kid and his favorite stuffed animal.
Comment by jocelyn — January 6, 2008 @ 9:42 pm
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