Published by rodfather on August 16, 2007
under Gadgets, umpc
It all started with my comment on Kevin Tofel’s blog post Eight minutes with the 875U AirCard. I mention in one of the comments that Steve should open up his Samsung Q1B and take pictures. This may be handy in case I wanted to attempt removing the mini PCI Express HSDPA module from the Sierra 875U HSDPA USB modem and sticking it in a normal Q1 or Q1P.
Steve responded to my blog post on my thoughts on Kevin’s posts by saying he’s tempted to open up the Q1B and remove the HSDPA module and stick it into the Raon Digital Everun.
Well I notice in the latest posts on UMPC Portal, Steve is doing a live Ustream.tv webcast of his attempt to move the HSDPA module from the Q1B to the Everun.
I keep visiting pcconnection.com to see if the Samsung Q1U-CMXP is available. This is the Windows XP Tablet Edition version of the Q1U with HSDPA.
Alas, not yet. I really like my Q1. Especially since it sits vertically so I don’t have to worry about it overheating on my bed or spilling my beer all over the keyboard if I’m at the bar.
With Samsung shipping versions of the Q1U with XP AND HSDPA, this is very tempting. I still don’t like that they didn’t add a real track pointer stick and I really would like an all-in-one solution with a usable keyboard. But with built-in HSDPA, a gorgeous screen, and a tablet form factor with a stand (I love the stand on the Q1), I might let it pass. I may be able to deal with the thumb keyboard for light entry.
Published by rodfather on August 15, 2007
under Gadgets, umpc, WWAN
Kevin Tofel at jkOnTheRun just left the AT&T store with a spanking new Sierra Wireless 875U Aircard. He will be using it in his Samsung Q1P.
This is very interesting since I’ve been looking into a dedicated WWAN data solution as well. His initial impression is that it’s bigger than he expected.
Since we use basically the same device (I have the Celeron version while he has the Pentium with the nicer screen), it seems our needs mirror each other at times. I will be following closely to Kevin’s thoughts on this device and WWAN use in general.
UPDATE:
Kevin made a quick YouTube video showing off the device and it’s HUGE. Link
He’s getting nice speed with it, around 1.2 Mbps. He also mentions this is faster than what he was getting from EVDO but I suspect that is because he might have been using EVDO Rev.0. I read the performance of the newer EVDO Rev.A cards are getting around the 1.2Mbps range.
I also suspect the OQO2′s EVDO card is EVDO Rev.0 as well.
I was thinking of getting Sierra Wireless 595U which is the Sprint EVDO version of the 875U. They are basically identical. I cannot get HSDPA in my area at the moment. I hear it’s rolling out in January but that’s January. So if I’m going WWAN right now, I’d most likely go with Sprint.
I’m not sure if I would walk around with that huge brick hanging on to the side of my Q1. I’d probably put it in the cradle.. but then I might as well tether in the first place since it’s the same terms of bulk and wires cluttering up the area.
The utility of WWAN is still appealing though. I read somewhere on Howard Forums, you get much higher data rate with a dedicated WWAN card than with tethering. It most likely deals with the network itself. Also, it’s nice to be able to use your phone while online. That’s one thing that frustrated me with tethering. If I needed to use the phone, I had to disconnect and lose the internet connection to make a call.
JKK got his hands on a Kohjinsha SH6. From his posts so far on forums and comments, he seems to enjoy it.
He just put up a video showing the quality of the 7″ 1024×600 LED backlit screen and it’s readable in direct sunlight. This is the same screen used in the Samsung Q1U.
I’ve been looking into the SH6 since I found out about it. It’s definitely one of the top candidates for my next UMPC.
I can’t wait to see more footage.
Published by rodfather on August 14, 2007
under Social Networks
The running joke on Twitter is that Facebook is like a black hole or a roach motel. Content goes in, but doesn’t come out. Well, it looks like that has changed today. I noticed this tweet from Josh Bancroft this morning saying the Notifications has an RSS feed.
OLPC Reviewed By Children
Found a cool
article on Slashdot.
From the look
on this kid’s face.
he loves the OLPC.
I hope this project
works out.
What’s interesting,
the use of this device requires no
training. Kids are able to pick this up
right away and learn how to use
it within minutes.
They can even swap the motherboard
themselves! (see Youtube video)
Published by rodfather on August 13, 2007
under Gadgets, Moblog
Vlogging pioneer Steve Garfield put up a YouTube video showing a step by step tutorial on how to edit and send video with the Nokia N95.
Very impressive.
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