Review

Samsung Q1 UMPC Review

by Linda A. Epstein
July 2006

Samsung Q1 Ultra Mobile PC

The Samsung Q1 UMPC ( Ultra Mobile PC) is a small lightweight computer that gives people the convenience of the full Windows Tablet PC operating system, multiple input choices, wireless and bluetooth connections all in a lightweight package that you can take anywhere you go.

Many of the initial reviews pf the Q1 were negative because they came from from users who were not using the Q1 as it is intended which was unfair to both Samsung and to the general public.  In this review I hope to set the record straight by reviewing the Q1 as it was intended to be used.

While you can do just about anything that you can do on a full desktop or notebook computer, the UMPC is not designed or intended to be a notebook or desktop replacement.    The Ultra Mobile PC was designed for ease of mobility and convenience for people on the go who want the option and ability to work, play and stay connected from anywhere they are.

If you think you would benefit from and enjoy the convenience of having all of your desktop applications, email, MP3, Pen and Ink capabilities, GPS and other computer features all in a 1.7 pound package doesn't weigh you down when your out and about ...... read on.

Watching the Pirates of the Caribbean 2 Dead Mans Chest Footage on the Q1

Sleek and sexy in high gloss black with matching accessories the Samsung Q1 UMPC boots in just over 60 seconds 512 ram installed. The 7 inch screen is remarkably clear and we got an 2 hours and 37 minutes battery life with the Q1 running in always on mode, the wireless on, no standby, no hibernate and the screen and hard drive set to always on. 

Like any new technology, if this is the first time you have used a computer with the Tablet PC operating system there is a learning curve, it takes a few days to get used to using the pen, or the on screen keyboard.   Not because its difficult, simply because its not how you are used to using a computer.     We are used to using keyboards, and mice.   While it takes time to become comfortable without those items,  it is the lack of an attached keyboard and mouse that makes the UMPC so light and mobile.    

The buttons on the face of the Q1 are not as easy to navigate as other UMPC's  but everything you need to navigate the internet and programs is there including a user defined button that you can program to launch your favorite app's or actions.   Unfortunately the Instructions for choosing the actions for the user defined button are not in the manual and I did not have the Q1 here long enough to figure out how to set them.

In addressing the matter of the Q1 not having an keyboard,  the slate style Tablet PCs do not have an attached keyboards and its not a problem.  The truth of the matter is that you have the option and ability of attaching a USB or Bluetooth keyboard to the Q1, other UMPC's and slate style Tablet PC's      At home I'm likely to set the Q1 on my desk and use it with a USB keyboard.   When I'm out and about I'd use either the pen or the on screen keyboard for input. 

In designing the Q1 and its accompanying accessories Samsung took into account the fact that the Q1 is most likely to be used in addition to a main computer and included a USB Data Cable and instructions so that users can easily transfer files between another computer and the Q1.   Build in software in the data cable gives you a split screen so you can drag and drop files between the two machines with ease.  (photo right)

The reason so many Tablet PC's and the New UMPC's do not have built in optical drives is because Tablet PC's and UMPC's are designed to be as light and mobile as possible.  With the Q1 you have the ability to install software using a, data cable, USB flash drive or from an optional external Optical drive which can be purchased separately.

That said not having a built in optical drive isn't anywhere near as big a problem as people are making it out to be.    In fact I think users will be surprised at how rarely they really use an optical drive once they have their initial software installed on the UMPC.    

The Ultra Mobile PC was designed for ease of mobility and convenience and the Q1 provides that.   Its fun to use for checking your email, and staying in touch with friends from where ever you may be and with MS office installed you have the ability to edit or work on documents on the fly.   Since the Q1 runs the Tablet PC OS, you can install Microsoft Office and use the Q1 to read, create or edit office documents from where ever you are.

What else can you do with the Q1?    Pretty much anything you can do on your desktop or Tablet PC computer.  Watch a downloaded movie on a plane,  organize photos or listen to music, play games, send text messages.

Photo Above : Listening to music on the Q1 with Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 pro earphones.

The bottom line is If you enjoy the convenience of having all of your desktop applications, email, MP3, Pen and Ink capabilities, GPS and other computer features all in a 1.7 pound package doesn't weigh you down when your out and about the Q1 is worth looking into.

External DVD/CDRW Combo drive and USB Keyboard with a high gloss black finish to match the Q1

You can see from the photo above the Q1 is not lacking in features

The menu button the the right side of the Q1 provides easy access to frequently used features: LCD Brightness Wireless Lan ON/OFF Sound ON/OFF LCD Backlight Off Etiquette (Silent) Mode ON/OFF Output to external Display Device SRS Settings Remaining Battery Charge Rotate Screen

Dial Keys is on of several input methods on the Q1

The Samsung Q1 does not have an indoor outdoor display, however you can see the screen outdoors as long ad your in the shade

The Q1 fits in any setting.  above The Samsung Q1 UMPC on the bar is being used to look up the recipe for a Lemon Drop Martini

My 7 year old nephew watches a baseball game on TV and checks other Baseball scores on the Q1

From the Samsung Web site:

The ultimate in digital freedom

Restrictions placed on Smart phones, PDA's, PMP's and MP3 players, such as slow bandwidth, poor viewing, sound quality and trouble synching with PC's coupled with the demand for even greater mobility alternatives to notebook’s has created a desire in the market for convergence.

The convergence of digital technology

Slim, sleek and shinning through with features, the Samsung Q1 is designed to match the all the demands for high performance mobile computing with multimedia and the desire for a bold personal statement.

The Q1 offers you the freedom and flexibility to go anywhere and do everything.

* PDA: fast Internet access and easy attachment opening
* MP3 and PMP: supports all formats with no need for additional codec
* DMB TV: experience digital television on the stunning 7" wide screen
* Tablet PC: Windows® XP Tablet Operating system and Intel CPU installed
* Storage Device: up to 40G portable memory