REVIEW: Samsung Q1 Ultra

Specs:

Display: 7" color touch screen with 300 nit brightness running at 1024 x 600 native resolution (scaling to 800 x 600 and 640 x 480 also supported). Intel GMA950 graphics with 128 megs shared memory. Can drive an external monitor up to 2048 x 1536 resolution.

Battery: Lithium Ion Prismatic rechargeable. Battery is user replaceable. 29.6mw. Claimed runtime 4.5 hours. Extended battery available with claimed 8.5 hour runtime.

Performance: 800MHz Intel A110 with 400MHz front side bus. 1 gig DDR2 (400MHz) RAM, 1 SODIMM socket. Intel 945GMS chipset with 400MHz FSB.

Drive(s): 1.8" hard disk, 4200 RPM. 40, 60 and 80 gig capacity, depending on model purchased.

Size: 9.95 x 4.87 x 0.94 inches. Weight: 1.52 pounds.

Camera: Front facing video chat camera (1/3MP) and rear still/video 1.3MP camera (one model is available without the camera).

Audio: Built in 1.6 watt stereo speakers, dual array mics and 3.5mm standard stereo headphone jack. Voice Recorder, voice command and dictation built into the Windows XP Tablet Edition OS. HD Audio, SRS Surround Sound.

Networking: Integrated WiFi 802.11b/g (Atheros AR5006), Bluetooth 2.0 and 10/100 Ethernet (Broadcom 4400x). HSDPA available on model #NP-CMV(HSDPA).

Software: Windows Vista Home Premium operating system. Microsoft Touch Pack which includes the DialKeys on screen keyboard, Origami Experience. Navigon Navigator 2.0 mapping and navigation software. MS Reader. Samsung software for managing the device, Samsung updater, AVS and AVS NOW!

Ports and Expansion: 1 SD/MMC card slot (except base model), two USB 2.0 ports, VGA port, 3.5mm stereo out, Ethernet port.

Security: Biometric fingerprint scanner included on some models.

Optional Accessories: Available for purchase are a docking station, GPS package, extended battery, dual layer DVD drive, USB keyboard, portfolio case, car DC adapter, stylus pack and USB data cable.

Pro: Full Windows in a very portable format. Screen resolution is high enough for a near-notebook experience and the touch screen is accurate and responsive to finger touch. Good networking with Bluetooth, WiFi and even HSDPA on one model. Navigation software is a plus.

Con: Quite slow. Interacting with small on-screen elements like Start Menu program lists, hyperlinks and close boxes take a precise hand (and use of the stylus rather than a finger). The tiny keyboard is better than nothing, but not by much.