Samsung Q1 7-inch Ultra Q1U-XP (Intel A110 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, Windows XP)

Amazon Customer Reviews

(5 out of 5)

Does what I got it for

I wanted something small and easily portable to be able to transfer files from one place to another for a specific program (no, transfer by zipdrive or similar does not work in this case, as sending unit must transfer files to receiving unit). It boots up a little quicker than my regular laptop and desktop, but does run slower, no big surprise since the processors in my other units are pretty fast...and hot. Display is very easy to read and sharp. The programs of specific interest to me have small fonts, mostly text-based. The unit has installed all Windows programs that I want and have tried easily with no burps. Some I was able to install by copying install CD's onto a USB zipdrive. One program whose installation routine includes checking a license on the install CD would not recognize the zipdrive for this. I purchased a Memorex external USB DVD for this and it has worked just fine...and far less expensive than the external drive recommended for the Q1. I found the thumb mouse a little tricky to get used to but now use with ease and relative speed. The keypad keys are a little too close for my fingers or thumbs but can be used with a little care, just not so fast as a full-size keyboard. I sometimes use a pencil eraser end for this as it is more accurate. The stylus works quite well with the sensitive screen as so has the thumb touch-screen system. All in all a plethora of input options, each of which I now have a preference for in given situations. The sync cable and program to sync files from one computer to another has worked easily and reliably. I have now even used it on the road, an interesting set of features for me, but not my main purchasing need. It seems to find wireless networks easily, connect easily, and darn but this is so much easier than carrying around a more bulky laptop that I might also have to leave locked in the car and worry about theft. This is easier to carry by far. My only real annoyances have nothing to do with the unit but rather with Windows: I am sick to death of having to constantly cancel their cute little reminders: "You are not fully protected...send more money" "No wireless networks...send more money" "Constant reminder to send more money" "Unused icons...send more money". Reason for using linux at home...but that's a whole different story. I will be interested to see how it installs on the Q1.
All in all, I could not be happier with the Q1. It has handled my modest requests with ease and simplicity, and turns out to be far more useful than I had expected and is worming its way into my everyday use. I will note that I am old and purchased a cheap pair of reading glasses to keep in the case with the unit, helps sometimes with pages of small numbers. I have not tried to install any serious games but cannot understand why someone might. To me, a good shoot-em-up needs a big screen and sound, silly to ask this to do that. I have also not tried any graphics-intensive programs, assuming that if they ran at all reasonably in frame speed the display would still be too small. I do use some sports analysis graphic programs and have not tried. Also, not into DVD movies on the computer so have not tried to run these yet. That's what I have a HDTV for. I have also been pleased with how quickly I have been up and running effectively, especially given all the input options and little extras. Although some might argue, and I have no intention of entering a flame war here...I cannot imagine any reason to purchase the unit with Vista and was extremely pleased to be able to purchase with XP since that was the OS required by the proprietary programs I needed to run and Vista seems to be a regular PITA, and more so with new hardware.

(5 out of 5)

Excellant selection for Mobility

A little bit about me. I have owned Pocket pcs sicne they were called clam shell. I have used tables since the introduction of the Toshiba 3505. UMPC's interested me, so for the last year and a half I have read and watched.

I had a OQO 01+ before this. Even though the form factor is larger. The 800Mhz processor for everyday use is plenty fast. Some people have complained about this unit and vista.

My Question...who has not complained about Vista being either a hog or problematic?

After research, I purchased this with Windows XP. Vista is the microsoft updated mistake of Window ME, so I have not purchased any machines with Vista.

I have the following software on it :

Microsoft Office 2003
Britannica 2008
Adobe Acrobat 7 Pro
ACDSEE Pro
and many other business programs.

I can open outlook, britannica, microsoft work and manipulate photos with ACDSEE. For on the go web browsing and other business needs this baby makes the grade.

Now for the options :

Keyboard and Carry Case....8 our of 10. Installs easy and included a track pointed and right and left button, the case holds both standard battery and will hold the extended battery (a little tight).

Navigation Software and GPS Kit...8 out of 10. Installed very easy. Now my UMPC acts like one of those GPS units that you buy @ compusa. Including the ease of 3D view and I can tap directly on the screen with my finger.

Extended battery...9 out of 10. This battery lasts me 6 hours of constant use. If I standbye when not in use...all day long. I am a regulatory specialist at a hospital and this is my carry unit.

Docking Station ...8 out of 10. Chargers and extra battery, adds usb ports and even though it does not have a output for a external monitor...the unit itself does.

External DVD Writer/Rewriter...7 out of 10. This was a little exotic but I am happy with it. Again, samsung has made all the driver built into the q1 ultra.

How do I rate this unit 8 out of 10. Plenty of ram, good ports for accessories, sd slot, keyboard, alternate screen keyboard (pretty cool) and a very bright easy to read screen.

I recommend this unit for purchase!

(5 out of 5)

I've waited my whole life for this

A fully-functioning PC in the palm of my hand.... my wildest dreams come true. I am a law student and lugging my standard size "laptop" to and from class was just oppressive and unsustainable. I had to have something I could easily carry, but yet had full Windows functionality for note-taking, legal research, and for my school's exam taking sofware.
I was so very close to just going with the status quo on a smaller laptop-- but luckily I kept doing some research and found this--- a god-send. I can carry my book bag full of books and then this in one hand, and not be burdened at all. Or if I have a lighter load of books, this is small enough to just take the slot of my smallest text book in my book bag.
Absolutely stupendous. I hope Samsung will keep developing these things-- they are the greatest thing since.... can't even think of what's better!!!!
Since this is so unique, there's a lot of misconceptions and misinformation about these out there, more so in these type of online reviews-- don't believe it all. Fully functional, can do everything my normal pc's have done, sometimes better. And yes the screen is small, but the sharpness and brightness make you forget that. I don't strain. It works absolutely fantastic.
It is sooooo amazing to just hold this thing in the palm of my hand, take notes, do research, type reports, and yes take my exams on. Absolutely the bees knees!
I got this unit with the Samsung keyboard and the organizer, and an off-brand DVD external drive. Perfect. The keyboard is excellent. Quiet, very ergonomic, but also compact and thin.

(5 out of 5)

Best Gift of the Century

I am a computer consultant Perfect! Computers and have been working with computers since 1982 and loved the Tablet when it came out 2002 from NEC and Gateway, etc. This Q1 is a dream, no detail was missed by Samsung in hardware or software. Works fast and flawlessly, the ultimate tool for your college student or professor. Has external VGA port to run a larger screen and 2 USB ports for external full size mouse/keyboard. I give it an 11.

(5 out of 5)

Nice!

First off, this computer is very slick looking, like a sports car. Second, it's great running on XP (I've heard that Vista runs meh on the device). Third, and the reason I love this device, is that it's that happy medium between PDA and full fledged computer. I loved PDAs when they came out (had 2), but they got merged with phones. I think the developers have stuck gold with UMPCs.

Pros:

Small
Long battery life (better than the SSD Asus 4g computer-which I have)
Immensely portable
2 USB ports
Good amount of RAM (good for XP, not for Vista)
On device keyboard (okay, maybe not, but it's better than nothing--you can always attach another keyboard to the thing)

Cons:

800mhz is too slow for higher end applications (then again, why would run high end stuff on this anyway?)

Some advice: If you want this, get it with XP installed. If you want Vista, wait until they come out the 2 gb model with a higher cpu speed.