Samsung Q1

Samsung Q1 is an Ultra-Mobile PC with a 7" (18 cm) LCD and exists in several different versions.

Samsung Q1

Manufacturer Part #: NP-Q1-V000

*Intel Celeron M ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) running at 900 MHz
*40GB Hard Drive
*7 inch WVGA touch screen (using finger or stylus)
*Weighs 0.78 kg
*3-cell battery (up to 3 hours)
*WLAN 802.11b/g
*LAN port 100 mbit
*Compactflash port Type II
*Stereo speakers
*Array mics
*AVS mode
*Bluetooth enabled
*Digital Multimedia Broadcasting

The Q1 is one of the first ultra-mobile computers (UMPC) produced under Microsoft's "Origami" project. The Q1 can boot into two different modes: typical Windows XP (OS can be replaced), and AVS mode running Windows XP Embedded. AVS mode runs in a separate partition and boots directly to a music, photo, and video player with no Windows Explorer interface. The AVS feature is unique to the Q1.

Microsoft Vista installs and runs successfully on the Q1 with some driver issues. Samsung offers all models with Windows XP, the "Pentium M" model can now be purchased with vista pre-installed. It does not offer a free Vista upgrade for users who purchased it with Windows XP. The Q1 is not listed on Microsoft's update web page, but Microsoft has recently demonstrated the new Origami Experience user interface on a Q1 running Vista.

The CF port has by some testers been reported as being very slow compared to using an external card reader in the USB 2.0 port. Samsung has removed the CF port altogether in the Q1b version, and it is unlikely to return in future versions.

Samsung Q1 SSD

Manufacturer Part #: NP-Q1-V004

The SSD version is identical to the Q1 except that the 40 GB hard disk drive (HDD) has been replaced by Samsung's 32 GB solid-state drive. Not only does this make the device much faster, but also uses less power than a normal 1.8" HDD. The SSD version is about twice as expensive as the normal Q1.

Samsung Q1b

Manufacturer Part #: NP-Q1B-V000

The Q1b is Samsung's second UMPC device, with a much improved battery life and 30% brighter screen compared to the Q1. The CF port and the Ethernet port have been removed on this version, limiting its utility as a network sniffer, a function for which the original works remarkably well. It also has a mono speaker and a single microphone. This is probably to increase battery lifetime and reduce production costs.

*VIA C7-M ULV @ 1 GHz
*5 Hour Battery Life (using standard 3-cell battery)
*30% Brighter Screen (LED backlight)
*Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g support)
*Bluetooth v2.0
*512 MB DDR2 RAM
*40 GB Hard Drive
*Optional WiBro Module
*Optional High-Speed Downlink Packet Access Module

Samsung Q1F (Pentium M)

Manufacturer Part #: NP-Q1-F000

This is almost identical to the original Q1 but with a faster 1 GHz Intel Pentium M processor (723) which enables speedstep technology for better battery usage. Its uncertain though that its battery lifetime is much better than the original, which has by many been regarded as too short. The new model Q1b has a bit improved battery lifetime. Its possible to buy a 6-cell battery instead of the default 3-cell to double the time on all these devices. The Pentium edition also has:

*1 GB DDR2 RAM
*60 GB Hard Drive
*Microsoft Windows Vista

Please note that the Q1P has stereo speakers, although the official Samsung specification pages say mono. Its basically identical to the standard Q1 but with more memory, bigger disk and a faster CPU. It has also been revealed that the Q1P has the same brighter screen of the Q1b according to an article at [http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2007/01/200_vs_280_nits.html#more jkOnTheRun] . This information is not printed on the spec at the Samsung pages either. It has been erroneously reported by jkOnTheRun as the brightness increase was due to a LED backlight; however this was debunked by internal investigation of the hardware by [http://jkkmobile.blogspot.com/2007/04/no-led-backlight-in-q1b.html jkkmobile] .cite web | url = http://jkkmobile.blogspot.com/2007/04/no-led-backlight-in-q1b.html | title = jkkmobile No LED backlight in Q1b | publisher = jkkmobile | accessdate = 2007-05-07 ] People are reporting up to 6-7 hours runtime using the extended 6-cell battery in normal everyday use.

Samsung Q1U (Intel A110)

This Spring 2007 model offers four versions, the range includes a lower cost camera-less 40GB model, dual cams (of low quality) models, 60GB hard disks, HSDPA and finger print reader installed with Vista and XP. [http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fproduct.samsung.com%2Fq1microsite%2FQ1UltraBrochure.pdf&ei=ClGBRrONKaOEgQKzjqX6Ag&usg=AFQjCNFPF95HvNXUtxeJVOlT3uZ-Fpqz-A&sig2=QjjYwhsg8cfu75s8O0r8eg PDF describing models] . All models use an 800 MHz Intel A110 CPU with 512K L2 cache, reported to be slower than the Pentium M based predecessor.

All Q1U models offer a new split keyboard, 1GB of RAM (reportedly user upgradeable to 2GB), SD card slot, LED backlit 1024x600 screen (billed as WSVGA [ [http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Id=4190121&JRSource=googlebase.datafeed.SAM+Q1UEL Sample advert- J&R] ] ). Weight has been reduced to 700 g (1.54 lbs) and battery life has reportedly been extended. An LED battery level indicator has also been added. A GPS accessory is also offered, which may be used with the included mapping software.

Memory upgrade

The Samsung Q1 can hold a total of 2 GB of memory, and it is possible to upgrade the 512 MB versions by getting the right SODIMM type of memory. The upgrade involves opening the device, locating the memory chip and swapping it. Note however that people report the AVS function ceases to work after the memory upgrade and it might require adjusting some bios settings or reinstalling the AVS partition

Alternative UMPCs

The Asus R2H is a similar device that offers integrated GPS. The TabletKiosk 7210 also has a webcamera as well as a docking station, something that none of the other devices has, although the Asus R2H has a port replicator. The TabletKiosk exists in many versions similarly specced as the Samsung series.

ee also

* OQO
* Tablet PC
* Sony Vaio UX Micro PC
* Fujitsu Lifebook U Series
* VIA NanoBook
* Nokia 770 Internet Tablet
* Nokia N800
* Pepper Pad
* FonePlus
* Asus R2H
* Kohjinsha SA Series

References

External links

* [http://www.samsung.com/Products/UltraMobilePC/UltraMobilePC/NP_Q1_V000SEA.asp Official Samsung Q1 Specifications]
* [http://www.samsung.com/Products/UltraMobilePC/UltraMobilePC/NP_Q1BV000SEA.asp Official Samsung Q1b Specifications]
* [http://www.samsung.com/Products/UltraMobilePC/UltraMobilePC/NP_Q1_V002SEA.asp Official Samsung Q1P Specifications]