UMID is readying a MID-like ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) for the Korean market that runs Windows XP. The UMID Mbook is equipped with an Intel Atom processor, a 4.8-inch, 1024 x 600 touchscreen, WiFi, Bluetooth, 1.3-megapixel camera, and a HSDPA 3G cellular modem, says the company.
UMID's Mbook, which was announced last year but reportedly delayed by "build quality issues," is now being served up by Hungarian retailer MobileX as the "UMID M1 High MID." Both this and a Linux version termed the "UMID M1 Low MID" have identical cases, with unique styling that makes them look like paperback books -- remember those? -- that were left out in the rain.
Mbook open
At first glance, the Mbook appears to be a tiny netbook, offering a full, albeit undersized, QWERTY keypad just like other mobile Internet devices (MIDs). However, while most of the MIDs that sport keyboards typically use a slide-down format, the Mbook goes with the netbook/clamshell approach. This makes it look a lot like some of the early UMPCs that struggled to make an impact in the market back in 2006 and 2007 after Microsoft and Intel defined the format.
Mbook from multiple angles (Click to enlarge)
In its specs, however, the Mbook is all MID, offering a typical 4.8-inch screen and 6.2 x 3.7 x 0.7-inch form factor. It uses a 1.3GHz Intel Atom Z520 processor, teamed with the usual SCH US15W combination northbridge/southbridge.
The Windows XP version of the Mbook is supplied with 512MB of DDR2 RAM and an 16GB solid-state disk (SSD), says MobilX. Further storage may be possible with the microSD slot and USB port. Caimed communications features include WiFi, Bluetooth, and a cellular modem compatible with HSDPA (high speed downlink packet access), and a 1.3-megapixel camera is also provided.
Although not listed on the M1 specs shown on the MobileX site, some additional enticing features are mentioned on the UMID site, such as Mobile TV (T-DMB, DVB-T/H, and 1-Seg standards), as well as WiMAX and WiBro wireless connectivity. It may be that these features will appear in future versions of the Mbook.
Mbook with stylus
Specifications listed for the UMID M1 High MID Mbook include:
Display -- 4.8-inch, WSVGA (1024 x 600) touchscreen
WiFi -- WLAN 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth -- Bluetooth 2.0
Cellular -- HSDPA
USB -- 1 x USB 2.0
Camera -- 1.3 megapixel
Audio -- Speaker; mic; earphone jack (2.5-inch)
Input -- QWERTY keypad
Battery -- 2400 mAh (lithium-ion)
Weight -- 11.1 oz (315g)
Dimensions -- 6.2 x 3.7 x 0.7 inches (158 x 94 x 18.6mm)
Operating system -- Windows XP, Linux
A UMID "unboxing" video Source: Jkkmobile (click to play)
Availability
The UMID M1 Mbooks are available for order and will ship on May 31, says MobileX. The retailer's product page may be found here.
UMID's own Korean language Mbook page may be found here.
The UMPC Portal website has published a review of the UMID calling it an "advanced mobile device," but warning that "build quality could be better." To read the article by Steve ("Chippy") Paine, see here.
