One Person Doesn’t Like UMPCs And Here’s Why

You’ve heard of the next wave of computers, those little laptops which go by various names, UMPC, Netbook, or even mini-laptops. But I was surprised when I read one person’s review who doesn’t care for the little guys. The review was based on a mini using Windows XP. He even admits that he hasn’t used a mini with Linux. In the article it states:

So if those aren’t the issues, then what’s the problem? Many, if you ask me. It is a little too heavy — 2.7 lbs — for an ultraportable, especially if you factor in a fat extended battery you need to run this thing. It runs Windows XP and no surprise, takes too long to boot up. (There is a Linux version, but I didn’t try that just yet.)

More importantly, in less than an hour it was generating more heat than my first Macbook Pro, aka the oven. It is not as if I had dozens of apps open. All I was using was a simple Internet Explorer. (I have not installed Firefox just yet.) Maybe it’s a problem with the pre-production demo unit, but if it’s not, then the issue of heat is a deal-breaker for me, and it should be for other people as well. Any highly mobile device whose primary function is to surf the web should not become a kitchen appliance within an hour. It would be virtually impossible to use it on one’s lap.

The reviewer tried the Hewlett Packard’s HP 2133 miniNote. I would suggest trying the Asus Eee with Linux instead of Windows XP. On my little mini I have not encountered any heat issues. Performance is snappy and it boots up fairly quickly. I do have to agree that I wouldn’t want to type any long documents on the mini, though for simple e-mail responses it works just fine. Use it on your lap? Maybe that is why they are not being called laptops.

There is no doubt about it. These new devices are not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. But I believe that for some of us, they will serve a purpose.

What is your opinion?

Comments welcome.

Source.