New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/21/i...-based-m1-mid/

The form factor I've been recommending for the NIT might be coming to the Wibrain. I'm not sure I like the shoulder button layout exactly, but that's the format I was suggesting. It's also a bit thicker than I was thinking.


If it has a comfortable keyboard feel (like the E71), GSM/WCDMA (EDGE+HSPA) modem, Ubuntu Mobile, decent battery life, and a tiltable screen, I'd probably buy it.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

who the heck designs a thing like that - it's just plain ugly (IMHO)

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I agree that their implementation of the format is on the ugly side. But so was their original device (split thumb keyboard format).

That said... who cares? It's not a fashion statement, it's a tech device. I care more about utility than fashion. Though, I suspect that anyone else who entered into this form factor (like the ones from Sony (Vaio UX-1) and Motorola (Sidekick Slide)) would indeed be prettier. And if Nokia built one, I'd expect it to be prettier too. Something like the style of an E71, but the format of a Sidekick Slide, UX-1, or this thing.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Agree 100%

And people complain about the N810 keyboard...

But HSDPA and Mobile TV look cool, but thats it.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I finally got the chance to try an EEE, and what hit me hardest was that its undersized keyboard is useless to me. I'm realizing I can't use a keyboard if I can't touch type, and I can't do that on undersized keyboards (maybe it's possible to adjust if you're a child or a female with slim fingers). Before I tried one I thought the EEE could be interesting. This M1 thing also seems to have one of those (even more) undersized keyboards, thus, to me, completely useless. Oh, and ugly, but that's been said already! :)

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

i would say that its one of the more interesting mid/umpc's thats been shown lately. and if it gets about the same price as the older wibrain, and can be bought with linux...

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

@TA-t3: I've got Eee 1000H for the exact same reason - the keyboard on that model is very good.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

The WiBrain (original model, and I assume this one), MID, Samsung Q1, N810, E61/E61i/E62/E71, Sidekick, Tilt, and Blackberry keyboards all have one thing in common... they're not intended for touch typing. They're intended for thumb typing.

So... do feel just as negative about the N810 keyboard?

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Yeah, I can't use thumb keyboards. One of my PDAs has one. I use the on-screen keyboard all the time, with stylus - much faster and easier. :)

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I'm exactly the opposite. Virtual keyboards are a waste of screen space, annoying, and significantly slower than thumb keyboards. :)

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Heh. I can't touch-type, which is foolish -- as much as I work on computers, you'd think it'd have been a worthwhile investment at some point. I do use more or less all fingers to type, and type rather quickly for non-touch; I just have to glance at the keyboard about every three letters to keep my bearings.

But I find I can do my normal typing style almost uninhibited on the eee (701), even though I have rather good-sized fingers. Perhaps this is partly because my hands tend to hover higher over the keyboard and move around more than touch typing.

Still, I've found that the eee is just on the edge between touch-typing and thumb-boarding, which I didn't know was possible. I can quite comfortably hold it between two hands and reach all the way past center with thumbs while walking around. I do wish the screen would open just a bit farther, but it works. So put me down in the definite thumb-happy class.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I had never tried EEE because I do not like it at all. A device should be built either powerful and big-size, or small and portable. what is the reason to buy an EEE while a 12 or 14 inch laptop is much powerful with almost same price as an EEE?

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I like the thumb keyboard of E70, maybe only.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Cheap, hackable, and portable. With the Eee, you don't have to pick two. ;)

I bought mine (used) mainly as a toy, to hack GPS/fingerprint-reader/everything into.

I'll see if it crowds out the tx2000 or N800 at all; I expect once I add the touchscreen, it'll displace the N800 only a bit, because it still doesn't fit my pocket. Right now, I find it rather awkward to use with the touchpad...

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I didn't know it was available yet - it looks good on pictures. I'm looking forward to try one, when I get the chance.

I thought exactly the same! - that is, until I tried one! :) Except for the (for me) too cramped keyboard, it immediately appealed to me. Sometimes even my N800 is too limited, but the thought of my (very nice) laptop doesn't appeal either (weight, size.. sometimes I get fed up. I wish I could afford one of those large, super-light, super-thin laptops you have to import through specialist companies, these Japan-only ones. But that's not my situation.) Well, on those occasions, an EEE would do quite well! That is, if the 1000 appeals as much as the 900 when I get my hands on one. (Don't know the price of the 1000H, but the 900 one is actually _very_ cheap compared to any full-size laptop I could like.)

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Ah the E70 possibly the best mobile device ever. That keyboard was easily the best thumboard design I have ever used.

This Wibrain isn't too bad but I have a feeling the next generation tablet especially if they put an GSM radio in it will be a better balance of power/battery/utility. I'm willing to wait and see.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

The device seems a bit bigger than the NIT. Or the screen is smaller.

Sometimes it takes time to get used to a new interface whether its a touchscreen, a trackpoint, a touchpad, or d-pad. I definetely prefer a trackpoint over a touchpad which is a horror to use IMO.

Once MIDs & nettops get more battery power and more USB ports the real flexibility will take off.

What I like about he Wibrain is that it has on-board HSDPA.

I wonder about the battery life.

I can understand one would find the design of this device not pretty, but if it works well thats much more valuable IMO.

If someone has a (3rd party) review I'd appreciate a link to it.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Screen is listed as 4.7" 1024x600, so it's bigger alright.

AFAICT, there's no reviews or anything like that yet; it was kind of under the radar.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I do not want to offend any one. but I do not think EEE PC is cheap. it is easy to find some laptops which price close to that of EEE PC, and much powerful than EEE PC.
it is not that difficult to bring a laptop if there is room for an EEE PC.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

its at best a prototype right now...

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

yes, you can find a 14-15" with a 1-2 year old cpu, and similar age optical and hardrive.

but what the eeepc has going for it is that it has lower weight and size then that of a 12" ultraportable. the ones that normally sell for a premium with high end insides aimed towards corporate road warriors in suits...

its something you can put in a bag or packpack alongside a wallet, phone and paperback book and forget your carrying it. a cheap 15" is to bulky to forget.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I do an unusual thing with my Dell Latitude. I hold it up like a book, more or less, and read it while lying on a couch or bed. I am very near-sighted, so I can hold it closer to my face than normal-visioned folk could do. I do this also with my N800, of course.

If I had a Netbook I would do the same, only it would be lighter and easier to hold. But the screen would be bigger than my N800. Now that I'm not carrying my N800 around with me much (I use my Centro for away-from home Net access anywhere) the reason for it to be pocketable has vanished. So I'm open to something lighter than a laptop but bigger than something that fits in my pocket.

I don't think the eee is the best Netbook out there now. I like the Acer Aspire One, or what I've been reading about it. Then there is whatever Dell is putting together -- I'll follow that with interest.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Are you coming to the Summit? :)

1000H Linux is actually cheaper than 901, since it has a HDD. There will be a version with 40GB SSD though.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Acer Aspire is cheaper, but has an awkward touchpad and no bluetooth (even no BT support in the kernel). On features 901/1000H win by much.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

woa, no bluetooth in the kernel?!

thanks for the warning. no acer on me then...

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Of course in the official kernel and probably they fixed it already. I have a friend who owns one, can ask...

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

aaahh.. so you're bringing one there? Unfortunately I can't be there, the time frame collides solidly with work.

I would definitely go for solid state for this kind of device.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I'm not sure the M1 will ever go in to production--I got the impression it was more of a prototype and that the company wasn't commenting on its possible availability in future. So much of the hardware shown at IDF never makes it to market. The Gigabyte M528 supposedly is still going to be released in Europe this year, like the BenQ. Also, it looks like the new, lower price of the Gigabyte unit will include the 3G module so you won't need to find hotspots for your data connectivity fix if you're in Europe (or a large urban market in North America). I'm waiting to see the initial reviews to find out if GPS works out of the box--apparently GPS doesn't work on Aigo's twin unit yet. Now for those of us in North America, let's hope some of this gear makes here for sale, not just Intel exhibits.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I have talked with the Wibrain people at IFA here in Berlin. They said this new Atom based model comes to Europe at end of October (mass production will start then).

I've played at least one hour with this amazing device. Screen: ultra bright with extreme number of dpi; touchpad: excellent and very intuitive - better than any notebook touchpad I've ever used; keyboard: quite good, solid, good quality, requires some training, no touch typing but easy to press; temperature: warm, but not hot; fan: quiet(? it is loud at IFA ...), they told me about 3 modi of noise reduction in the final unit; size: yeah, better than any netbook, easy to grasp and to move around with 1 hand, it even fits into my pocket (front and back) but then I could sit down with care only - however this also holds for N800 (slightly relaxed); HSDPA: built in; GPS: no; etc.

The M1 ships with <cut>Windows</cut> Ubuntu 7 and Windows XP. They propose power for 6 hours with the standard battery, standby for several days. The unit (with XP) was very fast and responsive. I underhand installed Firefox3 (yes, they did not notice :)) and also viewed youtube videos. All in all I was very, very impressed.

Yes, with Ubuntu this unit (for about 700 Euros) would replace my N800. But until Christmas Nokia has the chance to answer with an N900 :).

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

700€ is a bit much for me...

oh and "Windows Ubuntu 7"? never heard of it ;)

still, nice to know they are moving forward with that design. they just need to really do something about that price...

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Was the Wifi also built in? (not on an SDIO card, whose slot is the only SD slot on board?)

Sounds rather promising. Was the screen bigger than the NIT, or same/similar size?

Did they say anything about a US version, and if so whether it'd be AT&T only? (or support for T-Mobile-USA?)

Will the linux version support bluetooth (I was annoyed that their first model's linux version had no bluetooth).

Trying to remember how much 700€ converts to in US$ ...

As long as it's under $1000, I could probably be on board with a fully supported Ubuntu version. If only it had a tilt screen ;-)

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

You can choose between Windows XP and Ubuntu 7.x (not specified further). And they said "about $1000", docking station included. The design is really good and better than the pictures might suggest. The black version has a true business look.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Yes, built in. Slot was empty. Bigger (I put it side by side with my N800, in particular wider), 10.3x6.3 cm with 1024x600 pixels. Also it is much much brighter.
Sorry, no. I have not asked but next time (tomorrow) I'll tryI have asked in general only whether the Linux version has all neccessary drivers and the answer was Yes. Tomorrow I'll try to insist...They said about $1000. then I tried to remember how much Euros this is :)Even without tilt screen the handling is very convenient and ergonomic. I was really surprised and recommend to take the unit into your own hands to check this (as soon as you can...).

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Hmm... 10.3cm/1024px ~= 0.1mm DP = 254 DPI. Larger screen, higher pixel count, and higher resolution.

This is looking quite nice. A T-mo US version would be to die for, once they get 3G out here. (Of course, there's not likely to be one available before then, anyway.) For me, a k$ is a bit much right now, but I could be sold one of these (in some US band) if it's as awesome as it sounds. At the right price, I could buy one without any data access, but I don't think that's at all likely.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Thanks for the great info!

And, I'm sure I will, as soon as I can.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

I agree.

Yeah, $1000 is my upper range of "I can do it, with a little planning".

More than $1500, and I start to think "so I really need a mobile device that's that expensive?" and/or "wonder if I can get work to buy it for me?" :)


I was thinking maybe:

If T-Mo US gets an E71 with T-Mo 3G and UMA/Hotspot@Home, then use joikuspot to tether it to the M1 (or whatever wifi MID I end up with).

Though, I could also do something sneaky like:

If the M1's wifi can act as a wifi hotspot, and it only supports AT&T, then put the M1 on an AT&T pre-paid SIM with the $20/30days MediaNet service, and use it as a wifi access point for my E61i (which I use with T-Mo now).

Then I can decide what to do with my T-Mo data service (drop it, or reduce it to the $6/mo web-only service, or keep both and use whichever one is more stable at any given location ... or in case AT&T ever catches on to people using their $20/30days prepaid add on as an unlimited data-only service).

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Today at IFA I played again with the new Atom based Wibrain model. It's a shame but I missed the title of this thread in my posts so far - what I touched at IFA these days was the new model i1, not M1, sorry.

@johnkzin:
Today the Wibrain people I've met confirmed that bluetooth (Blue Soleil) will definitely be supported in the Ubuntu version. They also corrected the Ubuntu version to 8.x.

BTW the spec sheet says Tri-band UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 MHz and Quad-band GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Heh. I think I like the M1 a bit better, but they're both quite interesting little machines. (That switch-up explains why it was "in particular wider" than the N800.) It looks likely that they have the same screen, though.

Re: New Wibrain model? (M1)
 

Still, good news. I liked their original design, mostly, as well (the split thumb keyboard based brick). I mean, it's not pretty, but it looked quite functional, and I care more about functional than pretty. (I think that's the basis of the "love it or hate it" aspect of their original design -- if you're hung up on aesthetics, you'll hate it, but if you care more about ergonomics of the keyboard, etc., I expect you'll find it to be interesting at least).

Oooh! ... good news, thanks!


That would mean ... "North American 3G" (which for some odd reason is a moniker that doesn't include T-Mobile's USA 3G bands), but I'm not sure what the 2100MHz is there for ... European is 900/2100 isn't it? Or do they only need 2100, and 900 is optional? Could mean Austrialia (one of the carriers there does 850/2100 and the other does 900/2100, I think).

Anyway, for the US, they're going to be ready for AT&T but not T-Mobile. Which is ok, but not ideal.


Thanks for the info!