Customer Reviews

Samsung Q1 Q1U-SSDXP 7" Ultra Mobile PC (Intel A110 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 32 GB Hard Drive, Windows XP)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Samsung Q1 Q1U-SSDXP 7" Ultra Mobile PC with 32 GB solid state hard drive-

This unit is wonderful - a daylight viewable screen and full XP functionality. But you should know its limitations.

The 32 GB hard drive functions well. I don't know if the solid state drive contributes to the operational slowness discussed below. I expect that the solid state drive is less susceptible to damage than would be a mechanical hard drive, which is available in a 60GB capacity in other models of this Samsung UMPC. But unlike a mechanical hard drive, the solid state drive isn't subject to stalling if the unit is used at high altitude. This makes it possible to use the UMPC "at altitude" in an unpressurized aircraft.

I keep wishing that Samsung would deliver an upgraded model with a larger solid state hard drive. 32 GB is quite small, but this capacity can be doubled by keeping a 32 GB "SD card" in the provided SD card slot. Most (but not all) programs can be installed onto the SD card rather than the computer's hard drive.

The Samsung-installed software gives the unit good functionality.

The computer works well with mapping software using a supplemental GPS. And it displays Jeppesen aviation approach plates wonderfully, almost full size. MS Office works well. The built-in wireless and cable internet connections function flawlessly.

But the computer does have drawbacks, the principal one being that it is horribly slow. It takes about 3 minutes for Windows XP to boot up, but once that is done the speed is acceptable although a bit sluggish. It should be noted that I have a lot of programs in the start menu, which may slow things down. The two programs that seem to contribute to the slow boot are McAfee security and "Solid Capture" (which is a screen capture program).

Of course, the built-in monitor and keyboard are so small that creating a spreadsheet or document, or sending an email, is a bit of a chore. But if you want a computer this small, this awkwardness should be acceptable, as it comes with the tiny size. A portable keyboard and mouse help a lot when on the road, and plugging the computer into a larger monitor when not on the road provides a comfortable work environment.

The built-in camera produces poor quality images. In my opinion it is not really worth having. I've never set up the fingerprint recognition software, which is a security device, as I didn't want to risk it malfunctioning at a critical time. So I have no comment on this.

I use the computer to read books with Kindle-for-PC and with the Sony Book Reader. Unlike the Kindle and Sony hardware, the UMPC has a backlit monitor. This is especially useful when reading in low-light environments. But although the UMPC is very light weight --for a computer-- it is heavy enough so that reading in bed while lying on your back is a bit tiresome until you figure out a way to grip the computer that won't get your arms tired and won't push any of the computer's buttons!

The battery life is about what the manufacturer claims, but only if you don't leave the monitor turned on full brightness.

Would I buy another Samsung Q1 Q1U-SSDXP 7" Ultra Mobile PC with a solid state hard drive? Absolutely. But if I din't need the computer right away, I would wait and hope that Samsung increases the size of the hard drive and the processor speed!

I have a Samsung NP-Q1u. This product is a piece of Crap. I have had over 30 computers and this product is the worst computing product that I have ever had. Samsung has knowingly released a defective product line. Don't waste your money as I have done. I HIGHLY DISCOURAGE YOU FROM BUYING THIS PRODUCT BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE.