Customer Reviews

Viliv Promotion Pack S5 EXP P 4.8-Inch Matte Black Net-Tablet PC - 7 Hour Battery Life

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

 

 

I bought S5 about a month ago, it came with Windows XP. I have to say it is an excellent micro computer.

By the second week I upgraded it to Windows 7 (thanks to the forums at "pocketables dot net" )
It runs fast without aero.
You can use the new tablet features (hand writing input, new screen keyboard, etc)
Good 1080p and 720p HD video support. Videos and images look amazing on the high resolution screen!
Web browsing is a pleasure with Firefox "drag" add-on
ebook reading is great in portrait mode, using screen rotation

In conclusion this is a full featured, extremely portable computer. It is powerful enough to run applications like Microsoft Office, and can be upgraded to Windows 7.

The Viliv S5 is one thing: a pocket-sized XP computer with a touchscreen interface. This is where all its strengths and weaknesses come from.

The Strengths:
It has XP installed, not Vista. Yay! Anything possible with a basic XP machine is possible with this device. You can install programs, type up Word documents (although you may want an external keyboard; see "Weaknesses" section), surf the web, watch movies, and so much more. I've tried installing Blender (3D animation), the GIMP (Photoshop-like), an older 3D game, VLC player, Google Chrome, iTunes, and more. Each program works great. The only program I've tried that didn't work was a new graphics-heavy game. So here you have it: a full-fledged computer that fits into your pocket. COOL!

The Weaknesses:
The Windows interface is not really designed for 4.8" screens. Everything is tiny on this computer. Clicking icons with the stylus is an exercise in patience and positive thinking (remember to breathe in, breathe out).
None of the onscreen keyboards I've tried with this computer have been 100% satisfactory. If you want to do lots of typing, plug in an external USB keyboard.
Also, the joystick sometimes stops controlling the mouse pointer, and then it mysteriously starts working again.

In conclusion, if you want a full-featured computer smaller than a notebook or netbook, the Viliv S5 has some quirks, but is definitely worth a look.

The Viliv S5 is a very cool device. It's not something that you'd want to use as your primary computer, but it definitely has a lot to offer for its price.

Since it runs on Windows XP you can load whatever apps you want onto it, including iTunes and Office. I use Google Picasa to edit and share photos on the go.

It's not that easy to type long documents on the Viliv S5's on screen keyboard, but you can hook up an external keyboard via USB or Bluetooth. When I need to write anything of length with the Viliv S5 I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to transcribe my voice into text.

One thing that's really nice about this device is its long battery life. I also like how it quickly wakes up from sleep.

The Viliv S5 doesn't come with a lot of documentation, but there are plenty of enthusiast sites with in-depth information.

I have been looking for a device like this for a long time. I need to periodically do some work related things when I am out of the office and I did not want to lug my laptop around everywhere. This device is perfect for a jacket pocket, bag, purse, or car.

Smartphones like BlackBerries, IPhones, and Samsung and LG devices would not work because some of the applications I need are PC only. I was also unsatisfied with some of the smartphone web experiences as many smartphones still only support Flash-lite, not the full version of Flash, and still seem unable to handle a variety of websites. I also wanted to not only be able to read and respond to emails, but also to open and edit attachments as I would be able to on any desktop or laptop computer.

The Viliv is a fully customizable PC. You can pretty much install anything on the Viliv that you can install on a regular PC. I run XP, MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite CS, FireFox, and Chrome and they all run as quickly as they do on my Core 2 Duo XP desktop. However, the Adobe Creative Suite is version CS (~2003), and not one of the more processor intensive recent versions.

The onscreen keyboard is not only customizable, but you can replace it entirely with one of the numerous third party options out there. I found the default on screen keyboard to be okay, as some of the more frequently used keys (like numbers and dashes) require typing a mode button before the number keys appear in place of some letter keys. I replaced the default keyboard with the Zero Weight Keyboard, a full screen transparent keyboard that I have found very user friendly. I can thumb type emails at reasonable speeds with minimal errors.

You can use WiFi or WWAN to connect to the Internet. My only complaint about the device is that it is not also a phone. I suppose I could run Skype on it, but I still would not be able to receive calls easily. Although the screen is high resolution, the screen is relatively small compared to a desktop/laptop and you may need to customize some XP settings prior to using the device (like setting Icons and Font sizes to large). Otherwise, the device feels solid and well built and is perfect for those who want an extremely portable PC.

Purchased Nov 2

Delivered Nov 9

Harddrive failure Nov 29

Attempted fixes listed in manual many times.

Reported first to VILIV Dec 1

Many delay tactics and passes up the chain. To this date: Feb 2, no resolution.

Transcript of MOST of the correspondence:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Mr. XXXXXXXX,
S5 replacement unit was sent to you yesterday by UPS ground.
You will be notified the tracking number later today.
Sorry for the delay.
Ken

-----Original Message-----
From: Ernest [mailto:address@address.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 7:36 AM
To: kenlee1316@yutc.co.kr; viliv@myviliv.com; sales@myviliv.com; USA_sales@myviliv.com
Subject: Repeat: What is the status?

Mr. Ken Lee,

What is the status of this? I am about to request a refund. Please, advise.

Ernest
address@address.com

Ken Lee wrote:
Hi
Due to some delay of repair back up devices, your RMA device dispatch has been delayed.
But I will send you a unit of S5 with the same spec by tomorrow.
Sorry for this delay.
Ken
Ken Lee , Sent from my BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Ernest" <address@address.com>
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:39:43
To: Ken Lee<kenlee1316@yutc.co.kr; <viliv@myviliv.com; <sales@myviliv.com; <USA_sales@myviliv.com
Subject: Re: Confirmed Delivery

Mr. Ken Lee,

It has now been 11 days since I was given a "not later than" time frame
of one week. I may be a bit confused, but last time I checked Korean,
Chinese and even German weeks are still only 7 days.

All of this is forcing me to reconsider my interest in your product(s).

Ernest
address@address.com

Ken Lee wrote:

Dear Ernest,
I am so sorry for this case being delayed much longer than what we normally process.
We are arranging a replacement device which has the same spec as the one you bought from Amazon.
This replacement device will be delivered not later than next week.
Thanks,
Ken
Viliv US Support team

-----Original Message-----
From: Ernest [mailto:address@address.com]
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2010 12:07 PM
To: Myviliv Support; viliv@myviliv.com; sales@myviliv.com; USA_sales@myviliv.com
Cc: Ernest
Subject: Re: Confirmed Delivery

To Whom it may Concern,

It has now been 31 days since my unit has been in your custody. I have
nothing to show for my $550+ that I shelled out in early November.

Is there going to be some resolution to this? It is rapidly getting to
the point that you have had the unit longer than I.

Ernest
address@address.com

Myviliv Support wrote:


Dear My Viliv Customer,


Today December 15,2009 we did receive your device and it will be in the service center, as soon as I get a response I will be in further contact with you.

If you have any further questions or concerns please let me know so I can further assist you. You can also reach us at 1(888)698-4548 and we will gladly further assist you.

Thank you for being a My Viliv Customer

Manuel Gaitan
My Viliv Customer rep.
1(888)698-4548
usa_support@myviliv.com


-----?? ???-----
?? ??: Ernest [mailto:address@address.com]
?? ??: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 3:41 PM
?? ??: Myviliv Support
??: UPS says my Viliv has been delivered

Please, let me know how soon I can expect my computer.

Thank you for your assistance,
Ernest
address@address.com

Myviliv Support wrote:



Dear My Viliv Customer,

Way to use Recovery Solution (AMI Rescue)

1. Execution of recovery solution (AMI Rescue) If Viliv logo appears
when booting the system (BIOS POST), press the select button of products jog key 1-2 times of F10 key if external keyboard is connected.
***As the logo disappears, pre boot Menu window appears.

2. Pre-Boot Menu
When selecting Normal Boot, booting proceeds to windows. For recovering OS, select AMI Rescue and click Launch Service.
***AMI Rescue Lite Wizard appears.

3. AMI Rescue Lite- Wizard
When clicking Restore OS button, a message that confirms the recovery of OS is displayed. If you press Yes (Y), it starts the recovery of OS.
If the process of OS recovery is completed, a message that confirms
the successful recovery is displayed. (partition O on disk O was successfully restored.) If you press OK button, the system is booted again automatically.
***Now, if you boot to windows, OS will be in the initial status of shipment from factory.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us so we can walk you through these steps.

Thank you for being a My Viliv Customer

Manuel Gaitan
My Viliv Customer rep.
1(888)698-4548
usa_support@myviliv.com


-----?? ???-----
?? ??: Ernest [mailto:address@address.com] ?? ??:
Wednesday, December 02, 2009 6:03 AM ?? ??: Myviliv Support
??: Re: ȸ½Å: Viliv S5 Hard Drive issue

Mr. Manuel Gaitan,

Is this information adequate, or do I need to supply more? I look
forward to a resolution to this issue.

Ernest
address@address.com

address@address.com wrote:




Mr. Manuel Gaitan,

Per your request for information:

Date of purchase: Order Date: November 2, 2009
Name: Ernest
Address: address
Town, TX
Zip code: 7XXXX-XXXX
Day time phone number: XXX.XXX.XXXX
Where the product was purchased: Amazon.com
Complete serial #: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Complete model #: S5 Premium-S SSD 32G(USPKG)
Is it premium, 3G, Or express: Premium-S

Model and serial information read directly off of the unit inside
battery compartment.

Thank you for your assistance,
Ernest
address@address.com



Dear My Viliv Customer,

Can you please provide the following, so we can put all your
information in are system....

Date of purchase: Order Date: November 2, 2009
Name: Ernest
Address: address
Town, TX
Zip code: 7XXXX-XXXX
Day time phone number: XXX.XXX.XXXX
Where the product was purchased: Amazon.com
Complete serial #: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Complete model #: S5 Premium-S SSD 32G(USPKG)
Is it premium, 3G, Or express: Premium-S
If you can please provide all that information it will be gladly
appreciated so I may know the exact product you have.


If you have any further concerns please let me know so I can further
assist you. You may also reach us at 1(888)698-4548 and we will
gladly further assist you

Thank you for being a My Viliv Customer.

Manuel Gaitan
My Viliv Customer rep.
1(888)698-4548
usa_support@myviliv.com


-----¿øº» ¸Þ½ÃÁö-----
º¸³½ »ç¶÷: Ernest [mailto:address@address.com] º¸³½ ³¯Â¥:
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 8:00 AM ¹Þ' »ç¶÷: Ken Lee
ÂüÁ¶: usa_support@myviliv.com; USA_sales@myviliv.com
Á¦¸ñ: Re: Viliv S5 Hard Drive issue

Mr. Ken Lee,

Thank you for your prompt response.

In answer to your request for information, I provide this excerpt
for me delivery email from Amazon:

Amazon.com items (Sold by Amazon.com, LLC):

1 Viliv Promotion Pack S5 EX... $549.00 1 $549.00

Shipped via UPS

Tracking number: 1ZXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Item Subtotal: $549.00
Shipping and handling: $9.78

Total: $558.78

Paid by Visa: $558.78


--------------------------------------------------------------------

This shipment was sent to:

Ernest
address
Town, TX 7XXXX-XXXX
United States

via UPS (estimated delivery date: November 9, 2009).

I look forward to hearing from your Tech Support Team.

Ernest
address@address.com


Ken Lee wrote:

Dear Earnest,
We apologize for this happened.
I will forward your problem to our tech support crew to review the
case and they will contact you by email sometime today to figure out what
the problem's cause is.
As soon as we found the issue with this device, we will do our
prompt action for further step.
And in the meantime, could you be prepared with the below
information about your purchase?
Full name:
Address:
Zip code:
City:
State:
When it was purchased:
Where it was purchased:

We apologize again for this inconvenience.
Sincerely yours,
Viliv US Sales team

-----Original Message-----
From: Ernest [mailto:address@address.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 7:23 AM
To: USA_sales@myviliv.com
Subject: Viliv S5 Hard Drive issue

To whom it may concern,

I received a Viliv S5 UMPC for my birthday last month. This
morning, on startup, the machine shows:

Disk error
Press any key to restart

(so I hit the "OK" button)

Reboot and Select proper Boot device or Insert Boot Media in
selected Boot device and press a key

(cycle repeats)

So, I tried what the manual suggests: AMI Rescue (Recovery
Solution)

(restart pressing Jog button when VILIV screen appears, choosing
AMI Rescue)
Starting Windows XP - American Megatrends - Restore OS - (*Korean*
(Y))

Progress bar appears
Disk 0, MBR, 0%

(Blue Screen of Death)

Technical Information:

*** STOP: 0x000000F4 (0x00000003, 0x85F43020, 0x85F43194,
0x8052402E)

What do I do? I cannot start up. I cannot recover. Did my harddrive
croak in less than a month?! I am not worried about any information
I have loaded. It is recoverable. I am worried about my hundreds of
dollars that may now be wasted on a device that doesn't work.

Ernest
address@address.com

i totally love this thing. This has it all!! the price cant be beaten when compared to sony, OQO and others. Battery life, screen resolution and features are just amazing. And its really fast suprisingly. It has GPS....over the top!! totally worth the money, thinking of buying another one. keyboard typig is good also, but for those that want an actual keyboard well what you expect this thing is made for on the go! anyway no complains 5/5 stars. And it does have a microphone option, you have to use a cable with microphone on it and there you go, attache it to the headphone jack. SSD HD is fast also. I totally love this!!

I am a gadget junkie, and at first I thought this stylish device was a dream come true. I own a really fast desktop computer and a convenient little netbook. I bought this device to carry around without a backpack (that was needed for my netbook). I bought this device 6 months ago during the summer, and honestly, I have not been using it as frequently as I would have thought. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:
-Very Solid for its size.
-Great picture resolution
-No limits to functionality compared to the ipod touch. If you're a computer junky, you'll be able to download mostly anything for free, opposed to the ipod touch where you have to buy apps.
-Good battery hours, lasted 7 hours for me once (on fairly low settings)
-Sleek design
-Good sleep mode, wakes up fast and saves power
-Bluetooth and wifi (3G varies with model)

Cons:
-A bit heavy for its size
-The device froze on me twice and I had to manually shut it down.
-Runs unusually slow sometimes (like most computers)
-No mic or webcam
-No backstand, so its not self-supporting. You must hold it or let it lie down flat.
-Cannot type fast at all with the on-screen keyboard. Slower than texting.
-This is what really got me: it WILL NOT fit in your pants pocket. If you're wearing jeans, the device will not fit. Furthermore, if you're protective of your device and decide to put on the leather protection cover, it will add about 0.5cm to the width.

Conclusion: I would recommend this device to you if you are someone who does not type a lot. However, if you're constantly instant messaging someone or networking or TYPING, get yourself a netbook. This device is NOT pocket-convenient. It only fits hoodie and coat pockets (it feels weird because it's quite heavy), making it inconvenient during the summer.

Comparing this to the Ipod touch, this device is bulkier, heavier, and more expensive. The ONLY reason I bought this at first was that I didn't like how you have to buy all the apps for the ipod. After using this device ($550 cheapest), I really regret buying it...I should've bought the Ipod touch ($180) because it actually fits in your pants pocket.