Should mobile PCs have a thumb keyboard?

As more healthcare professionals use smartphones (BlackBerry, Treo, etc.) that have a thumb keyboard, they're getting fairly proficient at thumb typing. You don't need to have a T-Mobile Sidekick to know how to use a thumb keyboard.

Does it make sense to include thumb keyboards on more mobile devices such as ultra-mobile PCs (UMPC)? The OQO model 02 had a thumb keyboard. The Sony Vaio UX series also had a thumb keyboard. Samsung added a thumb keyboard to the Q1 Ultra UMPC series when the original Q1 did not have a thumb keyboard.

Does it make sense to have a thumb keyboard on smaller slate tablet PCs? If we follow the Samsung model, we see this:

• Original Q1 (slate only, no thumb keyboard)
• Q1 Ultra (slate plus thumb keyboard)
• Q1 EX (slate only, no thumb keyboard)

Does this reveal that the thumb keyboard on an ultra-mobile slate tablet PC was a flop? What about sliders? The OQO and Sony UX both included a thumb keyboard. Even the Nokia N810 MID has a thumb keyboard. However, the Viliv S5 does not. Does that make sense?

Viliv S5 reviewed by PC Magazine

The Viliv S5 Premium has been reviewed by PC Magazine. It's a tiny little PC (also known by some as an ultra-mobile PC or UMPC).

Conclusion = Fair
Bottom Line:

The Viliv S5 Premium is a pocket-sized MID with a touch-only interface and a full blown operating system, but the price is real deal-breaker here.

Pros

• Fits nicely into a large pocket. Featherweight PC. Good battery life.

Cons

• Processor not running full speed.
  
• Wireless throughput is slow.
  
• Choked during 720p HD playback.
  
• Haptic keyboard needs predictive text.
  
• Resolution too high for text on a 4.8-inch screen.
  
• Too expensive for stripped down netbook.
  
• Lacks a physical keyboard.

I'm surprised it even got 2 stars and a "fair" rating with that list of cons. The question in my mind is this: Is the ultra-mini PC market simply not practical? Without a doubt, it's not practical for most consumers. But what about for the healthcare industry? At what point does a computer become too small that it loses its value?

There must be a reason why I'm not using my OQO model 02 very much these days. I use my Samsung Q1 Ultra and Thinkpad X200 all the time. However, my model 02 simply isn't getting much use anymore. Is it simply an impractical luxury? Click here for the full review of the Viliv S5 on PC Magazine.

Viliv S5 running XP Tablet PC

Here's a video of Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC running Viliv S5.

Does the Viliv S5 have problems with heat?

The Viliv S5 is such a tiny computer that I wonder if it has any problems with heat. My OQO model 02 has a pretty loud fan that does a decent job at keeping the entire thing relatively cool. Too bad liquid cooling technology hasn't been adopted for these tiny little computers yet.

Heat can really damage computers. Don't ever let your computer get too hot. It can ruin your hard drive (which stores all your data) and before you know it, you'll be shopping for a new one. Portable computers have some of the biggest problems with heat. Heat can also quickly ruin lithium ion batteries. That's why I remove the battery when I'm using my OQO via AC power. Most laptops place the battery away from any major heat sources. With these tiny computers or ultra-mobile PCs, you can't avoid placing a battery near a heat source. As a result, these batteries probably end up having shorter lifespans.

Viliv S5 running Windows 7: video

Take a look at this video if you like mobile computers that fit inside your purse or pocket (also called an ultra-mobile PC or UMPC). The Viliv S5 is running Windows 7.

Viliv S5 - coming very soon

I'd like to get my hands on a Viliv S5. The X70 EX also looks really nice, but the S5 might make a nice replacement for my OQO model 02. It's not easy to find imported electronics like the Viliv S5, but if you're an early adopter and you want to get your hands on this technology, then you should take a look at Dynamism.

• 3G HSPA (optional)
• Wake up to XP in 5 sec
• 6 hour video playback
• 200 hours Standby Time
• 4.8" WSVGA display

Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? How does $599 sound? July 16 is the magic day this little item will be available through Dynamism.

Top Posts in April 2009

Here were the top posts for April 2009:

1. Windows 7 Build 7077 on the Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC

2. Windows 7 RC (build 7100) to Expire June 1, 2010

3. Reflections on the Sony Vaio UX and the OQO

4. Viliv S5 Premium UMPC

5. MacBook Air Closeout

Viliv S5 Premium UMPC

The Viliv S5 Premium may become the OQO replacement for those of us who have an OQO model 02. The Viliv S5 looks like a solid little device, but who's heard of Viliv? Viliv is a Korean technology company that creates ultra-mobile PCs like the S5 which fits in the palm of your hand. This little computer has generated a lot of buzz recently and it may be a great little mini table for those of you who need a full PC but don't need a small built-in keyboard like those found on netbooks.