VULCAN FLIPSTART
I really, really wanted to LOVE the FlipStart. What’s not to love? This
4 ½ by 6 inch little marvel runs Windows XP, and has a 30 Gigabyte Hard
Drive. XP software runs great, and it loads more quickly than my Dell
Notebook, even though it has a diminutive 1.1 Ghz Pentium M processor.
The FlipStart has innovative new ideas, such as the tiny external display that provides access to calendar, contacts and to do list information on a 1.9 inch screen visible when the unit is closed. Which brings me to another great feature of this powerhouse little computer; it uses a clam shell design that closes over the 5.6 inch screen, protecting it from scratches and such. This feature makes it stand alone in the marketplace for handheld PCs.
However, truth be told, I can only LIKE the FlipStart, primarily because I can’t find a place for it in my computing life. I wanted to like it so much that it would replace my trusty Dell D620 notebook computer, and my magical Treo 700p smartphone. It occupies a new middle ground between smartphones and PDAs on the one hand, and ultramobile or notebook computers on the other. It is small, AND it runs full versions of Windows and Linux operating systems, with roomy (proportionately) hard drives.
Unfortunately, the FlipStart really needs to go on a diet. I know, I know, my wife hasn’t thrown me away because I need to go on a diet; but, then, she doesn’t use me in her daily work. The FlipStart is a brick, a heavy little sucker, and the trade-offs are just too much. The keyboard is too small for touch typing, so you have to hold this heavy thing in both hands, and type with your thumbs. That works great for a Treo, which is tiny and light. This thing feels like a paperweight, and I had to put it down to use it.
The size and weight, I realize, is necessary to pack in all the full computer stuff, and it is a marvel of miniature engineering. However, it is too big to put in a pocket, and too small to view and type on comfortably. For text and document editing, I need a full keyboard, and a 12-15inch miniumum screen size.
The Treo 700p fits nicely in my pocket, and works great as a cell phone, email, and web browser when I am mobile. I really can’t imaging going mobile with the FlipStart. It comes with a little case that you carry like a small purse over your shoulder. The strap and case combination, however, isn’t easier to carry than a notebook computer case.
I am sure that the FlipStart will find a market somewhere; I just don’t see it in lawyers’ briefcases anytime soon. It might make a great computer for airplane use, since its small size would fit nicely on a seat tray; however, there are many ultralight and small computers, with full keyboards that can serve that purpose. My Dell X1 has a viewable screen, a full keyboard, and is only 6 inches by 10 inches, and a full inch thinner than the FlipStart.
There are thinner handheld computers out there, most notably the OQO Model 2, and the Sony handheld; but, in the middle ground to be occupied between smartphones and notebook computers, I think the UMPC form factor and the ultralight computers like the X1 will win the marketing battle.
Now that you know I won’t be paying $1,999 for the FlipStart (By contrast, the high-end OQO Model 2 is $1,649, let’s talk about some of the innovative things it provides: for example, the aforementioned 1.9 inch external view screen. This innovation would be a great addition to notebook computers; how great would it be to be able to check your calendar, email and tasks without opening the clamshell up? You could have it laying on a table, and unobtrusively get essential information necessary for your day.
To its credit, Vulcan Labs has also provided a tiny little port replicator that has VGA, keyboard, external mouse, audio, ethernet, and two USB 2.0 ports. Just plug it in to your existing peripherals, and this could make a great computer for going from home to office. Again, however, ultralights can perform the same function. Vulcan does provide the port replicator standard, so you aren’t getting dinged for accessories.
Another un-PC like addition is the integrated video camera. Apple has, for a long time, been ahead of PC makers in this regard, and the need for accessory cameras has even become the fodder for the humorous Apple vs. PC commercials. Remember, the PC guy has a camera duct-taped to his head? Congrats to Vulcan for providing the camera as a built-in for such a small form factor.
On the battery front, the FlipStart holds its own with ultralights and notebooks, getting about 4 hours on a charge. For Treo users used to day long use, however, this isn’t enough battery life for a carry around little computer.
Another cool feature of the FlipStart is the inclusion of two pointing devices. I found this interesting because the small space certainly made this a difficult engineering feat. However, if you are a touchpad aficionado, as I am, you welcome the little usable touch pad. There is a pointing stick for you former IBM people.
This is a real computer, and is usable in most situations. It doesn’t have a touchscreen, but most notebook computers don’t, and it is designed to appeal to notebook users tired of carrying around a laptop in a big bag. For those persons, as long as they don’t spend a lot of time editing and creating documents, the FlipStart will, in spite of its weight, be an attractive option For the typical lawyer (yes, I know I’m not typical), the difficulty using this little monster for editing and text documents makes it a no go.
In sum, I wanted to LOVE the FlipStart. I merely LIKE it. It deserves a look, and your own personal judgment.
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