Windows 7 Build 7077 Runs Well on the Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC

I'm happy to report that Windows 7 (build 7077) actually runs quite well on the Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC (or Q1U, for those who like to differentiate them from the original Samsung Q1). I had tested a few of the earlier builds on my device and they did not work well at all. Somehow, the engineers at Microsoft have refined Windows 7 so that it actually runs fairly well on a slow machine that has an 800 MHz processor. I've been pleasantly surprised by Windows 7, so I've removed the Vista partition on my device and I've replaced it with Windows 7. I still have XP as a backup, but over the next few weeks I'll be mainly using Windows 7 to see how well it works on my mini tablet device.

Samsung Isn't Giving Up on the UMPC

Samsung has a long history in the UMPC market. It was one of the first UMPCs that came out when the "origami project" was unveiled. Now, it is preparing to come out with the Q1EX (or NP-Q1EX). Who can keep up with this crazy naming convention?

Since I'm a Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC user, I am probably quite biased. My tiny tablet has been a good, functional machine, but it's not a multi-tasking power PC. It has a very slow processor, but in exchange, I get long battery life. It's a compromise, but one that I'm willing to make. In the healthcare field, doctors need to carry these things around everywhere, so portability, durability, and weight are critical factors.

I'm curious to see what people will think about this new Samsung UMPC. The Q1EX lacks any buttons, knows, or keys on the front. They went with a very simple and basic tablet. It almost feels like they went backwards, but maybe they are depending on all the great features that will be included on Windows 7. Multi-touch? Capacitive touch? Doubtful.

My Samsung Q1 Ultra

I still use my Samsung Q1 Ultra UMPC every day. I wonder why Samsung hasn't come out with their new Q1EX UMPC tablet. It was at CES and I'm eager to see some reviews about it.

I'm also eager to see how Windows 7 runs on the Samsung Q1EX. It runs very poorly on my Q1U, but that's because my Q1 Ultra has such a slow processor.

Plan to purchase the Samsung Q1EX? Future of UMPCs

Who plans on getting the new Samsung Q1EX? No navigation buttons, no keyboard buttons. It's been a bit confusing keeping up with all the different Samsung UMPC tablets. There was the Q1, then the Q1Ultra (or Q1U), followed by the Q1 Ultra Premium (Q1UP), and now the Q1EX. Does any of this make sense?

Since most consumers are getting a netbook, who's still buying these UMPCs? Sony got rid of the Vaio UX series and came out with the Vaio P Lifestyle PC. Why didn't Sony include a touch screen? My guess: to keep the device as thin as possible. Maybe the next edition of the P series will have one. You can get the best of both worlds with the Fujitsu U820. Here, you get a clamshell device with a touch screen and a keyboard.