How to get a free lunch out of me: be nice to UMPCs

By Kevin C. Tofel | Wednesday, August 8, 2007 | 2:29 PM CT | 8 comments | Tweet This

If you noticed a light posting day that’s because I’ve been off the grid to meet up with Ben Drawbaugh from EngadgetHD. Ben is in Philadelphia this week, so I hoofed it 40 miles this morning to meet up with him, drive over to the Marlton, NJ Apple store and have lunch. For the record, I walked out of the store empty handed while Ben was seduced by the new iLife ‘08. I just bought Nascar ‘08 for the 360, I figure I’ll wait a while for my next ‘08 product.

I brought Ben onto HDBeat (now EngdagetHD) about two years ago and since he lives in Tampa, we’ve never met although we do stay in touch. Our most recent conversations were around UMPCs and after much e-mailing, Ben decided to pick up a used Samsung Q1P for his home at an obscenely low price of under $600. He uses the UMPC for a specific purpose: it’s basically a touchscreen remote control for his home automation and audio/video equipment. I can’t recall the software application he’s using but if I know Ben, he’ll chime in here with a comment. In any case, he sounded like he’s enjoying the Q1P and didn’t think he’d like using a touchscreen to control Windows as much as he does. For that comment alone, I picked up the tab at Wong Wong in the Chinatown section of Philly today. There you go…..just make a nice UMPC comment and you might get a free lunch!

Comments (8)

UMPCs are sooooooooooo good looking…

Michael Venini — 9:45 AM on August 8, 2007 Reply

OK Mike, my lunch schedule is pretty open next week. Ping me.

Kevin C. Tofel — 10:00 AM on August 8, 2007 Reply

Thanks for the free lunch.
I’m using Mainlobby with my Q1 and I’m realy happy with it.

Ben Drawbaugh — 12:21 PM on August 8, 2007 Reply

I was actually considering picking up a Q1 for the same purpose. I was also wondering about the software. Do you need anything else to use as a remote for audio/video equipment? So it basically works like a Creston or other universal remote?

scott — 4:26 PM on August 8, 2007 Reply

Kevin, or Ken,

Where did you or he, buy the Q1 for $600?

Thanks!

Michael Venini — 2:36 AM on August 9, 2007 Reply

Mike, I believe he got it off eBay at that price.

Kevin C. Tofel — 2:37 AM on August 9, 2007 Reply

Woot had them most recently for $650, so I assume on Ebay by now some people are selling used ones in thr $600 range

scott — 8:21 AM on August 9, 2007 Reply

When are you going to make the hike over to Michigan to vist your other old HD Beat buddy?