Mobile Tech Minutes: First Look at the Viliv X70 UMPC
done
I have been awash in new gadgets this week and today the gadget that arrived is the Viliv X70 UMPC. The X70 is just getting released and the fine folks at Viliv were kind enough to send me an early evaluation unit to share with you. I will be putting the X70 through its paces but as I just received it I wanted to give you a first look at the UMPC. The X70 is a 7-inch slate form with a 1.33 GHz Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, 32 GB SSD, integrated 3G, webcam, USB slot, SD slot…whew, I can’t remember any more than that. Take a look at the X70 in the video and leave your thoughts in the comments. So far I’m pretty impressed; it reminds me of a thinner, lighter, svelte Samsung Q1.
Remember you posted “Viliv S5 UMPC vs. Viliv X70- Which One For You?” a few weeks ago. Now I may have that decision. So I have questions.
1. I know the X70 isn’t pocketable. But is the S5?
2. How holdable in one hand is the X70 in landscape mode?
3. Is the screen on the X70 as responsive as the S5?
4. Does the 3G on both support AT&T 3G, or just limited to AT&T EDGE?
5. Any hardware differences other than the larger screen, integrated microphone, webcam and SD slot on the X70?
Thanks. Genghis
1. I wouldn’t make a habit carrying the S5 in a pants pocket. I can do it but it’s not comfortable.
2. The X70 is comfortable to hold one-handed in either landscape or portrait. It really weighs only slightly more than the S5.
3. The screen of the X70 is not quite as responsive as the S5. It’s a different digitizer completely. It’s not bad, just not as “soft”.
4. I believe the 3G will work on AT&T fine although I haven’t tried it yet.
5. I haven’t spotted any other hardware differences other than the ones you’ve mentioned.
Now you’ve made me jealous!
Any idea of likely price?
Can it handle HD Flash videos? (Youtube/Hulu)
I wish my S5 had a stylus holder in the case. The X70 is loaded with everything that most people would need in a mobile computer. My rough guess is the price would be about $300 more than the S5 putting it around $899.
I would be curious to hear if the screen is more conducive to inking than the S5.
Wow this just makes the decision of which one to get even worse… I’ve been waiting for the s5 with SSD and 3G. Now after getting to actually see them side by side the s70 with a bit more screen and not much more weight is tempting.
Oh man that device looks perfect. But since it will be more expensive than the S5 I don’t think I should buy it. I had a Samsung Q1 and it was just too expensive to take anywhere.
I can’t be persuaded to leave my Q1 at home. I agree this is a potential device to replace it.
Do you think that they may release an s5 version with mic and camera in the next few months?
I doubt they will be making another model with those things. They were likely not included due to space constraints.
This is the one I have been waiting for…… JK please can you do a quick review on how the pen + inking is working. Much appreciated
I think I’m in love! First I need to save my pennies to buy the S5 to replace my HP iPaq 4705 (still can’t find anything better to replace it yet), and now the X70 would be a great way to upgrade my Sammy Q1 Celeron ( I always thought the Q1 Ultra was way OVERPRICED, and the new Q1EX is just a joke). Sure wish both of them had Windows 7 on them though … with 2 GB of RAM too ….. I would brave the wrath of my wife and get them now ….
Does this unit have gps? Im asking because i didnt hear you mention it at all.
I believe it does have GPS but I haven’t confirmed that yet.
Ooooooooooh yes, alright my decision is made. I’m not gonna think about the Fujitsu P1620 anymore.
It’s gonna be the X70 unless it’s way over priced, then I’ll go for the S5.
JK, which one do you prefer for web surfing and ebook reading?
Already I am finding the X70 to be delightful for both of those activities.
Damn I was hoping you would say you didn’t like it. Sigh…. now I have to wait for the x70 to come out. I’m thinking I won’t get as fatigued reading the x70’s screen.
Keep up the great work!
I enjoy your heads up on new tech.
I just can’t help myself from this comment though.
All of your product demos really suffer from the constant inclusion of one annoying central distraction. It is called HAM.
You may not have noticed but the central point of all of your scenes always seems to be your face Jim, not the item. a Good example is above. In fact it is relentless.
Now it may be OK to see your handsome mug at the start or end but we really do want to focus on the object of the show for the most part, I think.
A modest suggestion for the next one may be after a brief intro from you, put the widget down on some seamless roll paper and a focus in on it.
Thanks again. Keep up the good work
I understand where you are coming from but what it causing this is the camera in use for these quick and dirty videos. I use the webcam built into the 24-inch display on my desk which is the only way I can do one of these really, really fast. It’s a fixed camera so I can’t use it to focus on the device alone. I usually try to do a second video with a handheld camera to allow the focus solely on the device.
I hope this explains it for you, I don’t actually care to be on camera at all.
I love your Mobile Tech Minutes but I hate that I have to wait until I get home to see them! Your site is blocked for me at work and I have to use my iPhone to get my daily fix (typing this from there BTW!). Any chance of these things getting upped to YouTube as well as flash embedded?
Given that the hardware is the same as the S5, can’t you just copy the S5 screen rotation utility onto the X70?
Nope, on the S5 the rotation is triggered via a D-pad/ button combination which can’t be configured on the X70. It’s not a big deal as I can now rotate the screen using the Intel utility which does have hot-keys.
James, since WordPress doesn’t seem to permit replies to reply, I am restating your replies to my first post to follow up.
“1. I wouldn’t make a habit carrying the S5 in a pants pocket. I can do it but it’s not comfortable.”
Is the lack of comfort due to weight, or size, or both?
“2. The X70 is comfortable to hold one-handed in either landscape or portrait. It really weighs only slightly more than the S5.”
Focusing on grip instead of weight, and understanding hand sizes differ, can you grip the X70 in landscape or portrait (say in an e-reading scenario) about as securely as a S5?
“3. The screen of the X70 is not quite as responsive as the S5. It’s a different digitizer completely. It’s not bad, just not as “soft”.”
Using a continuum with the rather “hard” screen of an HTC Advantage (or P1620) on one end, and the S5 on the other, where does the X70 fit in?
“4. I believe the 3G will work on AT&T fine although I haven’t tried it yet.”
Very curious when you do. Lately lack of support for US 3G on devices such as the HTC Touch HD and the Toshiba G01 has been very frustrating.
Thanks. Genghis.
Very nice looking tablet. It looks to be about the size of the Vaio P screen, without the keyboard attached. In a lot of ways this is better setup, because you can bring a BT keyboard and use on a table or desktop if you want, but it looks to be much more manageable to use when standing or just sitting without a table.
Where did Viliv come from? All of a sudden they are producing some fantastic looking mobile devices. I have the S5 and can honestly say it is the first UMPC that I comfortably take and use everywhere.
Nice quick review. Wonder how long will the battery
last. Does the X70 wakeup as fast as the S5?
I am also worried about long term use (aka wear and tear) of the device, will it stay in one piece after
one year? Viliv is kinda new in the market, I think.
If I need repair or a new battery couple of years down the road, will the company still be there to fix them?
Look what happened to OQO. Am I also correct to say
that you need a special software for the inking part,
am I right? It is a wonderful device, but I love my
current Q1 Ultra Premium with 2Gb memory and XP Tablet
PC OS.
As a new owner of the S5, I rather like it, but I am not altogether happy with the 60GB of hard drive space, especially given the form factor and interface (1.8″/5mm/ZIF) the S5’s drive uses. Can you post the model number of the drive in the X70? Even better, take it apart and take some pictures? (probably not, but I had to try!) I really wanted the larger screen to begin with, but I could never find any information on when the X70 would be released, so I jumped on the S5. I’m really hoping they put a different drive in the X70. Even the SD slot is a big plus for storage, as high capacity SDHC cards are getting cheaper every day…
This X70 has a 32 GB SSD drive.
I am SO in love!! The S5 is a little too small for my taste…this is the Shizz-nit!!
Of course, with the Always Innovating Touchbook on the Horizon, things just got really interesting!
Sweet little device there…….
So how do you get companies send you cool (and uncool) new gadgets? Do you get them for free, do you borrow them, do you pay some rent or are you filthy rich and buy them yourself?
How about insurence? (If you borrow, I guess the companies would have some insurance if you brake or lose the device).
What do you do if you get a device that sucks?
Would be interesting if you made a video “behind the sceeen” for me and others who also wants to know.
They send them for review/ evaluation and then they go back. Unless I get goofy and buy one for myself, something that happens all too often.
Thanks for the reply, but you did mention that it was a 32GB capacity SSD before. I think you misunderstood what I was asking. What I’m looking for is the actual model number of the drive itself, what windows reports (right click drive letter, properties, hardware tab, __________) is fine, since I’m sure that you’re not willing to crack it open… I’m trying to determine the form factor of the internal drive, if at all possible. Because if I can stuff something >120GB in there, that would make me exceedingly happy!
Silicon Motion SM224a
Thank you for the information. Silicon Motion’s website doesn’t list that particular number, however their SM224x series SSD controllers are for the SATA interface, so at least it’s possible there’s a SATA drive in there! I’ll have to do some more digging…
Does the Viliv case allow for proper ventilation? Seems like it covers the rear vents completely? You think this could cause overheating issues?
No, the case has 2 dents built in to prevent blockage. It hasn’t overheated during heavy usage.
I thought you did an exceptional job of holding the thing and showing all the parts, sides, and angles. Clear, concise, as usual, and any of the other white meat just clues us into your usage and experience, which helps us understand your evaluative statements.
BTW, I definitely appreciate the hi-res photos. Going from your comments (written and spoken), watching the videos, and looking at the photos is a great help.
I do have a complaint, though. Either the OEMs or the DHL guys keep messing up my address and all the fun toys end up in Texas. I don’t get it.
Thanks for the kind words. As for the Texas deliveries- you didn’t hand out Xmas presents last year, did you?
Doh!
I checked all messages and I got no answer on the writing option on the screen ( inking ), could you please explain it more, Thank you
I am definitely curious on this as well. I can see this being my ultimate note taking machine.
I heard that the S5 was capable of playing 720p movies. I even heard of a guy that was able to get it to play up to 1080i movies.
I was wondering if the X70 could also play 720p movies in formats like avi or mkv
Is the default 1GB memory upgradable ?
Does it have video out? Can it run Mac OS X?
Is the less sensitive screen in the S7 a turn-off which could make the S5 more pleasant? If you were to buy one which one would you choose: S5 or S7?
It has nothing. I just received this brick from dynamism. It is the most loaded one. Paid 1600 plus for it with all the accesories. No gps program no windows 7 update. And the worst. I am no computer expert and I don’t want to spend hours configuring my computers or reading posts on how to fix problems, So I got it I turned it on and I decided to use the viliv update. Without touching anything but agreeing on the updates I ended up with a tablet pc that the touchscreen wont work and I have to use an external mouse. There is no recovery disk in the package or anywhere I looked on the internet. There are some posts that they talk about some hidden recovery partition which I am totally unable to locate if there is one and I am cursing the moment I decided to spend that much money on a damn brick. I’ve worked before with netbooks and tablets but I’ve never been so frustrated before. Viliv Sucks and I’ll keep saying this cuz I spent a whole day trying to figure out a solution could not find anything and I dont want to spend anymore time with it.
DONT BUY IT. IT IS A PIECE OF CRAP.
There should be a way to boot into the recovery utility and restore it to the factory condition pre-updates.