Samsung NEXIO: Wireless Hand PC

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.samsungelectronics.com/pda/nexio.html' target='_blank'>http://www.samsungelectronics.com/pda/nexio.html</a><br /><br /></div>A device like this, in my opinion, could restart the slowed HPC/larger handheld market, and I'm now wondering if something like this should be my next notebook replacement -- it's almost pocketable. Check out the stats:<li> 5" Transflective screen, 800x480 resolution<br /><li> Built-in 802.11b<br /><li> 400MHz XScale<br /><li> 128MB RAM, 64MB ROM (unfortunately, it's NAND)<br /><li> Runs CE .Net 4.1<br /><li> Only 8.8 ounces including a leather coverHere's a picture with the unit opened in its cradle with its optional keyboard cover attachment (it is used in place of the leather cover). It also folds together like a book or can be laid out flat.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/nexio.jpg" /><br /><br />The unit is slated to be available in the US in the first quarter of 2003. A flash presentation can be found <a href="http://www.samsungelectronics.com/wow/product/product_NEXIO-S160.asp">here</a>.

[Daniel]

Does this (NAND ROM) mean that the OS can't be updated?

I think this is the right size for me, I already have a laptop, I'd like something that was a little more portable. PPC was always too small for me, I found myself being restricted by the size of the screen when I was trying to write.

Did anyone fild the RRP?

Daniel

[MobiliT]

Sounds great, but, how much will it cost? I would have had one of these HPCs by now if it didn't cost the same as a low end notebook. It always seemed disturbing to pay more for less compared to a budget laptop. I'll keep toting my heavy bulky laptop in the mean time.

Even the latest iPaq 5450's price point makes you think twice about what you're receiving for the money spent. Especially by the time you've purchased the er, necessary, accessories.

[PhatCohiba]

Internet Explorer 5.5 for CE? Hmmm...

Wonder if there is more details on this, I'd like to know more about its functionality vs. existing PIE.

-J

[Janak Parekh]

Does this (NAND ROM) mean that the OS can't be updated?
No - I'm pretty sure it's flashable - just that it needs to copy files to RAM to execute, so some of the RAM is eaten up (it's not clear right now how much of the 128MB would be).

--janak

[Xaximus]

:rock on dude!:

Just as long as the price is reasonable...

[Deslock]

Looks cool in a lot of ways, but the keyboard doesn't appear to wrap around. If this is the case, then there would be no tablet mode. Also, the device will surely be top heavy so wouldn't be usable as a mini-laptop without the pictured stand. If only the Sharp Zaurus had the Nexio's widescreen...

Sharp Zaurus SL-C700:
http://www.dynamism.com/zaurus/index.shtml

[Thinkingman]

I have been interested in this when I first learned about it. I have also been wondering how much it will be. I personally dont see the sense in having to spend hundreds of dollars on a pda if i can get a low price lapto. I agree what was said before about it. A person can even go on ebay and get some really good deals on smaller laptops, so if this is meant/going to compete then it needs to really do it with price. I have been wanting something for a while that I can compliment my laptop and be wireless as well for work and personal use. But the money is a big deal with me.

[T-Will]

Cool, I just bought an Intermec 6651 which is similar to this. It is a little sluggish, but it works for what I need it to. But this new HPC looks nice!

[Thinkingmandavid]

I agree with what has been said! Make the price affordable so that the average user can buy it.

[ricksfiona]

I like it, but it totally depends on cost. I think if it's over $550, that's too much.

Plus, what accessories are there for it. I would like to hook an ethernet cable to it and some USB devices. This thing would REALLY rock if you can hook it up to a Novell or Microsoft network and use the network resources...

[Kevin Daly]

Damn, now I've got drool all over my keyboard.
Oh, and Happy New Year everyone (it's 10:20 am on 01/01 here in NZ).
This does look like an interesting beast - a bit like a Pocket PC with room to breathe.
I agree that developments like this could breathe new life into the HPC format - small, sexy and powerful is just what people want (er, other than those who don't of course).
One to watch.

[Palmguy]

Looks cool in a lot of ways, but the keyboard doesn't appear to wrap around. If this is the case, then there would be no tablet mode. Also, the device will surely be top heavy so wouldn't be usable as a mini-laptop without the pictured stand. If only the Sharp Zaurus had the Nexio's widescreen...

Sharp Zaurus SL-C700:
http://www.dynamism.com/zaurus/index.shtml


The original post mentions that the keyboard is an optional attachment. So yes, there is a tablet mode.

[nobody]

I would rather have a small PC such as Sony Vaio PictureBook instead, especially considering the price tag.

[T-Will]

Remember that this is an instant-on device and the battery life is probably way better than any laptop, so those are a couple of nice advantages of using a CE machine.

[powder2000]

Damn, now I've got drool all over my keyboard.
Oh, and Happy New Year everyone (it's 10:20 am on 01/01 here in NZ).
This does look like an interesting beast - a bit like a Pocket PC with room to breathe.
I agree that developments like this could breathe new life into the HPC format - small, sexy and powerful is just what people want (er, other than those who don't of course).
One to watch.

How's life down there, what a spectacular place to visit. I biked the south island two years ago, had the time of my life. Anyways, I like the look of this device, but as was said many times before, it all depends on bang for the buck. :roll:

[SassKwatch]

......and I'm now wondering if something like this should be my next notebook replacement -- it's almost pocketable......

I might be interested in a device of this type as well for exactly the same reason. But honestly, it would be a second choice to either an Antelope (http://www.antelopetech.com/) or an OQO (http://www.oqo.com)....assuming either one of those actually make it to market.

I like the 'instant on' & battery capabilities of the Nexio, but given the choice, I'd opt for a device with a full-fledged desktop pc in a package of similar (or smaller) size.

[Timothy Rapson]

Looks fascinating, but it will "go straight to video", that is, no one is going to buy this.

The market has shown time and time again, that no handheld will be successful if it won't fit in your pocket. Any larger than a Casio E125 and i might as well have a full-sized keyboard.

I tried an Atari Portfolio, there have been HPs galore that have failed at exactly the market this targets. The half inch thickness is the only thing new. As most here have said, between the price and the size, one may as well get a full subnotebook.

[JonnoB]

The form factor of this device is very similar to the leaked info about an HP convertable HPC/PPC device. Perhaps this is a new trend in future PDA devices?

In a way, it could detract from the more modular and down-sizing trend we have seen with Pocket PCs. I personally prefer a fully featured notebook for mobile desktop type power, and a lightweight modular PDA for VERY mobile computing tasks. This to me, looks like a bastardization of both and probably ends up doing neither very well.

Sorry if I offended any HPC loyalists.

[Janak Parekh]

I like the 'instant on' & battery capabilities of the Nexio, but given the choice, I'd opt for a device with a full-fledged desktop pc in a package of similar (or smaller) size.
I'm wavering back and forth. I'd like to have a unit I can just fire up and take notes instantly, and is super lightweight with very long battery life, because I already have 3 desktops in 3 different places that I use. On the other hand, I could consolidate those three desktops with something like a Powerbook G4. On the double-other-hand, I have a Sony SR17K right now, and I'd swore my next laptop-ish device would be lighter. Choices, choices... ;)

--janak

[Fishie]

Cool, I just bought an Intermec 6651 which is similar to this. It is a little sluggish, but it works for what I need it to. But this new HPC looks nice!

Hey cool, another Intermec user.
Awesome.

[Jonathon Watkins]

I'm wavering back and forth. I'd like to have a unit I can just fire up and take notes instantly, and is super lightweight with very long battery life, because I already have 3 desktops in 3 different places that I use. On the other hand, I could consolidate those three desktops with something like a Powerbook G4.

I'm with you! I want a full size keyboard and 800x600 6 inch screen in a 4 inch device. :changes: :scrambleup: :infinity: :Fade-color

Is that too much to ask? :rofl:

[Janak Parekh]

I'm with you! I want a full size keyboard and 800x600 6 inch screen in a 4 inch device.
I think that about sums it up. Well, that and the smilies. :D

--janak

[gpspassion]

They were showing it at Comdex and it is a very nice device indeed that allows real web-browsing thaniks to the 800x480 screen.
- keyboard does come off, i.e slide off
- Price: $799
- Runs WinCE 4.1, i.e. NOT COMPATIBLE with PocketPC2k2 apps, so that's a huge minus. They were saying that 4.2 might have PocketPC compatiblity.

I think it would make a very good GPS solution ;-)

[welmoed]

- Price: $799

Ouch!

- Runs WinCE 4.1, i.e. NOT COMPATIBLE with PocketPC2k2 apps, so that's a huge minus. They were saying that 4.2 might have PocketPC compatiblity.

Oh well, that takes THAT out of consideration. Damn! Woulda been a nice device.

Happy New Year all, and good luck with all the contests!

--Welmoed

[Deslock]

The original post mentions that the keyboard is an optional attachment. So yes, there is a tablet mode.
Well now, don't I feel sheepish! Thanks for pointing that out!

On a side note, my guess is that the hi-res screen is what appeals most to people... I wonder why someone doesn't come out with a PPC that runs at 640x480, with a mode to run apps at 320x240 for compatibility (like the Sony Clies). If it was small and light with good screen quality, I'd get in line for one.

[FredMurphy]

This looks VERY interesting! The WVGA screen looks perfect for watching movies from a CF card but I wonder how the xscale processor will manage playing fullscreen at 800x480. PocketTV at 320x240 on my Jornada 568 is only just up to the job.

Also find it's odd that nowhere in the promotional material do you see anything on the screen, particularly when they are pushing this as a main selling point. [UPDATE: Bargain PDA (http://www.bargainpda.com/default.asp?newsID=993&showComments=true) has a good photo showing the screen which seems to have been used on a previous Korean model.]

:D So many tempting devices coming up in the next few months.....

Fred

[yawanag]

[quote="Kevin Daly"]Damn, now I've got drool all over my keyboard.

Ditto. Add a cell phone and I ready to go (if the price is right) Life ain't fair. Just when I think I've gone with the best.

[FredMurphy]

Review (in Korean) of earlier s155 model here (http://www.pdabench.com/review8/Nexio155/Nexio155.htm) but this does include lots of screen shots of CE.NET

[T-Will]

Awesome! CE.Net looks like quite an improvement!

[PhatCohiba]

I love this size. It would fit Great in a Small Day Planner case, built-in wi-fi. REAL USB (bought time) wonder if they're going to be drivers for my PCS Vision cell phone ;-) Ethernet, USB Keyboard or Mouse (Watch me smoke the Fitaly test then ;);).

I'm much more likely to pay 699 for this vs. a 5450.

-jb

[sharmahw1]

does anybody know if it is available now in US (I was told Q1, 2003). lso can you add a GSM module to make it tri-band GSM/GPRS
Thanks

[FredMurphy]

Not sure there are any definite plans for the US. It will be available in Hong Kong soon so the Samsung HK (http://www.samsungelectronics.com.hk/pda/s160.html) site has a fair bit of info. Recently updated with accessories, manuals, etc.

Just posted a price of 7180 HKD = 577.99 GBP = 861.60 USD!

[sharmahw1]

dumb question but can one simply add a tri-band GSM module to Nexio and use it as a cell phone and GPRS for data and does Win CE support cell phone software?
Thanks