We don’t normally cover umpc/tablet PC-related news on this blog. But with Asus about to release its first convertible netbook, it’s about time we pay particular attention to other UMPCs that are coming out in the market too.

First, off is Kojinsha’s new 7-inch convertible PC which is said to be an improved version of their previously released SC3. This still unnamed UMPC will feature a 1.3Ghz Menlow platform with GPS, SD card slong, PCI Express card slot, VGA-out and LAN connection. The said UMPC will also have WiFi module.

And if UMPCportal’s informant are correct, the said Kojinsha machine might just support Windows 7 as well.  In addition, the machine might also sport a dual camera, according to their sources.

No words yet on the other particulars of this Kojinsha, but do stay tune as we bring you more information once we found some.

The Tablet UMPC is going to be relevant again, with the announcement of the Archos9, the first 9-inch Tablet UMPC running Microsoft’s Windows 7 OS. This sexy little machine is billed by Archos as a MiniPC that does away with keyboards in exchange for a virtual on-screen keyboard and stylus support on a resistive touchscreen display. As it comes pre-loaded with Windows 7, multi-touch is going to be one of its top features, though we’re not exactly sure if that’s such as good idea with the screen being resistive and all. It still looks like a pretty interesting offer, though, as the Archos9 is equipped with Intel’s new Atom Z515 processor, 80GB hard drive, built-in Bluetooth and two DVBT TV tuners with “diversity reception,” as Archos puts it in its press release. Besides on-screen controls, it also has several hard buttons on its sides for easier access and controls. Archos hasn’t announced a price or release date, but from the looks of it, we’re betting a lot of people are going to save up for one. Watch out for additional details here.

Via UMPC Portal

The Fujitsu Lifebook U2010 UMPC was first announced with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 processor last year, but now it’s also available with a 2GH Intel Atom Z550 processor, which should boost the performance a bit, though whether it is worth it or not is still in question. The rest of the specs are still the same–there’s a 5.6-inch convertible touchscreen display, 1GB of RAM and up to 120GB storage. The slight upgrade to 2GHz on a Z550 chip requires a buyer to add $383 to the overall purchase price, so I’m not counting on this “feature” to catch on any time soon.

Slashgear via GadgetMix

Not feeling netbooks but still want to do an ample amount of computing on the go? Then a UMPC in the form os the UMID M1 might just be the right device for you. At the cost of several hundred dollars more, it will give you true portable computing, since it’s much more pocketable than its folding netbook counterparts. Word on the street is that it will go on sale in different configurations, and the base config costs at least $500. That comes with 512MB of RAM, a Linux OS and a 1.1Ghz processor. Add-ons such as Windows XP, extra RAM, a faster processor and built-in 3G will cost extra money, bringing the price up to $800, which is in line with the prices of other devices in its category. At the moment, though, the UMID M1 is still not on sale anywhere, though both Dynamism and Mobilx are expected to have it on stock sometime in the near future.

PMP Inside via UMPC Portal

You might be looking forward to surfing the ‘net with 3G speeds once your very own Sony Vaio P arrives at your doorstep, but know this: for US models, the Sony Vaio P’s 3G SIM Card slot is non-functional. It’s not broken, it’s just that Sony’s decided to disable it for some reason. When you try to take a look at it, you’ll see that it is blocked by a piece of plastic across it. Taking this out requires a bit of patience and a sharp object like an x-acto knife. And even then, you won’t be able to use it. Way to give its users another kick in the arse, right? Yep, apparently, charging nearly $1000 for a small device that can’t be called a “netbook” wasn’t enough.

Via Pocketables

Asus netbooks are among the most popular in the industry. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about its UMPC offerings. With that in mind, the company seems to be planning to offer something slightly better: a UMPC with a full touch display first for input, and a full keyboard underneath it. What’s more, the company will make it so that the display can be tilted and positioned just like a regular notebook display, facing the user. Currently, this upcoming Asus MID/UMPC can be considered to be in the development stage, as only its form factor is revealed in one of the company’s latest patent apps, titled “Portable electronic device.” I don’t know, at least it seems better than the keyboard-less MIDs that they are currently selling. Perhaps, when they release a product like this in the future, we’ll see if the company can get it right.

Via Electronic Pulp

Tablet PCs are great computing machines but both comes with a hefty price. That’s why for those who are looking for a portable computing machine with lesser power resort to buying netbook insteads. But what if you can transform your netbook, more particularly the Eee PC 700 and its other variants into an improvised tablet PC complete with touchscreen kit?

Aeeeris Tablet Conversion Kit for the Asus Eee PC might be what you are looking for to make your dream of owning a Tablet PC a reality, sort of. The Aeeeris Tablet Conversion Kit consists of your Eee PC 700 or 701, the Aeeeris Faceplate and a touchscreen kit. And since converting your Eee PC into a Tablet PC, UMPC or an ereader is a DIY project, you would need the following aside from the three parts we mentioned. These materials include:

• Dremel
• Screwdriver
• Thermal Paste
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Double Sided Tape.

The process would also require opening up your Eee PC and tampering with the parts inside. So, unless you have another netbook perhaps or knows about technical stuff, you may want to follow these procedures at the Aeeeris site.

You can buy the Aeeeris kit by contacting the developer there. And you can find the Touchscreen kit at various online stores, for example at DealExtreme.

The touchscreen kit costs about $40.
Aeeeris costs $60.
So for a total cost of $100 you can transform your EEE PC to a tablet PC.

And yes, should you embark on this experiment which the Aeeeris site owner said would take only 30 minutes, we just want to wish you – Goodluck!

Raon Digital are to produce two new SSD based versions of their Everun Note netbook/UMPC.

There will be an S16S which is set to be a Sempron based unit with a 1.2Ghz CPU, running Ubuntu Mobile and with a 12GB SSD (MLC).  The second model on offer will be a super fast Dual Core Turion based unit entitled the D24S. That will be fitted with a 24GB SSD (which comprises of 16GB MLC and 8GB SLC). The D24S will be running Windows XP as an operating system.

Pricing isn’t confirmed yet but expect to pay around $659 for the S16S and $950 for the superior D24S model. The S16S is available mid November but, if you are interested in buying the D24S, it’s available for preorder now.

As umpcportal pointed out, all the Note needs now is built in 3g and it would be an absolute gem of a UMPC.

via

In the interview for TechRadar the Samsung official Jeongseon Euh said that so far the company has sold about 100,000 Q1 and the Q1 Ultra UMPCs, and that Samsung holds about 65% of the UMPC market. At the same time Euh said that the third generation of the Q1 should be ready for next year, probably first models at CES next year. via [TechRadar]