The Bottom Line
Pros
- Weighs only 1lb
- Integrated Wi-Fi
- 30GB Hard drive
Cons
- No pricing information available yet
- FlipStart not yet available for purchase
Description
- 1 GHz processor
- 256MB system RAM
- 30GB internal hard drive
- OS - Windows XP Home or Professional
- Dimensions - 5.8"x4"x1" (148mmx101mmx26mm)
- 3D graphics with 8MB video RAM
- QWERTY full-function thumb keyboard with hotkeys
- Lithium Ion battery - 2-6 hours battery life
- Integrated 802.11b Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 port, internal mic/speaker with headphone & earbud jacks
- Integrated 1.3MP digital camera
Guide Review - Vulcan FlipStart MiniPC
The QWERTY thumb keyboard offers a track wheel and track point device to make navigation easy. It includes a touchpad, mouse buttons and customizable hot keys.
The display is described as near HDTV-quality and promises high resolution viewing without horizontal scrolling. Using a display this small, it better be clear and easy to read, whether using an application or viewing web sites.
The integrated 802.11b is a great benefit for mobile workers. There are also options to have Bluetooth wireless technology and/or Wide Area Networking. It does require a proprietory email program to which provides a better way to send email when using low bandwidth connections. The email program is a MS Office Outlook 2003 plug-in which is also aimed at preserving battery life.
The battery life is comparable to some full-size laptops and Vulcan state that it is possible to get 2-3 hours operating time running Windows XP and MS Office applications. That should provide plenty of time for mobile workers to get their tasks done. It also can be operated in a low-power mode to provide increased operating time.
In addition to the connection options, the FlipStart can also be used with an optional port replicator or optional mini-dock. Both provide mobile workers with increased functionality and ways to be more productive. The port replicator also enables mobile workers to connect to an Ethernet network if required, while the mini dock will provide access for a modem with RJ-11 jack.