May 12. 18:57 -  Yosemite http://t.co/jeiXPZQX

Samsung Q1 first impressions

May 26, 2006 11:52 by docbliny

My Samsung Q1 had arrived yesterday while I was in bed trying to get over a fever.

First, pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/docbliny/sets/72157594145947826/

The the list:

  • Samsung has put a lot of effort into the style/elegance of the box and initial experience. The packaging is nice, the actual box is pretty heavy to give you a feel of getting solid/valuable
  • Big plus (over the eo): The wireless reception is MUCH stronger. It is on par with my work laptop. I can receive our public signal in my little corner of the office.
  • The screen has a "softer" feeling physically (more spongy) than the eo.
  • The device seems solid (even the stand(s) seem OK), except for the joystick which on first look seems a little flimsy.
  • The stand is great to have built-in. Should be a "must" on all devices.
  • The stylus is very tight to get out.
  • It comes with a USB data transfer cable and software so you can transfer files between machines.
  • Screen calibration is correct on the login screen (a password is required by default)
  • Doesn't seem to remember my resolution changes from the rez-change button (after reboot).
  • Rez-change seems a little slower than on the eo, not much.
  • Windows update, round one: 
    • Install Windows Update Installer update component.
    • KB989461
    • Windows Installer 3.1.
    • Genuine AdvantageValidation Tool
    • Reboot
  • Windows update, round two: 
    • 31 high priority, 8 optional software, 0 optional hardware
    • Total 39 updates, 59.5MB
    • Reboot
  • Windows update, round tree:   Just one optional WMDRM update.
  • ClearType wasn't on and personally I think it made the higher resolutions more readable on the eo. On the Q1 it looks like I'll want to run the ClearType calibration on MS's website to get the best results. Yup, that did it. The link to the tuner is: http://www.microsoft.com/typography/ClearType/tuner/Step1.aspx It makes the higher resolutions more readable, too. Remember to do this in the native resolution, though!
  • You can also get ClearType to look nice when you log in, but you need to tweak the registry (only way I found). The magic keys are under HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop and start with FontSmoothing. Just copy the values from your profile.
  • It doesn't really warm up a lot, even when plugged into AC.
  • BIG MINUS: The screen is too sensitive. You can't write properly with your hand resting on the screen or you'll get "streaking". I didn't have this once with the eo. Time to learn to rest my hand on the edges of the machine...
  • The fan might be a tad noisier than on the eo.

Weirdness:

  • Why isn't TIP enabled and why does it require a hack download to get working? Isn't this a part of TabletPC? I think this actually has something to do with the drivers for the touch screen.
  • TabletPC Experience pack wasn't preinstalled.

Summary:

All in all the Q1 would kick the eo's butt if it weren't for the screen that is too sensitive. The better battery life, CF slot, VGA out, much better wireless reception, integrated mic array, better sound quality (headphone jack and speakers), integrated stands, and ethernet port still push it past the eo. Some may miss the point stick and the "joystick" does seem almost redundant. Samsung should just switch it out for a point stick. Then there are a lot of other small reasons why the Q1 is worth the extra $100, such as the included restore CDs, AV Now, USB transfer cable.


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