First moments
Only a few days have passed since I gave back the latest UMPC and the new shipment from MobilX is already here, which contained a large box, inside it was the Wibrain B1. There are two versions of the device, B1E and B1H. As a positive I need to mention that we received the “tougher” model for testing, the H, which has 80 GB of storage space and 1 GB of memory, while the E version contains the half of everything. The other parameters are common for both models, just like the processor, which is a 1.2 GHZ VIA C7-M.
The beauty of Wibrain, for me at least, is that there are tons of accessories for it. On one hand there is the docking station, sold separately, which of course contains an optical drive and so our UMPC becomes capable of reading CDs, DVDs and memory cards, the number of USB ports increases and it also contains a VGA connector. Furthermore, the box contains a superb case, in which we can take the device with us at during travels and there is a VGA adaptor too, and these make the B1, out of all UMPCs we have tested, practically the model that needs the least additional costs to make it function as a desktop device. At the same time I’d like to point out a deficiency too, as there is only one USB port on it, so it is almost sure that we have to but a USB hub for it, in case we want to save on the docking station. I didn’t yet mention the fact that a car holder can also be bought for the device, which contains a built-in GPS, so the Wibrain becomes capable of navigation too.
Of course the device has a full and complete Windows on it, together with its flaws and benefits. I like this because I don’t have to search for any application, 99% of software running on my desktop PC run on these models too.
Exterior
I ran so much forward that I forgot to note a few words about the device’s exterior, its construction. Well, in case of UMPCs the palette of offers is not as wide to be able to differentiate low- and high-end models, but the use of materials and construction reveal a lot about the models. In these terms the B1 occupies a great position. It’s a device with a massive construction and logical layout, which has been designed to be made of metal, thus suggesting durability.
The designed is built up around the display; this occupies the central position on the device. The resolution of the 4.8” touchscreen is 1024 x 600 pixels. Its luminosity is all right, it’s clearly readable in bright light too. On the right side of the display a touchpad is placed, which is something unconventional of UMPCs, it has been a surprise for me too. It proved to be much better than the stick mice they use generally and my hand got used to its usage quite fast. The left side is occupied by the cursor keys, the mouse buttons and the hotkeys used for zooming and page scrolling in documents.
There is only the switch of the WiFi and the single USB port on the right side of the device; while on the left side we can find the headset and microphone connector and a hold button. The connector to which we can attach the VGA cable is placed on the bottom; the car charger and the docking station connect to the same port. The top part of the B1 is occupied by the feedback LEDs and the power button. The back cover is a bit more interesting, as the webcam can be turned out from here – one should take care when using this, it looks fragile.
Experiences
I would like to sum up my experiences and opinion about the device on this page. To begin with, I was most afraid of the split keyboard, but fortunately it was a positive experience, its handling is great. Its only problem is that the space key is really small and it can be found only on the right side, if I were the manufacturer I would have put one on the left side too. It also belongs to handling that I was pleased with the use of the stylus and the touchpad too. The latter one first seemed funny, moreover useless, but it’s great to use, it’s much better than a stick mouse.
More and more forums are mentioning nowadays sound volume as a general problem of UMPCs. Well, at a constant heavy load it’s true that they are loud and heat up, but in this matter the Wibrain performed much better than the models I have seen before. The OQO, for example, was insanely loud; the B1 doesn’t reach half of its volume, even if at full load. However there is a cooler of a considerable size under the cover, there will be a picture of this somewhere around here.
I haven’t been testing any games this time, as I slowly, but surely, get to know that this is not the focus of UMPCs. I have only tried my favorite poker client and I couldn’t find any problem. 4.5 USD was the clean income in about 10 minutes :).
As a conclusion I have to say that the Wibrain B1H is one of the best entry-level UMPCs (in case we don’t bother with the ever returning question of what a UMPC is good for). In case we don’t need a processor with the strength of a bull, than the B1 is the best choice, but it’s important to mention that Wibrain B2 is expected in this half of the year, which seems to be a great hit, since at last a HSDPA modem is built in it, so we only have to insert the SIM card in it. It sound great.
This report contains the device’s specifications.
Polacheck
Translated by Szaszati
The device has been provided by MobilX.
The device can be bought online at www.mobilx.hu .
Info line: +36-52-501-868
