The Samsung Q1 is the first of a new type of computer, it was designed in collaboration with Microsoft and is bigger than a handheld but smaller than a tablet PC.
Samsung describes the Q1 as an "ultramobile" PC (UMPC), and with its seven-inch touchscreen it's certainly more portable than a standard laptop. It looks like a Sony PlayStation but basically is a small-scale tablet, about the size of a large-format paperback and a little heavier (779g).
Text entry is interesting, you use the stylus to handwrite on the screen. If you haven't used handwriting recognition for a while, you'll be surprised at how accurate it's become. You also have an onscreen keyboard where you tap the letters in or you can use Dial Keys. You use Dial Keys to type with your thumbs - it's a bit tricky at first, but anyone used to texting will find them easy.
The limitation at the moment is battery life. There are claims it can last as long as 3.5 hours during normal use but in reality it's closer to 2.5 hours. The machine runs on Microsoft Windows XP and has a 7-inch touchscreen (800x480) with on-screen keyboard and up to 80Gb of storage. The Intel Celeron M runs at 900MHz, and is backed by 512Mb. Wi-fi comes as standard.
So how could the Q1 work in the classroom? It's difficult to judge the robustness and the staying power of the machine. It works beautifully with a whiteboard and will enable a student or teacher to do any of the work normally done on a desktop or laptop. The design means that it is a machine that will appeal to the eye, it is desirable. The drawback at the moment is battery life. However, there is little doubt that a machine of this type, the ultra portable, is going to have a significant role in the classrooms of the near future.
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Samsung Q1
Price: £679 (ex VAT)
Contact: 0871 666 1616
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