Samsung ups Q1 Ultra with solid-state drive
updated 10:35 am EDT, Tue August 28, 2007
Samsung Q1 Ultra SSD
Samsung today upgraded its Q1 Ultra handheld PC with three new models that cater to both the high and low ends of the still-young UMPC market. The Q1U-SSDXP is the first ever Ultra to pack a solid-state drive, replacing the higher-capacity but more fragile spinning hard disk with 32GB of flash memory. Switching to the format not only improves speed and shockproofs the system against common bumps: the reduced power draw increases battery life to a more usable 4.5 hours, Samsung says. The change should help the UMPC survive tougher conditions and should be available today for $1,649.
The Korean computer maker has also backtracked on its aggressive move towards Vista-only UMPCs and is now offering both the SSDXP and two conventional models with Windows XP Tablet Edition for those who prefer the lower performance demands and better software compatibility of the older Microsoft OS. The Q1U-ELXP is Samsung's basic version with a 600MHz Intel A100 CPU and a 40GB rotating hard disk for $999. Choosing the more advanced Q1U-XP at $1,149 adds a speedier 800MHz A110 processor and a larger 60GB hard drive. Both of these lower-cost versions should ship at the same time as their SSD counterpart.
