32GB black UMID mbook M1 with 3G expected in June
If you're a fan of the ultra pocketable UMID mbook M1, then this is definitely the news you've been waiting for.
Not only are my good friends at Justek expecting a shipment of newly redesigned black mbook MIDs as early as next month (!), but those Atom-based devices will be packing a 32GB SSD and integrated 3G as well. Yes, you read all of that correctly: 3G, black, 32GB, as early as next month.
It's important to take note of the "as early as" there because although the ETA comes directly from UMID, the company plans to test the 3G functionality in Hong Kong before sending the units off to Justek in Australia. So if problems arise, the shipment will obviously be delayed.
Another potential stumbling block to be aware of is that as of right now, there's no guarantee that US 3G frequency bands will be supported. This isn't new information, as I mentioned it back in March, but it's certainly something to keep in mind. Justek is expecting a demo unit next week and will be sending me the first retail unit when the full shipment arrives, so the 3G bands should be mostly figured out by the time orders are being taken/shipped. Additional tidbits below.
It isn't clear yet whether the 32GB black units will ever be available without 3G, but there will definitely not be any 16GB 3G models.
Pricing is another unknown right now, but it will of course be higher than the currently shipping 16GB non-3G models. All of the units will be preinstalled with Linux, which helps to keep the price down, and can easily be upgraded to Windows XP (either by Justek or the buyer).
I know there are still a number of holes in the information but since UMID is working closely with Justek on this launch and Justek is working closely with Pocketables, you'll know as soon as I do whenever a new hole is filled in.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, drop them in the comments and I'll try to get them answered for you.
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