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.
:: Visit the UMID mbook M1 forum to connect with users and potential buyers, ask questions, and share tips ::
Will they be bumping it up to 1gig ram. Now that would be perfect…I’m in Hong Kong in August so might be just in time for me to pick one up.
Wish it had phone capabilities (even if it was bluetooth only). That’s what I’m waiting for. A “phone” with full WindowsXP.
Not outrageously priced like OQO. Still crazy investment for cost.
Let’s hope the next news is the jump to 1 Gb RAM and Windows 7 compatibilty, that would be impossible to resist :-)
At last the Psion 5mx replacement I’ve been waiting for!
No, it looks like these still have only 512MB. UMID didn’t mention anything about an upgrade to 1GB, so although it’s still possible, it doesn’t seem very probable right now.
I will say that the MiFi broke me of my need to always buy devices with internal 3G. This is nice that this device will come in black, have a larger SSD, and have internal 3G, but they are really missing the mark with only 512 RAM.
hello
I wanted to know if there was a build-in microphone in this M1. Because i use a lot of skype ….
Thanks, Alex
I want one. Love the idea of a truly pocketable Windows based computer, with 3g and and a build in cam. Even better if there will be a 1gb version.
Yes, the M1 has a built-in mic.
Can’t wait for this to be availabe in the US with 3G. I’m on the road regularly and have to sometimes monitor or reset servers remotely. The ability to drop a fully functional Windows machine in a pocket is something I’ve been hoping to see for a long time.