Comments on: UMPC Knockout: Vulcan Flipstart vs. OQO 02 vs. Sony UX280P

By: Nobody99

Nobody99 — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:23:23 +0000

My Flipstart used to run too hot but I noticed it ran cooler after I replaced the hard drive with a 60GB. I have also undervolted it slightly using NHC. I love this UMPC and so far nothing comes close to replacing it. I am not interested in whether a device is sleek or not, this one is durable, the clamshell design protects the screen and its 1.1 GHZ Pentium M processor still out performs the 1.6GHZ Via. Most who give bad feedback regarding the Flipstart are more concerned with its less than attractive looks.

By: Rich O

Rich O — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:39:06 +0000

I bought a FlipStart due to low cost. I do like it well enough but,,too dam hot….after 10 min my hands are sweaty and my battery life is down to 85%…
I have to say, Rev A is great..My Orb-Sling-Rhapsody work great…MS Streets and Trips work well also with Blue Tooth GPS Mouse.

I think in 6 mths or so, I will shop for a newer UMPC..

ALthough it is dated, I could beat the price..Part of me wishes I spent the extra buck for a newer UMPC…

By: gadjitfreek

gadjitfreek — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:59:57 +0000

I have been using my OQO 02 for nine months now as my main portable machine, and it far surpasses any other portable device I have ever used. It is so useful that it goes everywhere with me. I do not have the built-in WAN modem, as I just tether it to my Treo 700p for very nice results. The size and weight are absolutely perfect, it never gets too hot, and while its performance is pretty slow, it gets the job done, and done well. I have edited my classroom lessons and homework on it, created tests, kept attendance and grades, get online in bed when I wake in the middle of the night, keep a diary…let’s just say this thing gets constant use.

Even though FS just dropped their price to a very tempting $699, I still don’t want one. Their original design for this was excellent, but their final product was a dud. I hope they come up with an improved second-generation model.

Oh, and there is a site called oqotalk.com, where OQO users can message. It is monitored and actively used by Dennis Moore, the OQO CEO. I love OQO because they are a company that actually listens directly to their users and improves their devices based on that feedback.

By: Keith Amodt

Keith Amodt — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:34:04 +0000

Hey BG, I just wanted to correct some of your comments. You should check with me before you do these comparisons as I’m happy to help.

Connectivity – FlipStart was the first to support EV-DO Rev A.

Portability – FlipStart is designed to be used comfortably in your hands or on a desktop. It weighs 1.75 lbs with the extended life battery which isn’t exactly “assistant worthy”.

Noise – If you’ve got a noisy keyboard backlight, send it back and we’ll replace it.

Temperature – Wow, someone’s pretty sensitive. The cooling system is designed to keep the unit comfortable while held so you may want to check the fan setting.

Pricing – ?? The FlipStart is $1,499 with WAN regardless of the OS. The higher priced option is with MS Office pre-installed.

By: Trini

Trini — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 23:36:20 +0000

@ JC: StickyKeys can be activated like that, but it can also be constantly enabled (i.e., no need to manually activate it every time you want it). Just enable it once (I usually do it when I’m first setting up my system) and you’re set for good. With thumb keyboards, there’s really no need to ever disable the function, so setting it once makes good sense.

By: Dean

Dean — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:32:07 +0000

Outstanding head to head!! I am am fortunate to own (against my wife’s dismay) the oqo02 ux280p and the newer ux1xn. I have to agree that the later vaios, seem to have better keyboards and with the flash drive,much quiter fans, more durable feel and sleek black finish my uz1xn outshines all of the other umpc type devices that I own including the oqo 02, 01, raon vega, u71, q1 ulrta.

From my own personal experience, the ux1 is a real worth while investment, although I am hoping to get the ssd version of the oqo!which hopefully may be quiter, cooler and smoother than the 01 and 02.

btw: boy genius, this is one of the best tech gadget sites I have ever come across, you are one of the few that have innovative original content.

thankyou for being online

Dean

By: curtis

curtis — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:38:31 +0000

Flipstart was such a disaster. That machine could be so much more compact, but it isn’t. They cheaped out to rush to market.

By: Dtest5477

Dtest5477 — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:51:42 +0000

maybe he will post an update with the winner. maybe just wanted more time with them. (Giving BG benefit of the doubt)

By: coldcc

coldcc — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:52:46 +0000

So a vs post and no winner?

By: Lizzy

Lizzy — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:37:26 +0000

I got my husband a 180 when it came out for his birthday, and then the OQO as an anniversary present as he loved the Sony but actually had some of the same shortcomings you listed. Awesome write up genius!

By: JC

JC — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:50:48 +0000

I thought to activate StickyKeys, you had hit the modifier key 5 times in a row? If so, that’s not the same thing as the OQO.

By: Trini

Trini — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:47:07 +0000

StickyKeys in Windows only takes a second to enable (on all PCs), so the keyboards on the Sony and FlipStart do the same thing as the OQO.

By: Benz145

Benz145 — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:18:19 +0000

The UX380 and beyond have a slightly different keyboard than the 180 or 280. I don’t think it would change your impression of the keyboard too much, but the keys are a little bit deeper and have a better feel to a trained 180 or 280 user.

By: John B

John B — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:00:45 +0000

I have been using the OQO 02 for about 2 months and I have to say it was a great investment. Tiny, portable (fits in an inside suit pocket) and the keyboard just works.

Downside is battery life (2 hours tops) and weight (not so much of a problem, but wish it was a hair lighter). With the recent price drops I would recommend the OQO.

By: Jeff B.

Jeff B. — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:06:56 +0000

Portability
OQO 02:

Extremely portable. Fits into practically anything you want, and while on the heavier side, we take it everywhere we go!
…that’s what she said…

Anyways, sounds like the OQO 02 is the one for anybody.
Although the Sony is sick (from experience) it just doesn’t seem as good.
Don’t get me started on why you shouldn’t hit that Flipstar thing.

By: Pete

Pete — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:59:41 +0000

I think his point is that they’re all shit!

By: Joshua

Joshua — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:33:02 +0000

Actually the Sprint Modem is Rev. A on the flipstart

By: Nate

Nate — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:29:43 +0000

So, which one do you like the best?