Being a lover of multi-functional gadgets (says so right on my sidebar) I was very excited for the opportunity to touch the world's smallest PC (seriously, it's got a touch screen) but, I also break things (a lot) so, when BlogHer.com approached me, on behalf of Intel, to review the new UMID mbook, I was all, like:
- Yes, but it's so small.
- I could take it, instead of my laptop, to work and use it in between phone calls and training sessions.
- But, IT IS SO...you know...small.
So, they sent me a really pretty black one and, well, want to see?
Yes, the UMID mbook certainly looks like the world's smallest PC, but you can literally take it anywhere (mine fit nicely into my gym bag) and this cool little gadget does pretty much the same stuff my laptop does, sort of:
- The mbook runs full Windows XP on an Intel Atom processor
- It has a five-hour battery life
- Video Conferencing with your friends on Skype
- Access Facebook
- Upload photos
- Download movies on iTunes
- It has a built-in webcam
More about Intel's Atom Processor for you highly-evolved-technical-types:
Intel builds processors, or the "brains" of your PC. Now Intel has designed the Intel Atom Processor, which has been designed to be smaller and more power efficient, enabling you to get devices with full PC functionality that can fit into your purse or pocket.
For you very-girlie-gadgety-types (like me): The mBook is also available in pink.
FINAL VERDICT: I took the mBook to work with me and was able to keep on top of my emails and work on my publishing calendar, without being too obvious, or intrusive, in between training and fielding telephone calls.
It traveled in my purse and my gym bag, very easily.
Yes, it is way smaller than my laptop, but bigger than our DS Lite (see above...yes, it's pink) although, the mBook is not easy to blog with (this device is NOT meant for content creation or high performance gaming) however, the mBook DOES run Windows XP and is also equipped with a webcam.
ON THE UPSIDE: I think it is an AWESOME gadget for folks who travel (having to lug a laptop through security is, well, annoying AND heavy) or, would like to Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Skype or read their favorite blogs [hint, hint] and generally surf the Internet on something larger than their cell phone.
Or, if you happen to have teeneagers (like me) who also happen to enjoy reading Manga, online (like they do) because, well, my 13 year-old's friend was over for dinner, the other night (what's one more, right?) and, after noticing my 16 year-old reading Manga on the mBook (AGAIN!) the typically quiet and very reserved child promptly squeeed.
"Oooooooh, I WANT ONE!"
ON THE DOWNSIDE: It's price. The mBook is currently available at Dynamism.com for $449.00 (you can get a free MicroSD Card with a purchase, for a limited time) on the other hand, have you seen the price of some cell phones, lately?
Hopefully, like with most new gadgety things, tech and gaming companies will someday learn how to make the price tag a whole lot smaller, so average-type families (like mine) can get one, too.
Do YOU want one?
My good friends at BlogHer.com have offered to send one (1) very lucky reader an UMID mBook, to have, to hold and to call ALL your own own, courtesy of Intel.
Because, we roll like that!
FIND IT HERE: Intel Atom Official site, UMID mbook and BlogHer.com special offers page
OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS AGE 18 AND OVER ONLY, PLEASEGET IT HERE: To enter, leave me a comment below, like, telling us how you would you feel if this really cool gadget was in your stocking this holiday season, along with a valid email address on this post by 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30th and you're automatically entered to win. One (1) winner will be picked (via random.org) and announced via email and posted on My Prizey Giveaways Page!
Please see the official rules here: Official rules
'CAWSE WE LOVE TO SHARE & SOME EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN, TOO:
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Good luck and, you know, wake me when New Years ends!
© 2009 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.
DISCLOSURE: NO PAYMENT, OR CONSIDERATION, OTHER THAN RECEIVING AND KEEPING A SAMPLE OF THE PRODUCT FOR THE PURPOSE OF A REVIEW, ALONG WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE SOME REALLY COOL STUFF, BY HOSTING A GIVEAWAY, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST, COURTESY OF BLOGHER.COM AND INTEL.COM
