ASUS’ R50a UMPC was always taking on a serious challenge: Windows Vista on a 1.33GHz Atom Z520 processor with 1GB of RAM is asking either for nth-degree fine-tuning or just plain trouble. Initial reports seemed vaguely promising, but Ben over at UMPC Portal has found things less impressive. Chief criticism – aside from the bloatware, cramped writing area and difficult form-factor – is the sluggish performance.
Now that the price of the ASUS R50a UMPC has come down, even if only a little, it’s brought the touchscreen handheld into the consideration of a few more buyers. While we already know that the $1,399 UMPC performs well, its time to see how it shapes up to a stalwart of the segment, HTC’s Shift. The ASUS has a faster CPU – Intel’s 1.33GHz Z520 Silverthorne – than the Shift, so as expected it’s a step up in performance at least.
If the $1,839 price tag of the ASUS R50a UMPC was dissuading you from buying it – and we can’t really say we blame you – then we’ve got good news. Importer Dynamism have the 5.8-inch touchscreen device for $1,399: that gets you a 1.3GHz Intel Z520 processor, 1GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD for storage, together with WiFi b/g, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, integrated GPS and an integrated 3.5G WWAN module.
The ASUS R50a UMPC has begun shipping, in Europe at least, from retailer Informatic. The 5.8-inch touchscreen device has a 1.33GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, a 32GB SSD for storage and runs Vista. There’s also integrated 3G HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth and a massive price: €1,475 ($1,839).
Unboxing video of the ASUS R50a UMPC after the cut
Universal Remote Control have announced a new remote, the Digital R50, capable of controlling up to 18 different components through preprogrammed and learnt IR commands. Unlike rival remotes, which require a computer connection or professional help to setup, the R50 can be completely programmed via the integrated 2-inch LED backlit display, including custom labels, logos and more.
ASUS’ R50a UMPC might have been over-shadowed by the company’s all-encompassing Eee PC project, but that doesn’t mean the 5.6-inch touchscreen handheld has gone away. Spanish-language site Hispazone have been playing with the Menlow-based device, and come away both feeling that it’s a great improvement over the previous-generation R2H but still not entirely convincing.
ASUS’ R50A UMPC has been delivered to the FCC and promptly stripped of all its dignity in the usual batch of open-casing photographs. The R50A is based on Intel’s Z520 Silverthorne 1.33GHz CPU and was first announced in November last year; as well as a 5.6-inch 1024 x 600 touchscreen and choice of 8, 16 or 32GB SSD, there’s also 3G HSDPA, GPS and a optional DVB-T TV tuner card.
This new UMPC from Asus is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. the R50A integrates all of the mobile technology you could ever need into one tiny ultra-portable. Plus it’s from Asus, who can’t seem to produce anything but amazing products right now.
SlashGear Japan
