Feature frenzy

At first glance, what the Q1 lacks in pace it makes up for in features. We were impressed by just how much Samsung has packed onto the device without cluttering the display. At all angles the Q1 looks the business, and with an array of features including 1.3 megapixel camera, USB, card reader and status LEDs all on the front panel and to the sides, essential laptop features seem to have been successfully transferred to this micro unit.

The 1.3 megapixel still camera on the front is also complemented by a 0.3 megapixel webcam on the back of the unit, yet these are all let down with the bare-bones applications shipped with the product.

If the UMPC is to surpass the laptop, indeed survive at all, it needs a real power boost with Vista as the default OS. The Q1 Ultra is a big improvement over the original Q1, with a much brighter screen and sleek look, but for the money the Q1 is easily eclipsed by speedy 12in laptops that are both lightweight and keep their charge for the working day. Still, we look forward to a third incarnation of Samsung's UMPC.