VYE S37 first impressions

I have been using the VYE S37 for a few hours now on and off, and my first observations impressions are as follows:

The Good

1. The screen is the clearest sharpest I've seen on any available UMPC (as good as the Mo-bits/ TabletKiosk Tuff Tab)
2. The keyboard is 1000x better than the old SA1 series.
3. The device is fast enough for basic on the road tasks (whilst the SA1 was good I did get frustrated with occasional performance problems)

The Not So Good

1. WiFi device on this demo unit keeps switcing off with error code 10 in the device manager.
2. There is a WiFi/Bluetooth on/off switch on the front of the unit, but this only turns the WiFi/Bluetooth on/off if the WiFi/Bluetooth has been enabled using the Fn F4 key!!!
3. The SD reader can't always see my memory card.
4. The VYE logo on the lid (this needs to be reviewed by VYE.
5. The £800 price tag (I'm not sure I would pay £800 for any UMPC, especially as I could import the 40GB version for about £600 including import taxes)

I am writing this entry on the S37, and I will be testing it over the next few weeks, so if there is anything you would like testing post here.

UPDATE: VYE are sending a replacement unit, as it would appear I have a unit that was damaged during transit. VYE had a number of samples sent from Inventec that got damaged in transit, and it looks like mine slipped through the net. I have to say VYE are being very helpful.

The VYE S37 800MHz is in the house

I have been lucky enough to get my hands on the 800MHz VYE S37 and will be putting it through its paces over the next week or 2. I have had a couple of problems with the demo unit, but I hope this will be fixed by a BIOS update. I will post about the issues and hopefully the fixes in a later entry, but for now here are the specs and some images.

VYE S37 Spec

Images

Kohjinsha SH6 (aka Vye mini-v S37) mini-review

If you're interested in the Vye mini-v S37, then check out the Kohjinsha SH6 (aka Vye mini-v S37) mini-review video by Steve from UMPC Portal, or head over to UMPC Portal for more review information and comments.

Vye mini-v S37 (aka Kohjinsha)

Kohjinsha have finally realised that their mini notebook range is popular outside of Japan, and as such has undergone the necessary certifications. The Kohjinsha SH6KB04A has been brought to the UK by Vye Compters, and is now available in the UK known as the Vye mini-v S37. Pocket PC Solutions in the UK will be one of the first resellers, and they have the product listed here.

The spec is slightly different to the Japanese version, and priced at £799.99 are slightly higher than the price in Japan, but with UK certification and support it is better to buy here than import.

I'm Back

Sorry for the lack of posts to all those that have used My Kohjinsha as their source of information, but I have been busy on other projects. The good news is I am back, and will be posting more regularly.

Kohjinsha SH6KB04A Coming Soon

As you all know Kohjinsha are due to release their SA1 replacement, and most websites have the new device listed as the K600. My sources tell me this is incorrect and the new unit will actually be called the Kohjinsha SH6KB04A. Also the device spec being listed on these websites is also incorrect, and I can reveal the following.



Model: SH6KB04A
CPU: 800MHz Intel
HDD: 40GB
RAM: 512MB (upgradeable to 1GB)
Screen: 800 x 480 7" Touch Screen
OS: Microsoft Vista Home Basic
Keyboard: Japanese
Other: Built-in Webcam, USB Ports, WiFi, Bluetooth, NIC, VGA Out and SD

The above information will be updated as soon as I recieve the official press release, but this new device looks to be a winner, and if the expected price of $799 USD is correct, and if this model has the correct FCC and CE certification, then this could put Kohjinsha firmly in the global UMPC market place.

I'm Back

Sorry for the lack of posts, but for the past week and a bit I have been on a well earned holiday to Cyprus, and as you all know Kohjinsha have announced a replacement to their successful SA1 series. I did know about this new device, but agreed not to post until the unit was officially announced, which will be any day now.

Bad News

We have just heard that Pocket PC Solutions have had to withdraw the Kohjinsha SA1F00KS from sale in Europe as there is an issue over the units CE and FCC certification. It would appear that the Kohjinsha does not yet have the necessary certificates for resale in this market. I will update this post as soon as I have more news on this sad situation.

Kohjinsha SA1F00KS now available in Europe

Following yesterdays news that the FCC and CE certified Kohjinsha SA1F00KS with US keyboard has been released, Pocket PC Solutions in the UK have this model listed on their website, priced at £599.99, with shipping to the UK and rest of Europe available.



Kohjinsha SA1F00KS Specifications

CPU: AMD Geode LX800 Processor
Display: 7" 800x480 WVGA Swivel LCD with Touch Screen Panel with up to 256MB VRAM
Keyboard: US Keyboard as standard
Memory: 512MB DDR Ram
HDD: 40GB HDD
Network: 10/100 Ethernet, Wireless 802.11BG and Bluetooth V2.0 + EDR
IO Ports: Digital Media Reader (SD/MS/Type II CF), 2 USB, VGA, Audio & Mic Jack
Operating Sytem: Windows XP Home Edition
Dimensions: 218mm x 163mm x 25.4mm
Weight: 990g including battery
Warranty: 1 Year
Comes with Slip-In Case and Stylus

Kohjinsha SA1F00KS

Following the news that the Kohjinsha has been given FCC and CE approval it now looks like the Kohjinsha will be on sale soon in Europe as the Kohjinsha SA1F00KS, which will be the same spec as the Kohjinsha SA1F00V but with a US keyboard (unfortunately no UK keyboard yet). I will post more information on price and availability as soon as I have it.

Kohjinsha gets FCC and CE Approval

I have had word today that the Kohjinsha has finally been given FCC and CE approval, so it won't be long before we will see this little gem of a device on sale in the US and Europe.

My Kohjinsha Problems

It looks like I am not the only Kohjinsha user that has had some problems with their SA1F00V, but haven spoken with the Japanese exporter it now looks like I had my unit from a faulty batch. The exporter is having the faulty units returned for replacement, and I will be sending mine back soon :( I have had this information verified by another supplier who has check their new batches, and these are free of all the faults except the poor keyboard, which seems to be a trademark of the Kohjinsha.

UPDATE 6/6/2007: It would appear that the screen calibration problems are not batch problems but a manufacturing problem. I have found that doing a 25 point calibration reduces the problem, but does note cure it. I have also been told that this problem is not present on the SA1F00KS, but I have not been able to confirm this.

Madeleine MaCann Video Released

For those interested this international video has now been released asking for help to find Madeleine MaCann.

Still Missing

This is off topic, but like most people I have been saddened by the abduction of Madeleine MaCann in Portugal on the 3rd May 2007. Haven been to Portugal on business in the past month, and disappointed by the lack of publicity for this case in Lisbon I wanted to do something to help highlight this abduction, so I have added this post and placed banners on the blog.

If you work in medical care look out for a 4 year old with a pupil bleed, as it could be Madeleine.



Above close-up of Madeleine's right eye, and below a close-up of Madeleine.



Lets all hope that Madeleine is found safe soon.

Kohjinsha Touch-Screen 2 Weeks On

I have now had my new Kohjinsha for 2 weeks, and whilst in my previous posts I mentioned how the keyboard had improved, over the past 2 weeks the quality of the keyboard has deteriorate and it is now suffering missed key strokes like the original SA1 series. I have also experienced problems with the touchpad not responding, which at first I thought was the driver, but even uninstalling the driver did not resolve this issue. At one point the unit became un-usable for 20-30 mins, but after several reboots the touchpad began to work again, and for the past week has been OK. Another problem experienced and mentioned in a previous post is the touch screen calibration. After loading Windows XP Tablet I discovered that I could not calibrate the touch screen 100%, but stranger still was the fact that only the right side of the screen seemed to be affected. I downloaded the latest driver and calibration software, but still could not accurately calibrate the screen. After playing with the calibration for awhile I found that I could achieve a more accurate calibration by using the 25 point calibration option, but this still gave problems with the bottom right hand side. These problems do not affect any hand writing recognition software but does affect the use of the stylus on icons and scroll bars on this part of the screen. I have raised this issue with Kohjinsha via the Japanese exporter, but to date have had no response.

To sum up, with the mouse, keyboard and touch screen issues I am disappointed that Kohjinsha have released this new model without fixing the previous known bugs, and with the premium price being charged by some resellers for the touch screen I am not sure I would recommend this model, however if you are looking for an ultra portable laptop with a touch screen and can live with these known issues, then the touch screen Kohjinsha may be for you. If you do not need the touch screen, then go for one of the cheaper models.

Despite my negative comments above I am still happy with the Kohjinsha and the touch screen is an advantage if you load ritePen or can install XP Tablet.

Kohjinsha Touch-Screen 1 Week On

I've now had the touch-screen Kohjinsha for 1 week, and I am fairly happy with it. Gone is Windows XP Home, and in is Wondows XP Tablet Edition, and this has made real difference to the useability of the touch screen. Over the next few days I will write a mini review, but there appears to be a major problem with the touch screen that I am investigating and will hold back on the review until I have a responce from Kohjinsha.

Below XP Tablet running on the Kohjinsha.

Kohjinsha Pros and Cons

Blogger Tokyo Image has posted his pros and cons of the Kohjinsha.

"PROS

+ Obviously the first thing that comes to mind is the ultra-mobility of this notebook. With its compact size and light weight, its easy to take anywhere. Whether you are blogging at your favorite hot spot, putting the finishing touches on a school assignment just before class, or just browsing the web at the office or home, this compact and discrete notebook will be sure to be there when you are.

+ The Wi-Fi is amazing..........................."

You can read the rest of what Tokyo Image has to say about the Kohji here.

First 24 Hours with the Kohjinsha SA1F00V

I've now had my Kohjinsha SA1F00V for 24hrs and so far I am pleased with it. With its improved keyboard and touch screen this is definitely the best Kohjinsha yet. If you are thinking about buying one of these, then the new model is the one to go for, however if you already have one of the previous models then the upgrade will probably be hard to justify, unless you need the touch screen or want the improved keyboard. Like all previous models there is always something negative to say about the Kohjinha range, and this time it is the lack of touch screen software, although the use of ritePen overcomes this issue.

Over the next 24hrs I will be loading XP Tablet to the Kohjinsha to see how well it performs, so stay tunes for the results.

The First 10 Minutes With The New Kohjinsha

I have un-boxed and started to play with my new Kohji, and on first impression I am pleased with the device, but there are some things that I am disappointed with.

1. The supplied stylus is a cheap PDA type, and for me to small.
2. The case is like the previous models, and although it has a pocket for the stylus it still has an open end with no zip or fastening.
3. The mouse pad has a coating of lacquer making my finger stick rather than glide across it, although this will probably improve with use.
4. It is supplied with calibration software for the touch screen, but has no supplied hand writing recognition software. (I will test ritePen later)
5. The screen resolution is still unacceptable when set above 800 x 480.
6. No CE of FCC markings!!

The above are all fairly minor and can all be resolved either with add-on software or buying a better case and stylus. Now to the question you are all probably asking, "what about the keyboard?" Well we have all read the reviews on previous models, and how bad they keyboard on these are, well the GOOD news is they appear to have fixed the keyboard. I have only briefly used it to type some words, but at no time did it miss any letters, and I did not have to press the keys very hard. In fact I tried touch typing (although I am not very good at this) and no missed letters.

So to sum up after 10 minutes of use, anyone thinking about a Kohjinsha, it looks like this is the model to go for.

Kohjinsha SA1F00V is in the House

The FedEx man arrived today, and I now have a nice black Kohjinsha SA1F00V, and on first impressions I like what I see.