So far, my exploration of the Samsung Q1 UMPC device has gone through the hardware and the connectivity options.  Today, in my final look at the device, I’m going to look at the software that makes this thing tick.  How does the operating system work?  What comes preloaded?  What does it need to run really well?  And what does it already do really well?

The Operating System: One of the nice things about UMPC devices is that they run Windows XP Tablet Edition.  One of the unfortunate things about UMPC devices is that they run Windows XP Tablet Edition.  The Operating System on this device is truly a "Best of Times and Worst of Times" conundrum.

I am not even going to attempt a full review of Windows XP here.  There are many excellent reviews out there, and I clearly do not have enough space to repeat it all here.  I will say, however, that all of the pros and cons which exist on the desktop version have not changed in this version.

One nice advantage to having a portable device run Windows XP is the software options it presents.  As you will see, any software that runs on your desktop can be run on the UMPC.  This means that there is never a question of compatibility.

On the other hand, a lot of the great software that has been developed for the Windows Mobile Platform will not run on the UMPC.  This is a shame because some of it, such as PIM Management and multimedia options, have far surpassed their desktop and Windows XP counterparts. 

I was also sorely disappointed by the operation of the touch screen.  I have grown accustomed to the operation of the touch screen in Windows Mobile.  In other words, tap or tap and hold to bring up a program or menu.  In Windows XP Tablet Edition, the touch screen is not an integral part of the Operating System and device as it is in Windows Mobile.  Instead, the touch screen serves as a means to manipulate the cursor on the screen.  It is simply an alternative to the mouse.  This distinction, while seemingly subtle, can make an enormous difference in the usability of the device.

Additionally, I thoroughly enjoy the customization of the Today Screen in Windows Mobile.  I like being able to display plug-ins with various pieces of information directly on my Today Screen or desktop, a feature which would definitely have enhanced my experience.

While Windows XP Tablet Edition is a considerably more powerful operating system than Windows Mobile, I still do not believe that it is the ideal operating system for this device.  Instead, I would like to have seen a hybrid Operating System — one with the guts of Windows XP and the interface of Windows Mobile.  Additionally, it would be nice to be able to run both Windows XP and Windows Mobile software (I realize this might take some tweaking of the Windows Mobile software, but nothing more than what was done to develop Smartphone versions).  There is a lot of great software available for Windows Mobile that far outpaces the desktop options, which would fit in extremely well on a UMPC device.

Program Launcher: Program Launcher may just be my favorite aspect of the Samsung Q1 UMPC.  This is included as part of the Microsoft Touch Pack for the UMPC (the package also includes Dial Keys and Sudoku). 

I love the functionality of The Program Launcher, and wish it had been the main user interface.   It is slick, and gives me access to all of the information and programs that I need in an easy and well organized manner.  It consists of seven buttons on the left hand side.  Each one brings up a different tab of programs.  

Also, across the top of the Program Launcher there is a Wi-Fi signal strength meter, a battery meter, a clock, and a toggle button which displays the bottom menu bar.

Program Launcher is also fully customizable.  By running "Customize Program Launcher" from the Start Menu, you can:

• change the appearance and background color;
• add, remove, or edit the shortcuts in each tab; and
• add, rename, or delete the buttons themselves.

I found Program Launcher to be a fascinating application.  It is exactly the interface I was hoping to find in the UMPC, offering a cross between Windows XP and Windows Mobile.  I would love to see Microsoft expand The Program Launcher into a whole new user interface for the UMPC Operating System.

SuperLink: Superlink (shown above) is the method through which files are transferred between the UMPC and a connected computer.  Essentially, it is the UMPC version of ActiveSync, and it is the only way to directly transfer files between your computer and UMPC device. 

When you connect the two together, the Superlink screen will display on both your computer and the UMPC.  It is relatively straightforward.  The screen is divided in half;  one half represents the files on your computer, the other half represents the files on your UMPC.  Simply use cut and paste to transfer files between the two.

Reading: I have always shied away from reading lengthy documents on a portable device.  E-books, written documents, and Adobe all gave me roughly the same experience.  Since the screen was so small, only a small portion of each page could fit on the screen at any time.  I found myself constantly  scrolling side-to-side and down through the document which grew from 10 pages to over 100 to fit the screen.  Additionally, if I resized the font or the page to fit it on the screen, the text became so small, I needed a magnifying glass to make out the words.  To put it mildly, this was less than ideal.

Likewise, while reading on my laptop is easy with the 15.4" WXGA screen, it is extremely heavy and cumbersome to carry around everywhere I go.

With this background in mind, I tried reading several different documents on the UMPC, and I think I found this device’s true calling.  The screen displayed printed text with crystal clarity.  Additionally, the size of the screen was large enough that it did not require constant scrolling; while the device is small and light enough to easily carry it most places I go.   This is the type of device which could cause me to rethink my aversion to reading too much electronic media. 

Writing: Writing on the Samsung Q1 poses the same challenges as writing on a Pocket PC.  It includes a similar on-screen keyboard, which is used by tapping it with the stylus. The UMPC, however, also includes Dial Keys.  This is an innovative way to display the keyboard on the screen.  It involves cutting the  keyboard in half, twisting each half into a semi-circle, and then placing one on each side of the screen.  The idea is to create an on-screen keyboard that can be easily used with two thumbs while holding the UMPC in your hands.  I found Dial Keys to be a unique way to input information.  It took a little training (or unlearning) to get used to the placement of the keys, but once you did that, it became a relatively easy and natural way to input text. 

Another advantage of the UMPC over a Pocket PC is that the exact same word processing and viewing programs you use on your computer will work on the UMPC.  No longer will you require special pocket versions of word processors which strip formatting and editing notes out of the document.  Now, you can load Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, TextMaker, or any other word processing program directly onto your UMPC and transfer files back and forth on a USB thumb drive or CF card.  This is the ideal way to transfer documents and edit them while you are mobile.   One addition I would like to see, however, is the ability to make handwritten notes on a typed document (such as a Word document or Adobe Acrobat document).  I am certain, however, that this will be available through a third party vendor, if it is not already.   

In addition to word processing, the Samsung Q1 also offers two new programs: Sticky Notes and Windows Journal.  Essentially, Sticky Notes is a pad of virtual yellow stickies for your UMPC.  Write notes, draw, or even make a voice recording on each page of the sticky pad.  You can then export these notes to anywhere on your device, or use them as simple reminders.     

Windows Journal is essentially a notepad (the kind with the glued cardboard and perforation on top) for your Pocket PC.  It offers many of the same features as a program like PhatPad for the Pocket PC.  Use it to jot down notes or doodles in your own handwriting using the stylus.  You can also type notes by using a textbox or insert a picture.  This was a great program for taking notes at meetings or generally jotting down a reminders. 

Multimedia: Frankly, I was amazed by how well the UMPC worked for all of my multimedia needs.  This included photos, music, and video.  First, of course, the Samsung Q1 includes Windows Media.  The one I tested included Windows Media 10, however, I suspect they will soon be upgraded (if not already) to Windows Media 11.  I use Windows Media a lot on my desktop computer.  Some people have problems with it, but I have always found it easy to use, with a well organized library system.  It is a great starting point for listening to music or watching video.  Of course, for more advanced users, there is also a number of third party software which can be purchased to add a more robust listening and viewing experience.  Furthermore, you can even create and edit your videos using Windows Movie Maker or other similar software. 

One final note on watching videos.  I have never been a fan of watching videos on my Pocket PC.  The screen is too small, and the files are too large.  The UMPC, however, proved to be exactly the viewing environment that Pocket PC users have been craving.  I found the screen to be the perfect size for watching portable video.  Just as I found with reading, it was large enough to be viewed easily, but small enough to be carried anywhere.  Likewise, the growing hard drive size, CF card slot and two USB ports, ensure that you will never run out of storage space.  So, buy a nice big CF card or thumb drive, store 2-3 movies on it, and get ready for your next road trip.

In addition to music and video, I have always been extremely interested in digital photography.  I enjoy not only taking pictures, but also editing and manipulating them on my computer.   I searched high and low to find a program for my Pocket PC which would allow me to work with photos.  While I eventually selected Resco Photo Viewer, it was still not nearly as powerful and feature-rich as the programs I could find for my desktop computer.  Once again, the fact the the UMPC operates on Windows XP, not Windows Mobile becomes critical.  Now, I can load the same software on my UMPC that I use to edit pictures on my desktop computer.  Additionally, I can file hundreds of pictures away on the UMPC’s hard drive and edit them while I am mobile, and easily swap them back and forth between my UMPC and desktop computer. 

The Samsung Q1 also includes AV Station Premium.  This is an all-in-one media player (similar to CorePlayer or PockerPlayer for the Pocket PC).  From here, you can add all of your media to one of three on-screen libraries: Music, Photo, and Movie.  Your media is automatically sorted into the appropriate library with the necessary features and options.  I found AV Station with its graphical interface, multiple libraries, and playlists, to be a phenomenal way to enjoy my music, videos, and photos.

Finally, the Samsung Q1 includes the SRS Labs Control Panel, allowing you to customize the audio quality of your speakers.  I have a version of this  program on my laptop, and it is produces amazing sound quality.  Use it to customize music to its source, control the bass and treble levels, and even simulate surround sound. Utilize SRS Control Panel in conjunction with AV Station to maximize your multimedia experience.

Games: OK.  I can admit it.  One of the first things I looked for when I got this device were the included games.  Essentially, it comes with the same gamepack as the desktop version of Windows XP: Solitaire, Pinball, a few card games, and some Internet based games.  Overall, it is a pretty good and relatively standard pack of games, and then I noticed InkBall.

Back when the mouse was a novelty, Microsoft devised a plan to get people to use it.  That plan was Solitaire.  Include Solitaire with every computer that featured a mouse, and force people to learn how to effectively utilize the mouse.  It was a simple plan, and it worked.  People began to feel more comfortable with the mouse and it soon became commonplace.

InkBall is the Tablet PC version of Solitaire.  It is a game specifically designed to increase your comfort level with the stylus and touch screen.  Like Solitaire, it is a fairly simple game which I thoroughly enjoyed.  Essentially, you have to redirect a ball into a hole on the board by drawing lines on the screen.  Each time the ball touches a line, the line disappears, and the ball is redirected in the appropriate direction.  Like I said, this is a simple game, but I was impressed by the way it forces users to become more comfortable with the stylus and touch screen.  Well done!

Conclusion:  I have to admit, I was extremely impressed by the software included in with the UMPC, and how well it worked on a device of this size.  After reading a few E-books, I almost found that I preferred this size device to my laptop.  It provided an outstanding user interface for video, music, photos, and written documents.  The only task I could not easily perform was drafting a document.  Add a keyboard, and this device could easily replace the laptop in terms of functionality.  Yes, I do think the operating system could use some work.  Specifically, I would love to see The Program Launcher become the main user interface.  The functionality of the various included programs, however, easily made up for any defects in the operating system.  Additionally, the fact that the UMPC can run any program designed for Windows XP, means you never have to worry about reformatting documents again. 

Visit my previous article on the Samsung Q1 UMPC:

Out of the Box Photos

Initial Impressions

Connectivity

Hardware

Related posts:

1. Samsung Q1 UMPC Conclusions: All of the Form, None of the Function
2. Samsung UMPC: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly — Initial Impressions
3. Samsung UMPC Round 2
4. Samsung Q1 UMPC: Hardware, Design and Ergonomics
5. The Arrival: Samsung Q1 UMPC