USB port placement on devices that rotate from landscape to portrait

Now that I've got Vista up and running on the Q1 Ultra Premium, it's time for a Starbucks run later today. I just installed the VZ Access software needed for my USB727 modem so connectivity is tested and good to go. One feature the Q1UP has over my older Q1 and Q1P is that one USB port is on the top of the device. This is just awesome from a form factor standpoint. On the older models, the two USB ports were on the sides of the device, making it difficult to effectively hold and use the UMPC as one of your hands had to deal with the modem sticking out.

With the top USB port, I'm not affected at all in landscape mode. I'd probably face a challenge with the device in portrait mode, but if worse comes to worse, I could put the modem in the port on the right side of the device and rotate the screen counter-clockwise. This would essentially put the USB modem back on the "top" of the device. I hope other small device manufacturers take note of this; putting the USBs on the traditional sides might not make the most sense if the unit is designed to be used in both portrait and landscape mode.

Comments

[Jason]

I just had a couple questions. I just got the Q1UP and have been running xp on it, like it comes. But have been thinking about putting Vista on it. Is there a Noticeable difference in how it runs? Faster? Slower? I am not talking about benchmarks, just real world use. Also, How did you go about installing it. Did you buy a full version, or an upgrade? Then just use a USB DVD drive? Lots of questions, thanks for your time.

[Kevin C. Tofel]

Jason, I want to use Vista on the device for a few days before I share that info. I've only just got everything working last night and need to install the apps I use. I can say that I don't yet see any noticeable difference in how the device runs with Vista as compared to XP for what that's worth.

I own a full Vista license, which is what I used to install. I did a clean install as opposed to an upgrade. In a week or so, I'll be installing SP1. I do have a USB optical drive that I use for my mobile devices. More to follow...

[Chris K]

What about one of those right-angle USB adapters? Would the bulk still be a problem for thumbdrives/thin USB wireless modems like yours, or does that tend to make it manageable?

[nomo]

I agree with the comments regarding the USB ports. The best WWAN solution for me would be a built-in antenna and a CDMA SIM card slot, but there doesn't seem to be much momentum in that direction.

[Jeff Edmonds]

The problem is these UMPC need integrated Ev-d0!!

[Bryan]

Just curious, but do UMPCs like this come with something like a microfiber cloth to clean the screen?

With all the touching, smudging, skin oils, and perspiration these things are likely to get dirty fast.

[Kevin C. Tofel]

Chris, the problem isn't the bulk. My USB modem isn't that much bigger than a USB flash drive. The issue is the placement of it on a device that's meant to be held on both sides with both hands. When holding a device like that, you're likely covering the side USB port. Now imagine a USB stick there. ;)

Jeff, I'm probably in the minority, but I don't like to see integrated 3G in devices. They're great for folks that use a single device and plan to for the full two-year 3G commitment. I use multiple devices, so a USB modem is much more useful to me. Even if I upgrade devices, I don't have to worry about ETF fees on the 3G plan.

Bryan, some do and some don't. It depends on the device.