The UMID mbook SE now sports the 1.6GHz Atom Z530, 1GB of RAM, 802.11 b/g/n, 32GB SSD, and the same 4.8-inch 1024×600 screen found on the previous models. Plus, the battery is a 2,800mAh rather than the 2,600mAh version found on the mbook BZ. So to recap, the new UMID mbook SE has a faster CPU, better wireless options, and a larger battery than the just-announced Viliv N5. Oh, and it will start out at $499 rather than $649. Hopefully this model will find a way to leave Korea and hit the US’s retail market.

There will be two versions initially available. The base model with an Atom Z520 CPU, 1GB of RAM, GPS, and 32GB SSD will cost $649. An additional $150 adds an unlocked 3G GSM wireless modem to the mix. Dynamism’s pre-order event starts on July 6th at 1PM with each pre-order getting a free spare battery. The expected shipping date is just a few days later on July 19.

Stay tuned for our full review.

The two are very similar. They both share the same form factor, target demographic, and functions and so what follows is my quest to determine the best device. However, I’m not sure I succeeded.

Form Factor

There is no question that the Viliv takes top honors in this category. The N5 is sleek, sexy, and downright gorgeous where the mbook BZ is, well, utilitarian.

It’s just not looks, though. The Viliv N5 feels so much more solid. The construction quality is top-notch with not one manufacturing seam out of place. The mbook BZ material’s feel cheap in comparison.

Winner – Viliv

Screen

Both the Viliv N5 and mbook BZ have 1024 x 600 screens. Both screens have great contrast, brightness and sharpness. However, the glossy overlay on the N5′s makes it a mirror in a bright room or outside therefore the mbook BZ wins by default.

Winner – mbook BZ

Keyboard & Mouse

Typing on these small clamshells is almost an art form. I’m still not sure if I’m supposed to place the device on the desk and type with my fingers, or grip it like a BlackBerry and peck with my thumbs. Neither are great at the task, but I’ve found the keyboard on the mbook BZ to be a bit more usable.

At first look, the mbook BZ’s keyboard is a bit mushy, but it’s not like you’re pounding on it desktop-style so it really doesn’t matter. The mbook bz’s letter keys are all the same size and in the right location where a few of the letters on the Viliv’s keyboard are slightly smaller — the L and the K, specifically.

The narrower build on the mbook BZ also makes holding it BlackBerry-style easier and therefore better suited for thumb typing.

However, the optical trackpad on the Viliv N5 works so much better than the mbook BZ’s. It’s nearly unusable on the mbook BZ, although it could be a driver issue. Thankfully both are touchscreens, though, so it’s not like you’re required to use the pads anyway.

Winner – Tie

Battery Life

The mbook BZ is listed with a 7-hour battery and the Viliv N5′s is supposed to last 6. Both last about 5:30 in my tests.

Winner – Tie

Graphic power

The Viliv is a slightly more powerful kit with an Intel Atom Z520 1.3GHz chip and 1GB of DDR2 memory vs the mbook BZ’s Intel Atom Z515 1.2GHz paired with 512MB of DDR2 memory. It shows, too. YouTube runs fine on both, but the Viliv N5 can just barely playback Hulu Desktop and a 720p video file.

Winner – Tie

Extras

Viliv N5

• Built-in 3G modem
• GPS
• Windows 7 Starter

UMID mbook BZ

• VGA out
• Non-glare screen
• Windows XP Home

Of course this comparison is a bit silly seeing as the Viliv N5 will cost more than the mbook BZ when it launches later this summer. But still, I believe UMID mbook BZ held its own in most of the tests and might fit your requirement list for a full-feature pocketable clamshell PC. Really the only that the Viliv N5 does better is video playback. It doesn’t hurt that it looks better, too.

Full specs

Viliv N5

• Intel Atom 1.3GHz (Z520)
• 1GB DDR2 RAM
• 32GB SSD
• 4.8-inch Single-touch LCD
• 1024 x 600 resolution
• 3G modem
• WLAN 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• GPS Sirf Star3
• 1.3MP webcam
• 1 USB Port
• 1 microSD Card Slot
• 1 3.5mm headphone out
• 6 hour battery life
• Windows 7 Starter
• 0.85lbs

UMID mbook BZ

• Intel Atom 1.2GHz (Z515)
• 512MB DDR2 RAM
• 16GB SSD
• 4.8-inch Single-touch LCD
• 1024 x 600 resolution
• WLAN 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• 1.3MP webcam
• 1 USB Port
• 1 microSD Card Slot
• 1 3.5mm headphone out
• VGA out
• 7 hour battery life
• Windows XP Home
• 0.8lbs
• Price: $499

Viliv is at it again. This time around the Korean manufacturer is going after the clamshell market with the N5. The self-described Ultra Mini Mobile PC is really just that — a truly mobile PC. This form factor isn’t exactly new as I just looked at the main competitor, the UMID mbook bz, just a few months back so I’m actually curious if the N5 brings anything novel to the niche market.

I’ve only had the handheld for a few hours now so what follows are simply my first impressions. I’ll post a full review once I put some serious time in with the device. These type of devices sometimes take a while to appreciate and understand so it’s not exactly fair to judge its potential right out of the box. Anywho, click through for a few pros, cons, and pics — including comparisons against the mbook bz.

Pros

Screen
The WSVGA 1024 x 600 screen is gorgeous. It’s sharp, bright, and displays adequate contrast. It might be the most impressive feature of the N5.

Build quality
I found Viliv’s last release, the S10 convertible netbook, a departure from Viliv’s traditionally top-tier feel. Not the N5. It feels as good as anything that Sony or Apple could make. The outside is covered in a sort-of soft touch skin and there isn’t a miss-aligned seam anywhere. It’s really impressive.

Graphic power
The N5 can run Hulu Desktop! The N5 can run Hulu Desktop! And I mean it can run it in a way that’s enjoyable to use with very little lag and jitterness. This is the first ultra mobile PC I’ve used that can actually provide an acceptable experience with Hulu Desktop. It’s not flawless, but it’s good enough. Just think of the fun that can be had with Hulu Desktop and the integrated 3G HSPA modem.

Cons

The mouse
I’m not a fan of small optical trackpads. I’ve yet to use one that’s intuitive and clever. The N5′s is more of the same. The tiny optical trackpad isn’t accurate, slow, and a pain. But in Viliv’s defensive, I don’t have a better solution. These trackpads are about the smallest navigational devices available and it really wouldn’t be that big of a deal if the N5′s touchscreen was better.

Touchscreen
Finicky. That’s the best way to describe the touchscreen. A stylus improves the experience, but even then it’s not exactly accurate or precise. It feels like a driver issue and my unit is a pre-release model, so let’s chalk this one up to that fact.

Keyboard
It’s too mushy. Keys that require less travel would make typing on the N5 with your thumbs so much more effective.

Glossy screen
The screen is basically a mirror in a bright room.

Full review coming shortly

Laptop Magizine got a little face time with the X10 and walked away impressed. It seems both Android 2.2 and Windows 7 models will be available come launch time. Also, the 1366 x 768 16:9 screen powered by an ARM CPU displayed 720p content beautifully. An SD card reader, USB port, HDMI, front-facing webcam, and built-in 3G or WiMax completes the device. Can you say legitimate iPad alternative? I can.

Laptop couldn’t get a release date or projected price at Computex. I reached out to my Viliv contacts but have yet to hear back.

Hopefully the company has improved upon the model since we got a few minutes to play with it on CES’s show floor. While the form factor is fantastic, it felt cheap and flimsy — almost breakable. We should find out in June.

We first got to play with the HD5 back at CES and it’s a fun little device. The 5-inch WVGA LCD screen is about the right size, nearly big enough to justify carrying this along with a smartphone, but not too large where it doesn’t fit in a pocket. The battery should hold up to 13 hours of video playback and 47 hours for audio. There’s even an SDHC slot if the internal storage of 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB isn’t enough.

A custom skin running on top of Windows CE 6.0 powers the device but is said to be able to playback 1080p MKV files. Hopefully there is still plan on releasing the device here in the states. Most smartphones can preform the same tasks, but the larger screen and killer battery life makes quite a case for owning both. [AVing via UberGizmo]

We just got word directly from Dynamism that they have the Viliv S10 convertible netbook in stock and are shipping them out the same day as a customer places an order.

While I found there to be some build quality flaws, this netbook / tablet can easily satisfy all of your Windows 7 tablet needs now that HP has canceled its Slate program. It comes loaded with the Windows Touch Pack that takes full advantage of the device’s multitouch capabilities. But then it also has a keyboard for banging out those longer emails. Plus it has 3G, a large SSD, and more goodies. Trust me, you’ll forget about the Slate soon enough.

Features

• Multitouch resistive touchscreen
• Convertible design
• 32GB or 64GB SSD
• Intel Atom Z530 or Z550 CPU

Pros

• Battery life at around 7 hours with WiFi on
• Multitouch screen combined with Win7′s Touch Pack
• Great 3G modem

Cons

• Chintzy build quality
• Very weak screen hinge
• No way to lock the screen in tablet configuration

Review
The Viliv S10 Blade is the largest and latest model in Viliv’s growing arsenal. It’s essentially an S7 with a larger screen, with the same convertible touchscreen design and 3G modem. However the S10 adds a 7-point multitouch to the mix along with Windows 7. These two main additions make for a much more pleasing user experience.

Computer power-wise, the S10 is technically faster than the S7 with a 1.66GHz Atom rather than a 1.33GHz. But it doesn’t seem faster because it also uses Windows 7 instead of XP. Even with all of Windows 7′s fancy user enhancements turn off, there’s still some noticeable lag opening and closing programs. Things tend to stutter. But that’s a small price to pay for the goodies that come with Windows 7 Touch Pack.

While Windows 7 certainly isn’t a touchscreen-type interface, the Touch Pack makes it at least usable with a slightly modified pointer. The pack builds the touchscreen interface controls directly into the OS, rather than relying on 3rd party solutions that often didn’t work well.

Touch the screen and the pointer turns from an arrow into a small round circle, which is better suited for a finger or the included stylis. Touch and hold brings up the right click menu along with the ability to drag and select multiple icons. Even the Microsoft Surface apps are included with the pack, although the graphically-intense programs do not run well on the low-power S10. Also, the handwriting app could use a little work. (see the pic to to the left)

None of this touchscreen fun is Viliv’s doing, though. It’s an official Windows 7 add-on pack. Viliv however opted for a nice mutlitouch touchscreen that full takes advantage of this pack. Everything from pinch-to-zoom works. It’s practical use however is still in question because right now there isn’t much taking advantage of it on the small, low-power device.

While the multitouch screen is cool, it’s also one of the S10′s main disappointment. It has a horrible viewing angle. It must be +/-10 degrees. Users cannot be at all off of center. Forget about folding the screen flat and laying the it on the table in slate mode. You can’t see it unless you’re directly above the screen.

Then there’s the screen hinge. This is where the S10 really starts to fall apart. It’s a bit on the loosey goosey side. A loose hinge is even worse on a convertable notebook as there’s nothing stopping the screen from twisting and turning at the slightest touch.

Generally convertable notebooks and netbooks have a little latch or a very strong hinge to prevent the screen from moving when in notebook mode. Then in tablet mode, there should be another latch that locks the screen in place. But the S10 doesn’t have either allowing the screen to move around way too much. This could be a dealbreaker for some power users coming looking to upgrade from older convertible models.

It’s not just the screen that looks and feels cheap. Even the slightly amount of pressure between the battery and the front lip causes the plastic to flex, revealing the hard edge of the battery. The keyboard is mushy and while the trackpad is fine, the mouse buttons are the single bar-type that rock between right and left click that require you to click on a small sweet spot rather than anywhere on the bar. The speakers are horrible, which is actually a bit of a surprise. The two previous Viliv’s I’ve reviewed, the X70 tablet and S7 netbook, both had speakers that were both loud and clear. Not the S10, though.

The computing power is on par for an Atom. It handles YouTube and Xvid videos fine, but chokes when it comes to Hulu and any of the included Microsoft Surface apps. GeekBench gave it a 793.

There is some good news, though. The 3G modem is great and I found the battery lasted around 7 hours under normal use with the WiFi on. (that’s it)

So while I love to tell you that the S10 is a viable slate alternative, I can’t. The bad screen hinge is that big of a deal in my mind. It not only contributes to the cheap feel, but also seriously limits the S10′s ability as a tablet as there’s no way to confidently keep the netbook in tablet mode without the aid of a latch or locking mechanism. It’s a fine netbook with the normal mediocre performance that an Atom CPU offers, but don’t think that the S10 is the best of both the netbook and tablet worlds.

The $579 S7 will be available with a $50 instant rebate if the buyer signs up for a Sprint Mi-Fi or Overdrive hotspot. That’s of course a nice offer, but the slightly more expensive $649 S7 features a built-in unlocked 3G modem allowing owners to pop-in any ol’ activated SIM card for mobile hotspot-free Internet connectivity.

As of writing it doesn’t seem that any Best Buy locations have the portables in stock, but YMMV. Give your local store a quick minute or two before bothering computer associates about when they will be getting their first Viliv shipments. [Best Buy]

I think netbooks will end up being more like the Blade than actual laptops. The touchscreen makes more sense in this small scale except that this still uses a stylus, a big sad-maker for me. We’ll have a full review shortly.

Specs

Windows 7
Multitasking
Flash support
Unlocked 3G modem
Webcam
2 USB ports
SD card slot
Video out

I loaded up the demo on a Viliv X70 tablet computer and found it works quite well on the 9-inch tablet. The buttons could be a bit larger, but overall it’s one of the most touchscreen-friendly websites I’ve seen. Click through for a quick video demo.

The normal version of Google Reader simply doesn’t work well with touchscreen computers. It’s the buttons, really. They are the key to a good Google Reader experience.

Users need a way to star items, access different lists and navigate around the robust interface. Google Reader Play solves all those issues with a cleaner interface and larger buttons. There are still some things I would change, but Google Reader Play is likely still in beta like most other Google projects so I’m not too concerned.

I also don’t see the need to use Play rather than the standard version on a normal computer. It doesn’t offer anything more than a redesigned interface and you can’t add your own RSS feeds into it just yet. It might draw some new users into the RSS world, but most current Reader users probably won’t make the switch besides to see what all the fuss is about.

viliv Expands its Mobile Internet Device Product with the Go-Everywhere PC “N5” and Multi-touch Tablet PC “S10 Blade”

The viliv N5 features a 4.8” Touch Screen, Intel®Atom™ Processor and Windows® 7 OS, and QWERTY keyboard

The viliv S10 Blade features a 10.1” Multi-touch Screen with High Resolution(1366×768) and Swivel Display.

Las Vegas-Jan 6, 2010 – viliv (Yukyung Technologies Corporation), a leading Mobile Internet Device manufacturer, today announced two new Mobile Internet Devices, the N5 and the S10 Blade. The two products made their debut at PEPCOM’s Digital Experience in Las Vegas and will be on display during CES 2010 at the viliv booth, #30349 of the South Hall 3 Upper Level.

Aimed at the go-everywhere PC users, “N5” combines usability and productivity by delivering enhanced performance, light portability (weighing just 399g/0.88lbs), extended battery life and full QWERTY keyboard. With integrated GPS navigation and fueled by the Intel® Atom™ processor (1.33GHZ), N5 is a non-compromise, high-performance mobile computing device that offers full PC functionality and optional 3G HSPA or WiMAX connectivity for mobile professionals as well as for micro-bloggers.
viliv also unveiled the S10 Blade with Multi-Touch Convertible Tablet form factor and with multiple ways to provide input including a full QWERTY keyboard, Multi-Touch and stylus. The S10 Blade delivers up to 10 hours of battery life and weighs only 1.21Kg / 2.67 lb for the best mobile computing experience. The S10 Blade offers various connectivity options including integrated 4G mobile WiMAX, and 3G HSPA. Consumers can get a seamless Internet connectivity at true broadband speeds — at home, in the office or on-the-go.
“Since pioneering the MID (Mobile Internet Device) category with the introductions of S5, X70EX and S7 over a period of less than 6 months, viliv has been unwavering in its commitment to the long-term growth and development of this fast-growing mobile computing product market segment, said Dr. Seung-Jin Yoo, Vice President, Yukyung Technologies.” “We have made a strong showing in the global marketplace. With the introductions of N5 and S10 Blade, viliv further strengthens its leadership position in the Mobile Internet Device market segment. Viliv N5 and S10 Blade continue to deliver high performance and amazing mobility with the Intel® Atom™ processor.

“The Intel Atom processor represents a hallmark in technology innovation, enabling users to gain unhindered access to the rich, visually-compelling Internet in handheld devices,” said Pankaj Kedia, director of global ecosystem programs in Intel Corporation’s Ultra Mobility Group. “Yukyung has demonstrated the capabilities of the Atom processor with an exciting range of products – the viliv N5 and S10 Blade, the company’s latest additions, will bring the power of the Internet to the hands and pockets of delighted consumers around the world.”

N5 and S10 Blade can be purchased through a variety of resellers including Amazon, Newegg, Buy.com, B&H Photo, PC mall and more and will also be introduced through brick and mortar stores.

viliv MID feature Highlights

viliv S10 Blade : Convertible Multi-Touch Tablet

First 10″ Swivel, Multi-touch screen with Windows™ 7 OS applied mobility tablet PC
Extraordinarily long battery life and 2.67lbs weight for the best mobile computing experience
Enjoy the full capability of your favorite web apps anytime with integrated 3G HSPA

• Intel® Atom™ processor Z530 (1.6GHz) / Z550 (2.0GHz)

• Windows® 7 Home Premium

• 10.1″ HD LCD (1366 x 768, WXVGA) / Swivel / Multi-Touch

• SSD capacity: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB

1GB DDR2 SDRAM 533Mhz
• WiFi IEEE 802.11b/g

• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR

• HSPA/TD-SCDMA/EVDO/WiMAX Connectivity options

• Camera

• 2 USB Host, 1 USB Slave

• SDHC, Headphone-out, Mic, Stereo Speakers

• D-Sub, Multi I/O(Composite / Component / S-Video)

• Keyboard : 84keys total (Function 34keys)

• 10 hours max battery life (7 hour movie playback)

Dimensions: 260(W) x 185(L) x 17~26(H)mm / 10.23(W) x 7.28(L) x 0.67~1.02(H)inch
Weight: 1.21Kg / 2.67 pounds

viliv N5 : Productivity on-the-go – Revolutionized

N5 completes the productive blend of usability and portability.
It’s so small and light that you can conveniently hand-carry anywhere, Anytime!
Always connected Social Networking and Micro Blogging

Intel® Atom™ processor Z520 (1.33 GHz)
Windows® 7 Starter / Home Premium
4.8” WSVGA (1024×600) with Touch Screen
32GB SSD
1GB DDR2 SDRAM 533Mhz
WiFi IEEE 802.11b/g
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
HSPA/TD-SCDMA/EVDO/WiMAX Connectivity options
GPS Sirf Star3
1.3M Pixel Camera
Optical Mouse
1 USB Host, 1 USB Slave
Micro-SD, Headphone-out, Mic, Stereo Speakers
QWERTY keyboard 63keys total (Function 34keys)
Up to 5 hours of battery life
Dimensions: 172(W) x 86(H) x 25(T)mm / 6.77(W) x 3.38(H) x 0.98(T) inch
Weight: 399g / 0.88 pounds

About Yukyung Technologies

Based in Korea, Yukyung Technologies is a worldwide leader in the Mobile device and communications market sector with strengths in technology development, product design, manufacturing quality, as well as solution design and implementation. Yukyung Technologies was founded in 1999 and has developed viliv brand of PMP, Navigator in 2005 and now it’s one of the best and leading Mobile Internet Device Manufacturer in the world.

To be honest, most of this info was out previously. The S10 Blade debuted over the summer and then Viliv somewhat announced the N5 a couple weeks back. But no matter, the rest of the specs are here for your enjoyment.

S10 Blade – Convertable Multi-Touch Tablet

• Intel Atom Z530 (1.6GHz) / Z550 (2.0GHz)
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• 10.1 -inch 1366 x 768, WXVGA, multi-touch, swivel screen
• SSD capacity: 32GB, 64GB, 128Gb
• 1Gb DDR2 SDRAM 533
• 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• HSPA/TD-SCDMA/EVDO/WiMAX Connectivity options
• Camera
• 2 USB Host, 1USB link
• 10 hour max battery life
• Dimensions: 260[W] x 185[L] x 17-26[H]mm
• Weight: 1.21Kg / 2.67 lbs

N5

• Intel Atom Z52 (1.33 GHz)
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• 4.8 WSVGA [1024 x 600] touchscreen
• SSD 32GB
• 1Gb DDR2 SDRAM 533Mhz
• 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• HSPA/TD-SCDMA/EVDO/WiMAX Connectivity options
• Camera
• GPS Sirf Star 3
• QWERTY keyboard
• 1 USB Host, 1USB link
• 5 hour max battery life
• Dimensions: 172[W] x 86[L] x 25[H]mm
• Weight: 399g / 0.88 lbs

Viliv HD5

• 5-inch 800 x 480 capacitive touchscreen
• Full HD / 1080p MKV playback
• Windows CE 6.0
• 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
• HDMI port, SDHC port
• Optional T-DMB / DAB
• Size: 83[W] x 130[H] x 13 [T]mm

Viliv P3

• 3.7-inch AMOLED 800 x 480 Capacitive touchscreen
• 1280 x 720p support, HD / 720p MKV playback
• Coretex ARM 800Mhz
• Windows CE 6.0 & Android dual booting
• WiFi / G-sensor / Vibration motor
• 8GB, 16GB, 32GB SSD
• MicroSD slot
• Optional T-DMB / DAB
• Size: 116[W] x 62.5[H] x 9.8[T]mm

[Blog.Naver.com via UMPC Portal]

• 3G modem
• WiFi
• GPS
• 1024×600 4.8-inch screen

Now all we need is the expected battery life and price, but as with all the other Viliv models, both will probably be up there.

True story: About two months back I was walking through my house with the then-new Viliv S7 convertible netbook. I started babbling to my wife while she was tending to the kids about how much I loved this little netbook. Even though she clearly couldn’t care less, I went on to proclaim that if Apple would have gotten in on the netbook craze, its model probably would have been something a lot like the S7. You can probably guess that at the time I was ready to write a glowing review of the Viliv S7. But then I went to turn it on and discovered it was borked. My wife laughed out loud.

Features

• 7-inch swivel touchscreen
• 3G HSPA
• Intel Atom Z520 1.33GHz CPU
• 32GB SSD
• $799 MSRP (models start at $579 though)

Pros

• Great form factor
• Super long battery life
• Very quick start-up

Cons

• Viliv’s control over the hardware(more info farther down)
• Quirky software
• Pricey

The outside

This is a good looking netbook. The case has the same white finish found on the plastic MacBooks and it looks like it’s a top-tier product. The edges are rounded and the whole thing feels solid. With the lid closed, it’s about as tall as a SD card is wide. Let’s just say it’s on the smaller side of the spectrum.

Even the keyboard feels nice. It’s a tad bouncy, but I never felt like I was going to bust through it like I sometimes do on lesser netbooks. The trackpad’s location feels funny at first being located above the right side of the keyboard, but it’s actually the perfect location. You can effectively hold the S7 with two hands as if it’s a large smartphone and use your thumb on the trackpad. You can even type somewhat fast with your thumbs when holding it this way.

I’m somewhat doubtful that users with sausage fingers will be able to type on the small keyboard though. The keys are about the size of a square M&M, if M&M’s were square, that is. Even with my slender, piano-playing fingers, I often found myself mashing two keys at once, but I did eventually get used to it. Now, I can type at about 3/4 of my full speed, which is good enough in my book.

Mark, over at Gizmodo, railed the S7′s screen but I can find no fault in it. The finish isn’t matte or glossy. It’s somewhat in between, but it gets bright enough to counter most glare; it’s totally usable outside. (I just wish I hadn’t gone through two review units and could have posted the review when he did months ago, but I digress)

Let’s not forget that the S7 also has a touchscreen and it works just as well as the X70 tablet. I found it to be more of a novelity feature for me though. I only used it occasionally after the first few days I had the netbook. It’s just that Windows isn’t meant to be used via a 7-inch touchscreen and the small trackpad is better suited for most tasks. Being able to swivel the screen around and lay it flat is great for movie-watching or ebook-reading though.

The inside

The Viliv S7 packs the standard high-end netbooks specs: an Atom Z520 @ 1.33GHz, 1GB of RAM, 3G modem, 32GB SSD, WiFi, VGA & composite out, SD card slot, three USB ports. It only takes 35 seconds to boot to XP and 9 seconds to resume from sleep. Got to love that.

I’m assuming that the 3G modem works fine, but I seem to live in an AT&T 3G dead zone; I could only connect with EDGE speeds. Let’s not blame the Viliv S7 though.

The S7 includes the same USB transfer program found on the Viliv X70. When a connection is made to the mini USB port, a program auto-runs on both machines and allows you to transfer files between. It’s flawless and should actually be a standard computer feature. It takes all the work out of connecting two computer just to share a few files.

But also like other Viliv rigs, some of the hardware can be switched off to improve the battery life. This can be problematic I found as sometimes hardware like WiFi doesn’t want to respond to the Windows program. I often had to restart the first review sample I received in order for it to work.

From what I can gather, the program removes the 3G modem, camera, and WiFi/Bluetooth from Windows’s reach. Even Device Manager cannot see them when the program has them switched off. It’s a little scary actually to think that some of the most important features of the computer are controlled by this one program.

I do need to point out that I had two review samples die on me. The first one couldn’t find the WiFi/Bluetooth hardware and the second one wouldn’t turn on at all. Most of the time the review samples we receive are first-ran devices — like the URC MX-5000 — but the S7 was out in Korea for a few months before Dynamism imported them to the States. But computers are never perfect. The third S7 I received works fine although the battery switch sometimes doesn’t want to spring back into place to fully secure it. None of the other samples had this issue.

The recommendation

I love the S7 in theory. In my mind it’s the perfect Windows netbook thanks to its size and quick start-up time. But because of the bad experiences I had with it over the last few months, I’m hesitant to recommend it. At least I can tell you confidently that Dynamism.com, the flagship Viliv dealer in the states, fully backs the product and offers excellent tech support as Viliv offers none outside of Korea. That’s important.

Update: A commenter below indicated that Viliv does indeed offer US tech support. The phone number is 1-888-698-4548. News to me, that phone number isn’t on any of the packaging I received nor could I find it in Google when I was having all my issues.

Product Page

The Blump.it Firefox plug-in just hit the blogosphere today and I had to try it. So I loaded it up on the Viliv X70 with the hope that it will improve the functionality of the small-ish touchscreen and turn it into a certain tablet computer clone. In short, it does both very well. Check out the video after the jump to see it in action.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8088120&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1

It’s just what touchscreen mobile devices need, in fact. It’s fast, designed just for a touchscreen, and surprisingly stable for an alpha release. There are some bugs, but if the developers keep coding away on it, the plug-in might just satisfy those looking for a dedicated web-browsing touchscreen device.

The home page is just a bunch of large shortcut icons. There can be multiple pages and the icons can be dragged around for organization. It’s as easy as clicking the shortcut button on the top menu bar to give any website it’s own shortcut, although it’s a generic icon. Since it’s using Firefox, it loads each page just fine and handles flash like a champ. It needs tabs though.

Really the only major bugs I found are that the keyboard is missing key characters like the period and dash. It makes it somewhat difficult to navigate to certain sites without those. But you can always use the device’s on-board keyboard so it’s not totally impossible.

If you have a MID or UMPC laying around, give this Firefox plug-in a go. Just make sure you have the Firefox Grab & Drag plug-in also installed so you can scroll on webpages a bit easier. The company also stated in a recent video that they are working on a Chrome release now that the browser supports plug-ins too. The future is looking up for small touchscreen computers.

Chippy, over at MID Moves, got to spend some quality time with the upcoming Viliv S10 Blade at IDF and seems impressed. That’s saying something as previously he has reviewed the Viliv S5, X70, and currently has in house – like us – the S7. Personally I’m finding that the small form factor of the 7-inch S7 is the perfect netbook size, but some folks might like the bigger 10-inch screen the S10 Blade will offer. Plus, it seems even thinner. It’s going to be a hot netbook, that’s for damn sure.