DIALOGUE FLYBOOK - FIRST LOOK REVIEW 19/05/2005

Striking an odd balance between an ultraportable laptop and a tablet PC, the Dialogue Flybook makes for an interesting mobile computer. Measuring 238 x 159 x 34mm and weighing a mere 1.2kg, this is a laptop small enough for any amount of long-term mobile use.

Opening as a standard clamshell laptop, the Flybook reveals a 9-inch widescreen panel above a 210 x 80mm QWERTY keyboard. However, swivel the screen 180 degrees clockwise and the user is able to fold it back down onto the chassis and use with the included stylus as a tablet PC.

Considering the ultraportable dimensions of the Flybook, it’s a surprise that specifications are as powerful as they are. A Transmeta Crusoe TM5800 processor is in place and runs at 1GHz. 512MB of DDR SDRAM provides system memory, and a 40GB Toshiba hard drive allows for plenty of storage space.

The most notable addition to the system is an integrated GPRS phone. Users are able to plug in a SIM card directly to the laptops chassis, and connect to the Internet, make voice calls, or even send SMS text messages and faxes.

Usability is a mixed bag, as the Flybook forgoes the standard touchpad configuration for a tracking stick and two sets of mouse buttons situated above the keyboard. After a while, operation becomes second nature, but users accustomed to the use of a touchpad may have difficulty initially.

Available in six colours, the Dialogue Flybook will suit users seeking one of the smallest laptops on the market. It remains to be seen which market the system will be ideally aimed at though. For a full review see the next issue of WL on sale 7th July.

Contact:
www.dialogue.com.tw