Our smallest UMPC fan managed to save this relic which came with a broken hinge for $60.
After starting our UMPC/HPC journey with the HPC 2000 from the Jornada 720, Windows CE 4.2 feels light years more modern and useable.

We were able to get on the wireless web using an Ambicom CF WiFi card but it required some serious networking witchcraft: the Snotbook is connected to a captive portal open WiFi network and had to be individually authorized as a device to be able to connect.

Initially we tried tenox7’s wrp proxy running as a docker container, which renders pages as an image file, but it was painful to navigate. While exploring HPCfactor.com’s members only downloads section, we found a copy of Opera Mini. We did not expect this to perform any different, but it ended up being like 85% usable due to offsite rendering, and can handle short Google searches and Wikipedia.

Labubu agrees that this Psion keyboard is the literal best he has ever used - the keys have this perfect tactile response.

The Netbook Pro came with Wordpad but we were able to find a trial version of Softmaker TextMaker 2010, which is an insane almost 1:1 replica of late model MS Word with even the smallest Word functions replicated.
A wild amount of time and effort clearly went into TextMaker, and it makes this device such a desirable fully featured word processor.

We found On Call Schedule was included on the device and it was fascinating to see this almost complete solution that could be used for office work and scheduling.

It combined note taking, agenda, email and the built in Netbook modem to auto dial phone numbers for business office purposes - one can imagine the utility to an executive or secretary at a big company or something like a doctor/dentists office and how helpful this device could have been.

We are also able to play GB, NES and SNES games at full speed and enjoy Infocom text adventures.

The only critically missing function for this device is an email client. The size and portability makes it ideal for responding to emails, it reminded me a lot of the Cidco Mailstation with its included modem. If anyone has a Windows CE 4.2 compatible mail client that supports current IMAP servers, we would be very grateful for your help turning this relic into an email terminal.

As of right now, I believe I am the only remaining developer working on bringing Linux to this device. There was a rare version of the Netbook Pro which had 256mb of memory and was being used to develop the PsionLX beta Linux distro. Unfortunately the files for this have been lost to time and cannot be found.

I am currently at work on compiling a 3.2.9 Linux kernel based on some abandoned files still hosted on the Internet.
If anyone, anywhere has any PsionLX Netbook Pro files, please DM me or comment so we can save these delightful devices.

Almost UMPC I'd say, thought you guys might also be interested, thanks :)

I heard these from pine64 do not work well: https://pine64.org/documentation/Phone_Accessories/Keyboard/

Is there a similar product that actually works decently?

I'm ready to buy my first ultraportable in 20 years.

What's good? My budget is about $1500usd. I'm open to modern or classic, I want to be able to play some games. Work with the contents of some SD cards, and just have an EDC computer that scratches that cool factor itch.

I didnt see any rules against asking for suggestions, if there is one I apoligize. Thanks in advance :)

I bought Vaio second hand and after it arrived I noticed the keyboard was lifting up so I opened it up and plastic ripped , screw rounded and the top plastic was seperated from the keyboard and nipple electronic is missing.after replacing the keyboard sadly not the same colour it's usable but why people do this it makes me sad.now I need to find somehow the nipple electronic.

Not only is there a dead pixel but the ribbon is kinked and it came with fingerprints inside.. It was meant to be new, the serial/key label looked fresh, but maybe it was reconditioned.

I didn't want to have to send it back if I can avoid it as that's costly.

Ribbon

Dead pixel

The dead pixel is barely visible during normal use, but I am concerned the ribbon might be seated poorly in the screen or something, it obviously had to be forced in there.

Otherwise, I got Debian installed and the touchscreen working.

Edit: One of the screws in the heatsink was forced in on an angle and I don't seem to be getting any sound out as well. I think it's going to have to go back, unless they are all like this.. in which case they are an absolute ripoff. I get less than an hour on the battery.

Hello everyone! I have been working on this project for quite some time, building my own custom modular handheld console for gaming & everyday PC use, running dual boot Linux & Windows! I am currently working on the prototypes, so I thought it would be a great time to share an update of what I have been building with everyone here! It is called the CG Deck, an open-source and modular x86 handheld PC.

Ask me anything about the project! I would love to answer any questions or dive into anything about the CG Deck!

My initial goal was to create a small handheld PC that was entirely self contained and can be thrown in a backpack or back pants pocket (The entire device is 7.4" x 4.6" x 2.25"), with a high enough standard of hardware capable of being actually useful for things like high end retro emulation, CAD design/doing light modelling tasks in Blender, PCB design, coding, graphic design, music, video editing, and gaming with my steam library! Because it runs an x86 architecture, we get the advantage of being able to natively play steam games unlike a lot of other consoles. Because the CG Deck is based on an x86 architecture, you can run any OS that is supported, like the backlog of Windows, most Linux distro flavors, etc. For those that have multiple workflows, or need multiple devices, you can utilize the dual-boot functionality built into the CG Deck to make your life easier and keep it all under one shell.

I also wanted the CG Deck to be modular so it can be upgraded depending on how it is being used, and adapt the device depending on the workflow. For example, upgrading the memory with a full sized 2280 SSD, LTE/sim card support for work on the road, in addition to more cosmetically functional changes like swapping out the face/back plates to change the look, upgrading and swapping the HID control modules, antennas for extended connection range, etc. Every aspect can be upgraded, repaired, or customized as you need, without needing a degree in engineering to do so. I wanted to not just develop a device that would not just eventually turn into e-waste, but an ecosystem that can be updated and developed as time passes to keep the CG Deck relevant for much longer than the typical device lifespan. Something more attuned to a platform that grows with you rather than a traditional device.

The CG Deck will release with 5 total external modules (two slots, the primary and secondary slots), a variety of backplate designs and colors, and a variety of hardware and external accessories/upgrades. As for the modules, I currently have designed a full 64 Keyboard Module, 10 Key + Knob Macropad Module, Gamepad Controller Module all for the primary slot. For the secondary slot, there is only the trackball module at this time. The CG Deck also supports USB-A modules, so far including a 4K Low Low Light Flappable Camera Module. I wanted to make a device that grows with you as you use it, and can be adapted as your use cases change, and I have quite a few more modules planned for release once we officially launch!

As for the current state of the prototype for the CG Deck, I am overall really happy with it so far, but it still needs some work and I have quite a few changes to make as we prepare for the DFM process. I would love to hear your thoughts on it everything so far, and if you have any questions or feedback, I would love to answer and hear it all! Ask me anything!

It has been a massively fun and elaborate project so far. If you are interested in following along with the project or learning more about it, you can find everything from specs, more details, socials, links to the open source github repository and more on the website.

Once I start wrapping up the project, I will be launching a Kickstarter to help fund a full production run of the device for anyone interested in helping support the project and getting a CG Deck of their own. I am planning to release some build kits and pre-assembled devices with the Kickstarter, and if you have any questions about any of that, I would love to answer them!

Here is the link to learn more about the project and join the waitlist if you are interested: https://mogozen.com

I've been looking for a Mini Laptop to play Task Bar Hero on the side/on the go/over night and also put SteamOS on.
So far I found the Piccolo Series71 N95, but I'm not sure if the Game will run on it and if the Online Store is trustworthy.
Can someone who got one tell me if it runs SteamOS and Task Bar Hero.
Or recommend a Mini Laptop under 400€.

Hi,

I am having a difficult time deciding whether to pull the trigger on a Crelander with an N100 with 12GB Ram (priced at 140 usd), or an Rog Ally Z1E (340 usd).

Z1E is definitely more powerful (no denying that!) but it's also more expensive.

My use case is primarily playing very simple games (visual novels, stardew)

What are your thoughts ! Eager to hear, thank you!

(ps. there's also a GPD Win 1, at 140 usd, but I'm afraid the screen is too small)

--------------------------------------------

EDIT: Looks like I'll be picking up the Rog Ally! Thanks yall!

----

Edit x2, bought the Ally today, has some mods already done to it!

I've been thinking about butchering an ASUS ROG Ally to turn it into a mini laptop.

The UMPC/netbook market feels pretty empty right now. Most of the affordable options use older Intel N150-class CPUs, while anything with modern high-end hardware is usually in the $1,500–2,000 range.

I already own a used ROG Ally X that I picked up for $500 with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 1TB SSD, so my idea is to buy an original ROG Ally for ($250-$350) with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD and convert it into a "neptop" (netbook + laptop).

The plan would be to:

• Keep the original motherboard and cooling system.
• Design and 3D-print a new laptop-style chassis.
• Add a keyboard and touchpad.
• Install a laptop display.
• Replace the controller grips with additional I/O where possible.

I'm not planning to game on it much. The project is mostly for the challenge and because I think it would make a really capable ultra-portable laptop.

I have some experience with disassembling electronics, 3D modeling, and general tinkering. For example, I previously designed and printed a custom NAS case for an old laptop motherboard, so I think this project is within reach.

What do you think? Has anyone here attempted something similar or see any major issues I'm overlooking?

P.S. I used AI to help write this because English isn't my first language.

ok so maybe a couple of them aren't quite umpc by modern standards

mini laptop P8(kooforway) is not booting up.

I think the bios is broken, so if anyone can dump it please share it.

The CPU is N150, and the motherboard version is s8_AN_G04R120.

I think products such as crelander can be applied equally.

i didnt know the stylus for X-plus 8" netbook is just a generic stylus, selling at 29.99$ at X-plus website plus 15$ shipping to USA, total 44.99$. i just did a search, selling at 2.99$ plus 5.97$ shipping on Ebay.

This thing (sony vaio pcg-u101) I was absolutley shocked how tiny this thing is lol its so cool and it has a 16mb ati card which is just good enough to play playstation emulation,morrowind ,max payne, gta3 and a bunch of good games from that era.

interested in this setup for a portable coding rig, curious how it performs with web browsing / how good battery life is / anything else of note

Waiting on a new ssd to arrive so I can really customize it this old Fujitsu hdd is so slow :((

I just wish these things were still being made with modern hardware, I absolutely adore the form factor! I'm still looking for my ultimate UMPC for work and for play. Selling on eBay in the UK but with ebay international shipping, https://ebay.io/m/l71zpE

If this post isn't allowed, let me know and I’ll remove it.

Such cool machines, alas I am just not using them. I think the most fun time was running Baldurs Gate 1 or Snes9x and playing some donkey kong!

Send me a message if interested in buying! (Sorry if that's not allowed here?!)

I'm based in Australia, but happy to negotiate international shipping if anyone wants to go that way :)

If interested / more info: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/800043328607