Kohjinsha SA1 Review

First, I want to thank Dynamism for supplying this unit for evaluation and pit it against the ultra-mobile challenge! This device and many others are available at Dynamism.com. After a couple weeks of using the SA1, five days of which as my primary computer, I am ready to write a full evaluation. For more high-resolution pictures, follow this link.

My first reaction (obvious in my unboxing video) to this device is just how tiny and slim it really is. It is a convertible non-touchscreen slate with a full keyboard in the footprint of an ultra-mobile PC. With the keyboard, CF and SD slots, and external connection ports, it is the most flexible device of this size I have ever used. It gathers attention, too. I have yet to take it anywhere without someone striking up a conversation about how small it is. As I booted it up to write this review, I got no less than three people at this little coffee shop gathered around it just to watch it boot.

This is not a desktop computer

The SA1 has changed my PC use considerably over the last weeks. Most of my evenings are spent sitting at a desk and reading news, researching, and entertaining myself. The size and convenience of the SA1 actually encourages me to go out and find other environments in which to do my thing. I spend much less time playing games due to the CPU power, but much more spent in reading, messaging, and Email. Even after building a station with an external monitor, mouse, and keyboard, I find myself more willing to be away from the desk.

Relax!

When used as a secondary home computer, the purpose of the SA1 is clear. As a convertible, it was good to have in the kitchen with a web browser showing me my latest recipe while still giving me fast access to Email and messaging. The same holds true while on the couch watching DVDs.

How much garlic?

After extensive use, it runs into some problems. The keyboard is cramped and often unresponsive. As a large man who is already prone too wrist pain, the SA1's tiny form factor prevented me from typing for extended periods of time. The keys are not as responsive as they should be on a device this size. Flash video does not play properly. DVDs on a USB DVD ROM struggle to keep frame counts up. Forget any games made in the last 3 years, too. The video below shows some of the performance issues.

This video was edited on the SA1

That is not to say that this device is without exceptional value. As a web surfing and chat device, it rules the couch and the coffee shop. For light music or video playback (using conservatively compressed AVIs) it is sufficient. With battery life consistently topping 3.5 hours using WiFi, it can be good for any student in the classroom as well.

How does this fare in the ultra-mobile challenge? Well, it failed. Without a docking station, I was reluctant to plug in the USB hub, monitor, and Ethernet to get things on a big screen. I could create films with Windows Movie Maker, but had to leave the device sitting by itself for 90 minutes to render a 10 minute video. As a primary workstation, it is not good choice.

How does this stack up against current ultra-mobile offerings? It has some of the same pitfalls that other Windows devices have: specifically boot-up time and software bloat. This cannot compete against the Nokia N800 for it's always-ready status. The keyboard, even with responsiveness issues, will be a boon to users who do not want to use TIP, DialKeys, or external keyboards. The integrated ports and slots are wonderful, but a docking station would have been better.

On a whim, I tested a Freespire LiveCD and an Ubuntu LiveCD. Both booted up without any problems and properly detected network settings. Graphics had to be adjusted for the resolution of the display, but looked good. A full Linux installation would run yet better. I didn't test all hardware or Bluetooth, but think that the included hardware should work just fine.

Who should consider the SA1?

• Students
• Light bloggers
• Chat/web addicts
• Couch/cafe surfers
• Photographers (for offloading/uploading)
  

Who should consider something else?

• Heavy writers
• Gamers
• People looking for horsepower

If this device came in at around $700, it would give PepperPads a run for their money as the best second PC for the home. At about $1,000, the Kohjinsha SA1 is for people who have a specific need for the size and features. With a little more speed and a more responsive keyboard, I'd take the SA1 everywhere.