Review: Dialogue Flybook V33i notebook

Dialogue's latest ultraportable notebook has landed, but does it improve on previous versions?

In the summer of 2005, Dialogue presented us with its first Flybook. Back then, it was one of smallest notebooks we had seen and, although we liked the design and features, we weren't too impressed with the relatively weak 1GHz Transmeta Crusoe processor.

Since then, we've seen the launch of the first UMPCs (Ultramobile PCs) - if you missed it, take a look at our review of the Samsung Q1 UMPC - which mimic the Flybook's portability.

Now Dialogue has released the Flybook V33i.

The first improvement is the switch to a Pentium M processor. It's only a 1.1GHz ULV (ultra-low voltage) model, but performs far better than the previous Transmeta model.

We were pleased to see that Dialogue has included 802.11g wireless as standard (the original version was 802.11b only), while integrated Bluetooth is also provided. A PC Card slot sits at the rear along with 2 USB, 2 Firewire, Gigabit Lan, a modem and audio in/out sockets.

The Flybook runs Windows XP, but Dialogue has kept faith with the Ritepen software to take care of the Flybook V33i's Tablet-style functions (handwriting recognition, etc).

We still feel Microsoft's Windows XP Tablet Edition is far better option, even if it means pushing the price up a little. A small and rather uncomfortable stylus slots into the side of the Flybook's chassis.

As with the original Flybook, this version houses an interesting Wan feature. By slipping a GSM, GPRS or Edge Sim card into the slot on the left-hand side of the chassis, you'll be able to connect to the internet (of course, data charges as dictated by your network operator will apply).

We're told an HSPDA version is in the pipeline, but a release date is yet to be confirmed. HSDPA is based on 3G, but promises speeds of up to 1.8Mbits/sec.

We're currently in the process of testing HSDPA notebooks from Acer and Dell (reviews to come soon), so Dialogue needs to release an HSDPA version of the Flybook sooner rather than later.

The V33i is a significant improvement over the first version of the Flybook we reviewed. The processor has been given a much-needed boost, while connectivity has been improved.

As Microsoft and Intel push their UMPCs, the Flybook V33i could well appeal to anyone who wants a similarly small PC, but with the added bonus of a keyboard and various other features.

The Flybook also benefits from having had a fair few revisions since the original model was released - second-generation UMPCs are still a way off.

If you're after a powerful portable notebook, the Flybook most definitely won't appeal, but if you need something that lets you work both in the office and when out and about, it has plenty to offer. Just watch out for that hefty price tag.

We'll be posting in-depth performance results on our benchmarking site later today.

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