Why the Flybook V5 is a great machine for the Business Person
Now seems to be a good time to circle back to my “Why do I want a Flybook V5?” entry posted before I had ever touched one.
Back when I was looking for a new “every day” machine, the following were my criteria (not in any particular order):
1) Size and Weight (or rather, the absence thereof)
2) Tablet PC
3) Keyboard
4) Connectivity
5) …via Internet Explorer
6) Fingerprint Identification
Let’s address each of these after 4 1/2 months of use.
1) Size and Weight (or rather, the absence thereof)
I’m going to go with size over weight as to what I like most about the machine. When you get under 3lbs, a few ounces one way or the other doesn’t make a whole lot of difference so in it’s category it is kind of a non-issue. The 8.9″ screen, however, is a wonderful thing. It makes this machine smaller than a piece of 8 1/2 x 11 paper. It fits into any briefcase and all but the tiniest of cross-shoulder bags. It fits on any lap and can easily be hand-held.
It hasn’t been good cycling weather here in the midwest since I received it in October, so while it has been out on the bike, I don’t have a lot of field experience with it. I know, I know, most business people aren’t out cycling during the workweek, but I am - it’s my primary mode of travel in the good weather months.
2) Tablet PC
I’ve been typing since I was three, but to take notes in a meeting, nothing beats a tablet. The Flybook V5, in tablet mode, is very unobtrusive. Once the initial “oh my gosh, what is it, where can I get one” reaction, everyone goes back to doing their own thing and I can scribble away.
It works extremely well as an ebook reader, barely larger than a standard paperback book. And the great thing is, when I finish a book, I just download another one - no matter where I am. Saves on packing space.
3) Keyboard
With the unit having a tablet mode, I do use the keyboard more than I originally imagined. It’s easy to do with the unit sitting on my lap. Interestingly enough, I frequently have the pen stuck between my fingers and I use that to navigate the screen instead of the mouse buttons on the keyboard. I’m trying to train myself to use the keyboard scroll “button” as it is really more convenient than the pen when in laptop mode. My only problem with the keyboard is the right [Shift] key - about a quarter of the time, I snag another key. I’ve noticed that the right [Shift] on my Microsoft Natural keyboard for my desktop is a it of a stretch and I think that’s what is causing the issue.
4) Connectivity
I’m so very glad that AT&T delivers HSDPA in Indianapolis. Download speeds since I purchased the unit have steadily improved (see my various “Speedtest of the Day” posts). Connecting up is a quick and simple procedure. When traveling, if I’m in a place without HSDPA, standard “3G” feels like I’m slogging through mud, but it’s all relative - I can still get my work done. In my “Some notes on AT&T Dataconnect Plan (including Text Messages)” post I share my data usage since inception. The key? UNLIMITED DATA.
Oh, and Bluetooth and WLAN work as anticipated.
5) …via Internet Explorer
My Flybook V5 has a Windows Experience Index of 3.1 which means it merrily runs Windows Vista Business, even with Aero (I turned if off as I found I’m actually not particularly fond of it - personal choice). Haven’t had any problem at all with any of my business apps.
6) Fingerprint Identification
Ugh. Gotta say, this is the one disappointment. I love the concept of fingerprint identification, but I really struggle with the Vitakey password app that ships with the unit. Odd issues, that crop up inconsistently, but frequently, have forced me set Internet Explorer to saving most of my passwords for me. I feel fairly comfortable doing this as I still have to use a password, or fingerprint, to log onto the machine and I am not about to walk away and leave the unit unattended. However… I really think some stability efforts on the part of the Vitakey people would go a long way.
Ok, and why put the fingerprint reader on the keyboard where it isn’t available in tablet mode???
IN SUMMARY
After 4 1/2 months of use, I’m still very pleased with the unit. It is completely functional and satisfies all of my requirements and then some. Well, not entirely true, GPS would be nice… <grin> I can’t imagine ever going back to lugging around an 8lb, 15″ monstrosity. If you are considering the Flybook V5, please feel free to comment on any of the posts and I’ll do my best to answer your questions.
Filed under: Flybook, Flybook V5
You can get used to the shift key if you exclusively use your Flybook for about five weeks. I’m now on my second Flybook and I have to say that I enve n like the shift placement. It forces you to extend your pinky but once you’ve learned this behaviour it still works on other keyboards since the right shift is usually long. I think it improves accuracy in typing. The speed of the smaller keys allows you to type faster once you get used to it…
The WIFI kill switch is another thing that you wouldn’t normally think of. However if you are at a coffee shop in Tokyo and someone starts trying to hack your computer it’s nice to be able to have an instant kill switch. It is a very important security feature for travelling businessmen.
Hey, Micon, glad you found the blog.
The “kill switch” Micon is referring to is at the top, center of the keyboard. With one switch you can immediately shut off ALL wireless options (bluetooth, WIFI, and WWAN (cell)). I haven’t had a reason to use it, but it is a neat concept.
The keyboard also has a “right-click” key down by the right-hand Alt and Ctrl keys. When you use it, the pop-up shortcut menus typically allow you to then type a single (underscored) letter to select one of the options - all without your hands leaving the keyboard. My Microsoft Natural keyboard has one too, but I haven’t trained myself to use it yet. I’ll admit, I don’t use the right-hand Alt or Ctrl keys either… I think it is a product of early keyboards not having them (back in the OLD OLDEN days).