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Dopod mini notebook is tempting

I still take notes using my trusty pen and paper when I'm out attending a press conference or conducting an interview. Lugging around my ThinkPad X31--even though it's an ultraportable notebook--presents too much of a hassle.
Written by Isabelle Chan, Contributor

I still take notes using my trusty pen and paper when I'm out attending a press conference or conducting an interview. Lugging around my ThinkPad X31--even though it's an ultraportable notebook--presents too much of a hassle. I've looked at PDAs, but for some reason, I've not been compelled to buy one.

Based on what I need for note-taking during a one-hour interview or keynote speech, Dopod's U1000 mini notebook with 3.5G connectivity may just be the device I've been holding out for. Its 5-inch VGA LCD screen is big enough for an easy read, but I confess, what caught my eye is its clean-cut design and cool metallic silver color (no female stereotypical colors like hot pink, for me, thank you). The other cool factor is the magnetic QWERTY keyboard, which serves as a detachable cover to protect the screen. No hinges to worry about; the magnet is strong enough to keep it firmly in place but lets you pull it apart easily, too.

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You can use the U1000 as a mobile phone, take photos using the built-in 3-megapixel camera, browse Web pages, or even watch movies. If you want to give a business presentation, there is a VGA/TV out function which lets you easily connect to a TV or projector. Dopod has also included the Opera Mobile browser, as well as the VueFlo browser which makes use of motion sensor technology to make Web browsing easier.

Okay, I'm no gizmo freak, as my colleagues know, but I am actually entertaining the thought of buying one...or not.

Think I'll sleep on it, and let the practical side of me decide if the U1000 should stay on my wishlist for 2007.

The U1000 will hit Singapore stores at the end of February. Suggested retail price: S$1,998 (US$1,303).

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