When UMPC is thicker than a regular laptop which has full size keyboard, larger and wider screen, higher resolution, faster processor, more memory, faster and larger hard drive, internal DVD RW, longer battery life, and more ports, I don't really see the point of UMPC. Yes, that's my first impression on R2H when I compared it to my Fujitsu P7120.

R2H has a touch screen and smaller footprint, and also it's cheaper. But that's about it. Don't get me wrong. I knew the limitation of UMPC and understand it serves different target such as highly mobile users. But, the thing is R2H is not necessary more mobile friendly than P7120. I am mostly disappointed at the thickness of the unit. I don't like the way Asus designed how the battery gets attached to the unit. When I first opened the box and before attached the battery, I was thinking this one was rather thick. But, after battery was attached, it becomes even thicker: 1.6" deep.

I think Asus tried to achieve too much and forgot what UMPC is meant to be. Integrated GPS, camera, fingerprint reader are all fine and nice to have than not. But if the major selling point of your device is mobility, spent more time and resource on trimming down than adding other features which are not critical.

Sorry if my first impression sounds all too negative, and I know my view might change as I give it more time. But, I wouldn't have been this negative if the cons I found were something like slow performance or short battery life.

I have a 14.4" Sony VAIO and a 10.2" TC1000 (COMPAQ TabletPC first generation) also, but sinds I have the R2H I keep trying to select items by touching the screen with my finger nail :)

Yes, I can go without the GPS, that would have shaved something of the thickness of the unit I think, but overall its way smaller and lighter then the Sony or the Compaq, so I carry this around in my backpack instead. Might have to do with that I do not really need a 'big' computer on the go, as all places I work have fast desktops available.

 

I get your point mate, but considering it's 1st generation i think it is quite handy.It certainly fills that 'technology void' that i have in my daily life from time to time.
The R2H comes in very handy indeed in terms of mailing my clients and office, downloading documents, including doing researches on the net, music,t.v. of football games on the bus (when i can't make it home in time) and stuff like that.So from my experience, it's good for accomplishing little things that can make a difference.
It certainly won't replace my laptop but i think it really creates another platform that can be utilised.I get your message though, the unit with the extended battery on it is super heavy! prpoer brick it is.