The Flybook V5 has been updated with Windows 7‏, but it's still a bit expensive

A closer look at the Flybook V5, updated with Windows 7, and whether it's still worth the expense‏

Netbooknews.com has recently uploaded a video of the Flybook V5, which was displayed at the Windows 7 launch event in Taipei. The V5 has been updated to include Windows 7 as its standard OS and a touchscreen. The video gives a clear view of the product and reveals some of the Flybook's more interesting features. The relatively powerful notebook has a 1.2 GHz Intel® Core 2 Duo ULV (U7600), and can be fitted with up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, but some of its more unique features include an adjustable, swivelling screen that can be inverted to turn the notebook into a tablet PC.

Having a touchscreen means there is no need for a trackpad, allowing more room for the keyboard. Flybook have also utilised the remaining space by installing a thumb-movement sensor, a scroll wheel, a TrackPoint and the innovative placement of mouse keys above the keyboard, either side of the screen. The use of which somewhat reminds me of a game console's 'joypad'. The Flybook V5 is a fairly small machine, with an 8.9" screen, so it is extremely portable, and being convertible means any viewing angle can be set by the user. A somewhat novel aspect of the V5 is the arrangement of all the ports at the back, bar the PSU port, which is on the left hand side. The keyboard has a reasonable size as it is almost as wide as the chassis.

At first glance, one could dub the V5 a 'convertible netbook', yet the powerful specification and the addition of Windows 7, means it would easily serve many people well as a highly portable notebook. It has a Intel 945GM as its GPU, and this would limit the V5 in doing any kind of graphically demanding activity, but it would certainly exceed the expectations of anyone considering using this as a netbook. Liliputing.com state that the battery, which is placed at the front of the machine, should provide up to 5 hours of use, although Flybook claim it can last up to 8 hours.

Flybook.com currently sells the standard V5 for $1599.00 and it does not provide a battery upgrade option. The high price means this is clearly out of the netbook market and it is competing with more powerful notebooks in the same price bracket, therefore potential buyers would do well saving around $1300 and buying a netbook, or just having a look for a better equipped notebook. Here are the specifications, taken from Flybook's online store:

·         8.9" Touch Screen LED Display with WXGA Resolution, WSVGA wide-view Color LTPS TFT LCD (Touch Screen) or Sunlight Outdoor Screen upgrade option

·         Eco-Smart 1.2 GHz Intel® Core 2 Duo ULV (U7600) with a VID under 1V, FSB 533MHz, L2 2MB Cache

·         WiFi, Bluetooth plus Camera, Microphone and Speakers.

·         Fingerprint (Biometric) Security Reader

·         Durable Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy Chassis (2.4 lbs)

·         Rapid Charge 6-Cell Battery (6 or more hours of continuous use) Compatible with Travel Car Charger.

·         Memory: DDR2 667MHz 1 - 4 GB Depending on configuration

·         Hard drive :   60-128GB Depending on configuration

·         Operating Systems: Windows® 7, Windows® Vista Business, Windows® XP Professional

·         Optional Operating Systems:   Microsoft® Windows® Vista Family and Microsoft® XP Professional (available separately)

·         Expansion Ports:   1 - Express Card Slot/54

·         GPU:   Intel 945GM

·         Video Interface:   VGA

·         Optical Drive Type: Optional external - see accessories

·         Supplemental Drive Type:   Optional external - see accessories

·         Audio Description: HD Audio

·         USB 2.0 Ports:   2

·         LAN Ports:   1 (10/100/1000)

·         Modem Ports:   1

·         Audio Out Jacks:   1

·         Microphone Jacks:   1

·         VGA Ports:   1

·         S-Video Connectors:   1 - Conversion done by cable - included

·         RJ-11 Phone Connector

·         RJ-45 Ethernet Connector

·         Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG 802.11 a/b/g

·         HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS/GSM (data, voice and SMS) - Configured for AT&T Mobile network

·         56Kbps Modem

·         Width:   9.3"  (235 mm) x 1.2" (30 mm) x 6.4" (163 mm)

·         Weight:   2.6 lbs (1.2 kg)

·         Thumb Controls (with mouse butons and rapid scroll wheel)

·         Keyboard Type:   80-Key Keyboard

·         Battery:   6-Cell Lithium-ion, 6-8 hours (varies with usage type)

·         Colour:   Black, Silver, Gold, or Pink depending on configuration