SmallHD.com New product?

[sirjoe]

I just got this email. Back from when those guys were going to sell the small HD monitors in the sell n traade section; you might remember...

Check it out:



http://smallhd.com/



Hi Everyone,

I reluctantly say this is the first official email sent to the SmallHD.com mailing list... which you are on... so here we go...


As many of you know, our website has not changed a single bit since June of 2008. We admit that makes us look like a bunch of slackers... but this neglect is mainly because we've been pouring all of our energy into creating a new product that is far superior to the "XII" showcased on the current site.

As of now, a splash screen has been put up indicating that a new site will go live in the near future, which will reveal everything about the product we've been working so hard on: the "DP1". With subject to some variation, the DP1 will boast the following basic specs:

1) 1280x768 native resolution
2) 8.9" diagonal screen
3) 179 degree viewing angle
4) LED Backlight: 300 nits (brightness)
5) Less than 1.5lbs
6) Dimensions less than 9"x5.5"x1.1"
7) Housing Milled from a Single Block of Aluminum.

We are unable to give out an exact date for the website or product launch at the moment, but from this point forward, we will update you through this mailing list as that time comes closer and closer. As of now, we have successfully created a functioning prototype of the DP1 from plastic. The aluminum versions of the housing are in the works. Being that the LCD display we are using in this product is cutting edge, there are still some programming issues we are working out with our circuit board supplier overseas, and those will be cleared up in the next 3 weeks.

We really appreciate your continued interest in the products we will soon be offering at SmallHD.com. We sincerely apologize for the delays we have incurred, but we assure you that no time is being wasted. We will not release the DP1 (or any product) until it is up to our standards, and every extra day is spent perfecting this new device so that once it is made available, it will be well worth the wait.

Thanks again... You'll hear from us soon...

-Dale at SmallHD.com

[hybridNz]

Can't wait for this...

The hardest thing for them would be the TFT converter from all inputs.

The displays have been getting this small for some time. Thing like the EEE pc 901 have had for the last year or so.

Looks sexys as hell Hopefully has a good price to match.

[tiny]

The 8.9" screens in netbooks are 1024x600 - so this is actually higher resolution, which is impressive, because my netbook screen is crisp.

[Gymnut808]

Looks pretty good, although I'd be surprised if it wasn't more expensive than they had originally forecasted.

[Luxaltor]

Wow, that is a lot of pixels! Does anyone know what the price was going to look like?

[sirjoe]

I think it was somewhere around $400 not sure though

[Luxaltor]

Originally Posted by sirjoe

I think it was somewhere around $400 not sure though

$400?!

Wow, if the price stays there... what a deal!

[Rumple]

I just stumbled across this site too...
Was very interested and about to post it up for the board to see, but I find i was beaten to it!

Has anyone heard any more about them?
Do they have an HDMI input?
Any idea of what controller they are using?

If it is $400 or there abouts I'm getting one.

[Rumple]

There was supposed to be an announcement on the 15th (or thereabouts) about this monitor, but unfortuneately that date came and went.

I am itching to hear more about it. I am this close to buying a Manhatten LCD instead.

[I C]

799.99

Give me a break. That's nowhere close to 400 bucks. Obviously "compared to the other things that are available" it's "a great deal", at least for all you people that think the typical 2000 dollar monitor is a reasonable price.

I'm very disappointed. I've been waiting for this thing for quite some time. Maybe 500 bucks. Maybe. 799? NO FRIGGIN WAY

[Mr. Kubrick]

Originally Posted by I C

799.99

Give me a break. .....
......Maybe 500 bucks. Maybe. 799? NO FRIGGIN WAY

You're right.. No WAY

[IanB]

I can't believe 799 is their idea of a good deal.

400 was acceptable, this is just way out there at 799.

Best of luck smallHD. DIY here I come if I need a monitor.
IB

[jbrooks]

Im out on that as well, another reason for me to think gh1.

[zephyrnoid]

Wow! For $450 you could buy my 8.9" DIY kit instead.

[jbrooks]

Originally Posted by zephyrnoid

Wow! For $450 you could buy my 8.9" DIY kit instead.

what is your kit? Is it the manhattan lcd? Are there enclosures for the kit?

[David]

Such a bummer. I emailed Dale about 10 months ago about their monitors and I had been waiting for the $450 version that had been discussed back in July. When I got the email today announcing the $799 price, I just sighed.

I understand that the case looks awesome and all of that, but I'm with others here who think that an $800 pricepoint almost prices them out of the market. Manhattan LCD has raised their prices a bit, but they're still significantly under $799, and now Ikan has a 5.6" model for $600! It might not have quite as many pixels as the smallhd one (Ikan is 1024x600 so isn't 'true' 720p) but it's SMALLER AND CHEAPER! I just can't see a reason to pay $200 more for the smallhd one. If I wanted a bigger monitor, I'd spend a couple hundred bucks TOTAL and get a 15" I'm looking for a small, camera mounted one and for now, the Ikan looks like a much better deal.

Oh well.

[Rumple]

Originally Posted by I C

799.99
Give me a break. That's nowhere close to 400 bucks.

Where is this info coming from?
I cant see it on the site...

[Luxaltor]

Meh... I had a feeling it was too good to be true.

Here is the email for those who are not on the email list:

Originally Posted by SmallHD

DP1 Pre-Order Announcement and Specs

*Go to SmallHD.com for more details

Hi Everyone,

It's been a long time coming, but we're very proud to officially announce that the DP1 and its major accessories will begin shipping on May 25! (Pre-order on May 5 for earliest possible ship dates — See below for details).

As a result, the DP1 becomes the first available HD field monitor under 10 inches to feature either a 720p display resolution or a nearly indestructible, milled-aluminum housing in a package just over a pound and a half.

With some fresh, new improvements, we have finally nailed down every last detail in regard to the DP1 and have posted it in an exhaustive spec sheet on smallhd.com, so we sincerely appreciate your patience with the delays in releasing the enclosed information.

DP1 Specs

Pre-order May 5th ONLY — Save $75

SmallHD is conducting pre-orders in a very unique way.

ALL Pre-orders Must Be Made On May 5th. On May 5th, pre-orders will open to the public, but ONLY for 24 HOURS.

Credit cards will be charged when your pre-order is placed on May 5th. At your request, your order can be canceled and your credit card will be refunded.

By participating, you will save $50 on the DP1, as well as receive the DP1's protective neoprene sleeve accessory (a $25 value), for a total savings of $75.

Additionally, you will get the device before it is made available in early June to those who neglect to pre-order.

The price of the DP1 will be $799 in June. The DP1 Pre-order price is $749.

24-hour Pre-order Information (May 5, 2009)

You will be able to place Pre-orders for 24-hours ONLY. On May 5 at 12:00AM (Eastern Standard Time), the SmallHD.com shopping cart will open up for pre-orders, but will close down exactly 24-hours later (5/6/09, 12AM EST).

This is in an effort to benefit you early adopters by keeping the pre-order process from dragging out and extending the ship date, so don't miss the 24-hour window.

So that you won't forget, reminders will be sent out 1 day in advance of the 24-hour pre-order period to all those on the SmallHD mailing list. (If you got this email, you're on the list). We will also notify you the moment we open the site up to accept pre-orders.

Pre-ordered DP1s will begin shipping on May 25, and will be filled in the order in which they are received. The earlier within the 24-hour period you place your pre-order, the sooner you will get your DP1. All pre-orders will be filled before SmallHD.com opens its doors to regular orders in early June.


DP1 Accessories (Available for Pre-order)

SmallHD Battery — Finally, a 12 volt battery that ISN'T bulky and awkward. Measuring less than 3 x 5 x 1/2 inches, the 26 Watt-Hour SmallHD Li-ion battery will run the DP1 for over 2.5 hours. Get 2 of these for the price of one Tekkeon— with one always on the charger, you'll never run out of power.

SmallHD Battery Bracket — Mobile power is made easy by the SmallHD quick-release battery bracket that mounts securely to the back of the DP1, designed specifically for the SmallHD Battery featured above.

Click-in Sun Hood — Extremely effective, amazingly fast, incredibly compact. The SmallHD sun hood blocks out light and glare like no other. From it's impressively compact state when stored, it requires no more than 10 seconds to install, and even less to pack up when you're finished. Though its constructed dimensions measure 10" x 8" x 7", its packed dimensions measure far less than those of the DP1 itself.

U-Bracket — For all your tilting and pivoting needs. This device doesn't need much explanation, but that doesn't mean it's not extremely useful. It's made of anodized aluminum and includes a threaded steel insert for secure mounting. Rubber pads resist accidental tilting when everything is locked down. A must have for 35mm adapter users without optical image flip (such as ourselves).

Protective Sleeve — Made from neoprene that is 3mm thick, this sleeve gives an extreme level of protection to the surface of the DP1 when it's packed away for travel or storage. This item is included with DP1 pre-orders.


It's Official...

We've given you the specs and set the dates... It's up to you to spread the word. We're looking forward to a very exciting launch. Thanks in advance to all you early adopters out there.


-Dale at SmallHD.com

[1]

LOL, what's even worse is that it appears they are using the "pre-order" money to buy the parts:

Originally Posted by SmallHD

SmallHD is conducting pre-orders in a very unique way.

It's not THAT unique, it's called: the Jennzababe, or zboy2K method!


A shame, the product looks nice, but their business model isn't. Let's hope they, and their customers, do well...

[Sminc]

Originally Posted by Luxaltor

Meh... I had a feeling it was too good to be true.

Here is the email for those who are not on the email list:

Oh dammit. Damn damn dammit. I really wanted it to be 400 or under. $800 dollars just ruined one of my dreams... good luck selling these

(A Disappointed) Sminc

[1]

Did they say $400 at one point, did they?

I guess their [anticipated] manufacturing costs went through the roof.

[Sminc]

Originally Posted by 1

Did they say $400 at one point, did they?

I guess their [anticipated] manufacturing costs went through the roof.

And through every layer of atmospheric gasses the Earth has to offer...

[1]

[sblfilms]

It is amusing that $800 is seen as too much without anybody having tested the unit. $800 puts it squarely between the budget priced units like Ikan and Manhattan, and pro units like what Panasonic, Sony, and RED make.

If it's performance is in between those, the price is justified.

I'm eager to see how this long awaited monitor performs.

[1]

$800 is a lot indeed, for a product that is NOT reviewed yet, and has certain Jennzababe/Zboy2k issues.

To further the fiasco, siniarch from Carrion LCD fame, is also MIA, and is feared to have gone Jennzababe on the DVX community.
(just as a reference the Carrion went for almost double the smallHD)