It can run most any PC-compatible OS, including Windows XP, with which it ships (XP Pro is an option).

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OQO unveiled a prototype of its ultra personal computer in April, 2002 at Microsoft's WinHEC conference in Seattle, positioning it as a brand new category of mobile computing device. At that time, Executive Vice President Colin Hunter asserted that the device had the potential to "transform personal computing the same way the cell phone has revolutionized telecommunications."

In its final production implementation, the compact (4.9 x 3.4 x 0.9 in.), albeit hefty (14 oz.) Model 01 boasts a 5-inch "outdoor-readable" 800x480 ("wide VGA") display with 3D-accelerated graphics. One particularly clever touch: the device's LCD screen slides on a rack-and-pinion mechanism to expose or conceal the built-in thumb keyboard. Additionally, an ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the display's backlight to the appropriate level for the surroundings.

Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FireWire, and USB offer flexible wireless networking and peripheral expansion. User input mechanisms integrated directly into the device include a 57-key thumb keyboard with mouse buttons, a "TrackStik" pointing device, a multimode thumbwheel, and digital pen support. To safeguard the built-in shock-mounted hard drive, a motion sensor parks the drive's heads before impact.

Summary of specs

Key features and specifications of the OQO model 01 include:

• Processor -- 1 GHz Transmeta Crusoe
  
• Memory -- 256MB DDR DRAM
  
• Display -- 5-inch Wide-VGA (800x480) LTPS TFT, outdoor readable
  
• Graphics processor:
  • Silicon motion Lynx 3DM+
    
  • 8MB video RAM
    
  • Dual display support
    
  • External displays at 1280x1024
    
  • 3D acceleration; "millions" of colors
• Storage -- 20 GB shock-mounted 1.8-inch hard drive with drop-protection
  
• Human input:
  • Thumb keyboard
    • 57 keys total
      
    • 12 function keys
      
    • Number pad
      
    • Smart modifier keys
      
    • Mouse buttons
  • TrackStik pointing device
    
  • Digital pen
    
  • Programmable thumbwheel
• Audio:
  • Windows AC97 compatible
    
  • Internal microphone
    
  • Stereo headphone
    
  • Multimedia controller support
• Built-in wireless:
  • Wi-Fi
    
  • Bluetooth
• Input/output ports:
  • USB 1.1
    
  • FireWire (1394)
    
  • Headphone/headset jack
    
  • Multimedia controller jack
    
  • Power connector
    
  • Docking connector
    
  • External antenna connector
• Docking cable includes:
  • 3D accelerated 1280x1024 VGA video
    
  • Additional USB
    
  • Additional FireWire
    
  • 10base-T Ethernet
    
  • DC power
    
  • Audio out

Availability

The Model 01 is now available from the company's website for a base price of $1899.

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• Transmeta shrinks its embedded Crusoe processors