(Click here for a larger view of the OQQ)The tiny OQO was first given mobile broadband capabilities via the release last February of the
EV-DO equipped model 02. This model, currently being offered to U.S. customers, is offered in Sprint- and Verizon-specific versions that require a carrier to be chosen before purchase.
The new e2, in contrast, is available SIM-free and network unlocked, according to OQO. It supports data access through UMTS/HSDPA at 2100MHz, and is downward compatible with GPRS/EDGE networks at 900MHz and 1800MHz.
Still one of the world's smallest PCs, the QOQ
initially shipped in October 2004. It measures 5.6 x 3.3 x 1.0 inches and weighs "under one pound" with its standard battery. The device boasts a backlit, 58-key "thumb" keyboard with vertical and horizontal capacitive "touchscrollers," along with an optional active digitizer on the five-inch wide-VGA LCD.
The OQO e2 employs a Via
C7M ULV processor clocked at 1.6MHz, with 1GB of RAM standard. Storage options include 40GB, 60GB, 80GB, or 120GB hard drives, as well as a 32GB solid state drive (SSD). The latter is said to reduce boot and application load times up to 50 percent.
OQO lists the following key features and specifications for the model e2:
- Processor -- 1.6 GHz Via C7M ULV; 1.2 GHz optional
- Chipset -- Via VX700 with integrated GPU (graphics processor unit)
- Memory -- 1GB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 512MB optional
- Display:
- 5-inch WVGA (800 x 480) LCD
- active digitizer for pen input (in some configurations)
- adjustable brightness; ambient light sensor
- external display support:
- VGA, HDMI, and DVI monitors up to 1920 x 1200 resolution
- detects and recalls external display settings
- simultaneous dual-display; choice of mirrored or extended desktop mode
- Storage:
- 120GB shock-mounted hard drive with drop detect technology; 40GB, 60GB, and 80GB models also available
- or, 32GB solid-state drive (SSD)
- I/O ports:
- 10/100 Ethernet
- USB 2.0
- AC'97 audio:
- built-in speaker and microphone
- line in, line out jacks
- HDMI port
- VGA/Ethernet combo port (adapter included)
- docking/power connector
- Wireless:
- Wireless WAN -- integrated 3G UMTS/HSDPA modem
- tri-mode 802.11a/b/g WiFi with diversity
- Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR
- Dimensions -- 5.6 x 3.3 x 1.0 inches
- Weight -- 1 pound with standard battery
- Battery type/life:
- 4500 mAH standard battery; operates up to three hours
- 9000 mAH double-capacity battery; operates up to six hours
Dennis Moore, CEO of OQO, said, "We are seeing rapid growth in Europe and Asia. The release of the model e2 with built-in HSDPA positions OQO in these markets as the leader in next-generation mobile computing."
Supplied with Windows Vista operating systems, the model e2 appears to be available now through several international distributors, with prices starting at approximately 1100 (about $2300).
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