(Click here for a larger view of the OQO)Still one of the world's smallest PCs, the OQO
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 model 02 employs a Via
C7M ULV processor clocked at 1.6MHz, with 1GB of RAM standard. The 64GB solid state drive (SSD) is said to reduce boot and application load times up to 50 percent, compared to a conventional hard disk drive.
According to OQO, the sunlight-optimized display reduces reflections, and comes standard on every model 02 with a 64GB SDD. It is also offered as a $200 option with 32GB SSD configurations, but is not sold on hard drive-equipped systems.
OQO lists the following key features and specifications for the "best" model 02:
- 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
- Display:
- 5-inch WVGA (800 x 480) LCD, sunlight-optimized
- active digitizer for pen input
- 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 -- 64GB solid-state drive, 32GB also available at reduced cost
- 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 EV-DO or UMTS/HSDPA modem (some models)
- 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
Wireless optionsOQO has also been talking up wireless options for its little PC. At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, it offered a "technology demonstration" of a version equipped with integrated 802.16e WiMax capabilities, intended to operate on Sprint's planned
Xohm network.
While the WiMax-equipped OQO is not yet scheduled for sale, the company
recently released its model e2 for customers in Europe an Asia. This includes a 3G UMTS/HSDPA wireless interface said to support download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps, according to the company. Available SIM-free and network unlocked, the e2 supports data access through UMTS/HSDPA at 2100MHz, and is downward compatible with GPRS/EDGE networks at 900MHz and 1800MHz.
The OQO was first given mobile broadband capabilities in early 2007 via the release 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.
AvailabilityThe OQO model 02 is available now from the company's website for approximately $3,000, including 64GB SSD and sunlight optimized display.
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