Tuesday, May 25, 2004

--{2 Device}

An interesting Tether to an article I recently found about a new device that is about the size of my hand (I have big hands).

The OQO "Ultra Personal Computer" is a True Handheld PC, in that it functions fully as if it were a laptop/desktop. It runs the Windows XP operating system, has a touch screen, and is only 14 ounces in weight.

I propose that when reviewing new devices or gadgets, that I cover them as unbiased as possible, at least while I describe its features. I may, at the end, give my own 2 cents on how I feel about the product.

Synopsis of the "uPC": [Reference:: www.oqo.com/hardware]

Specs:
1GHz processor
20GB hard drive
256MB of RAM
A color transflective display (5")
802.11b WIFI
BlueTooth
Fire Wire
USB port

Dimensions:
:: 4.9 inches long
:: 3.4 inches wide
:: .9 inches thin
:: Weight 14 ounces

Features:
:: The OQO can fit in a pocket or purse and go with you anywhere.
:: For easy typing and cursor control it has a complete thumb keyboard with Track Stik and mouse buttons as well
as digital pen and thumbwheel.
:: With the OQO docking cable, it can easily connect to projectors and Ethernet.
:: Placed in the desktop docking station it is a desktop computer, allowing you to connect with one simple motion to a variety of peripherals.
:: It shifts easily from one mode to the other with no data synchronization required.


Peripherals:
:: Full-size keyboards
:: Printers, Scanners
:: High-resolution monitors.

Knab's Opinion:

Things I like:
Overall, I give this device a thumbs up. The price (only rumoured) I've seen thrown out is as much as $2000 US. I also liked the fact, and Mr. Sinesio will probably approve, is that a bunch of old school Apple guys are a part of this company. That is evident in the fact that this device covers it's bases quite well on device to device connectivity.


:: The OQO is a nice size. The adjustment that one makes to reveal the keyboard seems minimal.
[Reference:: http://www.oqo.com/hardware/video/]

Areas of Improvement:

:: Easily the biggest drawback is when a hardware company stumps themselves in the design even before it's released. I'm specifically talking about the WIFI standard 802.11b which is noted in the specifications. This I feel is a key piece to the success of mobile devices. The latest standard and assuredly a better choice, is the 802.11g, and forthcoming 802.11i, a more secure, enterprise wide standard layered on top of 802.11g. While this is very technical, it boils down to a vast difference in connection speed between the two standards. the latter, provides up to 50 mbps, while 802.11b, provides just 11 mbps. Note that 802.11g is also backwards compatible with b, and therefore superior.

:: The keyboard, once revealed, is quite small, and most likely will leave the user resorting to "thumbing" their text input in. I personally find this a major drawback with many of the smaller devices on the market today. i.e. blackberry etc. It's important to note that there are however extra peripherals as mentioned above, that can be used to improve this.

All in all, this device will be an interesting addition to the ever changing technology device market.