BostonPocketPC

Well the folks at OQO seem to time their announcements with CES and other events. This lies partly with partnerships as well as the new modular design of the OQO Model 2. The news announced at CES 2008 is that they have added WiMax aka 4G and a 64GB SSD drive to their line up (a 32GB SSD option is also available). Those opting for the upgrade also get a free $200 upgrade of their sunlight optimized display. A base unit will start at $1499 and the top of the line fully loaded unit will go for $2,349.

Sprint had given a technology demonstration of the model 02 computer with integrated 802.16e Mobile WiMAX high-speed wireless data capability at the Sprint Xohm™ booth. The demonstration was the first trial of Xohm compatible WiMAX capabilities embedded in an ultra mobile PC, and showcased the power of anytime/anywhere access to information, applications, corporate networks and the full PC Internet experience. Typical performance on Xohm’s WiMAX network was given at 1.5 Megabits per second on the uplink and around 2-4 Megabits per second on the downlink all depending on tower capacity and proximity. These speeds are 3-5 times faster than any current available mobile wireless service. Sprint said that within the next 12-24 months, Mobile WiMAX deployment will be available in metropolitan areas nationwide and become the true next-generation mobile broadband network. Xohm technology is not only aimed at computers and cell phones, but also at digital cameras, camcorders, GPS units, and other CE devices. The cool thing they said was that you have many options to pay either by the day or the month, which is great for infrequent travelers and there are no binding contracts or cancellation fees. The also made it very easy to activate and reactivate for the average user. I think this is great finally someone who gets how to bill for data.

The OQO model 02 is currently available with 3G wireless networking capability including EV-DO Rev. A in the U.S. and HSDPA internationally. Many People have complained about their processing power, but the units at CES were pretty snappy running Vista and Office 2007 applications. We are slated for a review unit so we will let you know more when we can use and live with it a bit longer. However when dealing with PCs running Vista memory is a bigger issue than processing power. Hopefully in the future there will be an affordable 2GB version as well. For now here are the specs:

processor

• 1.6GHz VIA C7M ULV (also available with 1.5GHz and 1.2GHz)
• embedded AES hardware encryption

operating system

• Windows Vista® Ultimate
• Windows Vista® Business
• Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
• Windows® XP Professional
• Windows® XP Home

graphics

• chipset: VIA VX700 with integrated GPU
• video RAM: dynamically allocated shared video memory

storage drive

• HDD capacity: up to 120GB (60GB, 40GB also available)
• HDD protection: shock-mounted, drop detect technology
• also available with 64GB or 32GB solid state drive (SSD)

memory

• installed: 1GB (512MB also available)
• type: DDR2 SDRAM
• speed: 533 MHz

input

• backlit thumb keyboard:
  • 58 keys total: 4 SmartLock™ keys, 18 function keys, & number pad
  • dedicated mouse and zoom buttons
• track stick pointing device
• scrollers: horizontal and vertical capacitive TouchScrollers™
• digital pen: included with Windows® Tablet PC Edition, available as accessory for all SKUs

ports

• audio jack: 3.5mm x 1 line out/line in
• video out: HDMI, VGA/Ethernet adapter (included), HDMI-DVI adapter available
• 1 docking/power connector
• 1 USB 2.0 compliant port

audio

• AC97 sound system compatible
• HD audio support
• internal speaker and microphone

battery

• type: removable lithium-ion polymer battery
• capacity: 4500mAh (standard), 9000mAh (double capacity)
• built-in fuel gauge
• estimated life: up to 3 hours (standard), 6 hours (double

display

• size: 5"
• native resolution: 800x480
• zoom: 1000x600 and 1200x720 interpolated modes
• screen technology: Wide VGA LCD with active digitizer
• optional Sunlight Optimized display for bright light environments
• controls: ambient light sensor, adjustable brightness
• external display support:
  • VGA, HDMI, & DVI monitors up to 1920x1200 resolution
  • DisplaySense™ for detection and recall of external display settings
  • simultaneous dual display in mirrored or extended desktop mode

wireless & networking

• Mobile broadband (optional): Integrated EV-DO Rev. A modem
• Wireless LAN: Atheros tri-mode 802.11a/b/g with diversity
• Bluetooth technology: Integrated Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR
• Ethernet protocol: VGA/Ethernet adapter (included)

security

• asset protection: universal security slot
• security engine: VIA Padlock™ hardware AES encryption engine
• trusted platform module: Atmel TPM v1.2

dimensions

• chassis: rugged magnesium alloy
• size: 5.6"(W) x 3.3"(H) x 1.0"(D)
• weight: 1.0 lb with standard battery (weight may vary based on hardware configuration)

service and warranty

• warranty: 1 year limited warranty
• upgrades: 2 and 3 year extended express, 2 and 3 year system care express including accidental damage coverage
• telephone support: toll-free technical assistance
• online and email support: online knowledge base and support available

included accessories

• standard lithium-ion polymer battery
• universal power supply
• replaceable screen protector
• VGA/Ethernet adapter
• spare track stick cap
• digital pen & carrying case (Tablet PC Edition only)