THE MOBILE HORNET … for those who get turned on by mobile devices

Wow! OQO is lowering their price for the Model O2.  You can now get the base model for only US$999 (RM3,200) at OQO online outlet stores.  I must inform you that the price is only for the refurbished sets, but it is still worth it:

THE OQO E2 NOW GIVES YOU TOTAL PRODUCTIVITY ! 

The OQO press release:

OQO announces model e2 with Built-In HSDPA Mobile Broadband Capability Award-winning ultra mobile PC now available with open-SIM 3G data access OQO, Inc., creator of the world’s smallest fully-functional Windows Vista PC, today announced availability of the new model e2 with embedded HSDPA mobile broadband capability, providing customers in Europe and Asia with widely-available high-speed Internet connectivity.

The OQO model e2 with embedded HSDPA is designed specifically to meet international demand for anytime/anywhere computing with access to the Internet and networked PC applications in a pocketable and ergonomic form factor.

“Savvy individuals and enterprise users around the world are demanding access to all their information and applications wherever they go,” said Dennis Moore, CEO, OQO.

“We are seeing rapid growth in Europe and Asia, and the release of the model e2 with built-in HSDPA positions OQO in these markets as the leader in next-generation mobile computing.”

The model e2 with embedded mobile broadband supports data access through UMTS/HSDPA at 2100MHz, and is downward compatible with GPRS/EDGE networks at 900MHz and 1800MHz. Download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps are supported.

The product is available SIM-free and network unlocked, allowing customers maximum flexibility in selecting their preferred wireless operator and data plan. Users of the model e2 have their choice of connectivity options, including tri-band wide-area wireless, WiFi 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0. OQO pioneered the ultra mobile PC category, and earlier this year released the first UMPC with embedded 3G mobile broadband capability for the United States, based on CDMA EV-DO technology.

With today’s announcement, the integration of 3G UMTS/HSDPA technologies further establishes OQO’s commitment to leadership in this growing category and to providing mobility solutions for European and Asian markets.

The OQO model e2 with embedded HSDPA is currently not offered for sale in the United States. With a suggested retail price starting at £1099 + VAT, the model e2 with embedded HSDPA is available immediately through multiple international distributors and resellers, including eXpansys (www.expansys.com) and Dynamism (www.dynamism.com).

“The recently launched model e2 has already been a hot seller for us. I use one myself and it has revolutionised the way I work,” said Roger Butterworth, chief executive officer of eXpansys.

“With the addition of HSDPA, we are expecting even stronger demand. The OQO model e2 with HSDPA is the ultimate mobile productivity device, and a great holiday gift – it’s on my list!”

 LONDON 3 DEC 2007
INTRODUCING THE NEW OQO E2

The new features in the new OQO E2:

• Increased processor speed, up to 1.6GHz using a VIA chip
• 1GB of RAM, this allows you to run Microsoft Windows Vista with ease, although Windows XP is also available on select models.
• Simply the best screen available on a UMPC. Its crisp, it’s bright and is perfectly readable under direct sunlight
• The keyboard has a built in light sensor to save wasting the battery.

HERE ARE THE OQO E2 SPECS:

processor

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

operating system

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

graphics

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

storage drive

• HDD capacity: up to 120GB (60GB, 80GB also available)
• HDD protection: shock-mounted, drop detect technology
• also available with 32 GB solid state drive (SSD)

memory

• installed: 1GB
• 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 capacity)

display

• size: 127mm diagonal
• native resolution: 800×480
• zoom: 1000×600 and 1200×720 interpolated modes
• screen technology: Wide VGA LCD with active digitizer
• controls: ambient light sensor, adjustable brightness
• external display support:
  • VGA, HDMI, & DVI monitors up to 1920×1200 resolution
  • DisplaySense™ for detection and recall of external display settings
  • simultaneous dual display in mirrored or extended desktop mode

wireless & networking

• 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: 142mm(W) x 84mm(H) x 26mm(D)
• weight: 454g with standard battery (weight may vary based on hardware configuration)

service and warranty

• warranty: 1 year limited warranty
• 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)

So that’s what the Anytime, Anywhere Environment Event in London is all about…just to announce that the OQO E2 has now added HSDPA!   I was expecting some spectacular announcement.   Anyway, HSDPA is still a good feature to have which should allow you to make VOIP calls.

More news to come after I gather new info on the London Event on 3 Dec.

The evolution of the UMPC over the last two years has seen a number of  competitors trying to outdo each other. Now, the OQO 02 (which is so much better than Model 1) sets a new standard for delivering high-performance and rich functionality in a remarkably small package. Its many features and tiny size make it stands up above the rest of the UMPC available in the market.

The OQO 02 is small at only 5.6 x 3.3 x 1.0in (142 x 84 x 25mm) and weighs less than 1lb (less than 450g). (The exact sub-1lb weight can vary by configuration.)

Still cannot imagine how small this device is?  Go and get a standard A4 sheet of paper (regular copy paper) and fold it into a quarter of its size; that has about the same footprint as the OQO 02.

It has a warm, glossy consumer-friendly style — a noticeable departure from the minimalist industrial look of the 01.

The OQO Model 2 is powered by a 1.6GHz VIA C7M ultra low-voltage CPU that breezes through Windows XP, Windows XP Tablet, or the power hungry Vista.  The 5″ 800×480 outdoor-readable glossy TFT is sharp; it slides up to reveal the keyboard. There is 1GB (max) RAM, and up to 120GB hard drive.

DYNAMISM  has created a comparison chart pitting the OQO 02 against the Sony Vaio UX and Flipstart:

You can get the OQO 02 from DYNAMISM at the following prices:

OQO 02                US$1,299-2,499  or   RM4,416-8,496

Sony Vaio UX          US$2,199-3,199  or   RM7,476-10,876

FlipStart                   US$1,499-1,899  or   RM5,096-6,456

The OQO 02 is a real mean UMPC. 

ULTRAMOBILEPC-TIPS just received the OQO 02 UMPC and here is their  first impression :

(The Dell x51v is only a PDA not an UMPC)

On 3rd December, OQO is going to announce something new which they called the Anytime/ Anywhere Computing Environment.   It is not going to be a Model 02 update but a new product! OQO CEO Dennis Moore will be at the pre-launch to answer questions.

If you want to know more about Anytime/ Anywhere Computing Environment, watch out for this site on the latest as it comes….