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Like... an OQO? With Linux installed, of course.

Granted, it doesn't do calls per se. But it does have built in EV-DO WWAN. So maybe you could get a data plan and use VOIP?

A 2 year old review of the GSM Flybook

A 15 month old review of the GSM Enfora CF card

Those products, though very cool at the time, don't seem to have gone anywhere. Is the 3G and integration of this Lifebook the key to the revolution? Is it even usable as a voice phone?

If you are like me, the first thing you did is to check and see if Linux runs on it...

Linux Devices Review
Tuxmobil list of successful installs
and
Handtops guide to installing Debian

Note:
It is also possible to make it a dual boot (of course!), just in case you actually wanted XP.

First question that I asked too. The answer is on their site under support:

question

Can the OQO model 01 run Linux?
            answer

The OQO model 01 is a standard x86 PC and can run Linux. However, you will have to install and support it on your own.

OQO does not currently have any plans to offer a Linux-based product, nor does it provide technical support for a model 01 running Linux. ...

One recent reviewer has installed Linux, and you might find his writeup (10/13/04) helpful: http://www.handtops.com/show/news/55

Another handtops.com poster has published a through "tutorial" of a Linux install: http://www.handtops.com/forum/752/0//OQO_Linux_Ins tallation__amp_Configurati.html# ...

First question that I asked too. The answer is on their site under support:

question

Can the OQO model 01 run Linux?
            answer

The OQO model 01 is a standard x86 PC and can run Linux. However, you will have to install and support it on your own.

OQO does not currently have any plans to offer a Linux-based product, nor does it provide technical support for a model 01 running Linux. ...

One recent reviewer has installed Linux, and you might find his writeup (10/13/04) helpful: http://www.handtops.com/show/news/55

Another handtops.com poster has published a through "tutorial" of a Linux install: http://www.handtops.com/forum/752/0//OQO_Linux_Ins tallation__amp_Configurati.html# ...

I am somewhat involved in product development for portable machines for law-enforcement, so have a bit of an idea about what is what in portable land these days. First of all, "cheap" is a relative term - with these things, much like all else, you get what you pay for. If this would be your employers only reliable bridge with the outside world, I would have a good think about system criticality, and the relative worth of such.

Secondly, I assume from your question that you are looking for an off-the shelf solution in terms of software. There are plenty of off-the shelf systems that do TTS, but you may need to look at custom stuff, depending on the physical state and limitations of your employer.You may want to consider getting something done in-house, so to speak.

Hardware wise, in terms of form-factor, functionality and ruggedness, you may want to look at any of the current crop of handtops out there. However, they may be a bit expensive in terms of value for money. Tablet PC's are a bit expensive, and can be a bit fragile. They are also unwieldy. On the other hand, they give you a very good price/performance ratio, so could equate well in terms of value for money. Battery life may also be an issue. Finally, you can look at using wearable systems - they have come a long way, and with the right kind of setup, they can really be what you are looking for. From that link, you may want to look at the MA-TC system or the Xyberkids system. both have pro's and con's. However - they are really, really expensive - but I would probably go with the MA-TC platform, with a good HMD system.

Software wise, I would go with Linux as the core OS - can't beat value for money, stability, and software availability. I would combine that with Dasher for the input system, linked perhaps with Festival.

Also, to your employer: don't underestimate the value of working with professionals that know what they are talking about.

I currently have a Toshiba Portege M200 running Linux. When I do use it folded back as a tablet, it's when I'm just reading something. The handwriting recognition (xstroke) is just too frustrating to use for much text so I fold it back around to laptop style if I need to type. The one problem with reading on my m200 is that the machine is too heavy and awkward at 2kg.

The flybook is about half that at 1.1kg. The problem currently is no one has gotten the touchscreen to work in linux. (see handtops discussions). I'm waiting to see before I buy it.

Check this link if you're still not sure what the OQO is."

Apparently, one or two of us were somehow so behind the times as to need to click the link ... gee, I feel so "yesterday" ;) How could I not have heard of this wonder?

The OQO comes with XP Home, but on account of the companies large interest in marketing towards mobile professionals, XP Professional will most likely be an option as well. OQO CEO Jory Bell confirms that the x86 architecture is capable of being used with any x86 based OS, such as Linux.

Further talks have revealed that some OQO employees have already tested out Linux on the device with success.

Close, but I would have to say it's not quite a handtop

Actually, I consider the Prolinear PS-1000, which came out in 1990 to be the first handtop. The IBM PC110, which came out in 1995, was the first Windows ready handtop. The U101 didn't come out until 2003, and was predated by the U1/U3 which came out in 2002. more info

Actually, I consider the Prolinear PS-1000, which came out in 1990 to be the first handtop. The IBM PC110, which came out in 1995, was the first Windows ready handtop. The U101 didn't come out until 2003, and was predated by the U1/U3 which came out in 2002. more info

Actually, I consider the Prolinear PS-1000, which came out in 1990 to be the first handtop. The IBM PC110, which came out in 1995, was the first Windows ready handtop. The U101 didn't come out until 2003, and was predated by the U1/U3 which came out in 2002. more info

Hey matt, really enjoy your site. The U101 is listed on our history of handtops article. It's not listed in the roundup because the roundup is limited to the _current_ crop of handtops. Trying to find a U101 these days can be difficult, none of the online importers I've contacted sell it. That said, I've been trying to get my hands on one to test it out, looks like a great machine. Keep up the great work on your linux on a u101 site.

the battery life is one of the shortcomings. currently, handtop mfg's are quoting a life of anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. with the latter figure for the extended batteries. if you intend to use it 2-3 hours NONSTOP, then no, it might not be great for you just yet. but if you use it 2-3 hours total over the course of your day (like you might do with a cellphone) it would work fine in standby mode. the ibook looks fine, there are even smaller laptops, but they're LAPtops. you can't just stop in the middle of the road and whip out your laptop, you can't hang out in chapters or indigo and do price comparisons online with amazon.ca, etc etc.

Why would anyone create a page like that of the 3rd link "Others" at http://www.handtops.com/show/compare where I've a scrolling page within a scrolling web page? Now I've got to manipulate 4 scroll bars to view the thing instead of the usual 2!

for those who aren't convinced by the OQO, there are a few other handtops coming out -- comparison chart that might be better targeted to your needs. i reckon most people will be into the FlipStart PC because of it's clamshell design, slightly better specs and cheaper price, but it's not due out until Q1 2005.

read this basic introduction to the FlipStart as well as this updated one if you're interested in the FlipStart (and other handtops).

for those who aren't convinced by the OQO, there are a few other handtops coming out -- comparison chart that might be better targeted to your needs. i reckon most people will be into the FlipStart PC because of it's clamshell design, slightly better specs and cheaper price, but it's not due out until Q1 2005.

read this basic introduction to the FlipStart as well as this updated one if you're interested in the FlipStart (and other handtops).

for those who aren't convinced by the OQO, there are a few other handtops coming out -- comparison chart that might be better targeted to your needs. i reckon most people will be into the FlipStart PC because of it's clamshell design, slightly better specs and cheaper price, but it's not due out until Q1 2005.

read this basic introduction to the FlipStart as well as this updated one if you're interested in the FlipStart (and other handtops).