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OQO For Sale

captainJam writes "After many delays, the OQO is available for sale, or pre-order actually. However, they will begin shipping in the middle of next month. Read the scoop for how much it'll set you back. Check this link if you're still not sure what the OQO is." Update: 10/13 13:49 GMT by H : I've got a Model 01 that was sent over for review; I'll be checking it out with both XP & Linux; it's definitely one of the cooler handhelds out there.

207 comments

  1. Panurgism by mirko · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Panurgism is the reaction to an ever repeating tired joke :
    The fact is that I am not interested anymore, I just do not believe what they kept repeating while postponing their product.

    --
    Trolling using another account since 2005.
    1. Re:Panurgism by TAGmclaren · · Score: 4, Interesting
      The fact is that I am not interested anymore, I just do not believe what they kept repeating while postponing their product.


      So true.

      And the world has changed a fair bit since that product was announced by the OQO (ex-Apple) guys so long ago. Their former employer came back to trump them with a portable device that people actually want - the iPod.

      The thing that Apple now gets(TM) is that there's no point putting forward a product so far ahead of its time that people don't want it yet (e.g. the Newton). I'll bet that the OQO is going to fall squarely into this category; a great idea that's overpriced, underpowered and breaks too easily.

      -- james
      --
      Iran has endorsed
    2. Re:Panurgism by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      all the links go to handtops, what a surprise from this sleezy site.

      How this wh*re of an article got to the page is disgraceful. Its not even a full enough article to make any sort of judgement on the product - it doesn't even take about the product. Its nothing more than astrocr*p from handtops.com.

    3. Re:Panurgism by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The only usable Linux-capable handheld that does not make you look like a ridiculous nerd are the Sharp Zaurus C[78][056]0 models. You can run X, Qt- and GTK+-2-apps work, and it looks sufficiently attractive that even non-geeky girls ask "Ooh, and what is this?" (possibly they are referring to me, but I think it's the Zaurus).

    4. Re:Panurgism by BitHive · · Score: 1

      Um, where did you get this word, "panurgism"? I can't find it anywhere.

    5. Re:Panurgism by BigLonn · · Score: 1

      I agree, I liked what I saw,,, 2 years ago, but now its almost passe. Although, to be fair, some one wants one, as their site is down as I write this due to "excessive traffic, please try again in ten minutes" it says. I'll have to think about this one for now

    6. Re:Panurgism by brianosaurus · · Score: 1

      Nah. That's just people trying to figure out what the hell it is, since the article gives no indication.

      I thought it was that ATT wireless thing, but its not. That's some other "O*O" device.

      --
      blog
    7. Re:Panurgism by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Panurgism...umm i was wondering what this word meant too...but i couldn't find it either. I did find the word Paneulogism though, and after reading http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=Paneu logism ...i was able to put it in context.

    8. Re:Panurgism by mirko · · Score: 1

      A story about a young shepard : "Panurge" who was bored and decided to repeatedly run to the village, crying about a wolf eating his sheeps.
      Every time, the villagers would come but see nothing so at the end, when the wolf comes for real, he repeat his tragedy and nobody goes while his sheeps get eaten.
      Hence this neologism.

      --
      Trolling using another account since 2005.
  2. And the OQO is... by embeejay · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    "Out of the available and soon to be released handtops, the OQO is easily the lightest and smallest. The size is 124 x 86 x 23mm (4.9 x 3.4 x .9") and weighs only .397kg or 0.88lbs (14oz)."

    1. Re:And the OQO is... by Ignignot · · Score: 1

      Thank you. The link has already been slashdotted. That is one horrible article summary.

      --
      I submitted this story last night, and it didn't get posted.
    2. Re:And the OQO is... by DigitumDei · · Score: 4, Informative

      http://www.oqo.com/hardware/basics/

      The official marketing version. :)

  3. Underpowered? by RichardThree3 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Yes I'd seen this over in mip's scan that the OQO has finally launched and is taking orders on their website. I'm not sure though - it seems pretty underpowered for the price. The Flipstart seems to be a more promising unit.

    1. Re:Underpowered? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Erhm, the FlipStart is twice the size of the OQO. Like saying a big-heavy Dell notebook is "more promising" than a TiBook.

    2. Re:Underpowered? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They're stil considered handtops. I agree with Richard. I like how the Flipstart doesn't need to be opened to see things like email and schedule.

    3. Re:Underpowered? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      People interested in small computers might like a vaio that seems to be interested in the same market.

      http://www.dynamism.com/u70/index.shtml

  4. Did anyone ever really believe... by stecoop · · Score: 1, Funny

    that the internet bubble was a hoax?

    Proof it wasn't - you better have a bunch of grade A stock options to fling at a handtop.

    For the "under $2000 price tag, you get a box with:
    - state of the art OQO handtop
    - power cord & AC adaptor
    - docking cable
    - desktop stand
    - digital pen
    - carrying case and a manual/guide

  5. For sub-$2000 by Gothmolly · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I get basically the same thing as a newer, clamshell Zaurus, but without Linux? I get a used Apple iBook, but without OSX or Mac goodness? Where's the compelling reason to buy?

    --
    I want to delete my account but Slashdot doesn't allow it.
    1. Re:For sub-$2000 by julesh · · Score: 1

      Based on another poster's description, it is a fully functional 1GHz processor intel-compatible PC. In that case you can run Linux on it if you want, but it comes with XP as standard.

    2. Re:For sub-$2000 by mirko · · Score: 1
      Which XP ?
      1. this one ?
        OR
      2. this one ?
      --
      Trolling using another account since 2005.
    3. Re:For sub-$2000 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, even the top-model 14" iBook is 500$US less than the OQO.

      http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects /A ppleStore?family=iBook

      If you want portability, then the 12" is 1099$US.

      Mind you, if Apple ever releases a sub-notebook (maybe not as small as the OQO, but something similar to a small Omnibook or Libretto) then I' buy one immediatly! (wasn't IBM working on an Altivec G3?)

    4. Re:For sub-$2000 by julesh · · Score: 1

      Given that option 2 is not legally available for sale in most of the world, and option 1 hasn't yet been produced, I would suspect plain old standard XP. Probably with SP2.

    5. Re:For sub-$2000 by mirko · · Score: 1

      Not XP home, then ?
      Would have been cheaper...

      --
      Trolling using another account since 2005.
    6. Re:For sub-$2000 by mjc_w · · Score: 1
      Pasting from the site (http://www.oqo.com/store/shop.cgi/op/op_index.htm l)
      1 GHz processor, 20GB HD, 256MB RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, FireWire, audio, thumb keyboard, 800x480 indoor/outdoor readable LCD (ships with: removable lithium polymer battery, docking cable, desktop stand, power supply, carrying sleeve, and digital pen.)

      Windows XP Home $1899.00

      Windows XP Pro $1999.00

      Microsoft Office Small Business Edition Pre-installed $300.00

      product details quantity

      protection plans

      2 year extended protection plan

      $179.00

      3 year extended protection plan

      $249.00
      --
      This is the Constitution.This is the Constitution under the Bush administration. Any questions?
    7. Re:For sub-$2000 by eggsome · · Score: 1

      I remember when you could map a drive from Windows to \\ftp.microsoft.com\data

      Really? What was in there?

      --
      If they made a movie of your life, would anybody buy a ticket?
  6. What the hell is it? by gpinzone · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Wow. No description of what the hell this thing is, but he does give links to find out and they're both slashdotted.

    Can the editors please institute a policy that they only accept/post stories that are adequately descriptive?

    1. Re:What the hell is it? by leonmergen · · Score: 3, Informative
      Not even that, but try to link to a site that's a bit more descriptive about what it actually is. It's a long time ago I've seen such a bad 'What is >?' site. It immediately starts of with technical details, that it has a power chord, etc.

      What the hell is it ? Is it a PDA ? Is it a notebook ? Is it the latest wannahave-gadget ?

      --
      - Leon Mergen
      http://www.solatis.com
    2. Re:What the hell is it? by dave · · Score: 2, Informative

      The OQO computer is a full-featured pocketable Windows XP computer.

      Google search

      dave

    3. Re:What the hell is it? by JayJay.br · · Score: 1

      It's a computer!

    4. Re:What the hell is it? by dpilot · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I can't rtfa, either. But a quick shot at google, and you'll find that, "The OQO computer is a full-featured pocketable Windows XP computer."

      Since we're all talking about "it," it first made me wonder if it's a two-wheeled thingy to make walking obsolete. I actually saw someone using a Segway "in the wild" (as opposed to captivity - ie, demo) today on the way to work - outside on a sidewalk.

      --
      The living have better things to do than to continue hating the dead.
    5. Re:What the hell is it? by ceeam · · Score: 2, Funny

      What the hell is "Windows XP"?

      Ok, ok ;)

    6. Re:What the hell is it? by cfuse · · Score: 1
      Can the editors please institute a policy that they only accept/post stories that are adequately descriptive?

      This would be the total reverse of what happens presently. I wouldn't hold your breath.

    7. Re:What the hell is it? by Kinetic · · Score: 1

      The links are Slashdotted, but you can view the mirrors at: MirrorDot.

      --
      ~Jay
    8. Re:What the hell is it? by visgoth · · Score: 1

      Well... You know the four horsemen of the apocalypse? Windows XP is their annoying little brother.

      --
      My patience is infinite, my time is not.
    9. Re:What the hell is it? by sharkdba · · Score: 1

      The OQO computer is a full-featured pocketable Windows XP computer.

      So, we don't like it here, right?

      --
      The purpose of life is to find the purpose of life.
    10. Re:What the hell is it? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you can't figure out what it is, then it's a Widget, of course!

    11. Re:What the hell is it? by aclarke · · Score: 1
    12. Re:What the hell is it? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      The OQO computer is a full-featured pocketable Windows XP computer.

      If you have very large pockets, that is.

  7. Submitted by Timothy... by toetagger1 · · Score: 4, Insightful
    "Check this link if you're still not sure what the OQO is."

    You couldn't find enough room in the cover story to describe what it was, so you linked to a web page that was /.ed when there was a total of 1 comments posted. Great Job!

    --
    who | grep -i blond | date cd ~; unzip; touch; strip; finger; mount; gasp; yes; uptime; umount; sleep
    1. Re:Submitted by Timothy... by wscott · · Score: 1

      Just go to mirrordot.org...

    2. Re:Submitted by Timothy... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I know!! what a cunt!

    3. Re:Submitted by Timothy... by hackstraw · · Score: 1

      Actually it was /.ed during the "subscriber preview". I was going to mail daddypants about it, but since noone reads and/or does anything with mails to daddypants its kinda worthless.

      Another interesting feature I would like to see on /. is a 10 minute or so delay before anyone can post to an article. That way people might read the article or think before they post. This would make for a "flatter" discussion instead of the first person that has something to say get replied to with every tangent under the sun.

  8. From the OQO Website by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative
    The OQO model 01 ultra personal computer (uPC) is a fully-functional Windows XP computer. The OQO has a 1GHz processor, a 20GB hard drive, 256MB of RAM, a color transflective display, and integrated wireless, as well as Fire Wire and USB ports. It is powerful enough to run your most complex applications.

    Just 4.9 inches long, 3.4 inches wide, .9 inches thin, and weighing only 14 ounces, the model 01 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 TrackStik and mouse buttons as well as digital pen and thumbwheel. It is the much anticipated device for people who previously had to choose between the bulk and awkwardness of a laptop and the limited capability of a PDA.

    The OQO model 01 is also the most versatile computer to date. With the OQO docking cable, it can easily connect to projectors and Ethernet. Placed in the desktop stand it is a desktop computer, allowing you to connect easily to a variety of peripherals, including full-size keyboards, printers, scanners, and high-resolution monitors. It shifts easily from one mode to the other with no data synchronization required. With an OQO model 01 you can move throughout your day and enjoy constant access to all your information and Windows XP programs. You can use the same computer for high-powered applications at work, sending email at home, listening to music on a train, or watching a movie on an airplane. It is the only computer you need.

    1. Re:From the OQO Website by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

      What they don't tell you is that the 1GHz processor is a Transmeta chip- sloooooow. Also the hard drive and RAM are NOT upgradable. USB is only version 1.1- slooooow. I know that this has been in development for several years, but c'mon, at least double the RAM and put USB 2.0 in before you release it. It's a goddamn $2000 dinosaur...

    2. Re:From the OQO Website by kidgenius · · Score: 3, Informative

      Actually, it does have bluetooth and 802.11b support.

    3. Re:From the OQO Website by CommanderData · · Score: 1

      It has both 802.11b and Bluetooth built in.

      --
      Urge to post... fading... fading... RISING!... fading... fading... gone.
    4. Re:From the OQO Website by mirko · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      This was not mentioned in the parent post.
      BTW, if you're sooooo well informed, you'd be a good white boy (would you call me a nigger, were you not that manichean ?) if you answered my point about its autonomy...

      --
      Trolling using another account since 2005.
    5. Re:From the OQO Website by gkelman · · Score: 1

      Do you get paid for mentioning the word "autonomy"? Half the article comments I've read today have you saying autonomy about 150 times.

      I _think_ the phrase you want is "battery life", but I'm not sure.

    6. Re:From the OQO Website by mirko · · Score: 1

      Lol

      No, but it's the reason I dropped the Zaurus and the Powerbook until we get some decent machines :)

      Kind of an obsession... Maybe because I recently read about fuel cells and there's still nothing showing up.

      --
      Trolling using another account since 2005.
    7. Re:From the OQO Website by CountBrass · · Score: 0

      Hey he's learning English one word at a time by working his way through the Dictionary. "Autonomy" is today's word.

      Or, to misquote Gandalf from the LOTR:FOR film: "Autonomy means precisely what I mean it to mean". ;-)

      --
      Bad analogies are like waxing a monkey with a rainbow.
    8. Re:From the OQO Website by magarity · · Score: 1

      Also the hard drive and RAM are NOT upgradable.

      Are you sure about the hdd? The specs page only says that it is a 20GB. I think it might be a 1.8 inch in which case, why not be able to upgrade it? Toshiba has a 40GB 1.8 on the market.

    9. Re:From the OQO Website by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      I have a old laptop w/ a transmeta 1ghz processor and I can watch DVD full screen on it without ANY problem. On interactive applications, speed is a little "unstable" but it's 100% usable, every time. And it run pretty cool, even w/o fans.

    10. Re:From the OQO Website by Warhaven · · Score: 1
      The OQO model 01 is also the most versatile computer to date. With the OQO docking cable, it can easily connect to projectors and Ethernet. Placed in the desktop stand it is a desktop computer, allowing you to connect easily to a variety of peripherals, including full-size keyboards, printers, scanners, and high-resolution monitors. It shifts easily from one mode to the other with no data synchronization required. With an OQO model 01 you can move throughout your day and enjoy constant access to all your information and Windows XP programs. You can use the same computer for high-powered applications at work, sending email at home, listening to music on a train, or watching a movie on an airplane. It is the only computer you need.

      The most versatile portable ever. Yes, I can see how every feature listed here that's available to every other laptop and sub-notebook makes this one the most versatile. :P

    11. Re:From the OQO Website by mirko · · Score: 1

      What languages are you learning, mein Herr ?
      Maybe I could help...

      --
      Trolling using another account since 2005.
    12. Re:From the OQO Website by CountBrass · · Score: 0

      What kind of a fag moderator mods an unmoderated post as overrated? FFS grow some balls! If you think it's a troll mod it as such, if you think it's flamebait say so!

      --
      Bad analogies are like waxing a monkey with a rainbow.
  9. Damn straight by Rogerborg · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Would it really fuck up an editor's day to actually do some, you know, editing? What the hell do these guys do all day, and can I get paid to do the same?

    --
    If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.
    1. Re:Damn straight by generic-man · · Score: 1

      Sure, you can get paid. Unfortunately all the editors get paid in VA Linux stock options, and as such they cannot afford their medicine or food on most days.

      --
      For more information, click here.
    2. Re:Damn straight by Megaweapon · · Score: 1, Funny

      Hey, Hemos did post a link to this "Linux" thing on his update, in case if some people on this site have never heard of this "Linux" thing.

      --
      I'm sure "SlashdotMedia" will improve on all the wonders that Dice Holdings blessed us all with
    3. Re:Damn straight by sootman · · Score: 1

      And let's not forget that super-useful 'handheld' link, the contents of which are summarized here:

      Product Guide
      - Hardware : Handhelds
      Latest Handhelds Reviews
      - No reviews for this category

      --
      Dear Slashdot: next time you want to mess with the site, add a rich-text editor for comments.
  10. Pslashdotted! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    And the site appears to be slashdotted.

    *yay* and I was JUST about to order one.. oh well.

    Smac

  11. don't tell us what it is then... by close_wait · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Why do I have to follow a &%$@ link just to find out even the vaguest idea of what the article is about...?

    lack of editing mutter mutter not like that in my day mutter mutter youth of today mutter mutter ...

    1. Re:don't tell us what it is then... by squaretorus · · Score: 1

      You can always spot a good story on /. - theres more bitching about the quality of the /. coverage that no one even bothers to talk about the topic.

      I guess we'll just wait for the dupe to comment on the kit.

    2. Re:don't tell us what it is then... by AbbyNormal · · Score: 1

      Maybe its a marketing gimic on Slashdot? Hype up a product and provide little/no information so that the consumer really wants to find out about it. Even the "Update" for the article has a link to handheld reviews, which has absolutely NO information. Slashdot, now a nerd marketing firm?

      --
      Sig it.
    3. Re:don't tell us what it is then... by deuce868 · · Score: 1

      Congratulations on making a difference and establishing the exception to the rule ...oh wait...

    4. Re:don't tell us what it is then... by Webmonger · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Good grief! It's only been mentioned in 14 Slashdot stories by now. Do you want explanations of what Linux and Sun Microsystems are, too?

    5. Re:don't tell us what it is then... by Kehvarl · · Score: 1

      Yes. In detail, with proper footnotes. A bit of witty commentary to liven up the dissertation would be appreciated as well. Also, please elucidate on the topics of Micro-Soft and Apple Computers.

    6. Re:don't tell us what it is then... by greg_barton · · Score: 1

      OK, what's the deal with the 'tell us what the hell this story is about' meme? It's only in the past week that I've seen several posts like this, all modded up to 5.

      Here's an idea: If you want to find out what something is, do a little reading. If you don't have enough time to do that, it's not important enough for you to know. If it's not important enough for you to know, it's not important enough to bitch about. It's that simple.

    7. Re:don't tell us what it is then... by close_wait · · Score: 1
      Here's an idea: If you want to find out what something is, do a little reading. If you don't have enough time to do that, it's not important enough for you to know. If it's not important enough for you to know, it's not important enough to bitch about. It's that simple.

      Now there's a thought. We could dispense with the the titles and summaries on the slashdot home page, and just have a collection of anonymous links instead.

    8. Re:don't tell us what it is then... by greg_barton · · Score: 1

      We could dispense with the the titles and summaries on the slashdot home page...

      Nice try with the reductio ad absurdum argument argument. I'll do you one better. Let's just reduce the link text to dashes and dots, translate the linked pages into binary, and tap the results into our foreheads with a spatula. If you're too stupid to understand it's not worth your time.

  12. OQO For Sale by nhnfreespirit · · Score: 1

    And tomorrow, hell freezes over... OQO has got to be the king of vapor, and now they are actually ready to sell a product!? Now what were the odds of that at your local bookmaker? Someone could have made a fortune. Might be a pretty cool device from what I have previously read about it though!

    1. Re:OQO For Sale by Jucius+Maximus · · Score: 1
      " And tomorrow, hell freezes over... OQO has got to be the king of vapor, and now they are actually ready to sell a product!?"

      I'm still not buying an OQO. Its specs are far too underpowered to run Duke Nukem Forever.

  13. Slashdotted! by inkdesign · · Score: 3, Funny

    Guess they're using one to run the webserver!

    1. Re:Slashdotted! by julesh · · Score: 1

      I dunno, I reckon a palmtop computer with a 1Gb processor and 256Mb of RAM would last longer than that site did.

    2. Re:Slashdotted! by julesh · · Score: 1

      G_Hz_.

      Thinking about one thing while writing another. Ahem.

    3. Re:Slashdotted! by RESPAWN · · Score: 1

      Slashdot really should have a -1 Slashbot moderation choice...

      [Posting without karma bonus since this is waaaay OT]

      --

      If Murphy's Law can go wrong, it will.

  14. Nice toy by Silver+Sloth · · Score: 2, Interesting

    For a few nano seconds it will look cool as you have the latest flashiest toy on the block. If that's worth $2,000 to you then fine but I won't be buying.

    --
    init 11 - for when you need that edge.
  15. it also comes with a cyanide tooth... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    for when you launch your almost $2,000 toy off the roof of your car by accident!

  16. Not for sale! Pre-order only! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    But it does come with a voucher to unlock a steam delivered version of Duke Nukem: Forever (when available).

  17. The important lines... by mreed911 · · Score: 2, Informative

    Unfortunately for Linux users, there is no option to not have any OS installed.

    The USB is currently 1.1

    So you have to pay M$ royalties, regardless of whether you intend to use Windows, and no USB 2.0 support. Lovely.

    1. Re:The important lines... by joefreshman · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Actually, no matter what vendor you purchase a PC from, you're paying M$ royalties. In order for the company to get the M$ discount, they just pay M$ $15 per "desktop" shipped (workstations and servers are usually excluded from these deals).

      In other words, if you order a linux machine from HP, $15 is paid to M$ for that purchase.

      How do I know? I just finished a complete survey of computer vendors to try and find one that wouldn't do this. The only ones are those that would charge you around $100 for Windows XP Home on your machine... in other words, vendors that don't have any agreement with M$.

    2. Re:The important lines... by amorsen · · Score: 1

      Actually, MS does allow OEMs to sell computers without the MS tax. Those computers "just" have to have different hardware and different product numbers, so customers are not "confused", and they have to be delivered with some sort of OS (FreeDOS counts). However, this guarantees that there won't be many models available with Linux, since it is a pain for companies to have model lines with very few units sold. If the OS was an option like memory or hard drive size, OEM's could handle it much more easily. Alas, Microsoft does not allow that.

      --
      Finally! A year of moderation! Ready for 2019?
    3. Re:The important lines... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      But then, who would want a computer without an OS? I like it just fine with Linux preinstalled.

    4. Re:The important lines... by Crudely_Indecent · · Score: 1

      Here's the skinny I got directly from support@oqo.com regarding OS installation:

      > Response (Jason Shue) - 10/16/2004 11:43 AM
      > Thank you for your interest in the OQO.
      > At this time the OQO only ships with Windows XP home or pro from the
      > factory. This helps to reduce overhead by making them unifrom. Also please
      > not that although Linux can be installed we do not support it. Thank you
      > and I hope this has answered your question.
      > Jason

      (No grammar flames, please, I didn't write that)

      And my (final) response

      I don't exactly see how inserting a blank hard drive can increase your
      overhead (no time spent to image the drive, no license paid to Microsoft for
      the XP image), so I'll just take your word for it. I don't particularly like
      purchasing inferior software that I don't plan to use, so I'll just wait for
      one of your units to show up on ebay.

      Not meaning to preach, but, the addage "the customer is always right" applies
      greatly in this case. Adding a third (less expensive/time consuming 3rd
      assembly model) without operating system would be given a warm welcome by the
      slashdot (www.slashdot.org) and Linux crowds. I (and other programmers) see
      so much potential in this small device if it wasn't running windows.

      That's my 2 cents. Good luck

      --


      "Lame" - Galaxar
  18. I've considered that one... by JanneM · · Score: 2, Informative

    I've looked at that one, as well as the Sony U series, but basically, I've come to the conclusion that I really want a keyboard as well, not a writable screen. So much of what I do involves writing in one form or another. I've ended up ordering one of these instead. Sure, it won't (quite) fit into a coat pocket - you need to have it in your bag - but it is a lot more computer for about the same price.

    --
    Trust the Computer. The Computer is your friend.
    1. Re:I've considered that one... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I've come to the conclusion that I really want a keyboard as well, not a writable screen.

      But the OQO does have a keyboard and pointing stick built in. The screen slides upward to reveal it...

    2. Re:I've considered that one... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Looks like it has a keyboard to me. Maybe you didn't look hard enough.

    3. Re:I've considered that one... by JanneM · · Score: 1

      But the OQO does have a keyboard and pointing stick built in. The screen slides upward to reveal it...

      I should learn to preview... What I meant (and what I stupidly thought I'd said) was to have a real, typing capable keyboard. The OQO (and most similar machines) have either a thumb-type or index-finger-type mini keyboard (the Zaurus and the Yopy would be other examples of that size), or come without a built-in keyboard at all, which would require some attachable solution (the Sony has/had an attachable, foldable keyboard as part of the package).

      After having used first a Palm, then a Yopy for years, I am not fond of either solution. I realized that by going up in size another step, so to speak, I could get essentially a real laptop, with a bigger (easier to see) screen, a "real" keyboard, and better specs, for the same price.

      --
      Trust the Computer. The Computer is your friend.
  19. Here's what it is... by kidgenius · · Score: 4, Informative

    You'd think our boy Timothy would at least link to the page of the manufacturer where there are images, and stands a better chance against /.'ing. Here you go guys...it's some sort of portable computer thing.

  20. Huh? by vegasbright · · Score: 0

    Why is it I still don't believe that it is on sale.

    --

    Tyler: You don't know where ive been, Lou. YOU DONT KNOW WHERE IVE BEEN!!
  21. Specs by Sgt_Nikon · · Score: 2, Informative

    model 01 ultra personal computer

    1 GHz processor, 20GB HD, 256MB RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, FireWire, audio, thumb keyboard, 800x480 indoor/outdoor readable LCD (ships with: removable lithium polymer battery, docking cable, desktop stand, power supply, carrying sleeve, and digital pen.)

    Windows XP Home $1899.00
    Windows XP Pro $1999.00

    Microsoft Office Small Business Edition Pre-installed $300.00

    I believe prices are USD.

    1. Re:Specs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny
      I believe prices are USD.

      Yeah, those Dollar Signs ($) were a bit confusing, weren't they?

    2. Re:Specs by Inda · · Score: 1

      Yes! My current PC has a bigger hard drive this this one! In your face modern handheld PC!

      --
      This post contains benzene, nitrosamines, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.
    3. Re:Specs by hackstraw · · Score: 1

      Thanks for the price info.

      Now, if it were $500 and had a decent d/a converter and audio output, I'd be all over these things. But for about 2x the cost of a nice 12" laptop, I think I'm much more likely to buy a laptop.

    4. Re:Specs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > Microsoft Office Small Business Edition Pre-installed $300.00

      I guess the Microsoft Office Big Business just wouldn't fit.

    5. Re:Specs by gl4ss · · Score: 1

      or a flybook ( iirc this is the website better features imho and cheaper)

      --
      world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
    6. Re:Specs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey, other countries use local "dollars" too....Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Canada, Cayman Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kiribati, New Zealand, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Taiwan, United States, Zimbabwe ...and they use $ too.

    7. Re:Specs by _anomaly_ · · Score: 1

      The FlyBook looks really cool... but the link from their site to buy says it's $2873.75

      This is not cheaper... considerably more expensive in fact.

      --
      "I have no special gift, I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
    8. Re:Specs by bluekanoodle · · Score: 1

      How is this cheaper? It says it cost 2873.75

    9. Re:Specs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, but the $ symbol came from an overlapping US, so it's specific to those countries that both use the world "dollar" and have "united states" in their name:)

  22. Sounds like a lot of money for a little computer by nels_tomlinson · · Score: 5, Insightful
    ``Under $2000'' for something which is too small and wimpy to use as a desktop replacement or for gaming (from the article: ``... the OQO isn't designed to be a desktop replacement, nor intended to be a portable video game machine ...), and too big to put in your pocket?

    I think this fills a need that too many folks don't have.

    Also, the article says that many of the specs are out of date, but they're going to launch anyway. That tells me that the second generation OQO is going to have more guts, and be out as soon as enough suckers have bought enough of the wimpy ones to finance further development. I'll wait.

  23. More info links. by will_die · · Score: 2, Informative

    Here are some info links
    extremetech
    The register

    Since this is not the first machine of theses types of machines, nor has it been modded to run Linux how does this rate as News for Nerds?

    1. Re:More info links. by kalidasa · · Score: 1

      It uses a Transmeta processor. Linus used to work for Transmeta. = News for Nerds (at least in some eyes).

    2. Re:More info links. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, excellent! Now we can have stories about McDonalds, cause Linus has eaten at a McDonalds. We can have stories about toilets, about haircuts, about radio station WXYZ, about pratically anything if that's the criteria.

    3. Re:More info links. by silicon+not+in+the+v · · Score: 2, Insightful
      Since this is not the first machine of theses types of machines, nor has it been modded to run Linux how does this rate as News for Nerds?
      Let's see, I'm going to click on this link thing in the summary; I wonder where it goes? Hmm, what's this? "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."
      Gee, it's an x86 computer that doesn't even need to be modded. Now what were you saying and why did you get modded up?
      --
      We may experience some slight turbulence and then...explode. -Capt. Mal Reynolds
    4. Re:More info links. by burns210 · · Score: 1

      What mod would be needed for an x86 computer? Just so long as the drivers exist, but that is true of any PC you buy... Modding not required here.

    5. Re:More info links. by IANAAC · · Score: 1
      ... nor has it been modded to run Linux how does this rate as News for Nerds?

      No modding needed. Does it need to run Linux to qualify as News for Nerds? A lot of Win-whatever, Mac, Solaris, BSD, etc. people will be upset if it only qualifies as news when Linux is involved.

    6. Re:More info links. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The *criterion* - anyone who writes "that's the criteria" ("that's" is a contraction of "that is", the singular verb) should not be using the word "criteria" yet. Learn to distinguish the singular and plural forms of Greek words if you're going to sprinkle them through your postings.

      And the point is that Linus Torvalds WORKED at Transmeta, i.e., Transmeta, by paying him a salary, showed respect for Open Source. When McDonald's hires Alan Cox and radio station WXYZ has Richard Stallman as a disk jockey, then, yes, we can have stories about them.

  24. About this OQO... by LilMikey · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I don't know why the news kept pointing to some arbitrary handtops site but the actual site for the device is OQO.com. Basically, the thing is a 1ghz laptop with a 20GB HD, 256MB RAM, and 800x480 LCD. It's been shrunk to the size of a PDA but runs full Windows XP home. So, for the unreasonably high price of $1900 you can get a laptop from 2 years ago running an OS that isn't designed for the size of the device. There is no market for this thing.

    --
    LilMikey.com... I'll stop doing it when you sto
    1. Re:About this OQO... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I don't know why the news kept pointing to some arbitrary handtops site but the actual site for the device is OQO.com.

      Check CaptainJam's submission history. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

    2. Re:About this OQO... by tftp · · Score: 1
      For example, IBM Thinkpad 240 has 800x600 LCD, but it is larger; still, some people say it is "too small to read". I guess 800x480 with size twice as small would be just a vision killer. Also, Thinkpad 240 (which is about 6 year old by now) has 6 GB HDD (which is plenty for the purpose), about 192 MB RAM, and PCMCIA (where I usually keep a 802.11b card). All that, together, can be had today for about $200 on eBay. Even new, this notebook was less than $2K back then.

      So indeed, I see no use for the device, not for myself and not for anyone I know. Most people would just reject it on screen size/resolution alone. And what can you do with this thing anyway?

  25. Tablet by worldcitizen · · Score: 1

    I got a TC1000 Compaq Tablet at ebay for sub-$1000. The specs are not that different (e.g., same disappointingly slow Transmeta CPU). The OQO is smaller and more portable but the TC1000 already feels "slightly below the minimum" with regards to comfortably reading webpages. It will be interesting to watch if this form factor succeeds but, for now, I'm staying with what I have.

    1. Re:Tablet by cyngus · · Score: 1

      I can comfortably read webpages on a PowerPC G3 300Mhz. This is surely not slower than that. 90% of webpages shouldn't need more than that. Too much useless junk of webpages today.

    2. Re:Tablet by drew · · Score: 1

      From the parent:
      The OQO is smaller and more portable but the TC1000 already feels "slightly below the minimum" with regards to comfortably reading webpages.

      just a guess, but i interpreted that as "my device is already slightly too small to read web pages comfortably, so something even smaller would probably be worse"

      --
      If I don't put anything here, will anyone recognize me anymore?
    3. Re:Tablet by worldcitizen · · Score: 1

      Your guess is 100% correct :)

      I have to admit that sometimes reading on a TabletPC can be worse than reading on a smaller PalmPilot type of device. The reason is that a tablet runs XP and programs are usually designed for mainstream XP machines. PalmPilots however, they use PalmPilot specific software that does take into account the smaller screen. The OQO runs XP as well, I would expect similar problems in this respect as the Tablets

  26. Re:In the dark by lucabrasi999 · · Score: 0
    Dammit, I clicked the above link for those who are don't know what OQO is but its teh down. I guess there're a lot of people that don't know what it is.

    Well, according to OQO.com:

    The OQO model 01 is also the most versatile computer to date.

    Does this mean it can be a server strong enough to prevent slashdotting?

  27. The king of vapor? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    And here I always thought it was Duke Nukem Forever!

  28. Good device but by Progman3K · · Score: 0, Troll

    I encourage everyone to boycott it to protest the Microsoft tax on it.

    If they want me to buy it, make it available WITHOUT Microsoft Windows and give me the dollar savings.

    --
    I don't know the meaning of the word 'don't' - J
    1. Re:Good device but by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm sure they'll miss your $1800 while they're dancing with the other millions to the bank.

      Once all three of you crawl out of the basement, get a job and earn enough money to actually buy one of these things maybe they'll c... nah, they won't.

  29. More from the OQO Website by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    SAME AC! :-)

    specifications

    * 1GHz Transmeta processor
    * 20GB hard drive (shock-mounted)
    * 256MB DDR RAM
    * Dimensions: 4.9" x 3.4" x .9"
    * Weight: 14 ounces
    * 800 x 480 W-VGA 5" transflective display (indoor/outdoor readable)
    * 3D accelerated graphics with 8mb video RAM
    * QWERTY thumb keyboard with mouse buttons and TrackStik®
    * 802.11b wireless
    * Bluetooth® wireless
    * 4-pin FireWire® (1394)
    * USB 1.1
    * 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
    * Microphone
    * Digital pen
    * Removable lithium polymer battery
    * Battery life up to three hours, depending on usage
    * OQO docking cable includes:
    o 3D accelerated 1280 x 1024 VGA video output
    o Additional USB
    o Additional FireWire (1394)
    o Ethernet
    o DC power
    o Audio out

    additional features

    * Active hard drive protection that safely parks hard drive heads upon detecting freefall
    * Screen that slides on rack and pinion mechanism to reveal thumb keyboard
    * Shift, control, function and alt keys that have smart-lock with LED indicators
    * Thumbwheel allows for traditional scrolling as well as enhanced features
    * Ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts backlight to appropriate level
    * External antenna connector for 802.11b (in addition to built-in diversity antennas)

    included accessories

    * Power cord & AC adaptor
    * Docking cable
    * Desktop stand
    * Digital pen
    * Carrying sleeve

    1. Re:More from the OQO Website by mirko · · Score: 1

      Battery life up to three hours, depending on usage

      What If I surf while listening to mp3 ?
      I only get around 10 minutes autonomy ?

      No Way !!!

      --
      Trolling using another account since 2005.
  30. WTF? Missing windows? by SoTuA · · Score: 1

    Uh yeah, missing windows. That's why it comes with XP Home or XP Pro, right?

  31. Of Course Its Expensive by cyngus · · Score: 2, Informative

    Of course this is expensive. Ever notice how most things work on an exponential curve? As you get smaller and smaller the price begins to go up disproportionately. Why? Cause its hard to cram a whole computer into something the size of a 1990 cell phone! If you think this device is too expensive you don't understand the market its aimed at. Its not really for Joe Sixpack. Its for Joseph Suit that wants to take his computer with him and not carry a laptop.

    1. Re:Of Course Its Expensive by jav1231 · · Score: 1

      The beauty is I don't have to understand that market to know these yo-yo's will be luck to break even. They'd better get to know their own market. Tablets, handtops, flip-tops etc. aren't exactly booming and price is one reason. Couple that with the fact that you can't find these at Best Buy and Fry's and you get the picture. Then these marketing guys will be sitting around saying, "there isn't a market for these things so sales are limited." Well, let's see...there are a legion of laptops offered UNDER this price. Most people are willing to just put up with the extra real estate. AND they get the luxury of not having their gadget-challenged friends not belittling them for paying $1899 for it. Don't get me wrong, I love it. Think it's nifty. But it will it sell? I say very few will.

    2. Re:Of Course Its Expensive by tftp · · Score: 1
      One major reason why this won't fly with businesspeople is ... size. All "sales engineers" and other travelling public out there give presentations with their laptops; sometimes the laptop is all they have (no projector.) So they want to have at least 15" screen, and 17" monsters are also of interest. I see no reason for them to carry a bloated cell phone, it's of no use to them. Besides, many middle-aged people don't see very well any more, and 5" screen would be of no use to them just because of that.

      Another reason is compatibility. PHBs like things as they are; typically, a PHB has a notebook as his main computer (maybe with a docking station at the office.) Then they unplug it and take their work with them. They don't want to manage 2 or 3 computers and synchronize files and applications and whatnot between them. Weight and size do not matter; convenience and compatibility matter a lot. For about $2K you can have the lightest, the thinnest, and the fastest (not that is needed!) Sony Vaio (or comparable) notebook, and that would be completely standard, completely traditional device that would do everything as the PHB likes to do it.

  32. Am I the only one that read this wrong? by johnthorensen · · Score: 2, Funny

    Sounded at first like OQO the company was for sale. My fist thought was, "Sheesh...after all this waiting!". Kind of like your woman telling you at the last minute that she's got a headache :-)

    -JT

    1. Re:Am I the only one that read this wrong? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Kind of like your woman telling you at the last minute that she's got a headache :-)

      I am sure that in your case you could ask for your money back.

    2. Re:Am I the only one that read this wrong? by thebiggs · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Careful! Many /. readers might not get the "woman" reference.

  33. Waaayyyyy too expensive by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    From the site:


    1 GHz processor, 20GB HD, 256MB RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, FireWire, audio, thumb keyboard, 800x480 indoor/outdoor readable LCD (ships with: removable lithium polymer battery, docking cable, desktop stand, power supply, carrying sleeve, and digital pen.)

    $1899.00 w/XP Home
    $1999.00 w/XP Pro


    No thanks. This thing needs to be in the sub $1000 range to be worthwhile, more like $700.

    Not interested. Let's see where the Flipstart clocks in at.

    1. Re:Waaayyyyy too expensive by steelerguy · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You are waaayyyyy too right. This thing is priced at least double what it should be priced. More realistically it should be at the $700 range like you said since the memory is low, the wireless is slow, and the processor is not all that.

    2. Re:Waaayyyyy too expensive by twalk · · Score: 1

      The fugitsu P1120 is probably the cheapest super mini notebook around right now, and it's around $1100 (with a 800Mhz transmeta, no less). Saying it should be $700 is just unrealistic.

  34. Re:Missing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    clinko, you are a complete fucktard. It comes with Windows XP home or pro installed, along with Office 2003. How is that not windows based?

  35. more story stealing from engadget by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Like you guys didn't just see this on engadget and just copied it.

    STOP STEALING engadgets stories, find some creative articles ON YOUR OWN and STOP STEALING OTHER PEOPLES CONTENT!

    1. Re:more story stealing from engadget by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I hate Roland Piquepaille.. WTF does he know anyway.. I'll tell you what.. JACK SHIT. I heard he also likes Fumunda Cheese.

  36. My reply to this post by gosand · · Score: 1, Funny

    Following is a link to my reply to this story. I am sure it will be modded +5 as it is a very extensive, earth-shattering reply. I expect this to be the most viewed post ever on Slashdot. For more information about me, and why I am so important, follow this link .

    --

    My beliefs do not require that you agree with them.

  37. Overpriced small laptop? by DogDude · · Score: 1

    From what I can tell, it's a grossly overpriced small laptop with a touchscreen. Wow. Where's my wallet? Really, what's the incentive to buy this instead of a much cheaper, much much more powerful laptop? Are most people not able to lug around the gargantuan, 5-8 pound laptops available today? Jesus, most books are heavier than today's laptops.

    --
    I don't respond to AC's.
    1. Re:Overpriced small laptop? by afidel · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Wow, I guess people just don't get it. Most PDA's these days are just a "small overpriced laptop". You pay for convenience, and I for one think I might very well buy one of these. I currently use a 750MHz P3 laptop which needs a big cushioned bag to lug around, on the other hand this thing probably would be fine with a small lined carrying case that would fit in the oversized pockets in my wool coat. I could always have my computer with me, including all of my apps and the ability to connection to any client network and use just about any external peripheral. That sounds damn usefull to me.

      --
      There are 4 boxes to use in the defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, ammo. Use in that order. Starting now.
    2. Re:Overpriced small laptop? by DogDude · · Score: 1

      So, then you're willing to pay $1000 for the luxury of being able to put something in your pocket as opposed to carrying it in a small bag? I guess that answers my question... it's being marketed at the very wealthy (those with substantial disposable income). I guess that's why these kinds of devices have never taken off: the market is quite tiny. There aren't many people who can afford to, or who are willing to pay that kind of substantial price differential for such a small convenience.

      --
      I don't respond to AC's.
    3. Re:Overpriced small laptop? by burns210 · · Score: 1

      Buy one, but wait for the second version of the model.

      The price isn't too bad, and the specs are decent. But USB 1.1, the processor, etc are a bit out of date. I would but they want enough money from the 01 model to fund the 02, and to get 02 on the market as fast as possible.

      One of these machines, with 512meg RAM, .11g wifi, and a bit beefier processor(1.4ghz+) and I could see myself looking toward getting one.

    4. Re:Overpriced small laptop? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      He's paying more than a thousand for the priveledge. A IBM thinkpad with 750Mhz cpu on ebay is less than $400.

  38. Hmmm... by Phantom69 · · Score: 1
    It is powerful enough to run your most complex applications.

    Erm, yeah right, how do they know?

    I have a very complex application (a simulator) here that we run on a dual-opteron system and it still nearly kills it - but apparently if I buy a 1GHz OQO it will run it? Hell it wont even fit it in the RAM and combined with WinXP it'll need one huge swap-file!

    1. Re:Hmmm... by anakin876 · · Score: 1

      As long as your application is not a game or somethign designed to run on a desktop (as this is not a Desktop Replacement) you should be fine. :-P

  39. and apparently ... by cascadingstylesheet · · Score: 1

    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?

  40. This year's underperformer... by gillbates · · Score: 2, Insightful

    However, the OQO isn't designed to be a desktop replacement, nor intended to be a portable video game machine

    So, what exactly is it supposed to be? An overpriced PDA? A toy for high level executives?

    Oh, I get it - I'm going to spend twice the money I would on a desktop to get less than half the machine.

    I really like the concept of the OQO:

    1. Full keyboard
    2. A reasonably sized screen
    3. A 20GB hard drive
    4. Transmeta Crusoe processor
    5. 256MB RAM
    6. It's small enough to fit in a large pocket

    So it has everything I want in a portable, except: price. I can hardly justify spending $2000 for this thing when the Sharp Zaurus has a full keyboard, runs Linux, and costs about 1/2 to 1/4 as much. I don't think I'd have too hard a time finding at least half a dozen other comparable handtops that cost less than half as much.

    Overall, I'm really interested. This would be a really cool machine, but at $2000, it will never be accepted by the mainstream. Price it at $500, and two years from now people will be saying, "Palm who?", and "What's an IPAQ?"...

    --
    The society for a thought-free internet welcomes you.
    1. Re:This year's underperformer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Obviously you aren't the target audience for this product. Just like the first cell phones cast in excess so does this technology.

      I've been using PDA's for over 6 years, they all have their querks. This is manly a glorified PDA aimed at business users. Why do you think there is a woman in a business suit on the front?

      The intelligence of slashdot readers is quit fucking low. I peer into the comments section from time to time hoping there will be something constructive and it's just a bunch of 15 year olds bickering.

    2. Re:This year's underperformer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Check out the sony viao X505, it has a bigger area but it it INSANELY THIN!!

      Pictures of X505 ultraportable!

      Also look at the minidisk sized "PENTIUM M!!!!" motherboard on the main page.

    3. Re:This year's underperformer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yup, now that's what I'm talkin' about. constructive conversation.

      I've seen this, It's pretty cool.

      The OQO fits me idealy becuase I'm trying to get rid of lugging my laptop around but still want access to all my applications I have at my desk anywhere. It fits in a pocket which is rad.

      thanks for the url.

  41. WWW for sale by otisg · · Score: 1

    Grab it while it's hot. Going fast!

    --
    Simpy
  42. MirrorDot by dangerz · · Score: 0

    Saw this site in someone's post yesterday.

    http://www.mirrordot.org/

    While it might blind you, it does has a cache of the original site and is very handy.

    --
    The greatest experience we can have is the mysterious.
    - Albert Einstein
  43. Re:Missing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    which OS does it run, does the article say?

  44. Finally - a beowulf cluster of those by KZigurs · · Score: 1

    So now I will be finally able to create a little nice beowulf cluster out of those goodies. ... Hey - wait. This joke didn't fit in where it really starts to be feasible :D

  45. Re:Sounds like a lot of money for a little compute by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's targeted for business applications, not your basement riding ass.

  46. $1899! by jav1231 · · Score: 1

    FINALLY a PDA/Handtop that will run Linux that's priced at the same price as it's Win version! I'd expected them to offer Linux for $100 more, you know in keeping with the spirit of PDA's.

  47. XP, Linkux & Handhelds by jea6 · · Score: 1

    The update to the article contains three of the dumbest links I've seen on Slashdot. Linking XP to Microsoft? Handheld links to the OSTG IT Manager's Journal (which, incidentally, has little useful content)... Sigh...

    --

    sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
  48. Free clue: it's about size and convenience by Moraelin · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Saying basically, 'but you can get a 12" laptop cheaper' is, no offense, completely missing the point.

    It's like saying 'but a Walkman and carrying 100 cassettes around is much cheaper than an iPod'. That may well be, but the iPod fits in your pocket, while the cassettes would need a backpack. _That_ is why I'd rather pay extra than carry cassettes around.

    Or it's like saying 'don't buy an iPod if you already have a laptop'. That stupid. Yes, you could pack your music on a laptop instead. But all things being equal I'd rather have a small MP3 player in a pocket, than be the idiot who lugs a freaking huge laptop bag around just for the music.

    Same with the OQO. I don't want to freakin' lug a huge laptop around, when I can get the same thing in the size of a palmtop.

    I'm very much willing to pay $2000 for something which fits in a pocket, _and_:

    - has a proper keyboard

    - lets me actually run normal PC programs, instead of some castrated Palm-speciffic idiocy.

    - lets me actually pack Eclipse on it and do some coding on the road

    - lets me actually play a modern PC game once in a while. Not Doom 3, of course. But Europa Universalis, Hearts of Iron, Crusader Kings or several others would run perfectly on it.

    Etc.

    Again, yes, a laptop would do all that. But I still don't want to lug a laptop around if I have even half a choice.

    --
    A polar bear is a cartesian bear after a coordinate transform.
    1. Re:Free clue: it's about size and convenience by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      >Saying basically, 'but you can get a 12" laptop cheaper' is, no offense, completely missing the point.

      Well, of course, but I was merely correcting the parent (who only talked about the price - I was pointing out that even the top iBook was 500$US less, and the 12" was nearly half the price of the OQO).

      >Same with the OQO. I don't want to freakin' lug a huge laptop around, when I can get the same thing in the size of a palmtop.

      Again, that would be nice if Apple released such a beast.

      >I'm very much willing to pay $2000 for something which fits in a pocket

      Strangely enough, I'm only prepared to pay half price of the 12" iBook for a small "palmBook" with about half the CPU power (imagine a G3/Altivec at 800MHz with 256MB (max 512MB), a 60GB 1.8" HD and ~8" LCD display). Even a C3/500 is enough for a modern OS (if you turn the eye candy off, which only sucks battery power uselessly anyway).

  49. GNU Inside by happyfrogcow · · Score: 1

    Sorry, I'll take an Etch-a-Sketch Animator with a "GNU Inside" sticker on the front over this any day.

  50. Specs by Remlik · · Score: 2, Informative

    Ok here are the specks from the oqo.com site.

    "1GHz Transmeta processor
    20GB hard drive (shock-mounted)
    256MB DDR RAM
    Dimensions: 4.9" x 3.4" x .9"
    Weight: 14 ounces
    800 x 480 W-VGA 5" transflective display (indoor/outdoor readable)
    3D accelerated graphics with 8mb video RAM
    QWERTY thumb keyboard with mouse buttons and TrackStik®
    802.11b wireless
    Bluetooth® wireless
    4-pin FireWire® (1394)
    USB 1.1
    3.5mm stereo headphone jack
    Microphone
    Digital pen
    Removable lithium polymer battery
    Battery life up to three hours, depending on usage
    OQO docking cable includes:
    3D accelerated 1280 x 1024 VGA video output
    Additional USB
    Additional FireWire (1394)
    Ethernet
    DC power
    Audio out

    additional features
    Active hard drive protection that safely parks hard drive heads upon detecting freefall
    Screen that slides on rack and pinion mechanism to reveal thumb keyboard
    Shift, control, function and alt keys that have smart-lock with LED indicators
    Thumbwheel allows for traditional scrolling as well as enhanced features
    Ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts backlight to appropriate level
    External antenna connector for 802.11b (in addition to built-in diversity antennas)


    Now the part that stands out to me (besides the USB 1.1, I guess Firewire is the way to go) is the 3 hour battery life, depending on usage.

    Ok so we've basically stepped back in time 5 years to ultra crappy laptops that don't last long enough to fly half way across the US.

    I'm guessing that if you're using the wifi that battery time is probably less than 2 hours. Reminds me of the Ipaq I used to have that lasted all of an hour without plugging it in. Talk about your useless wireless POC.

    --
    Apple free since 1990!
  51. The fundamental idea... convergence? by phlurg · · Score: 1
    What I find most appealing about this is not that it'll be a cool little device (well, in later versions when the CPU is upgraded and there's USB 2.0, etc...), but that it illustrates the increasing convergence of devices.

    I just bought a new PDA (HP4155) with builtin wifi, and while I like it immensely, it's still YAD -- yet another device -- in my life that I have to keep track of. I want *fewer* devices in my life. For example, I want to use my PDA as my MP3 player. While the HP4155 plays MP3s well, (and with a 1GB sdio card, I can fit a fair number on it), loading them takes forever, so it doesn't quite adequately replace a hard-drive based MP3 player like an iPod.

    The OQO seems to go one step in that direction (theoretically, at least) by combining a PDA with your home system, and since you can also load MP3s onto it and use it as an MP3 player, that's 3 devices in one. Perhaps the ultimate vision is everything converging on your cell phone. So that you can use it as a PDA (a la the Treo), *good* MP3 player (a la iPod), and when you go home you can just dock it and use it as your PC. Sweet! mmm... convergence....

    I suppose there's some lower bound surrounding screen size. For a functional remote computer, a cell phone sized screen doesn't quite cut it. Whoever can figure out how to create a collapsable LCD display and keyboard will be a rich rich man... ;)

  52. It even runs Duke Nukem Forever! by tigersha · · Score: 1

    And in a surprise announcement, tomorrow OQO will reveal that Duke Nukem Forever has been released exclusively for their platform!

    --
    The dangers of excessive individualism are nothing compared to the oppressiveness of excessive collectivism
  53. Looks cool but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The OQO looks really nice and all, but it lacks soem stuff.

    1. USB 2.0, yea they would need a mobo change, but so what? Its been out for a long time now and they should've added it before.

    2. Graphics card, I know there aren't amny super awesome ones, but c'mon, a GeforeceGo or maybe even use Intel's Processor with the Integrated GPU thats better than a PS1.

    3. Megabytes, they have Ipos with 40+ GB and new HDD's that are super tiny, and yet this only has 20GB?? Wth, and 256 RAM is not enough for anyone anymore. Computer noobs might use 256, but what noob would buy this? OR a laptop even? This is for business guys or computer enthusiests, who would need atleast 512 RAM.

    1. Re:Looks cool but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      the ipod 40Gb hardrive uses a dual platter design, where as the 20gb is a single platter. a 40 or 60gb harddrive is too thick to use

  54. There's your wallet by Matarick · · Score: 1

    The OQO is really a wallet mini-ITX mod.

    Disclaimer: The Mini-ITX spec doesn't come in wallet sized solutions but you can mod a courier bag to fit the Mini-ITX spec.
  55. O/T: slashdotted by jrumney · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Most of the net seems to be "slashdotted" to me today. Obviously, I can get to Slashdot or I wouldn't be posting this, but even Google is not responding from here. Is there some new DoS virus going around or something?

    1. Re:O/T: slashdotted by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This morning Slashdot was 503 for me for quite a while. Everything else I tried was ok at the time.

  56. Am I missing something? by bhirsch · · Score: 1

    What is so exciting about this thing? Just its size?

  57. pay half as much: fujitsu p1120 by LordMyren · · Score: 4, Informative

    pay half as much and get the smallest USABLE laptop. The fujitsu p1120. 800mhz crusoe, 4.5h battery life (with extended battery) and touchscreen. keyboard i can code on all day. its a beautiful beautiful system. shell out the cash for the extra ram. and laptops inc/portable one should gladly upgrade your hard drive, if you so request, usually at very reasonable prices.

    Fujitsu p1120. Purchase here and forums for it here.

  58. No innovation here by Scooter · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This has to be the most un-imaginative approach to mobile, and unbiquitous computing: take the hardware and OS of desktops and small to midrange servers and make it all smaller. Granted there's a nod to the portability issues with the touch screen and built in wireless technolgoies but this is bolt on stuff from a design point of view.

    Of course it's a remarkable acheivement in engineering to cram all that in to such a small and light device, but the design demonstrates a really blinkered approach to the requirements.

    Think about what you are liekly to do on the move. The input devices fixed to the machine should reflect tese activities: you can't write seriously on a keyboard like that so why bother with the keyboard at all? Voice recognition can handle serious text input with ease these days leaving only the editing to be done when you get back to base and plug it into it's cradle giving you access to a full size keyboard and mouse.

    What is the power hungry and delicate hard disk for? This should be in a datacentre somewhere and presented on the device via an intelligent caching back end that makes it look like the stuff is local.

    Why is it running an OS that has it's design roots derived from hardware designed for the server and desktop computer ? Do we really need all that baggage in a portable device?

    The PDA approach is a much better place to start. With the addition of the right client software it could communicate with larger systems when placed in it's cradle (using protocols like X or framebuffers like VNC), and using a full size monitor/keyboard/mouse. Storage could be central and the device is then also small enough to function a phone.

    Condensing Windows, a desktop OS which in turn has it's philosophy derived from other multi-tasking operating systems for small computers like Unix et al into a small package like that is amazing, but ultimately misses the great opportunities that global networks, wireless connectiivty and a tiered approach can give.

    Still - I'm sure it'll find many fans due to the familiarity factor - same as your desktop/laptop but smaller..

    1. Re:No innovation here by Wesley+Felter · · Score: 1

      If you want a PDA, you know where to find one. The point of the OQO is that a PDA is not enough for some people.

  59. As seen on.... by intradink · · Score: 1

    The OQO was very briefly used on the last series of 24.

  60. Is this legal? by prgrmr · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Unfortunately for Linux users, there is no option to not have any OS installed.

    If this condition is license driven by Microsoft, isn't it a violation of their anti-trust agreement?

  61. Lame by OrangeTide · · Score: 1

    I can't seem to buy it without XP installed. For $1900 it's doesn't offer very much in the way of configuration.

    --
    “Common sense is not so common.” — Voltaire
  62. Re:Sounds like a lot of money for a little compute by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I think this fills a need that too many folks don't have.
    Hell, so do handbags the size of wallets, lipstick, and stiletto heels. I know which I'd rather be seen with, though. And no sniggering in the back!

  63. Mossberg Solution reviews it today by Flexagon · · Score: 1

    WSJ's The Mossberg Solution reviews it today; pix both undocked and docked. Bottom line: he doesn't like it much; get a laptop. A quote:

    But the worst feature of the OQO is the awful way you have to use it on a desktop. It has a sort of docking cradle, but the cradle lacks the array of ports and connectors familiar on laptop docking cradles. Instead, the OQO comes with a very long, stiff, weird cable that has various ports and connectors embedded in it at intervals. You plug the cable into the cradle.
  64. MOD PARENT UP by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Controversial opinion is not a troll

  65. Re:Sounds like a lot of money for a little compute by Stone316 · · Score: 1
    I wouldn't say its a need most people don't have.. I can see myself using a device like this alot.... I think the problem is, who in their right mind would pay "Under $2000" for something like this when they can buy a full fledged laptop. That could service my needs better but its just not as portable.

    Any idea what the battery life on this thing is? If its like a laptop, ala 2hours, then i'd definately pass.

    --
    "Thanks to the remote control I have the attention span of a gerbil."
  66. the most important question unanswered! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So far, no one really knows whether this thing is worth $1899 or $1999, because no one knows whether it fulfills its most important claim:


    It is the only computer you need


    If it is the only computer I need, it is well worth $1899 if it fits in my pocket. But I have used many small computers, from the ill-fated Fujitsu Poqet PC to my current Sharp Zaurus SL-6000L. The SL-6000L probably beats the OQO on some specs, especially battery and the usefulness of two CF slots and an SD slot (I use the expansion jacket for an extra battery and extra CF slot), and certainly on price. The SL-6000L has a snappy response on the applications it runs, but there are many applications it doesn't run. It may be that the OQO feels like molasses. But we don't really know until there are some independent user tests out there that tell us about the experience. Specs mean little in an ultra-small computer without a sense of how you can integrate it into your work.

    One thing that the OQO may have over the SL-6000L is the pressure-sensitive display. The SL-6000L is supposed to have that, and it is supposedly supported in the default kernel, but crashes every time I try to load something that calls it. Of course, this is only a certain advantage for the OQO under XP. If XP is dog-slow, I want to know whether it will be easy to support OQO's hardware under a relatively easy Linux install.

    The SL-6000L is NOT good for doing presentations. You can buy CFXGA to allow you to connect to a projector, but it is a compromise in many ways. Here again, the OQO could dominate by allowing easy use of StarOffice under a Linux distribution, or if Powerpoint runs fast under XP. But will it? Just saying that it does doesn't make it happen! We need a user-centric review!!

  67. This thing is dead on arrival by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Dead-on-arrival.... Sony just cancelled their U-50 and U-70 because PDAs are almost as powerful (624 MHz Xscale CPU, 128 MB Flash, 64 RAM) and 10% of the cost. These things are more costly than a tablet PC and 1/3 as usable. Tablet PCs are having a tough enough time because people are stuck in their desktop using ways, costing IT shops more money, and not utilizing the tablet in the way it was meant (by using docking stations).

    Tablet PCs have an edge up on these micro pcs for 90% of all uses. PDAs have their place, but not for desktop replacements.

  68. Battery life by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0



    What is expected battery life? How do I maximize my battery life?

    answer
    You can expect approximately 2-3 hours of battery life, depending on usage. To maximize battery life, go to the Control Panel and select "Power Options". Make sure the "Portable/Laptop" configuration is selected.

  69. Re:Sounds like a lot of money for a little compute by cybpunks3 · · Score: 1

    Business users have no use for USB 2 or wireless g?

  70. Well, it's a lonely life sometimes.... by metalligoth · · Score: 1

    I'm sure I'm totally alone on this, but this thing looks incredible. Yeah, the stats aren't the greatest, but I've always wanted a pocketable computer (not PDA, but computer) that could be plugged into a full sized monitor, keyboard, and mouse, when home or at the office.

    If I were rich, I'd get one of these and use a bluetooth cell phone (or Wi-Fi, where available) to VNC into a cheap OS X box running at the office. I can't stand Windows.

    1. If they only had:
    2. More storage and memory or a faster processor,
    3. Better Linux support, and
    4. a lower price,

    I think that these would do really well. Why sync your data when you can just carry it around on one device?

    Ah well. It'll be the toy of the rich. Let's hope this company lives long enough to get cheap enough for the common people.

    Also, let's not forget that you only need a certain amount of speed to type an e-mail and surf the web. This thing should be able to run Office just fine. I don't think anyone's going to buy it for Quake.

  71. OQO is cool... but... by Mad+Ogre · · Score: 1

    I'm waiting for the FLIPSTART to come out. www.flipstart.com

    --
    MadOgre.com
  72. Take off the tinfoil hat by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Maybe OQO has merely chosen to simplify their product line by only offering one model.

  73. Re:Sounds like a lot of money for a little compute by calethix · · Score: 1

    I'm too lazy to go back and get a quote but what I read said 2-3hrs of continual use and could last all day with standby mode.

  74. Re:Sounds like a lot of money for a little compute by twalk · · Score: 1

    For about $1100 you can get a fugitsu P1120. Sure it's a little bit bigger, heavier, and slower, but with the wide screen and a 9 hour battery life it's a heck of a lot more useful. Plus it also gives me $900 more dollars for beer money :-).

  75. "This browser is not supported" by mikehunt · · Score: 1

    Yeah, I'm sure they will get loads of orders for this when they can't even write a sensible web shop.

    Let's face it, who really wants to pay nearly 2000 bucks for an undersized, underperforming gadget that is too heavy to put in your (oversized) pocket?

    Really...

  76. Might be useful as a symbiote by Knight2K · · Score: 1

    I think what they are missing with the OQO is not providing a more capable dock. Why couldn't they put more smarts into the cradle? Add another processor, better graphics, and more RAM into the cradle. When it is undocked, the OQO could act like a more powerful PDA-like device.... pretty much like it is now.

    When docked, however, it could use its on-board processor along with the dock's processor and add the dock's RAM to the pool of RAM available. A large hard disk could be in the cradle and a smaller disk could be in the unit. When you connected the palmtop to it, the hard drives could be sync'ed up seamlessly. Maybe the home directory is always on the palmtop, but the applications are in the base. Or the palmtop acts like a cache for active data.

    What would be even cooler would be proximity detection. When the OQO is close to the main unit, it might off-load some work to it... it could use a faster Gigabit ethernet connection on the dock and act like a dumb terminal until it got out of range of the Bluetooth or WiFi. It could save files to the dock's disk until the transfer rate got too low and would then store data locally. It might be neat to start a movie in the DVD drive on the dock, and then undock to sit somewhere else or finish the movie on the train.

    There would be a lot of technical challenges to doing all of those things, but I think the base idea is sound. When you are stationary, take advantage of that to include heavier, more capable hardware. When you are mobile, degrade functionality accordingly.

    --
    ======
    In X-Windows the client serves YOU!
  77. I'm not that impressed by inkyfellow · · Score: 1

    Remember this bad boy?
    The IBM ThinkPad PC110!
    http://www.basterfield.com/pc110/history.htm

    1. Re:I'm not that impressed by inkyfellow · · Score: 1
  78. "Cool" or hot? by Great_Jehovah · · Score: 2, Informative

    I've heard things things are real handwarmers.

  79. Those looking for an overview... by GrodinTierce · · Score: 1

    might want to check out an insightful, positive review over at the NY Times.

    --


    Tierce
    Who sponsors your feelings?
  80. New York Times OQO article by EMIce · · Score: 1

    The New York Times is running and article on the OQO. It should shed some more light on the specifics of the device, assuming they got one for review.

    Here

    No I didn't read the article. Yes I wanted to be the first to post it. So there.

  81. Did anyone else read this as...? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    ... OO.o for sale?

    *sighs in relief*