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UPDATE: OQO Model 01+
By David Ciccone, posted Saturday, Jan. 14th, 2006
Reader Comments: 11
Bringing the mobile professional true portability!
As I continue to work through the box contents you also receive the standard system cd’s, user manual and warranty information. The second priority of mine was the actual docking station. The docking station is made of solid steel with a rubber pad located at the bottom. If you look at the pictures you will notice the device sits securely and actually looks pretty cool. The only issue I see is that OQO really should have made the docking station a true docking station.
If you read my previous review of the Sony Vaio ultra portable you’ll notice the docking station is actually a base station with all ports accessible directly from the base. On the OQO Model 01+ you have no true docking capability. The only reason I can think of why they did this was that they wanted to not give the end user a docking station to carry with them while they travel. Either way I do feel 100% secure laying my Model 01+ on the dock.
The other accessory that came with the unit was the case for your Model 01+. The case is made of a neoprene material which slides on extremely tight securing your computer. Unfortunately this case is not a case that can take an impact. Its more for protecting the screen from scratching if you were to slide the unit into your suit pocket or jacket. OQO does make two optional cases, a belt case and a stronghold metal case. The hard-anodized aluminum cases completely protects model 01+ yet provides full access to ports and digital pen when closed and allows full usage including sliding screen and thumb keyboard when open.
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The last accessory that comes with the Model 01+ is an air/auto cable for universal power supply. The cord fits snug into the slot on the OQO. During my use with the charger I kept looking over to my car seat in total amazement. Who would ever think a computer this small being charged by your car’s cigarette outlet. I wanted to see how fast the unit would charge so I packed my OQO and took it with me to a trip I made to Atlantic City, NJ. This trip takes approximately 2.25 hours so I thought it would be a great barometer test. Before I left, I made sure the unit was completely discharged. As I connected the OQO you first notice the power button which is white mysteriously glow from leght to dark, kind of makes me think of a heart beat (don’t know why). When I arrived at my clients location I disconnected the unit and immediately powered it up. To my surprise the unit was completely charged 100%!! So I guess you could compare the charge times most PDA’s need..
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I have an OQO model 1+ and need wireless access. I am currently using a verizon wireless card to get mobile access on my larger "other" laptop. Does anyone have any suggestions how I can use my wireless EVDO card with this unit...maybe a USB solution. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
tomss,
Monday, Jan. 9th, 2006
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I just read through the whole review and all the comments. The review is fair and definitely brings out the true highlight of the OQO: portability. Though, for me, as an owner of the 01+ it isn't just about portability; its about a single device. I posted a review of my own of the 01+, though mine wasn't just a review so much as a detailing of my usage of the device. The OQO is a new generation of device... you can't just review it for a few days, then return it. You must *use it* as your sole device to truly love it and see its benefits. You can read my review here:
http://mobileoptimized.com/OQO-Review.html
or here:
http://palmaddict.typepad.com/palmaddicts/2005/12/14/index.html
As for some of the comments left:
1) Someone compared it to an iPAQ... are you smoking crack? You can't compare this to a PDA. PDA's have instant on/off, not boot-up times from powered off, standby, or hibernate. And you can't really compare it to a laptop either.
2) A lot of people seem to think its lack of TabletPC is a show-stopper. I understand that TabletPC has some benefits for a device like this, but personally I prefer true WinXP or Linux (yes, I have mine dual-booting WinXP Pro and Suse 10). Handwriting software is available... and is supported in MS Office.
3) Many mention the DualCor... please remember that the DualCor is still a concept device, similar to the Vulcan Flipstart. Sure... we'll probably see more about it at CES, but bringing it to market is a different story. At least the OQO is available now.
4) The screen looks great outside. Both the OQO an my Treo 650 have screens that looks great indoors and out. The OQO even looks good under heavy glare.
5) Someone mentioned 24/7 internet access and having to drink lots of coffee at Starbucks. There is a solution. Its Buslink's USB GPRS adaptor. I got one and it worked great. It worked so well, that instead of pulling the SIM out of my Treo, I got a new SIM with data only for the device. Sure, its only GPRS, but Buslink and others are working on USB cards that'll do GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, & EVDO. You can also do BT DUN to a cellphone (I've tested with RAZR and Treo 650). You can read my review of Buslink's USB GPRS adaptor here:
http://palmaddict.typepad.com/palmaddicts/2005/12/15/index.html
You can read about Buslink's device on their website:
http://buslink.com/p_UM864GW.shtml
6) Someone also commented on the processor. No, the Crusoe isn't the best, but the next OQO (of which there are only rumors right now) isn't going to have a Crusoe since Transmeta is out of the CPU h/w business. Its likely to have a VIA or Intel CPU, or perhaps something from Motorola considering the recent VC that OQO got from Motorola. Related, getting VC from Motorola leads lots of room to speculate about integrated EVDO, EDGE, or HSDPA support in future OQO's. And further related, remember that DualCor is new on the scene. OQO had their frist generation (the original 01) out and now has an updated on (the 01+). They've learned a lot and are working on a second generation device. They are leaps and bounds beyond DualCor.
7) Its my opinion that the original 01 wasn't ready for primetime... not with a small HD, 256Mb of RAM, and poor Wifi. The 01+ most definitely is a primetime usable device. I replaced my IBM Thinkpad T42 with an 01+ and haven't looked back.
In truth, you can't just review it... you must use it... as your sole device... and learn to love it.
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I did comment about standby time I got over 24 hours standby and still had 1.5 hours left! Thanks for the compliment.
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Very good review! Though compared with the iPAQ isnt the startup time of the QQQ going to take much more time compared to the iPAQ? Yes, there is hibernation and standby available, but how is the battery life when doing that? This seems that its going to be a very promisng device in the future. Excellent review again!
NeshyD
Posted by
neshyd,
Sunday, Dec. 25th, 2005
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It seems that OQO still has a long way to go. No Tablet Operating system and very cramped input mechanism. It seems that the Motion LS800 or the small Fujitsu Lifebook still give you more usability for the pricepoint.
The size, though, is what is intriging. The DuelCor cPC seems to be more on-track in achieving the "holy grail" of mobile computing.
Posted by
Len Egan,
Saturday, Dec. 24th, 2005
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I think it looks nice and small, but I agree with the 'cons', without TabletPC functionality to me it's no use. I use a Libretto and a Portege M200 for my portability and find these machines more than adequate. I am really looking for a compromise device and thought this OQO might be it. But without TabletPC...!!! However, I was once given a Flybook to test out, which is like the Libretto in size but with a swivel screen, however, yet again this too had no TabletPC functionality although it did have some basic handwriting software and a stylus. You might want to have a look at the Flybook device though.
Posted by
Couchski,
Friday, Dec. 23rd, 2005
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Wow! That thing is tiny, great review David. Thx for using my tip with the 20$ bill :)
How does the screen look outside in the sun? Would you use this for GPS now or would you stick with an iPAQ?
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By far! I think competition will be fantastic for this market. I will be meeting with the CEO of DualCore at CES so I definitely will keep everyone posted!
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David:
I would love to see a general comparison to the DualCor cPC?
As i understand it runs XP Tablet addition plus a host of other features see http://mobilitytoday.com/news/005799/mobility_DualCor%20cPC_CNET_Windows%20XP_Windows%20Mobile%205
looks like we are see some real cool products come on the market... your opinion?
Posted by
ezSol,
Friday, Dec. 23rd, 2005
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Dave,
Excellent review. You almost had me convinced until you mentioned the 1Ghz Transmeta Processor. Not a big fan of that processor. I had a Compaq TC1000 with that in it and it was dog slow, could not get out of it's own way, even with the 712MB of memory. I also think that is a mistake not to have Tablet Edition on the unit.
Nice having built in WiFi and Bluetooth but how do I connect to the internet when I am out and about? I suppose I could pair it with my iPAQ via Bluetooth or I could drink a lot of coffee at Starbucks.
The form factor and docking solution is nice as well as a lot of the accessories that you can get for it.
I think that this is the future of mobile computing and that OQO is definately on the right track. In my opinion though I don't think that it is quite ready for prime time just yet.
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It sure is a SLICK computer. I would love to have one to use in all my travels....as you said: Portability...Portability... Portability!
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