The OQO Model 01+ I used seemed a bit slow at certain times - I did load Adobe Creative Suite 2.0 on it to see how it would handle. Now, I know you probably are saying, "Why in the world would you load a graphic/processor intensive piece of software on an ultra portable?" Why not? Lets just say it did work, but you wouldn't want to perform graphic intensive tasks on it. This device is just fine for the user looking for word processing, Web browsing, and the like. With the built-in wireless features, the model 01+ did a very nice job of running Web-based applications. Am I being fair saying the unit seemed slow at certain times? Well i wanted to see what the unit could handle. You have to remember this unit has only 512mb RAM along with a 1Ghz Transmeta Processor so it's not for your graphic designer in your company! So don't go complaining to OQO if your designer wants to strangle you. This device is more for those individuals who have specific Windows applications they use sporadically during the day and want to take it with them, this is a great, light way to do it! Heck think of the vertical markets! Numerous!

Battery Life

Batteries are the heart of every laptop we use in our daily lives. So how does the OQO Model 01+ stand up? Lets just say one word ,"Fabulous!" During my tests I was able to get 2 hours and 5 minutes using my slingbox running complete video from start to finish! Another test scenario for me was to leave the unit in standby for an extended period of time. So at 5:30pm I put the unit to standby where the power button continually blinked from light to dark. The next morning passed and I turned on the OQO at 3:45 pm, almost 24 hours later.. To my suprise I powered the unit up and was amazed that I had 1 hour and 45 minutes left of battery power! Truly impressive! Normal use for email and web browsing you can expect anywhere from 2 hours and 30 minutes up to 3 hours. OQO does state clearly that the battery should accommodate approximately 400 full charges before needing to be replaced. A full charge is defined as one which takes the battery from below 20% of its capacity to 100% of its capacity.

Cons

First, I hope one day OQO will answer to everyone's request to put TabletPC OS on the OQO, it just doesn't make any sense why they wouldn't. If they couldn't run TabletPC OS, heck put some type of handwriting recognition software on the unit. Second, I am extremely disappointed that the OQO Model 01+ has no backlight for the keyboard. During my review I spoke about hopping on a train correct? Well 90% of trains usually go through tunnels which creates a major headache for the end user? Why? The end user then has to go to Start>All Programs>Accessories>Accessibility>On Screen Keyboard. Whew that just tires me down just typing the command. Third...HEAT. This unit produces almost an unbearable amount of heat making it extremely uncomfortable for long use.

Pros

Portability...Portability... Portability! Sometimes for me that is more important than the negative points I mentioned above. I cant mention how many times I was out at my local Starbucks and was continually asked what is that? Ok... Thats not really a plus for you the end user who is going to spend $1,900.00 is it? Here are some of the things I liked about the OQO Model 01+. The manufacturing of this device is solid. As I stated earlier in the review the sliding keyboard is a perfect design hands down. Second, battery life was hands down superb. The OQO was a total workhorse when I needed it. For an ultraportable that can last anywhere from 2.25 - 3 hours without a charge was a big plus for me.

In conclusion this had to be one of the most enjoyable reviews I have ever written. The technical support at OQO was fantastic answering each and every one of my questions I had. If you are looking for a second computer that will not be your primary and you travel alot the OQO is definitely the answer. In the next year it should be very interesting to see where OQO takes the ultra portable computing experience.

UPDATE: During CES 2006 OQO announced that the OQO Model 01+ will now ship with the Windows TabletPC OS. I am glad OQO has made this decision but unfortunately users will have to dish out an additional $200.00 for the TabletPC OS. During my use with the 01+ at CES, I noticed that TIP works, but not perfectly. Power users should have no problems with the TIP but first time users will need some time to adjust..

Cost:

$1,899.00 MSRP no Tablet PC OS
$2,099.00 MSRP with Tablet PC OS

Pros:

Portability
Technical Support
Design

Cons:

Excessive heat
No Handwriting tools on basic model
Stand - (should be a docking station)
Scroll wheel should be on the right hand side of the unit

Rating:

4.1 out of 5

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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

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.

Posted by Supp0rtLinux, Monday, Dec. 26th, 2005

I did comment about standby time I got over 24 hours standby and still had 1.5 hours left! Thanks for the compliment.

Posted by David Ciccone, Sunday, Dec. 25th, 2005

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

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

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

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?

Posted by darkdestroyer, Friday, Dec. 23rd, 2005

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!

Posted by David Ciccone, Friday, Dec. 23rd, 2005

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

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.

Posted by agent680, Friday, Dec. 23rd, 2005

It sure is a SLICK computer. I would love to have one to use in all my travels....as you said: Portability...Portability... Portability!

Posted by Jack, Friday, Dec. 23rd, 2005