Gear Eye: The OQO hardware

The end game of some portable computing devices is eventually to become full-fledged versions of their desktop brethren. The Pocket PC (now called Windows Mobile) is very Windows like, but users still need to learn a new way to do the same tasks they've learned on the desktop on a phone or PDA; but what if there was a tiny computer which ran a desktop operating system in a form factor close to a PDA? That's the OQO (which you should know about long before now, as we've been hyping this thing since forever ago) and we have a series of Gear Eye articles about this new type of computing device, which ushers forth a new era in portable desktop computing.

The first in our OQO series is about the hardware. But actually it's just lots and lots of photos we took playing around with the thing.

If you want to jump to the photos, scroll on down now�or check out the specs.

Specifications:
1GHz Transmeta processor
20GB hard drive (shock-mounted)
256MB DDR RAM
Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.4 x .9-inches
Weight: 14 ounces
800 x 480 W-VGA 5-inch 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

Included accessories:
Power cord & AC adaptor
Docking cable
Desktop stand
Digital pen
Carrying sleeve

Price: $1,899 www.oqo.com

Next time (which might be in a podcast, so stay tuned) we�ll dive in to the use, applications and how we fared using the OQO as our full time device for email, web, blogging, writing, IRC, and instant messaging. If you have any specific questions about the device or what it�s like to use, post them up in the comments and we�ll do our best to address them.

 

[Andy @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Neatly packaged, looks great, every feature you could want. I want one. It seems to fill that gap between notebook and PDA very well. I have no need for a notebook and I don't see a future in PDA's but this thing I could use everyday!

Real nice work.

[TheZodiac @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Wait for Model II, that iwll use the Efficeon, double memory (youll need/want it) USB 2.0, WiFi/G and the benefits of the new chipset overall, including DDR2, and better gaphics - that which is like in a notebook gamers class.

[Mattz @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Cool, nice packaged, full of software, but... quite expensive... I hope it runs Linux, too. Too bad that is only sold with Windows XP (they force you to buy a license with the gadget).

[Steven Bird @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

How is the hand recognition in the software?
Is it like the tablet pc?
I have been looking for something just like this.

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Will it run Cherry OS?

[Jeremy Lyon @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I beg to differ with the statement "the end game of all portable computing devices is eventually to become full-fledged versions of their desktop brethren."

I work for a PalmSource licensee and am no doubt biased, but I'll stick with an OS that recognizes I use a handheld device differently than a desktop computer. Show me a Treo with a hard disk and I'll show you a device that will kick the pants off the OQO.

[ts @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

David Pogue's NY Times review of the OQO seemed to have only one complaint, that text can be quite tiny on the device -- and that while there are ways to address this in Office apps or IE, there's no remedy in dialog boxes and the like. Would love to hear how much of an issue you think this is.

[Scott McCoskery @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I used a Sony PCG-U3 for about a year in an attempt to bridge the gap between laptop and PDA. It had almost the same specs as the OQO, aside from size. I think the main problem with a laptop in a PDA form factor is power-up: For a PDA to be effective it needs to power on instantly for quick access to data. I know you can do this by 'sleeping' the OQO/Laptop/Whatever but battery life becomes an issue, and it looks like the OQO's battery life is already pretty meager, and you would also need to ensure the hard drive gets parked when put into this mode.

Were you able to utilize a sleep mode on the OQO in order to emulate a PDA's instant-on characteristic without killing the battery?

Were you able to carry it comfortably in your pocket? It must be awfully dense given it weighs almost a pound and is so small. This too, in my opinion, is a deciding factor in the success of the 'PC as a PDA' form factor...

Damn, it's cool. I feel kinda bad for talking smack about OQO for so long.

[Dan Bedford @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I'm sure it's not, but can you get more RAM for this thing? We all know 512 is the bare minimum for XP. Somebody needs to take it apart and see if there is a regular SODIMM in there. Even if it's sautered, (and if i actually bought this thing), it needs more RAM! Is that how you spell "sauter"? I have spell check on, but i'm not getting what i think i should be getting! hahaha

Now if this things starts selling at this price, will Apple bring a product like this? They won't do a tablet, but this thing is a little more "Apple-like". I wouldn't be surprised if they had a prototype super-?-deluxe-extreme portable like this floating around.

[Martin Lortie @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Unless they do something with the battery life this won't take off.

[tom alphin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Specifically, Extended mode. ("Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor".)

I want to know if I can run the built in screen as my primary display and the external display as a secondary display, or if it is strictly a one-or-the-other thing.

[josh @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

since i probably wont ever hold one of these bad boys in my hand, it's nice to see the size comparison with all the other (more attainable) gadgets. good work

[Kimi @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Regardless it is too pricey or short battery life, this is the geeky gadget of the year!

[Apple @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Quick, someone install CherryOS on it, followed by Mac OS X Panther and resell it as the Newton II

[Roshan david @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Just give my TREO a HD and a great screen. The OQO is 2 pricy to be a gadget. 1K maybe.

PS 3hr battery life, thats as bad as the PSP.

[Raph @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Fujitsu beat them to it two years ago with the Lifebook P1120. Touchscreen, full (small) keyboard that doesn't force you to use your thumbs to type, 8.9" LCD screen with 1024x600 native resolution, and 8-hour battery life with hi-cap battery. It sells for about $400 cheaper than the OQO.

[Serge @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I wonder what the battery life is for using it primarily as a mp3 player?

[NMD @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

is it touch screen?

how does the screen feel?

I recall reading about that and some people were talking about how the screen felt a bit weak and that they were scared kinda when they were using the pen. ? is this so or what is it like?


wowowowow i'm gonna buy one!

[Drewan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

What is the video processor?

Can it be used as the ultimate portable gaming machine?

[SideSwipe @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Maybe ... the cost is pretty high for a laptop / PDA hybrid. Tablets are coming down in price, have a bit more kick, come with a larger screen and built in drives. Granted, they don't fit in your pocket (I LOVE THAT!)

Let's see the memory size upped, the video memory upped, the battery life upped and the price dropped!

[Perry @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I know it ships with either XP Home or XP Pro, and that they don't officially support XP Tablet PC edition, but technically I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

You planning on trying it?? :)

[morcheeba @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Dan B. - The memory is almost certainly BGA chips soldered to the main board. There isn't enough room in there for a SODIMM connector & daughterboard. BGA chips are pretty much impossible for hobbyists to change (especially if there are other nearby chips on the board, like the processor).

engadget - How's the keyboard? It's a lot smaller than my beloved TRS-80 PC-2's, but I wonder how usable it is for editing C programs. I'd feel silly hauling my apple bluetooth keyboard around to use this thing. Since this would be a second laptop to my apple PB17", I was also planning on useing a remote desktop and getting the advantage of my PB screen w/o the battery drain of virtual PC.

[jeepbastard @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I travel abroad a lot, during adventures and film production.

im getting one. period.

[Syinidal @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Jesus, if this was running Mac OS instead of XP, id buy one right away. My own mini powerbook!

[Liran Okanon @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

HOW EXITED AM I TO SEE THIS PRODUCT!! I've been dreaming about something like this to come around already for about seven years(since the palm m100 came out) pocketpcs came close to my dream BUT THIS, this is THE FUTURE. In a few years people wont be carrying cell phones, laptops, pdas, not even the lovelry iPod, Everyone will have something similar to this depending on your needs (mp3= small, video production= larger, office productivity= medium, etc..) HELllo we are looking at the future, and the future looks good.

[ZS @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

How would this device perform if used as a camcorder? Hook up a USB camera/webcam and some capture software? Maybe USB 1.1 is too slow -- are there small Firewire webcams? Would the OQO hit processor or RAM bottlenecks when doing this?

Thanks!

[Tom @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I want one so very much! The price isn't /too/ bad when you consider the size and spec. The battery life is however something that would annoy me :( When they bring out a better battery i'll try and find a better credit card :)

[steve miller @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Are they nuts? How do I get my photographs into this thing? I can't spend 40 minutes copying a 1 gig card. I will wait for USB 2.0 and a better processor. My last experience with a Transmeta processor was dismal, way too slow. Nice idea but I need speed with small size.

[steve miller @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

4 pin firewire is useless to me since that would require ac power to transfer photos from a reader defeating the portable form factor.

[froz @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

My #1 question is compatibility with XP Tablet OS. Why does it not ship with it? With the touchscreen and the minimal keyboard it seems like it is made to be a tablet. I'm wondering if there's some problems with it that are not being mentioned.

[Grayhat @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

They don't include Tablet OS for 2 reasons:
1- The M$ license for Tablet OS would add $400 to the overall price
2- The Wacom digitizer screen pixels are far below the required number of pixels to make tablet use successful.

Search handtops.com and it has a more detailed explanation.

[uranus @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

how do you know so much about model 2 already!? are you just speculating or do you know these specs are for sure? if so, could you show me where you found information regarding model 2?

[SC @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

First, about the one that said "Show me a Treo with a hard disk and I'll show you a device that will kick the pants off the OQO."

Are you out of your mind? You're trying to compare Palm OS that cant do a fraction what Windows Mobile can do, which itself cant do a fraction what XP can do, forget comparing it to XP, it would make this great device totally useless.

The POINT is to be able to run any software on it, not to make it as crappy and unstable as a Palm (I've used some, and I don't appreciate the hourly crashing like the old Windows 98, Palm OS is a terrible unstable and way to limited OS, it doesnt even support files for crying out loud, what sort of an OS is that? a peice of crap one that belongs in the trash, thats what). And what good is an OS that can only run 1 app at a time on such a powerful device? Palm is dead, they will go bankrupt in the next 1-2 years, all palm users are switching to Pocket PC (just check all message boards) with the new joke Palm released. So please, there is no way a Palm device can beat the OQO, stop your very deep dreaming, it's IMPOSSIBLE, plain and simple.

I've wanted a device that can run all my software and fit in my pocket for a long time, and this is finally it. If I got a laptop I'd never use it cause its to big to carry, but this is powerful enough for what I want (programming, email, web surfing, chatting, DVD (ripped to HD), and maybe light gaming).

[Janet Tokerud @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I like the possibility of moving my desktop apps and docs over to a device like this. So I can draw, outline, use FileMaker, maybe a little Excel. I would also be interested if the screen were say 6" instead of 5" with bigger type with the same resolution. We need the 512mb RAM or 1 gb would be ideal because it makes so much difference in speed. USB2 is a must. Some kind of a slot is a must. 80211g would be nice but b would do. This is for all those who wish they could take their laptop everywhere but don't want back problems in process. I was taking my Powerbook 15 around all over until my back starting going out. Startup time is an issue otherwise I'll have to carry another device for quick notes and looking at my calendar unless I've got a Treo or other QWERTY cell phone with me. Which would be OK especially if I was synching between the 2 devices with Bluetooth.

[msmith @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Waiting for the FlipStart www.flipstart.com for a comparison... I would worry about the exposed screen getting scratched up.

[richard seto @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I read a lot of journal articles which I can download from the internet. I usually end up printing these out to read as I sit or lie down and so I and up with a ton of paper. Can the OQO be used confortably to read papers? Most of mine use pdf.

[Waltzzz @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Ok it may not make the ideal PDA but I could sync my Palm to it! I work regularly in three places and lug a laptop. I'd prefer this thing and set up three screens & keyboards - bluetooth ones while I was at it.

The bad design decision IMO is the keyboard, it means they have had to create that slider. Handwriting recognition would be fine till you get to a keyboared.

[michael b. @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I could actualy use this. After dithcing my pocketpc a few years ago, I found that I got better use out of my iPod. This would be perfect, I can use it to for remote admin and all of my information habits: rss, surfing, IRC/IM, email , etc.

[Gymbo @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Besides the other questions and complaints already lilsted, why a mechanical hard drive? Flash memory prices are plummeting, and 8GB cards are in the works: 20GB would eaily fit in less space, weigh less and greatly extend battery life. An SDIO slot would also add a lot of peripheral choices. A mechanical HD seems so.... 20th Century.

[Gareth Edwards @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Sinclair ZX81 with a color screen,
Hmmmm !

[Jim H @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

How "Pocketable" is it. It looks as though there is no alarm if used as a PDA could a hack be made to make the microphone into a speaker. How long does it take to boot. How long will battery last in hibernate. Thanks for any answers you can provide.

[Lix @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

well....hmph...

This seems to be quite the nifty gadget. And from everyone elses comments ive shaped my own. YES other companies have made similar gadgets. The point wasnt to be the first on the market but to be a choice. We all love choices do we not? Im sure others will come and we will soon have plenty of choices in this pocket sized pc "market".

I like the OS. The though of OS X in general almost makes a bit of vomit come up... the ram should soon be higher, the OLED technology should be in effect thus less power consumption and richer color, possibly the text problem fixed as well. The 3d acceleration matters not to me, as long as i can play snood or mahjong or whatever im cool. The hd capacity is fine, but could maybe be a little more recent in technology so it doesnt burn our hands and rape the battery. Look, shape, keyboard and size seems fine... this is what all the tmobile sidekick people REALLY wanted. If the price came down to around 1200 and the above problems were addressed then im definetly sold.

I just wanna AIM, IRC, admin, check mail or a quick site and play a round of solitare or two. REAL gaming and work is for home! most 3d stuff i would ever do on it is pretty much anything that i can find that meets the requirements and has solid software acceleration. im not picky.... but u guys might be, you have all the right.

kudos OQO for the solid effort in the right direction!

[Nik @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I can't wait to get one!

It would be a lot better if it had 512MB RAM, 40GB HD, and cost much less ~$1,200 would be good.

But still good. I want one.

[Spence @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

So what are the alternatives? The only thing I see that is comparable is the Sony U series. And unless you can speaka Japanesa, it is worth the same as a 1.8 lb rock. I've been waiting for this one, but I'll wait until they have a bigger HD, and wake-on-demand. $1900 is pretty steep. OQO (if you are listening): let's make it like $1200? PLEASEEEEEEEEEE!

[Dominic @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I think it looks good for a first try - many improvements spring to mind: USB2, 11G etc, but i'm sure they'll come in the next version.

A truly portable computer running a full operating system so that I'll not have to adapt my way of working to a set of irritatingly cut down apps will be a God-send!

I'll buy one as soon as i can as it's the only device that really fits my bill, and I want OQO to create and release version 2 - which i'm sure will be the device I actually want to own...

[Alessio @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I bought 2, I get them dec 13 2oo4, ask anything you want after I get them, I have to beta test them to deploy at a regional basis, about 150 of them ....

[Robin Nixon. @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I have one of these and... What a disappointment!

1) The display setting it comes with is too dim to clearly read. In order to see the screen properly you have to set it at it's brightest and that *really* impacts battery life.

2) There is no Standby button - you have to go to Start - Shutdown etc... which is annoying when you need it off in a hurry.

3) The wifi is absolutely useless - unless you are within 15 feet of a hotspot forget about it. Every single other laptop I have goes at least 50 feet without too much problem. The main reason I wanted this machine was for using at hotspots - but unless you can get right next to one...

4) The tablet-like pen and software is beyond useless - youy can only calibrate top left and bottom right for the central area of the screen. You cannot reliably use any of the outlying 8 or so millimeters. What do OQO say? They suggest you resize all your scrollbars to make them big enough. Oh - and you don't get MS tablet software or handwriting recognition or anything - the tablet pen is totally useless in my opinion.

5) The heat output of this device is so much as to be unbearably hot - I mean it you practically burn your fingers. Ouch!

6) The display is messed up. It looks like OQO have taken a Pocket PC-type display and rotated it 90 degrees. This means that the left and right eyes see different levels of brightness and it's very tiring on the eye. Try rotating your laptop screen sideways and you'll see how bad it is.

7) Speaking of which, there is no facility to rotate the screen and use it in portrait mode - which *would* be much more readable. You *can* flip the screen 180 degrees but guess what? The mouse doesn't flip so it goes in all the wrong directions.

8) You *must* use two hands to move the mouse and click. Your right thumb moves the mouse and your left thumb clicks. This makes it impossible to do anything else at all while using it. If I want to show a friend something I can only have them look over my shoulder. The old Toshiba Libretto PCs used to place the mouse buttons *behind* the mouse pad so that the thumb and two fingers of the right hand could operate the mouse. This is *definitely* what OQO should have done.

9) It is impossible to use the OQO in low light. With a laptop enough light comes from the screen to light up the keyboard. The design of the OQO does not allow this. Therefore surfing while watching TV can only be done with a main light on. The keyboard should have had a light built in and used translucent keys.

10) The resolution of the screen really makes it impossible to read most web pages because it is set at an effective 1024 x 768 (well the top half of it anyway) but in such a small unit text size is miniscule. You can improve it a little by installing Microsoft ClearType but the only way I could really use it was to install Mozilla Firefox which *properly* enlarges all browser text at a single keypress (MSIE doesn't really do this very well). But... It does make web pages look very weird and not how they were designed. OQO also preset all Windows system fonts to their largest which sort-of helps - but Microsoft don't use these settings for important dialog boxes etc so you still have to squint and bring the unit close to your eyes anyway.

11) There is no built-in speaker - not even an itty bitsy one - you can only plug in headphones.

12) Speaking of headphones... I was hoping to be able to use this device like a wifi Ipod but the wifi is so poor you simply CANNOT stream any audio over this device unless you stand still next to the access point. And with only a 20Gb drive, if you have a lot of music you won't be able to copy much across to the OQO.

13. The Graphic speed of the OQO is apalling. One simple test is to go into Windows Media PLayer - play an MP3 and try to watch a visualisation. You would think you were back on a 286. Or you can place a few photos on the OQO then select the "My Picture Slideshow" screensaver - make sure "Use transition effects between pictures" is enabled. Just watch how pitifully long it takes just to fade between two pictures. I mean it - I was shocked - it's truly flabberghasting that OQO thought this was acceptable.

In summary. OQO market this as a single PC for work, home and travel. It is NOT. It's a slightly interesting toy to travel with (better buy another battery for $150 if you want more than 2 hours though) - but as a home or work PC PLEASE do not be fooled you will be totally disappointed and waste your money - it will be the slowest desktop PC you had since your last 286!

I signed up for an paid for one of the very first of these off the factory line because I was so impressed by it's spec. Now I feel a chump for having wasted my $2K.

[Jason @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Reply to Steve Miller's message #28... it does have usb 2.0 capability.

The docking station that comes with the OQO allows the device to actually be your main computer so a user can just arrive at their desk, slide the OQO into its docking station and start working as if the OQO were a desktop PC. The docking station allows for output to a monitor, projector, DVD player, and external speakers. The same docking station also provides an ethernet connection port, extra fire-wire port and extra USB 2.0 port (the OQO device has a fire-wire and USB 1.1 port built-into it as well for peripherals to be attached even without the docking station). Using either Bluetooth or USB 2.0 you can connect a keyboard to the OQO and type away. If you're on the road, the built-in QWERTY thumbpad keyboard and trackstick allow for easy input. Furthermore, if you want to slide the screen over the keyboard area, the OQO becomes a small tablet-style device. An included digital pen allows for input when the OQO is in this tablet-style mode, a scrollwheel can also be used for screen navigation in tablet mode.

[mladen @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I want to buy it from you if you sell it cheaper.

Thanks

Mladen

[andy @ Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Yes we have looked at getting a couple of these for mobile data acquisition (via USB). Major plus point is not having to port all our software across to WinCE or PocketPC, or change our hardware to suit suppliers who can support their platforms etc. This saving would pay for several OQO's alone. Also the dollar being two to the pound(UK) nearly, they are relatively cheap and may be worth the flight over to pick up several.