It's been interesting watching the reaction to Q1 and Origami now that it's out. Nothing we've seen is really anything unexpected - and we were excited BEFORE the launch - now there's a lot of griping
So, here it is in a nutshell.
It's not a PDA. It's NOT a PSP. It's NOT a PXBox360. It's not a laptop. It's not specifically an iPod killer.
What it IS is the PADDs you saw everyone carrying around in Star Trek TNG, DS9 and Voyager.
What everyone's missing (and I guess no one was paying attention since all the information is right there in front of you) is that there isn't ONE design. This is Samsung's. Everyone is free to build whatever style they like, so if you think this one is ugly - wait a month or two and see what other companies have.
They're also missing the price point. The OQO is US$2100 and has a tiny screen (although the resolution is about the same). If you want a PC that's the size of a largish PDA, get an OQO.
The Q1 is expected to land in the US$1000 range and has a significantly larger screen, which should make it easier to use for most people, yet is still small enough to put in a coat pocket or shoulder bag with ease.
Personally - I think it has to be at the US$500 price point with an 8+ hr battery - but guess what? Microsoft AGREES. This is the first generation and it's actually compelling already. Most PDAs with this level of functionality are in the ballpark around US$750, but can't run Windows apps.
The idea of having a lightweight computer that I can lug with me anywhere and get connected anywhere there's WiFi (or through my cellphone) and won't break my spine with weight or need a huge amount of room... I think it's compelling.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jeff Lewis @ Mar 9th 2006 5:04AM
It's been interesting watching the reaction to Q1 and Origami now that it's out. Nothing we've seen is really anything unexpected - and we were excited BEFORE the launch - now there's a lot of griping
So, here it is in a nutshell.
It's not a PDA.
It's NOT a PSP.
It's NOT a PXBox360.
It's not a laptop.
It's not specifically an iPod killer.
What it IS is the PADDs you saw everyone carrying around in Star Trek TNG, DS9 and Voyager.
What everyone's missing (and I guess no one was paying attention since all the information is right there in front of you) is that there isn't ONE design. This is Samsung's. Everyone is free to build whatever style they like, so if you think this one is ugly - wait a month or two and see what other companies have.
They're also missing the price point. The OQO is US$2100 and has a tiny screen (although the resolution is about the same). If you want a PC that's the size of a largish PDA, get an OQO.
The Q1 is expected to land in the US$1000 range and has a significantly larger screen, which should make it easier to use for most people, yet is still small enough to put in a coat pocket or shoulder bag with ease.
Personally - I think it has to be at the US$500 price point with an 8+ hr battery - but guess what? Microsoft AGREES. This is the first generation and it's actually compelling already. Most PDAs with this level of functionality are in the ballpark around US$750, but can't run Windows apps.
The idea of having a lightweight computer that I can lug with me anywhere and get connected anywhere there's WiFi (or through my cellphone) and won't break my spine with weight or need a huge amount of room... I think it's compelling.
The next gen will be even better.