OQO releases 64GB SSD and outdoor display options for Model 02

OQO may not be releasing a new portable machine this CES, but the Model 02 is getting a couple of new upgrades. In addition to a new $200 outdoor display option (with 50% of the outdoor reflectivity of the current 02's screen, but no additional brightness), the new high end version will also feature a 64GB SSD (up from 32GB) as well as that new screen for an even $3,000. Oh sure, that's ridiculously expensive -- but maybe you're just that serious about UMPCs.

[Mke @ Jan 6th 2008 10:10PM]

Uhm... I'll take a Mac Pro for $500 less... Thanks.

Then I'll take that $500 and buy a smart phone.

[Maximiliam @ Jan 6th 2008 10:12PM]

I'll take that Apple and throw away!

[Josh @ Jan 6th 2008 11:01PM]

why not just get a MacBook Pro (or any other 15 or 13" laptop) for less than this?

It is nice to see full fledged computers in this form factor, but that price tag is something else...

[michael @ Jan 6th 2008 11:17PM]

@Josh:

Because it's a product that people just 'want'. It's filling in the niche market, for people who love running a real computer, but in a small form factor. And at the same time, it looks nice, functions pretty well from what I've heard, and it's a luxury item for people who are able to afford (or save up) for it.

It's a great alternative from what we see everyday, it's a dream computer for some people, and OQO is filling in for that market with a great product like this.

Like how to some people, buying a Mac means an alternative from buying the usual not-so-good (or to put it mildly - crappy) PC's that consumers see very often. (even though there are great computers like Sony Vaios, but people never hear of).

Macs are great pieces of hardware, and to these people, like yourself, it's better than buying the usual PC you see out there.

It's all about filling people's wants, and becoming successful. Just depends how well you do it.

[Mke @ Jan 6th 2008 11:46PM]

@ michael

Hrm. Nicely said!

[Richard John @ Jan 7th 2008 12:52AM]

Really portable, those Mac Pros...

[Mke @ Jan 7th 2008 1:08AM]

Richard John,

The point was that I could buy a super fast computer AND a smartphone for the same price. :)

[Udayan @ Jan 6th 2008 10:19PM]

While $3000 is absurdly expensive, this is the sort of gadget we talk about as a dream gadget, so while it is out of our reach, it still is nice to see it fleshed out and available.

Also the fact that its being out means someday this set of features will be available at a much lower price, which would be impossible without OQO having done it at the $3k price point today.

[iofthestorm @ Jan 6th 2008 10:52PM]

Yeah, the fact that this tech exists now means the price can only go down. I'm glad they've got SSDs in the Model 02, the Model 01(+) gets extremely hot after a few minutes of use (don't own one, but know someone who does) and after a while (half hour or so) it's impossible to hold.

[Motoken @ Jan 6th 2008 10:58PM]

I don't travel that much, and don't think i will ever.... so $3000 is wayyyy tooo expensive for now and forever. Also, for something that freakin huge I'll take a laptop.

[Itchy Pajamas @ Jan 6th 2008 11:06PM]

I think that sort of device has already lost its place in the market. It's difficult to use as a small notebook, and too clunky (and expensive) to use as an internet access device. It _seemed_ to hit the sweet spot 1 or 2 years ago, but now it's being overrun by better options and better form-factors.

[Reader @ Jan 6th 2008 11:15PM]

Is the mouse a clit or a scrolling ball? If it's a ball that would be really irritating, I like the clit on my compact.

[Ratchet the Lombax @ Jan 6th 2008 11:15PM]

I have an OQO Model 02 with a 120gb hard drive and it was $2000 but since I was going to spend that much on a laptop anyway I figured why not try one. It works great the battery life could stand to be a little better but since I'm not too far from an outlet for too long it doesn't bother me that much. I didn't get one with a SSD since I didn't really need one. I know it's supposed to be better and less likely to die from being banged around and whatnot but I take care of mine and don't go throwing it around all aver the place. Plus I couldn't really justify $500 more for only 32gb of space which was the highest sized SSD drive they had at the time.

[MIKE @ Jan 6th 2008 11:21PM]

If you can hold it in your hand then make it a phone too. Really, today we need PDA, Phone and mini PC. Don't make a device half way cool. Go all the way!

[Dukeswharf @ Jan 7th 2008 6:30AM]

Let's wait and see what Apple have up their sleeves on the 16th in regards to their supposed UMPC!

[Anthony @ Jan 6th 2008 11:27PM]

Go N810. Yes it's not a laptop, but for most "day to day" it can pass quite fine. Who's really going to mail merge an Excel doc into Word or build an Access database on an OQO anyway?

[Amanda @ Jan 7th 2008 1:02AM]

I have an older OQO and a Raon Vega and recently got the EEE PC. I travel a lot and I also like a computer I can take with me on rounds at the hospital.

The EEE tops all of these guys in portability and price. The storage space is limited, but I don't think anyone really uses these things as a main computer.

I think the EEE has really shown the market that you can have portability, decent components and a decent price. If you ask me, all things considered, it's even better than the Sony Vaio UX92, which has always been my dream UMPC. And, if you wanted more RAM/HD space, just get few hundred dollar in upgrades (and you'd still be saving a few thousand).