Next Generation Pocket PC

jb22 · 01-09-04, 08:34 PM

Ok, well this isn't officialy a next generation pocket PC, even though is in a sense a literal pocket pc. Start saving your cash now, I've heard it will go for $1900 US, here is the OQO:

Specifications:
- 1GHz Transmeta Crusoe™ TM5800 series processor
- 20GB hard drive (shock-mounted)
- 256MB DDR RAM
- 800 x 480 W-VGA 5" transflective display (indoor / outdoor readable)
- Thumb keyboard with mouse buttons and TrackStik™
- 802.11b wireless
- Bluetooth™
- 4-pin FireWire™ (IEEE1394)
- USB 1.1
- 3.5mm stereo headphone jack (supports stereo headphone or mono headset plus optional multimedia controller)
- Microphone
- Integrated pen-based digitizer with OQO digital pen
- Removable lithium polymer battery
- OQO docking cable includes
- 3D accelerated 1280 x 1024 video output (VGA and LVDS)
- Serialized PCI
- Additional USB
- Additional FireWire (IEEE1394)
- Ethernet
- DC power
- Audio out

Additional features
- External antenna connector for 802.11b
- Active HDD protection instantly parks hard drive upon detecting freefall
- Thumbwheel allows for traditional scrolling as well as enhanced features for easy closed-mode navigation
- Screen slides on rack and pinion mechanism to reveal thumb-style keyboard
- Keyboard has smart-lock with LED indicators on shift, control, function and alt keys
- Ambient light sensor automatically adjusts backlight to appropriate level

Included accessories
- AC adaptor
- Docking cable
- Desktop tray
- OQO digital pen

Looks pretty good and seems pretty small, just saw it on Tech TV at CES. Should be out later this year.

If you want more info here's the official site: http://www.oqo.com/hardware/basics/

Howard2k · 01-09-04, 10:13 PM

Haven't they been flogging that thing for over a year without getting much past the vapourware stage...

jb22 · 01-09-04, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard2k
Haven't they been flogging that thing for over a year without getting much past the vapourware stage...

I'm not sure, I have seen a similar device like this a year or so ago on a web site but it wasn't this device. They actually have a working model at CES, so don't see why they can't come out with it.

If they could gett he price down a bit, closer to $1000 then they'd have a real hit I think. Just think about how Sony sells their high end Clies for $1000 and compare it to all the functionality this device gives you. I don' think it's a bad idea at all.

Jwilker · 01-10-04, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard2k
Haven't they been flogging that thing for over a year without getting much past the vapourware stage...

More than a year I think. It's been through a few revisions I think. Still looks hella cool but I'm not holding my breath

jb22 · 01-10-04, 12:41 AM

I'm not sure why you guys think something like this can't come out? They have a real demo at CES so it's not like those are only concept or promo images. The only thing I question is battery life, and how well software runs on the hardware.

Jwilker · 01-10-04, 12:48 AM

I think we question it because this device has been "soon to be released" for a while now. Have you seen this thing at CES or it simply says it's there? Considering how long this thing has been in the works I would question whether it will be there or not.

I would love it i it were real (and cheaper) since I like the idea of a more or less portable computer that isn't a PDA

hanna975 · 01-10-04, 01:08 AM

Of course they can make something like this work. I seen a pocket device(a little bigger) running a full version of XP Pro. Too bad it wasn't available for the public. I'd snatch that up fast.

jb22 · 01-10-04, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jwilker
I think we question it because this device has been "soon to be released" for a while now. Have you seen this thing at CES or it simply says it's there? Considering how long this thing has been in the works I would question whether it will be there or not.

I would love it i it were real (and cheaper) since I like the idea of a more or less portable computer that isn't a PDA

This device is at CES and on display. I was watching Tech TV today, the Screen Savers to be specific and they showed this device, so I haven't seen it in person but I have seen it on tv, being talked about, and not by a rep from the company but by some one who works for Tech TV. But it was running XP and the keyboard and mouse controls all worked so I don't see what exactly about a device like this seems impossible. All the technology seems to be there to make it work.

Jwilker · 01-10-04, 10:48 AM

sweet. Like I said, I'd take one in a heart beat.

01-10-04, 12:41 PM

$1900?? forget it!! I realize that I wouldn't be the target market for this but, still, $1900.... I have to say it again....forget it!!
:)

Jwilker · 01-10-04, 12:52 PM

yeah 1900 will never fly. If they go to market, they'll have to adjust to a reasonable price.

jb22 · 01-10-04, 02:22 PM

$1900 is a bit high but all new technolgies are expensive when first released. To best thing that could happen for a device like this is for Sony and HP and Apple to create products like to create compition as well as appeal to different markets with differnt price ranges.

But you have to remember that this device is not just a PDA, it's your PC. If you compare it to ulraportable notebooks the price is sort of acceptable, especially considering how portable this thing is.

If they could make these at the $1000 - $1300 level, I think that would be a great deal, just think how people pay $1000 (Canadian) for a Palm based Sony Clie that has like 32mb ram or Pocket PCs for $500 this device starts to make sense.

Another good thing about a device like this is it could cause PDA and PPC devices to drop in price.

deftech · 01-10-04, 03:49 PM

Well, I can tell you that this company is already making a mistake. I seriously doubt this device costs $1900 to manufacture, so they are obviously trying to make their profits off the device itself. No PPC manufacturers operate this way anymore, making very little to no profit on the PPC itself. The money to be made is in accessories and service plans. If they expect this type of device to be a hit, they've got to drastically lower the price, even if it means not making profit. They need to come up with some great accessories to go along with it, which is where the money will come flying in.

As has already been mentioned, this product has been basically "vaporware" for well over a year....probably closer to the 2 year mark now. It is just now beginning to be promoted, and it's going to be hard for their company to make it sell.

The same thing happened to Panasonic back in the early 90's with their 3DO video game system. It was years ahead of its time, beating the pants off of the Playstation 1....and it came out a couple of years before the Playstation 1 even hit the market. However, Panasonic didn't do so great with marketing, pricing, etc. They tried to cover their manufacturing costs by entering it to the market at over $700. Only the "well off" gamers were able to afford the system at its entrance to the market. It eventually got down to $400 (which is when I bought it), but this was nearing time for the Playstation to come out. The 3DO eventually hit the same price as the Playstation, but by this point it was too late. Sony had already claimed the market after being out for only months.

I see the same happening to this device.

jb22 · 01-10-04, 04:07 PM

Well, regarding accessories since this is basicall a PC, you can use any accessory that's already out there for PC now.

As for price, I heard $1900 although onan other site I saw it said that price hasn't been confirmed so maybe it could be lower.

I just like the idea for a device like this and hope other manufacturers take note.

Jwilker · 01-10-04, 04:17 PM

The accessories they'll need to release will be like cases, and tools specific to this unit. Which would be cool.

Docking station (since it's a PC make it able to replace a desktop)

I'd have one if the price point made sense.