Mark

Alanisgood;22214 wrote:

I’d love to actually try one. In the meantime, reviews and user comments will be my lead in. It sounds like most people that try to use it as a personal laptop replacement are not pleased. Additionally, your mentioning the ejecting drive lip ‘adaptation’ makes me think that this is a good toy and a novel idea but that it just won’t rise to the top and become something you see everywhere.

I agree. Most people expect more from it than it is capable of. It is not a supercomputer. What it is is a tiny machine that will go with you anywhere and do whatever you might need to accomplish on the road. It might not be blazingly fast, but that’s not the point.

It seems like laptops are great as laptops and PDA/phones are good for PDA/phones. This doesn’t seem to take the positives of both and execute them well enough. Who knows, maybe I would try one and love it, but its still my opinion that its a cool toy with a long list of BUTs.

Still, you need to use the word toy. I use it as a tool, not a toy.

ie. – Great laptop replacement…
BUT you have to hold the lip of the drive
BUT its not as fast as a laptop
BUT the battery life isnt great
etc. etc.

The drive lip issue is a manufacturer’s defect (with the first batch, it has since been rectified). So are exploding laptop batteries. The battery life is better than any other machine I have used in years. I can get about 4-5 hours out of the battery. I am not sure what you mean about poor battery life. Sure, this might not be the laptop for you. And it is as fast as any laptop with a similar processor. Your position has no merit on that count. If you don’t like it, fine. If you don’t want to buy it, fine. Don’t call it a toy. It’s not. It’s a very mobile TOOL that gets the job done and gets it done VERY well. if you feel that it won’t get it done for you, then don’t buy it. If you feel it can solve a problem for you, like it has done for me, then by all means give it a try. I can’t imagine bringing anything else with me wherever I go. And no, I don’t have any stake in the company. I found the HP200LX to be a fantastically useful device for YEARS before the OQO came out, but you would likely relegate that to the useless toy category as well. To each their own.

It seems like laptops are great as laptops and PDA/phones are good for PDA/phones. This doesn’t seem to take the positives of both and execute them well enough. Who knows, maybe I would try one and love it, but its still my opinion that its a cool toy with a long list of BUTs.

ie. – Great laptop replacement…
BUT you have to hold the lip of the drive
BUT its not as fast as a laptop
BUT the battery life isnt great
etc. etc.

zudo;21915 wrote:

Very cool that a computer can now fit in your pocket. The problem I see is that when you are running desktop applications you really need a touch type keyboard. If they could just modify the design somehow to enable touch typing that would be great! To me it is more a geek toy right now not a mainstream mobile device.

+1

Too much novelty, not enough usability.

isobutane;21916 wrote:

I have been using it as my primary work computer since April. I have found it to be indispensable. I do everything on it, and the small keyboard has not been even remotely an obstacle to productivity. In fact, it makes some jobs easier. It has been and remains the best portable computer I have ever owned. It’s not blazingly fast, but it goes everywhere with me and does what I need it to do and does it damned well.

You must have also enjoyed the HP 200lx? To me the OQO is a new version of the old HP 200lx, yes it runs windows but the keyboard for me and I would guess most people is just not very good. What they should have modeled it after was not the HP200lx but rather the HP Jornada 728 then it would have had a touch type keyboard and sell a lot more units per year. It does prove that windows can fit in your pocket though. The next advancement should be to make windows be functional in your pocket – change the keyboard and shape to accomodate a real touch type keyboard.

nick_fs;19674 wrote:

For Mark:

1. How has the docking station held up over the last few weeks? Do you use it often?

2. Have you tried burning anything (DVD or CD) with it yet? I heard somewhere (I forget where) on the internets that someone managed to get a disc lodged into the disc slot and ruined the dock, and before that happened he managed to burn nothing but coasters. I already have a home-built External FireWire DVD±RW, and could easily get a new USB 2.0 enclosure and a USB Hub to serve the purpose, but that dock is so slick looking!

Thanks!

Sorry that I did not answer this sooner…I wasn’t sent a notification email of this posting. I have burned a DVD with it…I have to hold down the lip of the drive when ejecting, or the disc won’t come out. It’s a defect, but not fatal. The dock is great…I pop the 02 in when I get home and it charges it up fine! I will be using it with my 02 in two weeks to do a presentation at an educational conference.

zudo;21915 wrote:

Very cool that a computer can now fit in your pocket. The problem I see is that when you are running desktop applications you really need a touch type keyboard. If they could just modify the design somehow to enable touch typing that would be great! To me it is more a geek toy right now not a mainstream mobile device.

I have been using it as my primary work computer since April. I have found it to be indispensable. I do everything on it, and the small keyboard has not been even remotely an obstacle to productivity. In fact, it makes some jobs easier. It has been and remains the best portable computer I have ever owned. It’s not blazingly fast, but it goes everywhere with me and does what I need it to do and does it damned well.

isobutane;18851 wrote:

I got my complimentary DVD+/-RW drive docking station today…it’s a gorgeous piece of work.

1. How has the docking station held up over the last few weeks? Do you use it often?

2. Have you tried burning anything (DVD or CD) with it yet? I heard somewhere (I forget where) on the internets that someone managed to get a disc lodged into the disc slot and ruined the dock, and before that happened he managed to burn nothing but coasters. I already have a home-built External FireWire DVD±RW, and could easily get a new USB 2.0 enclosure and a USB Hub to serve the purpose, but that dock is so slick looking!

Thanks!

• My new OQO Model 02 unit was defective out of the box. I contacted OQO but OQO offered only to allow me to send it in for repair, not to replace it with a working new unit (which was what I paid for). Adam Gould, the top manager of support, felt this was an adequate response – clearly no understanding of customer service, even the customer support agent was surprised by OQO’s stance. It took many phone calls, e-mails, and complaints to get OQO to finally agree to do an exchange with a new and functioning unit.

• Rather than sending me a new unit as an exchange – which is what OQO had agreed to do, OQO sent me a refurbished/repaired unit – clearly it had been someone else’s unit as there was still someone else’s information still on the device! How could this be!?!?!?!?

• After a couple of hours of working with the refurbished unit, I have now realized that it too has some kind of hardware defect, this time related to the fan – which doesn’t seem to be operating at all on the second unit.

• I purchased a docking station, which while ‘cool’ looking, but it immediately “ate” the first disc I inserted and cannot be coaxed into releasing it – it whirrs and grinds, but that’s it. Defective Docking Station so I can’t install software.

• I ordered an executive case to keep it scratch free, that was over a month ago and nothing received. The store people tell me they just can’t figure it out, they say that everyone else’s orders for the same case are being fulfilled almost immediately, but for some reason mine is not. Further, as the “store” isn’t really OQO, it’s outsourced, they can’t do anything about it and really have no idea what to do – nor will they divulge the names or contact information for anyone at OQO that might be able to help. I guess it doesn’t matter – who needs a case if the unit doesn’t work.

Finally, the product itself. All frustration with the repeated quality problems and inability of the company to support its products aside, the “idea” of the product is far better than OQO’s execution. I am a business executive, I travel regularly – who wouldn’t want a small portable computer that is connected anywhere you go? As a practical matter, the device isn’t really sufficient as a laptop replacement while travelling – which was my hope. For e-mail and basic web browsing, it is only marginally improved from more phone-like appliances – however when the highly limited battery life, slow operation, and heft vis-à-vis other options is taken into account – this device offers a poor set of trade-offs.

Any company making hardware will have problems with their product – it’s a given. The real test of a company, and ultimately the experience the consumer has, is in how the company responds to a customer when there is a problem. In the case of OQO, there have been both TOO MANY problems AND a repeatedly demonstrated inability to provide minimally acceptable customer service. I would highly recommend looking elsewhere for your portable computing and connectivity needs – this isn’t it.

The Broadband WWAN speed is great, the Wifi works great! Wifi Signal is as strong as my laptops. I loaded up Microsoft Streets & Trips, plugged my USB GPS in and away I went.

Speed running Vista Business is excellent, with a device this small. The only problems I see is the lack of a memory card slot, the 10 key pad is reversed. Beside that it is really slick.

I very impressed with this unit, being a computer tech, I’m able to remote into my clients computers, resolve their problems, all while sitting at the beach.

Buy One!

flamaest wrote:

Love your 200LX, wonderful!!!

Fabian.

I did too…for years and years and years. I hope I can get the same out of my 02. It is my main portable machine now. And my stronghold case FINALLY shipped! The air/auto adapter hasn’t shipped yet. OQO may make neat products, but they really stink at getting that product out to those who ordered it in a timely fashion.

Fabian.

Razak wrote:

Sounds great and thanks for your quick replies.

Just one last question, what’s the name of that ‘Microsoft utility’ you mentioned. I do not intend to use my OQO as a gaming rig, but from time to time it’d be cool to have something to play that’s not minesweep.

Thanks again.

Actually, there are lots of utilities that can make an ISO file from a CD and mount a virtual CD drive on your hard drive. VirtualCD, DaemonTools, MagicISO (the one I used), VirtualDrive…the list is nearly endless. Microsoft’s utility is very limited in usability, and is not compatible with Vista. You are better off with one of the others.

Mark

Just one last question, what’s the name of that ‘Microsoft utility’ you mentioned. I do not intend to use my OQO as a gaming rig, but from time to time it’d be cool to have something to play that’s not minesweep.

Thanks again.

Razak wrote:

Thnx Mark

Now that you mentioned the nightmare WindowBlinds is, it’s out of the question then; however, I’m still curious about it being able to run Quake, the specs aren’t huge, not even the video requirements. Here’s the list of system requirements to run it properly:

3-D Hardware Accelerator with full OpenGL® support
Pentium® 233 Mhz MMX®processor with 8 MB Video Card
Or Pentium II 266 Mhz processor with 4 MB Video Card
Or AMD® 350 Mhz K6®-2 processor with 4 MB Video Card
64 MB RAM
A 100% Windows® 95/98/NT 4.0 compatible computer system (including compatible 32-bit drivers for CD-ROM drive , video card, sound card and input devices)
Windows 95/98/ NT 4.0 (with Service Pack 3) operating system
25 MB of uncompressed hard disk space for game files (Minimum Install), plus 45 MB for the Windows swap file
Quad-speed CD-ROM drive (600 K/sec. sustained transfer rate)
100% DirectX 3.0 or higher compatible sound card
100% Microsof-compatible mouse and driver
100%Windows 95/98/NT 4.0 compatible joystick (optional)

Based on this, what do you say?
And Mark, could you explain to me how the virtual CD partition thing works?, sounds very interesting.

I imagine, based on those specs, that Quake should run just fine. The virtual CD partition was created using a Microsoft utility and loaded with an ISO image of the Diablo CD. It does not work perfectly, but for short gaming stints, it’s OK.

Mark

Now that you mentioned the nightmare WindowBlinds is, it’s out of the question then; however, I’m still curious about it being able to run Quake, the specs aren’t huge, not even the video requirements. Here’s the list of system requirements to run it properly:

3-D Hardware Accelerator with full OpenGL® support
Pentium® 233 Mhz MMX®processor with 8 MB Video Card
Or Pentium II 266 Mhz processor with 4 MB Video Card
Or AMD® 350 Mhz K6®-2 processor with 4 MB Video Card
64 MB RAM
A 100% Windows® 95/98/NT 4.0 compatible computer system (including compatible 32-bit drivers for CD-ROM drive , video card, sound card and input devices)
Windows 95/98/ NT 4.0 (with Service Pack 3) operating system
25 MB of uncompressed hard disk space for game files (Minimum Install), plus 45 MB for the Windows swap file
Quad-speed CD-ROM drive (600 K/sec. sustained transfer rate)
100% DirectX 3.0 or higher compatible sound card
100% Microsof-compatible mouse and driver
100%Windows 95/98/NT 4.0 compatible joystick (optional)

Based on this, what do you say?
And Mark, could you explain to me how the virtual CD partition thing works?, sounds very interesting.

Razak wrote:

I just found the OQO2 solves all the problems I have with my current PDA, however, I’m not dead sure it’s capable of running the following programs:

Autocad 06
3DsMax 8
Xilinx Webpack
Quake 3

An just for the sake of customization, do you think it could handle WindowBlinds?

My PC has almost the same specs the OQO2 does and runs all the mentioned programs fine, but I’m aware of the OQO limitations and any comment to help me make the best choice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I really have no idea. I would imagine that AutoCad at the very least should run. Quake 3? Not sure of the system specs on that one. The 02 is not really a gaming machine. I have Diablo loaded up on a virtual CD partition, but I never play it. Never heard of the other programs.

Oh, but I have heard of WindowBlinds. It’s the program that significantly messed up my old Dell P4-3GHz desktop. I’m not going anywhere near that with my OQO!

Mark

Autocad 06
3DsMax 8
Xilinx Webpack
Quake 3

An just for the sake of customization, do you think it could handle WindowBlinds?

My PC has almost the same specs the OQO2 does and runs all the mentioned programs fine, but I’m aware of the OQO limitations and any comment to help me make the best choice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

http://media20a.libsyn.com/podcasts/4e29fbc71264a4f96840633272b3cc88/4650299a/gottabemobile/GottaBeMobile_Hugo_Ortega_on_OQO02.wmv

Hugh Ortega does a great video review of the 02, it is long and it gives you a great idea of how the inking feature works with XP Pro. Grab a mug of your favorite beverage and settle down to about 45 minutes of a great review!

aoz wrote:

thanks for reply.
i’m interested in what it does. (pen)

ALSO, what is version of dragon that you use? standard, or any provessional version?
also, any special headset (noise cancelling?)

Nope! I use 9 Preferred (got it on a 50% off sale at Best Buy) and the built-in microphone. It is more accurate than my typing on a regular-sized keyboard, and substantially faster.

I’ve been watchiing the OQO since the 256-meg model, but knew that it would not do what I wanted.

with this 1 gig model, I’m strongly considering getting it (waiting for vista SP 1, so that THEY can configure it with vista)
but I know what that machine can do for me.

With 1 GB, it is VERY responsive.

I went to Ireland 2 years ago, with a tablet pC, was able to get my medical documents (daily office lab reports) by encrypted email, answer them at my leisure, and when i went back 2 weeks later, counted the 250+ reports that were DONE, that I didnot have to catch up on.
But the disadvantage was carrying around a 13 inch portable computer.
with the OQO, it makes alll my computing totally transportable.

but I want to see what they did with the pen, if they fixed it from the windows XP tablet version (actually a microsoft issue, I think; Motion tablets were looking into this issue, of the panning on virtual screens….)

With XP Pro, the use of the pen is limited to mousing function. It can also be used with ArtRage. I am not going to touch Tablet or Vista on my OQO…XP Pro is working so incredibly well! The OQO is perfect as a take-anywhere, do-pretty-much-anything device. Anyone want a mint condition Dell Axim x51v with a bunch of accessories? Ain’t gonna need that puppy anymore!!!

ADDENDUM, the other use I’ve considered fo this is as a GPS unit, get Microsoft’s Trips and Streets, get the USB plug-in GPS satellite detector, and have microsoft’s software (or even Delorme’s software) act as the GPS .
Not as fancy as Garmin’s unit, BUT that would mean $400 less expenditure, since I could bundle the GPS function into the OQO

thanks
NIck

I considered loading Street Atlas USA and my Delorme USB GPS device, but mounting it in the car might be an issue. One, the air/auto adapter is still on pretty severe backorder, and two, no one makes a car mounting solution for the 02. I use a Garmin 2610, and I adore it. The OQO, if it had a decent mounting option, would be great for a carputer…do your GPS mapping while listening to music or audiobooks and being connected to the internet. Heck, hook it up to a Baron WeatherWorx system and you have a complete, ultraportable storm-chasing rig for your car!

Mark

ALSO, what is version of dragon that you use? standard, or any provessional version?
also, any special headset (noise cancelling?)

I’ve been watchiing the OQO since the 256-meg model, but knew that it would not do what I wanted.

with this 1 gig model, I’m strongly considering getting it (waiting for vista SP 1, so that THEY can configure it with vista)
but I know what that machine can do for me.

I went to Ireland 2 years ago, with a tablet pC, was able to get my medical documents (daily office lab reports) by encrypted email, answer them at my leisure, and when i went back 2 weeks later, counted the 250+ reports that were DONE, that I didnot have to catch up on.
But the disadvantage was carrying around a 13 inch portable computer.
with the OQO, it makes alll my computing totally transportable.

but I want to see what they did with the pen, if they fixed it from the windows XP tablet version (actually a microsoft issue, I think; Motion tablets were looking into this issue, of the panning on virtual screens….)

anyway, let me know if any answers to above are available, at your convenience.

ADDENDUM, the other use I’ve considered fo this is as a GPS unit, get Microsoft’s Trips and Streets, get the USB plug-in GPS satellite detector, and have microsoft’s software (or even Delorme’s software) act as the GPS .

Not as fancy as Garmin’s unit, BUT that would mean $400 less expenditure, since I could bundle the GPS function into the OQO

thanks
NIck