With advanced cellular networking and a great screen, the OQO Model 2+ is a compelling UMPC at last.
It's been a long time coming, but OQO has finally gotten it right with the OQO Model 2+ UMPC. We spent most of our hands-on time with the device talking to a rep from Intel, who was crowing about the OQO Model 2+'s 1.86GHz Intel Atom Processor. We had trouble paying attention because we were so completely enthralled by the OQO's OLED screen. It's gorgeous, among the best screen's we've ever seen. The OLED technology provides rich color and great contrast on a bright screen. We watched some fantastic nature footage and it looked as good as a high quality high-definition television. The OQO Model 2+ may be worth it for the media playback possibilities alone, thanks to that great 800 by 480 pixel display.
Can you please stop staring?
Beyond media playback, though, the OQO Model 2+ is a full-fledged Windows Vista machine, and not a cheaper Linux-based netbook competitor. The device comes packed with 2GB of RAM, Wi-Fi, and most importantly a Qualcomm Gobi WWAN chipset that provides access to both EV-DO and HSDPA high-speed cellular data networks. That means you can buy the OQO Model 2+ and choose between Verizon Wireless and AT&T for data, and the device can handle the two completely different network technologies.
For a desktop-like experience, the OQO Model 2+ has a digital video output and can connect to HDMI or DVI displays. It can pump out video at resolutions up to 1900 by 1200 pixels. For watching high quality video, the OQO Model 2+ features built-in hardware decoding for H.264 and DirectX 9. Then, to keep the movie playing, the device comes with a standard battery that provides up to 3 hours of use, or you can buy an extended double-wide batter that give you up to 7 hours of play time.
UMPCs are here to stay
In our hands-on time with the OQO Model 2+, we couldn't keep our eyes off the incredible OLED display. We're still skeptical about the form factor, though we did find the keyboard to be accessible and quite large, especially since we're used to typing on tiny smartphones. We think the high-end specs and the built-in 3G data support will finally mean the UMPC is a device we can take seriously, and even the $1000 price tag isn't too bad for a category that very recently cost nearly twice as much. Like Sony's new Vaio P series, the OQO Model 2+ isn't aiming for bargain hunters, but rather for serious business users and professionals, or people who will spend anything for the best media watching on the go.
Price and availability
The OQO Model 2+ will be available in the first half of 2009 with pricing starting at $1000.
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