With new entries from OQO and Asus, as well as a Wi-Fi Sony Walkman on the way, should you buy a portable Internet device now, or wait?
While Internet tablets were not the biggest story at CES 2009, the category certainly came into its own, and for the first time we found ourselves watching and playing with Internet tablets that we might really want to buy. So far, the category has suffered from a lack of inspired design, few compelling and unique features, high price points and the hassle of working with Windows as a touch interface. Today's UMPC, or Internet Tablet, aims to fix these problems, and in many ways they succeed.
The OQO Model II+
 Consider how far OQO has come with its UMPC models. Until recently, an OQO Model 2, a clunky, uninspired UMPC with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, would cost well over $2,000, and wouldn't be close to worth that price. At CES 2009, OQO announced the Model II+, which will start at $1,000 and will come with an OLED screen. The OLED technology makes this a superior media playback device, and the improved performance means this small computer might hold its own against a laptop for road warriors. We applaud the use of Qualcomm's Gobi chip, which lets buyers choose their wireless network freely for 3G access. In our hands-on time with the device, we were floored by the OLED display, which produced brilliant video and a sharp Windows interface. We worry about how inflated the final cost will be when we add all the options we'd find essential, but at least the technology is starting to impress us enough to justify the higher price tags.
Asus enters the Internet Tablet race
  If you needed a better reason to wait for an Internet Tablet, we can't think of one. In the next year, Asus will introduce the Asus EEE T91 and the Asus EEE T101H, an 8.9-inch and 10-inch (respectively) convertible tablet. We were never terribly enthusiastic about the Asus EEE PC laptop. But everything that Asus' EEE brand brings to the table in the laptop design is exactly what the Internet Tablet form factor needs. The form needs a smaller, lighter look and feel. The category needs a simpler interface than Windows Mobile or Linux, with a touchable design that makes the tablet fun to use. Most of all, the Internet tablet space needs a cut-rate model to bring new users to the party. It's a form factor that still has plenty of potential, and we think this potential will be tapped once the product is on sale at Best Buy for $500 or less. Of course, we'd love a low price point, but integrated WWAN would be even better, and would make this a product buyers might never leave at home.
For truly pocket-sized Internet?
 Is it worth waiting for the Sony Walkman NWZ-X1000? If you're deciding between an Apple iPod Touch or the new Sony Walkman X1000, we'd suggest waiting. Not that we think the Sony device will be tough competition for Apple's best iPod. The iPod touch is so much more than a music player or Internet device, it's practically a gaming platform and PDA, as well. Still, the device has been lingering at the same storage points for a few months now, and the Sony device might offer the right mix of media and Internet, if you're not one to add more software after you unbox your new player. You can't go wrong buying the iPod touch now, but the future could hold some convenient upgrades if you can wait a few more months.
Our verdict: Wait to buy an Internet Tablet
Across the board, we see no reason to jump at any existing Internet Tablet when there are some truly revolutionary ideas coming to the category. The OQO Model II+ adds significantly improved screen performance and wireless networking features, all while dropping the base price. The new Asus EEE T91 and Asus EEE T101H tablets will surely spark a fire under the competition and spark a new convertible tablet war in the netbook space. And finally, even portable devices could be due for a storage boost, at the very least, though the iPod touch is always a good choice. We say wait to buy a new Internet Tablet, as the category is finally starting to look interesting.
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