OQO
Encyclopedia
OQO was a U.S. computer hardware company that was notable for manufacture of handheld computers. Its systems possess the functionality of a tablet PC
in a form factor slightly larger than a personal digital assistant
(PDA). According to Guinness World Records
, the "OQO" was the smallest full-powered, full-featured personal computer
in 2005. The company's first version of subnotebook computer is the OQO model 01. Recently, it has been compared with the Ultra Mobile PC platform, although it was introduced before the UMPC took flight. The UPCs are capable of running slightly modified versions of Linux or other x86-based operating systems.
OQO was reported to have stopped production in April 2009 due to financial difficulties. The company's web site indicates that OQO ceased operations entirely as of April 2009.
s were even seen, leading many people to call it vaporware
until it was finally released in the fall of 2004. The computer shipped with Windows XP
installed (Home Edition or Professional, but the Tablet PC
Edition was not available until the model 01+ was released) and featured a 1 GHz
Transmeta Crusoe processor, 20 GB
hard drive, and 256 MB
of RAM. It included USB 1.1, FireWire 400, a headphone port, and a built-in microphone, integrated 802.11b wireless radio, as well as Bluetooth
. The OQO uses an Wacom electromagnetic induction-type pen stylus with a magnetic field sensitive 800x480 resolution transflective
screen. Retail shipments began on October 14, 2004.
Its size is 4.9 in by 3.4 in by 0.9 in and it weighs 0.9 lbs.
display mode (An update for the model 01 is available from OQO). It also has a redesigned screen bezel intended to improve the accuracy of its Wacom enabled display (By increasing the space between the bezel and edge of the display).
Originally it was only available running Windows XP Home or Pro editions. The OQO model 01+ running on Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 was introduced on January 4, 2006, taking advantage of handwriting recognition
and improved navigation.
in January 2007 at the Consumer Electronics Show
in Las Vegas
. He showcased OQO's next generation of ultra-mobile PC, the model 02, in his keynote address that weighed in at a mere one pound and is small enough to fit in a pocket, the model 02 is the world's smallest fully functional Windows Vista PC.
Like its predecessor, the model 02 Ultra-Mobile PC is a handheld device that runs Windows (choice of XP Professional or Vista Business.) The new product sported a new black casing and a backlit keyboard, a much brighter 5 inch LCD screen, 800x480 pixel display with an active digitizer for pen-based input.
Several models were introduced at the time with VIA C7-M ULV processors that ranged from 1.2 GHz, 1.5 GHz, and 1.6 GHz, choice of 512MB or 1GB of RAM, and choice of hard drive. In the solid state drive (SSD) category a 32 or a 64 GB are available, or standard HD choices are from 60 to 120 GB. Also included is Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, USB 2.0, a 3.5 mm x 1 line out/line in audio jack and an HDMI-out port. The model 02 also offered optional integrated EV-DO mobile broadband with choice of Verizon or Sprint as service provider.
Advanced security features are also provided, including an on-board Trusted Platform Module
, and thanks to the VIA C7-M's built-in Padlock features, hardware-level encryption
, hashing
and random number generation
functions.
The model 02 also has the ability to zoom to 1000x600 and 1200x720 interpolated modes, horizontal/vertical screen rotation, and a sensor that automatically protects the hard drive in case of a drop. Accessories include a novelly-designed docking station (with a DVD+-RW drive, HDMI and VGA video out, three USB 2.0 ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack), an extended battery that lasts up to six hours, and choice of a soft leatherette "executive" case or durable aluminum "stronghold" case.
Since its introduction in 2007, the model 02 has won the following awards:
The OQO model e2 with embedded HSDPA is designed specifically to meet international demand for anytime/anywhere computing with access to the Internet and networked PC applications in a pocketable and ergonomic form factor. the OQO model e2 supports "open SIM" HSDPA ("3.5G") as well as UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS.
The model e2 with embedded mobile broadband supports data access through UMTS/HSDPA at 2100 MHz, and is downward compatible with GPRS/EDGE networks at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. Download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbit/s are currently supported.
The product is available SIM-free and network unlocked, allowing customers maximum flexibility in selecting their preferred wireless operator and data plan. Users of the model e2 have their choice of connectivity options, including tri-band wide-area wireless, WiFi 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0.
The OQO model 02 and OQO model e2 come with a VIA C7-M ULV processor (1.6 GHz, 1.5 GHz, or 1.2 GHz), up to 1 GB of RAM, up to a 120 GB hard drive, with the option of a 32 GB or 64 GB solid-state drive
, has Bluetooth 2.0 (with Enhanced Data Rate), tri-mode WiFi (802.11a/b/g) and optional 3G mobile broadband (EV-DO in the US, UMTS/HSDPA internationally).
-based "model 2+" was unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco labeled as "OQO MID" as a "technology demonstration." The model 2+ has been formally announced at CES 2009, and is available with a 1.33 GHz or 1.86 GHz Intel Atom processor, 2GB RAM, Qualcomm Gobi
global wireless internet, touch screen, and is the first PC to feature an active matrix OLED
display.
Projected shipping date was around May 22, 2009, but still has not shipped as of February 2010. OQO has ceased production due to financial difficulties, and it appears doubtful the 2+ will ever make it to market.
As of 27th August 2011:
http://www.oqo.com
returns:
Thanks All it's been fun. This domain and others are going to a new owner. The IP was sold some months ago.
Drivers will be here.
http://shup.com/~jory/drivers/
* Depends on configuration. OQO computers with standard battery, solid state drive, and no WWAN weigh approximately 413g (14.5 oz).
Leopard installed in dual-boot fashion on his OQO model 02. The achievement, believed to be the first in its kind, was announced on the OQOTalk Community. It was quickly picked up by the technology writers at Engadget and Slashdot.
Tablet computer
A tablet computer, or simply tablet, is a complete mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, integrated into a flat touch screen and primarily operated by touching the screen...
in a form factor slightly larger than a personal digital assistant
Personal digital assistant
A personal digital assistant , also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Current PDAs often have the ability to connect to the Internet...
(PDA). According to Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records , is a reference book published annually, containing a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world...
, the "OQO" was the smallest full-powered, full-featured personal computer
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
in 2005. The company's first version of subnotebook computer is the OQO model 01. Recently, it has been compared with the Ultra Mobile PC platform, although it was introduced before the UMPC took flight. The UPCs are capable of running slightly modified versions of Linux or other x86-based operating systems.
OQO was reported to have stopped production in April 2009 due to financial difficulties. The company's web site indicates that OQO ceased operations entirely as of April 2009.
OQO Model 01
The original OQO model 01 was announced several years before prototypePrototype
A prototype is an early sample or model built to test a concept or process or to act as a thing to be replicated or learned from.The word prototype derives from the Greek πρωτότυπον , "primitive form", neutral of πρωτότυπος , "original, primitive", from πρῶτος , "first" and τύπος ,...
s were even seen, leading many people to call it vaporware
Vaporware
Vaporware is a term in the computer industry that describes a product, typically computer hardware or software, that is announced to the general public but is never actually released nor officially canceled. Vaporware is also a term sometimes used to describe events that are announced or predicted,...
until it was finally released in the fall of 2004. The computer shipped with Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
installed (Home Edition or Professional, but the Tablet PC
Microsoft Tablet PC
A Microsoft Tablet PC is a term coined by Microsoft for tablet computers conforming to a set of specifications announced in 2001 by Microsoft, for a pen-enabled personal computer, conforming to hardware specifications devised by Microsoft and running a licensed copy of Windows XP Tablet PC Edition...
Edition was not available until the model 01+ was released) and featured a 1 GHz
GHZ
GHZ or GHz may refer to:# Gigahertz .# Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state — a quantum entanglement of three particles.# Galactic Habitable Zone — the region of a galaxy that is favorable to the formation of life....
Transmeta Crusoe processor, 20 GB
Gigabyte
The gigabyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information storage. The prefix giga means 109 in the International System of Units , therefore 1 gigabyte is...
hard drive, and 256 MB
Megabyte
The megabyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information storage or transmission with two different values depending on context: bytes generally for computer memory; and one million bytes generally for computer storage. The IEEE Standards Board has decided that "Mega will mean 1 000...
of RAM. It included USB 1.1, FireWire 400, a headphone port, and a built-in microphone, integrated 802.11b wireless radio, as well as Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
. The OQO uses an Wacom electromagnetic induction-type pen stylus with a magnetic field sensitive 800x480 resolution transflective
Transreflective liquid crystal display
A transflective liquid crystal display is a liquid crystal display that reflects and transmits light . Under bright illumination the display acts mainly as a reflective display with the contrast being constant with illuminance...
screen. Retail shipments began on October 14, 2004.
Its size is 4.9 in by 3.4 in by 0.9 in and it weighs 0.9 lbs.
OQO Model 01+
The OQO model 01+ was announced and released on September 27, 2005. Representing an incremental update to the model 01, the OQO model 01+ features a larger 30 GB hard drive, 512 MB of RAM (Double that of the OQO 01), USB 2.0, and an internal speaker. It also adds support for portraitPortrait
thumb|250px|right|Portrait of [[Thomas Jefferson]] by [[Rembrandt Peale]], 1805. [[New-York Historical Society]].A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expression is predominant. The intent is to display the likeness,...
display mode (An update for the model 01 is available from OQO). It also has a redesigned screen bezel intended to improve the accuracy of its Wacom enabled display (By increasing the space between the bezel and edge of the display).
Originally it was only available running Windows XP Home or Pro editions. The OQO model 01+ running on Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 was introduced on January 4, 2006, taking advantage of handwriting recognition
Handwriting recognition
Handwriting recognition is the ability of a computer to receive and interpret intelligible handwritten input from sources such as paper documents, photographs, touch-screens and other devices. The image of the written text may be sensed "off line" from a piece of paper by optical scanning or...
and improved navigation.
OQO Model 02
The OQO model 02 was introduced by Bill GatesBill Gates
William Henry "Bill" Gates III is an American business magnate, investor, philanthropist, and author. Gates is the former CEO and current chairman of Microsoft, the software company he founded with Paul Allen...
in January 2007 at the Consumer Electronics Show
Consumer Electronics Show
The International Consumer Electronics Show is a major technology-related trade show held each January in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Not open to the public, the Consumer Electronics Association-sponsored show typically hosts previews of products and new...
in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
. He showcased OQO's next generation of ultra-mobile PC, the model 02, in his keynote address that weighed in at a mere one pound and is small enough to fit in a pocket, the model 02 is the world's smallest fully functional Windows Vista PC.
Like its predecessor, the model 02 Ultra-Mobile PC is a handheld device that runs Windows (choice of XP Professional or Vista Business.) The new product sported a new black casing and a backlit keyboard, a much brighter 5 inch LCD screen, 800x480 pixel display with an active digitizer for pen-based input.
Several models were introduced at the time with VIA C7-M ULV processors that ranged from 1.2 GHz, 1.5 GHz, and 1.6 GHz, choice of 512MB or 1GB of RAM, and choice of hard drive. In the solid state drive (SSD) category a 32 or a 64 GB are available, or standard HD choices are from 60 to 120 GB. Also included is Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, USB 2.0, a 3.5 mm x 1 line out/line in audio jack and an HDMI-out port. The model 02 also offered optional integrated EV-DO mobile broadband with choice of Verizon or Sprint as service provider.
Advanced security features are also provided, including an on-board Trusted Platform Module
Trusted Platform Module
In computing, Trusted Platform Module is both the name of a published specification detailing a secure cryptoprocessor that can store cryptographic keys that protect information, as well as the general name of implementations of that specification, often called the "TPM chip" or "TPM Security...
, and thanks to the VIA C7-M's built-in Padlock features, hardware-level encryption
Encryption
In cryptography, encryption is the process of transforming information using an algorithm to make it unreadable to anyone except those possessing special knowledge, usually referred to as a key. The result of the process is encrypted information...
, hashing
Cryptographic hash function
A cryptographic hash function is a deterministic procedure that takes an arbitrary block of data and returns a fixed-size bit string, the hash value, such that an accidental or intentional change to the data will change the hash value...
and random number generation
Random number generation
A random number generator ) is a computational or physical device designed to generate a sequence of numbers or symbols that lack any pattern, i.e. appear random....
functions.
The model 02 also has the ability to zoom to 1000x600 and 1200x720 interpolated modes, horizontal/vertical screen rotation, and a sensor that automatically protects the hard drive in case of a drop. Accessories include a novelly-designed docking station (with a DVD+-RW drive, HDMI and VGA video out, three USB 2.0 ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack), an extended battery that lasts up to six hours, and choice of a soft leatherette "executive" case or durable aluminum "stronghold" case.
Since its introduction in 2007, the model 02 has won the following awards:
- Stevie Award for Best New Product
- Japan’s 2007 Good Design Award
- LAPTOP Magazine, Ultimate Mobility Issue: LAPTOP Ultimate Choice 2007
- Business 2.0 Magazine: 4 Stars (Editor’s Choice) and "Our Picks for ... Ultramobile PCs."
- Microsoft: “2007 Windows Vista PC Innovation Award”
- Gizmodo: “The Best of ‘Best of CES 2007’ Lists” (Best Computer)
- Popular Science: Best of CES 2007
- Wired Magazine: CES Winners and Losers
- LAPTOP Magazine: 2007 Best of CES Awards
- LAPTOP Magazine Rating: 4 Stars
- PC Magazine Editor’s Rating: 4 Stars
OQO Model e2
OQO in September 2007 announced the availability of the model e2 with embedded HSDPA mobile broadband capability, providing customers in Europe and Asia with widely available high-speed Internet connectivity.The OQO model e2 with embedded HSDPA is designed specifically to meet international demand for anytime/anywhere computing with access to the Internet and networked PC applications in a pocketable and ergonomic form factor. the OQO model e2 supports "open SIM" HSDPA ("3.5G") as well as UMTS, EDGE, and GPRS.
The model e2 with embedded mobile broadband supports data access through UMTS/HSDPA at 2100 MHz, and is downward compatible with GPRS/EDGE networks at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. Download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbit/s are currently supported.
The product is available SIM-free and network unlocked, allowing customers maximum flexibility in selecting their preferred wireless operator and data plan. Users of the model e2 have their choice of connectivity options, including tri-band wide-area wireless, WiFi 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0.
The OQO model 02 and OQO model e2 come with a VIA C7-M ULV processor (1.6 GHz, 1.5 GHz, or 1.2 GHz), up to 1 GB of RAM, up to a 120 GB hard drive, with the option of a 32 GB or 64 GB solid-state drive
Solid-state drive
A solid-state drive , sometimes called a solid-state disk or electronic disk, is a data storage device that uses solid-state memory to store persistent data with the intention of providing access in the same manner of a traditional block i/o hard disk drive...
, has Bluetooth 2.0 (with Enhanced Data Rate), tri-mode WiFi (802.11a/b/g) and optional 3G mobile broadband (EV-DO in the US, UMTS/HSDPA internationally).
OQO Model 2+
OQO AtomIntel Atom
Intel Atom is the brand name for a line of ultra-low-voltage x86 and x86-64 CPUs from Intel, designed in 45 nm CMOS and used mainly in netbooks, nettops, embedded application ranging from health care to advanced robotics and Mobile Internet devices...
-based "model 2+" was unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco labeled as "OQO MID" as a "technology demonstration." The model 2+ has been formally announced at CES 2009, and is available with a 1.33 GHz or 1.86 GHz Intel Atom processor, 2GB RAM, Qualcomm Gobi
Qualcomm Gobi
Qualcomm Gobi is a family of embedded mobile broadband modem products by Qualcomm. Gobi technology was designed to allow for any product with the embedded solution to connect to the internet anywhere a wireless carrier provides data coverage...
global wireless internet, touch screen, and is the first PC to feature an active matrix OLED
Organic light-emitting diode
An OLED is a light-emitting diode in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compounds which emit light in response to an electric current. This layer of organic semiconductor material is situated between two electrodes...
display.
Projected shipping date was around May 22, 2009, but still has not shipped as of February 2010. OQO has ceased production due to financial difficulties, and it appears doubtful the 2+ will ever make it to market.
Company Status
OQO has ceased operations. In April 2009, OQO started returning unrepaired in-warranty devices - a sure sign that the company was in dire financial trouble. In addition, the company stated that it would no longer offer any repair or service support, although third party warranties remain in effect. In May 2009, their phone numbers were disconnected, and emails were not deliverable. Their website also indicates "We are sorry to report that OQO Inc. is out of Business as of April 2009, OQO has closed."As of 27th August 2011:
http://www.oqo.com
returns:
Thanks All it's been fun. This domain and others are going to a new owner. The IP was sold some months ago.
Drivers will be here.
http://shup.com/~jory/drivers/
OQO Model Specifications
| Component | Model 01 | Model 01+ | Model 02 | Model e2 | Model 2+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Transmeta Crusoe 1 GHz | Transmeta Crusoe 1 GHz | Via C7M ULV 1.6 GHz | Via C7M ULV 1.6 GHz | Intel Atom Z540 1.86 GHz |
| RAM | 256MB DDR | 512MB DDR | 1GB DDR2 | 1GB DDR2 | 2GB DDR2 |
| Hard Drive | 20GB HDD | 30GB HDD | 120GB HDD or 64GB SSD | 120GB HDD or 64GB SSD | 120GB HDD or 64GB SSD |
| Display | 5" Transflective 800x480 LCD | 5" Transflective 800x480 LCD | 5" 800x480 LCD | 5" 800x480 LCD | 5" active matrix 800x480 OLED |
| USB | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b | 802.11b | 802.11a/b/g | 802.11a/b/g | 802.11a/b/g |
| WWAN | n/a | n/a | EVDO from Sprint or Verizon | HSDPA | EV-DO and HSPA |
| Bluetooth | 1.1 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Wacom | Yes | Yes (Improved accuracy) | Yes | Yes | |
| GPU | Silicon motion Lynx 3DM+ | Silicon motion Lynx 3DM+ | VIA VX700 | VIA VX700 | Intel GMA500 |
| Removable Battery | 4,000 mAh or 8,000 mAh | 4,000 mAh or 8,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh or 9,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh or 9,000 mAh | 4,500 mAh or 9,000 mAh |
| Battery Type | lithium polymer | Lithium Polymer | lithium ion polymer | lithium ion polymer | |
| Docking Cable | USB 1.1 | USB 2.0 | replaced by dongle or dock | replaced by dongle or dock | replaced by dongle or dock |
| Dock | Zinc stand | Zinc stand | Gloss Black w/ optical drive | Gloss Black w/ optical drive | Gloss Black w/ optical drive |
| Ethernet | 10BaseT | 100BaseT | 100BaseT | 100BaseT | 100BaseT |
| Dongle | RJ45 & VGA | RJ45 & VGA | |||
| Keyboard | 57 key | 57 key | 58 key | 58 key | 58 key |
| Weight | 397g | 397g | 413g* | 413g* | 413g* |
Linux-on-OQO
Many individuals have managed to install Ubuntu, Debian, Suse, Fedora, etc. on OQO UMPCs, with or without Windows alongside. There is an Ubuntu distribution for the devices (unsupported by OQO) available at [ftp://ftp.oqo.com/unsupported/linux] and some documentation and instructions at [ftp://ftp.oqo.com/unsupported/linux/OQOLinux.html]; alongside this, OQO says that installing Linux on an OQO UMPC will not void the warranty http://support-intl.oqo.com/cgi-bin/oqo_e2.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_sid=d9mY2xTi&p_lva=&p_li=&p_faqid=767&p_created=1180043810&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MyZwX3Byb2RzPTAmcF9jYXRzPTAmcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9wYWdlPTEmcF9zZWFyY2hfdGV4dD1saW51eA**. Driver support has improved with more recent kernel versions. Ubuntu Intrepid 8.10 works well, with the exception of software scaled resolutions and the on-board HDMI and VGA ports, which do not support driving an external display at a different resolution. Other than these caveats, everything else is functional. A user on the OQO talk message board has released a slightly modified Ubuntu installer specifically for the OQO that works without having to specify custom installer boot options.OS X-Leopard-on-OQO MODEL 02
In April, 2008 an independent enthusiast released both screen-caps and video showing the Mac OS X v10.5Mac OS X v10.5
Mac OS X Leopard is the sixth major release of Mac OS X, Apple's desktop and server operating system for Macintosh computers. Leopard was released on 26 October 2007 as the successor of Tiger , and is available in two variants: a desktop version suitable for personal computers, and a...
Leopard installed in dual-boot fashion on his OQO model 02. The achievement, believed to be the first in its kind, was announced on the OQOTalk Community. It was quickly picked up by the technology writers at Engadget and Slashdot.