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San Francisco based OQO Corporation has developed somethng truly innovative in computers. The OQO Ultra-Personal Computer (UPC) is a full-powered, full-featured personal computer running in a pocketable form factor. Unfortunately, it runs on Windows XP rather than Mac OS X, notwithstanding some Apple-related roots. 
Back In 2000, Jory Bell and Jonathan Betts-Lacroix along with other members of the team that developed the Apple Titanium Powerbook, set out to build a truly mobile personal computer. They determined that computer what many computer users need is mobile access to their data and applications. Laptop computers solve part of the problem by being portable but for many users and usage scenarios laptops are still bulky and awkward in a mobile environment. Personal digital assistants (PDAs) offer mobility but are limited in application and data compatibility, power, storage, and display resolution. Further, these devices introduce to the end-user and IT manager the complexity of synchronization, which can be error prone and cumbersome. At WinHEC 2002, OQO unveiled the first prototype of its Ultra-Personal Computer demonstrating the PC form factor at its lightest and most versatile with integrated wireless. 
OQO’s first product is a highly functional and versatile handheld wireless computer that bridges the distinctions between notebooks, desktop PCs and PDAs. Measuring just 4.1 inches by 2.9 inches by 0.9 inches and weighing less than nine ounces, OQO’s PC is a full-function computer running Microsoft Windows XP Professional and incorporating up to a 1GHz Crusoe TM5800 processor from Transmeta Corporation; four inch, super bright VGA color LCD; Synaptics touchscreen; 256MB onboard RAM; 10GB+ hard drive; 1394 FireWire, USB, audio, OQO-link connectors; and 802.11b and Bluetooth wireless networking. The OQO ultra-personal computer is the smallest high performance Microsoft Windows XP personal computer. Its ultra-dense design allows for a drastic reduction of the size, complexity and power consumption relative to other personal computers. Notable features include: Specs: 
As a standalone device, OQO’s ultra-personal computer slips easily into a shirt pocket. When inserted into an OQO-designed enclosure, it becomes a notebook PC. When placed in a cradle with a standard screen and keyboard, it functions as a desktop PC. This modular design allows for ease of use and convenience when traveling, whether to and from the office, across the country, or around the world. “After years of designing Apple and IBM laptops, the OQO team felt the time had come for the next step -- but a revolutionary one -- of the full-featured, wireless PC.” said Jory Bell, president and CEO, OQO. “We wanted an ultra-personal computer that you always carry, while still providing the full functionality of the Windows PC. We sought a device that incorporates wireless access as a central idea to the whole mobile experience. Moreover, we tried to instantiate something that would make people optimistic about the future.” “OQO’s product is a perfect match for the strengths of Transmeta’s Crusoe processor, said David Ditzel, vice chairman and chief technology officer, Transmeta Corporation. “Crusoe is a catalyst for long battery life, small form factors and cool and quiet operation in emerging mobile platforms.” 
I think this little box is just waaaay cool. I love small computers, which is the biggest reason I’m a laptop aficionado, and this pushes the miniaturization envelope even farther. It reminds me of the Apple G4 Cube in many respects, only better executed. The fly in the ointment with the OQO Ultra-Personal computer of course is Windoze. Never say never, but I can’t imagine myself ever capitulating to the Redmond Borg and using a computer with a Microsoft operating system. It’s simpy a matter of principle, as well as disdain for the buggy, clunky, virus-plagued Windows environment. No mention of Linux support for this machine, but I expect that it’s doable. Hmmmmm. OQO was founded in 1999 and is based San Francisco. The company includes executives, engineers and designers with exceptional credentials, including key positions at Apple Computer (Powerbook Design), Caltech Jet Propulsion Laboratory, IBM Almaden Research, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Transmeta, and Oracle Corporation. The company’s website is at: http://www.oqo.com More info at:
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