Friday, June 08, 2007

Why the OQO Hugo?

The best bit about writing a blog is the community that has built around me. It really is kind of like family and like family often we get crazy uncles, funny aunties and pesky cousins. If UberTablet were a family I guess Frank Garcia (Ctitanic) would sure be part of it. He recently picked on me for downgrading from a perfectly good Samsung Q1P to the OQO model 02. In my defence I posted some thoughts yesterday and I seemed to have pleased the little guy with my response. Having said that I believe my job as head of the family remains unaccomplished until the entire family is debriefed and up to speed with Frank and me.

So what better way but to post a video? This video is testimonial my journey from Fujitsu T4215, to Samsung Q1, to Samsung Q1B, to Samsung Q1P and finally ending up with the OQO model 02. In brief I find the form-factor so aesthetically compelling that its pocket-sized appearance was just about irresistible. Now you might say that my decision to swap to the OQO model 02 has had its fair share of obstacles and you would be right. However after jumping into my third machine I can safely say that it is worth it.

I will do my best to post my experiences often and let you all know what is good and what is not about living in a 5” world. So far…I like it.

Play Video [210 MB, 26 minutes]


Watch it on MyYouTube:

36 comments:

Al Iverson said...

I love it! Video link doesn't work though, FYI.

Hugo Gaston Ortega said...

Hi Al! THanks for the heads-up. I was about to head to bed and saw your comment. The problem was my spelling. LOL.

Link works now. Let me know what you think.

ctitanic said...

Now I got what I wanted. Thanks Hugo!

Hugo Gaston Ortega said...

And probably more than you bargained for. LOL.

Keep up the great work Frank.

MID's said...

Greetings Hugo:

Wow, what an excellent video.
To show the different form factors of three tablets was amazing.
But, Hugo this week there were some interesting surprises at Computex 2007.
I think in 6 months time there will be an OQO model 2 killer.
Keep making those great videos.

Regards Robert from Montreal, Canada

digitaldion (Dion Forster) said...

I used two OQO's (sadly they were not 02's), one was an 01, the other an 01+. However, I have just got the Sony UX 180P.

I loved the form factor of the OQO's, but the model 01's had some problems (poor screen, and SLOW speed being the two greatest). However, I believe that the 02 sorts all of these problems out.

I'm very happy with my UX though, the form factor is not ideal (as you know it is quite thick and has a 'funny' shape). However, the screen is incredible, it is so much quicker than the OQO, and it has built in GPRS. I did, however, prefer the keyboard on the OQO 01's.

Keep up the great bloggin Hugo. I check out your blog almost daily! Between you and JKontherun I get all the UMPC news I need. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Great video Hugo, you really nailed it with the OQO 2.

Anonymous said...

Hi Hugo, just in the process of downloading, this and I am tryin to get our 12 week old to sleep, I tend to take with me a umpc whilst I sit there in his nursery rockin his cot. The main pic with you holding some outstandin devices as give me an idea.. How about having a global umpc showdown, I take it that i am not alone in ownin more than several of these devices.. The showdown will be judged on who as the greatest number of cool mobile devices, it is not intended as a show off game, but more like a tech version of a flower show.

BTW. I am usin the raon vega, did you ever notice weird colours on apps like photoshop.

Anonymous said...

Well done, Hugo!! The Evolution of a Tablet PC User!

I really like that OQO and you gave an excellent rationale for using it. But, I just couldn't bring myself to go that small, so I bought a Samsung Q1 ultra.

Anonymous said...

Hi Hugo,

Just finished watching another neat video from you. Great work! I think you make the vital point. Form-factor IS more critical than processing power for mobile PCs. Battery endurance and connectivity via ports and BT/WLAN/WWAN are also crucial. The screen size and keyboard have to be traded off. For some folks, the Q1 is small enough, but not for you or me! Your point about multtitasking also resonates. On slow internet connections I often load another IE tab or two whilst reading one. I went with the Sony UX280P and I'm happy with that. The keyboard is fine once you get used to it but I tend to edit and read rather than compose on the move. YMMV,

Best Regards

JohnC from Brisbane

Big D said...

Hugo, by the way... Kudos for giving access to a downloadable file. It's easy to download it and view it at our heart's content.

Dougal said...

Hi Hugo, Thanks for the great video. I've been thinking of getting the p1610, and am still leaning that way, but after seeing the OQO and the docking station... WOW! Very impressive. I may have to reconsider. I'm really after email, IM, browsing, reading, and basic office.

Hmmm, how mobile do I want to be?... Thanks again
Doug

Anonymous said...

Hugo I see your point between the devices, but have question. I have the Q1P and I find it to be at the sweet spot for screen real estate. My question is how is inking on the OQO using OneNote, Journal, I use OneNote and Journal quite often to take notes or right some quick notes. If you take regular notes I would think that the 5" screen might be a little hard to take notes. On the Q1P taking notes in my view is great. Its like having a small note pad. I still like the form factor of the OQO and would consider it. I usually have Word, IE 7, Outlook, Journal or OneNote open, and Excel running at the same time, because that's what I use daily for work. I also like that from stand by its up and running in 4 seconds or 3. Keep up the good work from down under.

HG

Hector

skylar said...

hi everyone, i just wanted to say that i just placed an order for my new tablet, the x61 (santa rosa platform) thinkpad tablet, i just placed the order earlier today and it is expected to ship in 3-4 weeks, once i get it i will be sure to keep everyone posted on my new toy, i might even do a small ink show about it and the new centrino platform. Aswell i did order the ultrabase so i will share my experiences with that as well. I have high expectations for this tablet as i have always trused IBM for reliable and well built laptops, and i hope the x61 tablet meets my expectations.

here are the specs for what i ordered(model: 7767A4U):

Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Business
Processor: Intel® Core 2 Duo L7500 processor 1600MHz
Memory: 1024MB (will upgrade later to 2gb)
Hard Drive: 160GB (5400 Rpm)
Graphic: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100

Sincerely,
Skylar Richardson

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you can now move to a smaller phone...

Anonymous said...

WOW! Sitting here at 6 A.M. in Santa Monica, California, wowed by the exceptional videos (Youtube version)re Hugo's 3 machines. I decided solidly in favor of each machine as he progressed...then threw it over in favor of the next one. I've never seen such a complete, hands-on and involving treatment of computers. You have communicated valuable information that simply is not there in other computer reviews. Thanks for the excellent work, Hugo. Now if only OQO would incorporate a highspeed telephone and on-board GPS. OQO-3, I guess.

Unknown said...

Great Video. I have followed your shows with interest. I am one year into the Tablet PC era. I started with a Fujitsu T4210, as a compromise between a laptop and a slate. I am glad I did. My plan was to purchase a Umpc this year. So your videos and blogs have been helpful.

I have used Pocket PC devises since they were first introduced. Like you, I thought the OQO would be the next step.

Now that you have had 2 units die, what is your opinion? I am leaning towards the Q1 Ultra due to the screen resolution, size and battery life. Especially if the HID update solves the vectoring issue and it will accept the 2 gig memory chip.

Are there any other devices in the works that I might want to wait on?

Thank you for your comments and zealous pursuit of the latest and greatest. It is so hard for us to even touch these devises, let alone get a chance to see them in action.

Tony

Anonymous said...

I would also like some clarification on inking on the OQO 02. In the video it really sounds like you said that the pen is barely usable on a 5" screen. Is that referring to not wanting to write for extended periods on something that small? Or does the inking functionality really suffer on the OQO 02?

Chuck said...

Hugo - let me agree with everyone else - Great video! However, one question did not get answered: After talking about extended batteries and add-on external power packs, you only mentioned the extended OQO battery. How do you get through the day after the Q1 with extended battery + external power pack? Did you discover that you do not need that much time between stationary periods tied to a wall plug or car charger? The OQO cannot use 3rd party charging solutions.

Chuck said...

I'd really like to see a comparison of the OQO and the Raon Digital Everun. You will probably have access before the rest of us. I'm looking forward to your review!

Big D said...

Hugo.
One additional thing: In your comparison between the Q1p at OQO2, you falsely imply that the
Q1 has no data entry option if you're on the go. Did you forget the On-screen keyboard? You even helped develop with Audi an alternate data entry option! We understand if you like one product better than the other, but we just wanted to make sure the general public has all the info so they can make an educated purchase decision.

Anonymous said...

Great video.
I have been experimenting with ultramobiled devices for years. In spite of later dramatic improvements, I still miss my HP95LX and Toshiba Librettos. They served me very well. I had a Sony UX, but could not warm up to it for various reasons. I am now running a Sony TX (multiple failures are driving me crazy) and WM6/Blackberry devices.

I am very tempted by the OQO after seeing your blog. If only I could find a way to actually handle one!

Best regards to all on the blog.

Kenrick said...

Here's a screenshot of how much ink I think is comfortable to fit on the OQO 02 screen.

Unknown said...

Wow! I have been following you for about 16 months now but did not realize how big you have gotten. Like you said earlier, you have your own family out here. Did you ever think that it would get this big, or was this your goal all along?

On the video, Great details and explanations as to why you chose the OQO Model 2. Defining your requirements, and some times discovering what you need though other product innovations is really the key to selecting the right piece of hardware to get the job done.

Nets said...

Great video Hugo, but I still disagree with a few points. I can understand how the Q1 docked with the keyboard and organizer isn't ideal for quick emails, but undocking takes very little time and enables you to now use the Q1's dial keys or TIP interface to type in small emails and or messages on the go. Plus when you need it for more complex typing, you have a full QWERTY keyboard waiting for you. Plus, you had your phone with you in the video. You could just as easily use your phone for your quick emails as well.

And while the Q1 may not fit in my pocket, it does fit easily in my messenger bag, which I take with me if I'm going to be gone longer than a few hours anyway. Plus I can take my power cord and not worry about battery life. If I'm not taking my messenger bag, I can easily carry the Q1, or set it up in my car for music/navigation.

I think it's because our needs are so different that I'm not understanding your decision. I need the space for drawing and the various ways I use the Q1, but my experience with the OQO left me impressed at the technology, but not at the functionality. That and I cant give up touchscreen computing now that I'm used to it. Now to wait for a UMPC with dual touch (active digitizer and a touchscreen)... then I'll really start thinking about swapping to a newer device.

Carpe_Diem_Rj said...

HI.I am interested in buying a fujitsu t4215 (1Bb ram,1,83ghz).I would like to know its advantages and disadvantages and specifically if it is plug and play on windows vista. Would it be better to buy it with preinstalled windows Xp? Thank you in advance for your time and look forward to hearing from you.

Hugo Gaston Ortega said...

Hi Carpe_Diem_Rj,

I am afraid I am a little biased on this one mate. I happen to like the T4215 more than any other Tablets. The good news is that it is actually the T4220 now and will be available with the new Intel Santa Rosa platform from next month. If you want to buy a new machine, buy that!

With regards to Vista make sure you do not perform an upgrade from XP. Buy the Vista one out of the box and it will ensure you ahve a better buying experience. It works really well and the only other thing is to get as much RAM as you can afford. The last recommendation is to obtain the modular bay battery. This is a big winner.

Hope I've helped.

Anonymous said...

Hi Hugo,
OQO means 2.5hours with standard battery, so I am just wondering what you carry over with you to end the day...could you please give me the idea? I like the OQ portability, I like the OQO active inking, I like Vista runs well, but the thing wouldn't run through a working morning on one battery, would it?
Thanks in advance. Great job.
PS: if not too personal, which kind of business are you into?
Massimo from Italy

Hugo Gaston Ortega said...

Chau Massimo from Italy!

I actually run around with two extended batteries and use the Battery Charge Adapter to charge the second battery when it is not plugged in to my OQO. That is the best invention ever and I wish more manufacturers made such devices.

I am Mr. Tablet Australia...

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the fast reply indeed. Best of all.
Ciao Massimo Italy

Carpe_Diem_Rj said...

Hi, could you possibly recommend an online shop where I can order the T4215? The problem is that this shop must be european or ship worldwide due to the fact that I'm from Greece.
Besides do you know whether the official european web site of fujitsu has an online shop just like the american one?
Sorry to bother you with all these questions but I would like to add some hardware of my preference.

Åsmund Ødegård said...

Thanks Hugo, this post and some of your other oqo post made me stop thinking and pulling out the card... I am now typing this on the oqo O2 (running Ubuntu linux by the way :) to a large extent due to your fine reviews of this computer. So far I'm not disapointed at all!

Mandus;-)

Anonymous said...

Hugo, I'm interested in joining the 5 inch world with the OQO. I am coming from the 8 inch world, using a Motion LS800, and am a bit concerned about inking on such a small screen. My primary interface is via the Pen and handwriting recognition, so this is of high interest. On a larger screen, the is room for resting your hand while writing, but the OQO seems quite small for this. Can you discuss this in more detail, or post a video of inking on the OQO? Thanks!

Hugo Gaston Ortega said...

@Mandus...

Cheers mate...that is great.



@bristolview...


Hi Bristolview,

It sounds like you are on track and living happy dreams; my only problem with your query however is that the OQO, although almost perfect, does struggle with digital ink. Because you are having such a nice mobile experience, and inking, on the little LS, then I find it hard to steer you to the OQO and still feel like I did the right (write) thing!

Inking is possible but if this is your preferred method of data input then the OQO can struggle. If your hands are small you might actually like it though so do the right (write) thing by your wallet and try it out before you buy it. Then come back here and we can chat more dude!

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Hi HO
i really love the way you present your gadgets on video. why? Because the way you handle your prized gadget with one hand, i was so worried it might fall off and fell apart haha, i understand u play basketball but sometimes we do miscue lol handle with care ya. Back to my comment,
I have recently been in love with UMPC gadgets, my first sightings of one was the Kohjinsha SH8 at our local IT buildings. BTW i am from Singapore, my name is Kelvin.
I bought the Kohjinsha at first sight immediately. I couldn't resist to the size of that mean machine at that moment. it has everything i wanted. A PC that is portable and convenient when i'm out of office. Soon after i came to know about the Fujitsu U1010 or U810 equivalent in US after 2 months. Again i set my sights on it, surf the internet for info and watch videos of reviews on the U1010. i fell in love with it as its more portable now. Unfortunately, I can't succumb to my resist and i bought a second UMPC in 2 mths on impulse again. it was even smaller than my previous Kohjinsha. But guess what ---> Vista spoil my whole mood to use it. Am now trying to UPGRADE to XP tablet. So its kinda lying there sick at the moment until XP is up and running. That's my mission from my highest priority.
I regretted buying Fujitsu, after watching you hold the OQO. It was truely madly deeply pocketable. True enough, i began searching for info's on OQO, thank god it wasn't on sales in Singapore. However, i still have the urge to own one if the unit are selling in SG and with a service center on shore. I do not know how much it will cost in Sing dollar, maybe u could help me find out. But then i have heard lots of units going back to RMA. Who cares. I would love to trade my Fujitsu with OQO even risking going to RMA. That's my love for UMPC now. Till then, i shall resist all gadget and love my Fujitsu for now. I'm in IT line if you wanna know. Therefore, its natural that i have crunch on all these beautifully made piece of design. I like the the docking station very much for the OQO. it look so godlike design, it has every i need for a desktop. it is really a desktop replacement albeit slower speed. In time to come, we will be seeing better product. As for my U1010, i will be searching high and low for the all in one GPS cradle. if you know where to purchase one, do let me know. i really need a GPS in my car though SG is small. i failed in topography, thats why.

Hope to see your reply on my few request and looking forward to many more of your videos. Please carry on making those risky one handed stunts. I LOVE IT.

Kelvin Chew, Singapore

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