A few days ago Hugo posted a video about why he’s chosen the OQO Model 02 ultra mobile PC and has stopped using his tabletPC. I’ve just watched it with interest and a pencil in my hand. Its well presented (I can learn something from Hugo here. He’s got a very smooth delivery.) and is a good outline of why he’s moved from using a tablet PC to a UMPC.
My notes:
- Its significant that a tablet MVP has dropped pen input. I’ve said before that I think handwriting input is going to become less important. Especially for mobile and mass market consumers. It will still be useful for a niche segment but its not important for devices that are not targeted at this segment.
- The Samsung Q1 organizer keyboard is not cramped. Its one of the best quality mini keyboards that I’ve ever used. I’m using it right now and have no need to attach a full size keyboard. Have you got farmers fingers mate?
- Do you need that Dopod any more? You’ve pretty much said that the OQO does everything that the Dopod does and better. If I were you I would move down to a feature phone.
- Pocketing an OQO Model 02 is going to be 1 – awkward 2 – going to rip your pockets. I used to carry a lot around in my suit when I worked in London but I ended up at the tailors every three months!
- Is it really your desktop PC or do you have a larger desktop that you use for video editing?
- Numeric keypad. How many numbers are you putting in per day? really needed?
- Q1 organizer pack is a table-top solution I agree. Not a sofa, standing, car, bed solution.
- I agree. Windows is not optimized for touch but there is a lot of software that is. Navigation for example. Touch is important.
- I use the Q1b as a desktop replacement but its not quite good enough. Intel based devices make far better desktop replacements. XP on 1.2Ghz VIA is probably about the entry point so yes, I agree it can be used as a desktop and yes, you have to change your working style a little.
- What battery life do you get with your extended battery. Is it a full day like with the other two solutions or did you sacrifice some battery life?
- We know that the keyboard on the OQO isn’t much faster than on screen typing/handwriting. Would you be happy to lose 4-8mm on the depth of the device (or have a bigger battery capacity) without a keyboard and use an on screen keyboard?
- Don’t forget to highlight that the OQO Model 02 with docking station is around double the cost of a Q1b with organizer! You have to be tech-savvy and also be able to justify saving minutes per day to balance the extra cost.
There’s a general negative feeling in my notes there but all I’m doing is highlighting some very important points. I too believe that a small ultra mobile PC replaces the need for a smartphone and that a three-device strategy based on small feature phone, a 5-7″ ultra mobile PC and powerful home PC (if you need to do videos, games etc) is something that could work for a lot of people. Moving from on-screen handwriting to keyboard is also something I find significant. Especially for a Tablet MVP
I’m still looking for that perfect Carrypad solution myself. Currently I have the Raon Digital Everun, the Fujitsu UMPC and the new EB slider ultra mobile PC on my list. I wouldn’t buy the OQO because it doesn’t have a touchscreen and its damn expensive. I also think that its too big for a pocket (I don’t wear suits or cargo pants or have the nerve to wear that on a belt!) UMPCs will always be too big for pockets and so to me, the 6-7″ range (possibly a 7″ with 1024×600) could be optimal for me. But as we all say, it depends on your usage requirements. Hugo’s Hugometer spreadsheet and my ultra mobile PC buyers guide are good places to start in order to make that decision.
Thanks Hugo, for stimulating a good conversation through the video.
