OQO launches OQO model 2+

OQO model 2+ claims to be world’s smallest Vista running PC with OLED screen. The new model 2+ comes with a much faster 1.86GHz Intel Atom processor and 2GB RAM unlike it’s older sibling OQO model 2, which ran a VIA processor and 1GB of RAM. According to the folks at OQO, the new OQO model 2+ offers performance up to twice as fast as its predecessor. It also comes with an embedded passive touchscreen for easier input. This will allow you to use your hands to use the touch screen and you won’t have to search for the stylus just to tap on something on the screen. It comes with inbuilt 3G, thus giving you great speed wherever you get mobile coverage.

So, with the newer model, you get the fastest available Atom Z540 CPU running at 1.86GHz. Since the RAM in the OQO is non-upgradble, it makes sense to give the users as-much RAM as possible to make the Vista experience better. The display is still WVGA (800×480), but the colors look great thanks to the OLED display. The white color looks whiter and black color looks more dark. The model 2+ supports large external displays up to 1920×1200 with HDMI/DVI and VGA interfaces. The keyboard has not change as it was already very usable in the original OQO 2.

Also, ApoTheTech was also able to gather information about it’s ability to provide hardware video decoding. Hi-def H264 video plays fine on the OQO 2+. Also, since it provides hardware video decoding, it does not burn a lot of power while running CPU-intensive videos.

Regarding battery life, you will be able to get nearly 3.5 hours of juice before the OQO 2+ shuts down. This means that with extended battery, you will be able to squeeze nearly 7 hours of battery life.

OQO 2+ official webpage

Intel Atom powered OQO coming soon – The OQO model 2+

Looks like the CES is going to more goodies than I personally expected. GBM has received an email from the Digital Experience people, which says that at CES, the OQO is going to unveil an Intel Atom processor version of the OQO. It will also have 2GB RAM and an OLED display! Here is the actual of the email received:

OQO, Inc. announces the new model 2+ with the Intel® Atom™ processor, the world’s first PC OLED display, and worldwide 3G capability. Based on the 1.86GHz Intel Atom processor and 2GB RAM, the OQO model 2+ offers performance up to twice as fast as its predecessor and includes an embedded touchscreen for easier input.

ASUS R50A review

ApoTheTech’s friend UMPCportal.com has recently published a huge review about the ASUS R50A, which is a premium category UMPC. Here are the specifications of R50A:

  • 5.6″ 1024×600 gloss touchscreen
  • 1.33GHz Atom Z520 CPU
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 32GB SSD
  • Windows Vista Ultimate
  • 3G HSDPA, Bluetooh/WLAN, GPS

As we can see, there is nothing spectacular about the specifications. True, is has 3G to offer, but I lost all the interest when you come to know that this UMPC retails at $1300+. No doubt, UMPCportal is also very disappointed with ASUS R50A.

Here is what they have to say about it:

I’ll start out by just saying that I’m disappointed in the R50A. It is hard for a product like this to really succeed though. When you think about it, the R50A tries to fill a niche within a niche. Unless you are specifically looking for a handheld device that can only be used as a slate, I couldn’t recommend the R50A to you. I can’t think of many situations where a full sized slate, or convertible Tablet PC wouldn’t be a much better alternative than the R50A.

Click here to read the full review at UMPCportal

Fujitsu U820 3G for just $1199 with AT&T broadband connection

You don’t hear about such deals a lot of times. Fujitsu is now offering the U820 along with AT&T broadband connection and that too for just $1199. That is not it. Unlike the Asian versions, the US 3G models are coming with 120GB HDD. Asian models known as U2010 come with 60GB HDD and just 2-cell battery.

American versions also come with a bigger 4-cell battery with the default configuration, which should give you atleast 5 hours of battery life with the extremely power-frugal Atom CPU.

Click here to visit U820 webpage

Holiday Guide – Find out which Netbook, UMPC and Mobile Phone is most bang for a buck this holiday season?

No doubt that we are still bearing the effects of depression right now. We need to make wise choices. We just cannot afford to step into the market and get the latest shiny stuff. I’m not saying that we should get old stuff, but in this article I’m going to enlist the best products at best prices. I’ll also give you the names of the best ones too!

Holiday Guide - Find out which Netbook, UMPC and Mobile Phone is most bang for a buck this holiday season?

Most-bang-for-a-buck UMPC: Fujitsu U810/U1010

Ultra-mobiles are popular for their huge price-tags. Their sales are not counted in millions like iPhone and HTC Diamond. Last year, the Fujitsu U810 (US) and U1010 (Asia) were quite out-of customer’s reach. Both were >$1000 and thus was not very popular among customers. This is not the scene this year. They can now be bought for around $700-800 now making it a very attractive package. For nearly $700, you are getting a UMPC that runs vista fine (you can use XP too), comes with decent HDD, 1 GB RAM, clamshell design and reputed brand name in tablet PCs, Fujitsu. You cannot go wrong with it.

Best UMPC: Fujitsu U820/U2010 Continue reading “Holiday Guide – Find out which Netbook, UMPC and Mobile Phone is most bang for a buck this holiday season?”

Trigem's Atom-based LLUON Mobbit: Finally a UMPC below $500 UMPC

Ever thought of a UMPC of under US$500? Well, meet the LLUON Mobbit PS400. According to CNET, it is too big for the pockets and it is less functional than a netbook. I don’t agree with it. It has never meant to be pocketable. It is a portable device that can run XP. That is it!

Here are the specifications of this device:

  • Processor Atom Z520.
  • 2 megapixel camera.
  • 1 GB memory.
  • Choice of 30GB HDD of 16GB SSD.
  • WiFI and Korean WiMax (WiBro).
  • Digital Television (T-DMB).

According to Cnet, the price will be “around” $411.

UMID Clamshell Specs Prices

UMID Clamshell Specs PricesChippy of UMPCportal has been able to get new images of UMID from Korea.

Here are some highlights of the product:

  • The battery is 17Wh and thus should give 4hrs+ battery life.
  • Very small in size (smaller than Fujitsu U2010)
  • Just 6.22″ wide!

It can infact fit in a jacket pocket. Since, it is clamshell, the screen is always protected too unlike UX series from SONY. The price is not available yet and it will be ready on 2009.

Here are it’s specs as per UMPCportal.com: Continue reading “UMID Clamshell Specs Prices”

Fujitsu Introduces Fujitsu U820

Delivering touch screen capability, long battery life, and Microsoft Windows computing power, the innovative LifeBook U820 convertible mini-notebook is stylish, super compact, and ultra lightweight starting at a mere 1.32 lbs, yet offering full Windows functionality for on-the-go users. The built-in GPS-functionality turns this unit into a Garmin Mobile® PC powered navigation system.

Basically, it is an updated version of U810 with Intel Atom processor. Add $300 more and you will get Windows Vista Business and 120GB HDD.

Here are Fujtisu U820 specifications: Continue reading “Fujitsu Introduces Fujitsu U820”