spectr17
04-24-2002, 11:24 PM
04/17/2002
Tiny PC packs punch into paperback-sized case
http://images.usatoday.com/life/cyber/_photos/wittle-bitty-computer.jpg
OQO's Ultra-Personal Computer.
NEW YORK (AP) — A little-known San Francisco company unveiled a personal computer that crams processor, memory, battery and storage into a package the size of a paperback novel.
When the $1,000 Ultra-Personal Computer hits stores this fall or winter, it will operate as a wireless handheld computer, akin to a Palm, OQO said. Or it can be used as a "modular PC" that connects to a full-size keyboard, mouse and monitor to replace a desktop PC.
"This is a full Windows XP computer that fits in your pocket," said Colin Hunter, executive vice president of OQO, Tuesday. "Desktops are pretty much dead. Most people would prefer to have a computer they can carry around with them all the time."
The 5-inch by 3-inch device runs Microsoft Windows XP on a processor of up to 1 gigahertz. It also bundles 256 megabytes of RAM, a 10 gigabyte hard drive, and two wireless networking connections.
A docking cable allows it to connect with an external keyboard, mouse and monitor. It can also be networked to an existing PC or laptop through an Ethernet cable or wireless connection.
When undocked, the device's battery life is similar to a laptop's, at 3-8 hours, depending on use.
OQO is negotiating with electronics companies who could manufacture and market the device. A version manufactured and sold under the OQO brand is also possible, a spokesman said.
Start-up OQO, founded in 1999, includes engineers and designers from Apple Computer, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, IBM, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oracle and Transmeta.
In February, IBM announced it would license technology for a similar device, known as the MetaPad, to vendors. IBM's MetaPad won't be ready for a few years.
Tiny PC packs punch into paperback-sized case
http://images.usatoday.com/life/cyber/_photos/wittle-bitty-computer.jpg
OQO's Ultra-Personal Computer.
NEW YORK (AP) — A little-known San Francisco company unveiled a personal computer that crams processor, memory, battery and storage into a package the size of a paperback novel.
When the $1,000 Ultra-Personal Computer hits stores this fall or winter, it will operate as a wireless handheld computer, akin to a Palm, OQO said. Or it can be used as a "modular PC" that connects to a full-size keyboard, mouse and monitor to replace a desktop PC.
"This is a full Windows XP computer that fits in your pocket," said Colin Hunter, executive vice president of OQO, Tuesday. "Desktops are pretty much dead. Most people would prefer to have a computer they can carry around with them all the time."
The 5-inch by 3-inch device runs Microsoft Windows XP on a processor of up to 1 gigahertz. It also bundles 256 megabytes of RAM, a 10 gigabyte hard drive, and two wireless networking connections.
A docking cable allows it to connect with an external keyboard, mouse and monitor. It can also be networked to an existing PC or laptop through an Ethernet cable or wireless connection.
When undocked, the device's battery life is similar to a laptop's, at 3-8 hours, depending on use.
OQO is negotiating with electronics companies who could manufacture and market the device. A version manufactured and sold under the OQO brand is also possible, a spokesman said.
Start-up OQO, founded in 1999, includes engineers and designers from Apple Computer, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, IBM, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oracle and Transmeta.
In February, IBM announced it would license technology for a similar device, known as the MetaPad, to vendors. IBM's MetaPad won't be ready for a few years.