1. OQO Goes HSDPA – A Taste Of The Future

The latest ultramobile PC from OQO really is ultramobile rather than just ultraportable. Not only does it pack a decent processor, 1GB of memory, an 80 or 120GB hard drive and a 5” screen into a 1 pound form factor, the OQO model e2 also has built-in HSDPA connectivity as well as 802.11a, b and g versions of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Differences in HSDPA - and the difficulty of getting devices approved for connection to U.S. cellular networks - means the e2 is only available in Europe and Asia at the moment. Yet, the device offers a tantalizing hint of mobile PCs to come.

The OQO model e2 with built-in HSDPA: a full PC in a 5” screen.

Like the OQO models available in the United States, the e2 is a real PC that runs Windows XP or Vista in a sturdy metal case that’s only half as big as a chunky Windows Mobile device like the HTC TyTan.

The screen slides up to reveal a QWERTY keyboard and two capacitive scroll bars in the right corner of the case. These scrollbars allow you to move through documents and Webpages easily - but to open them in the first place, you need to either pull out a pen or slide open the keyboard because there are no buttons on the case. OQO uses an active digitizer, so this is a real tablet PC; icons light up and tool tips appear when you hover (just like a mouse). You can use Vista pen flicks to copy, paste and delete and you get smooth ink and remarkably accurate handwriting recognition. Rotate the screen, and you get a writing area similar to a reporter’s notebook, and unlike a PDA or most UMPCs, you don’t have to worry about resting your hand on the screen while typing.

With the keyboard shut, the e2’s scrollbars let you navigate, but you need an active pen to do anything else.