OQO Announces First Ultra-Personal Computer
SEATTLE, Washington (April 16, 2002) -OQO (pronounced
"oh-q-oh"), today at Microsoft's WINHec Conference, announced the world's first
ultra-personal computer, representing a new PC category that could transform
personal computing the same way the cell phone has revolutionized
telecommunications. 
OQO's first product is a highly functional and versatile handheld wireless
computer that easily becomes a notebook or desktop PC. Measuring just 4.9" x
2.9" x 0.9" and weighing less than nine ounces, OQO's PC is a full-function
computer running Microsoft Windows XP Professional and incorporating up to a
1GHz Crusoe TM5800 processor from Transmeta Corporation (Nasdaq:TMTA); four
inch, super bright VGA color LCD; Synaptics touchscreen; 256MB onboard RAM;
10GB+ hard drive; 1394 FireWire, USB, audio, OQO-link connectors; and 802.11b
and Bluetooth wireless networking.
“We’re impressed with the
direction that OQO is showing in developing its ultra-mobile, ultra-connected
Windows XP-based PC,” said Jim Allchin, group vice president of the Platforms
Group at Microsoft Corp. “These types of small-form-factor PCs, with their
ability to deliver the power and richness of Windows any time and anywhere, will
enable exciting new user experiences and opportunities.”
"The OQO
device represents an exciting new mobile computing platform that delivers full
desktop applications in a handheld form factor," said Tim Bajarin, computer
industry analyst and president, Creative Strategies, Inc. "It clearly breaks new
ground and opens the door to a new category in mobile personal computing."
As a standalone device, OQO's ultra-personal computer slips
easily into a shirt pocket. When inserted into an OQO-designed enclosure, it
becomes a notebook PC. When placed in a cradle with a standard screen and
keyboard, it becomes a desktop PC. This modular design allows for ease of use
and convenience when traveling, whether to and from the office, across the
country, or around the world.
"Modular computers have been
identified as one of the most desirable form factors by Giga's IT audience every
time we have surveyed for it," said Rob Enderle, research fellow for Giga
Information Group. "This is one concept that actually could transform the
technology industry and ensure a more steady revenue stream preceded by
unprecedented -- and potentially incredible -- growth."
"After
years of designing Apple and IBM laptops, the OQO team felt the time had come
for the next step -- but a revolutionary one -- of the full-featured, wireless
PC," said Jory Bell, president and CEO, OQO. "We wanted an ultra-personal
computer that you always carry, but that was still powerful enough to be your
only PC. We sought a device that incorporates wireless access as a central idea
to the whole mobile experience. Moreover, we tried to instantiate something that
would make people optimistic about the future."
"Crusoe is a
catalyst for innovative small, cool and quiet computing for emerging wireless
platforms," said David Ditzel, vice-chairman and chief technology officer,
Transmeta Corporation. "Until Crusoe, no one imagined that you could run Windows
XP on a computer weighing less than nine ounces."
The first OQO
PCs are expected to be commercially available from leading consumer electronics
manufacturers in the second half of 2002.
About OQO
OQO was founded in 1999 and is based San Francisco. The company includes
executives, engineers and designers with exceptional credentials, including key
positions at Apple Computer (Powerbook Design), Caltech Jet Propulsion
Laboratory, IBM Almaden Research, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT), Oracle Corporation and Transmeta Corporation. The company's website is at
www.oqo.com.
