At CES 2009, OQO unveiled the next model of its ultra-mobile PC–the OQO model 2+. OQO offers the model 2+ in 1.33GHz and 1.86GHz configurations with the following specifications:
1.33GHz (base price $999 US)
- Intel Atom Z520 CPU
- Windows XP Home
- 60GB HDD
- 1GB DDR2 SDRAM
- WiFi 802.11a/b/g + Bluetooth
- 5″ Wide VGA LCD touchscreen
1.86GHz (base price $1,499 US)
- Intel Atom Z540 CPU
- Windows vista Business or Windows XP Pro
- 120GB HDD or optional 60GB SSD (+$700 US)
- 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
- WiFi 802.11a/b/g + Bluetooth
- 5″ Wide VGA active matrix OLED touchscreen
- Optional embedded 3G Gobi Global Mobile Internet chip (+$149 US)
A docking station, with dual layer CD/DVD +-RW drive, is available for $399 US.
The OQO model 2+ is a very powerful ultra-mobile PC and its OLED display produces a beautiful picture. Yet the model 2+ will, like its predecessor, likely be a device that fills a very narrow niche. At $1,499, or even $999, the OQO model 2+ is not a second computer. It is a desktop replacement, which means you need the docking station–taking the price to $1,398 or $1,898. Add cellular Internet connectivity and the price jumps to $2,047. These prices don’t even include the cost of an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
I understand the idea behind the OQO model 2+ — a fully-functional PC that can go from your desk to your jacket pocket. I’m just not sure many business users will pay such a hefty price for an ultra-mobile PC.
