REVIEW: OQO model 02 with SSD

Specs:

Display: 5" color display with active digitizer (uses EMR pen). 800 x 480 resolution. Supports external monitors (with VGA, DVI and HDMI ports) up to 1920 x 1200 resolution in mirrored or extended desktop modes. VIA VX700 with integrated GPU (uses shared memory).

Battery: Lithium Ion rechargeable and removable 4,500 mAh. Optional extended battery is 9,000 mAh.

Performance: 1.6GHz VIA C7M ULV processor (also available with 1.5GHz and 1.2GHz). 1 gig 533MHz DDR2 RAM (base model has 512 megs). 32 gig SSD drive (traditional hard drives available from 40 to 120 gigs).

Size: 5.6"(W) x 3.3"(H) x 1.0"(D). Weight: 1 pound with standard battery.

Audio: Built in speaker and mic. AC97 audio, HD audio support.

Networking: Integrated Atheros WiFi 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR. Optional WWAN Sprint or Verizon EVDO rev. A modem. 10/100 Ethernet (requires included dongle adapter).

Software: Windows Vista Business. Also available with Windows XP Home (on base model only), Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet Edition 2005, Vista Ultimate.

Ports: On unit: 1 USB 2.0 port, docking connector, HDMI, charging port, 3.5mm stereo audio out. On included adapter: VGA, charging and Ethernet. DVI adapter sold separately.

Security: AES encryption engine. Trusted platform module: Atmel TPM v1.2. No built-in biometric scanner.

Pro: Incredibly small yet usable. Extremely good looking-- even the accessories are eye candy. Runs full Windows. Durable magnesium alloy casing (but be careful of the display), wonderful display and excellent wireless connectivity built-in (though we wish OQO would add an HSDPA option for world travelers and AT&T customers in the US). The Best model with SSD has acceptable to a bit better than average performance by UMPC standards and the solid state drive doesn't care how much you jump, bump and shake while using the computer.

Con: Quite expensive. Like most UMPCs, battery life is so-so with standard battery. No built-in card reader or VGA port (must use the included dongle for VGA and most projectors use VGA connectors). Low resolution display relative to screen size is easy on the eyes but it makes for a lot of scrolling and occasionally dialogs run off the screen. Inherent to the tablet design, the display is vulnerable and the unit really requires a good case for transport in bag or briefcase.