That's a computer?

The OQO Model 2 computer is pretty amazing- it looks more like a smart phone to me than a computer. With a base price tag of $1299 (and the ability to buy a refurbished model through the outlet store for $999), these little 'laptops' are competition more for the cell phone market than anything else.

When you you realize that a 16gb iPhone is $500.00, it really puts things in perspective. Would you rather be limited to a smart phone-style iPhone (come now, lets admit it- for as cool a phone as this is, its NOT a computer) OR, for roughly double the price, have access to a fully-functioning computer? If I was in the market for one of these things (which I'm not currently), I'd save my dollars for the latter option. The base specs aren't too shabby either: 1.2 Ghz processor, 40GB Harddrive, 512 MB of RAM, full WiFi and bluetooth capabilties, preloaded with XP home OS. Not only that, but the docking station is sweet- elegant aesthetics in the design department, and extremely functional.

The reason I would contest that something like this can compete with the smart phone market, is the ability to use VOIP in conjunction with this full-on computer interface. By utilizing a data plan through a variety of available cell companies, users could not only use this device to wirelessly access the internet, but also to use services like Skype anywhere they have cell service. This was something I had talked about a few years back in my blog. I was really excited at the prospect and potential of these 'mini-laptops' and their ability to incorporate the use of VOIP on the fly.

A service like Skype essentially cuts out the middle-man in VOIP communications... that is, of course, AFTER you've already purchased a data plan from the aforementioned middle-man... oh well, there's still room to grow. Still, this is very, very cool.