Handtops, UMPC - OQO uses so far -

I'm writing this for others looking to switch from a Sony U, iPod, PocketPC, or subnotebook (which is my perspective).

Without a VGA adapter to connect to a projector for presentation purposes, I only use my OQO for surfing the Web and editing MS Office documents.

Because of the 2.5 hour only battery and AC power adapter, I try to only use it for short lookups or when I am near a power source and have the huge AC power brick with me. I need to carry a bag which defeats the mobility of the OQO so that I can have the power adapter with me.
• I use Bluetooth on the OQO to pair it with a BT & Edge cell phone.
• Terminal Server (RDP), SSH, IPSec VPN client, and many remote applications work the same as they do on a regaular notebook.
• I enjoy the fact that I can use WebEx and WebGensys to share my desktop with others, including giving them remote control of my OQO while in conference.
• Sharepoint, NetMeeting, and other video conferencing applications work very well in this configuration.
• E-mail--Outlook, Outlook Web Access (NT 4.0 & win2k3), Squirrell Mail (Java & Linux), and Horde (Java & Linux) also work well, e-mail packages that do not work using PocketPC Pocket Internet Explorer or smart phones.

Because the OQO heats up so much, I'm afraid to keep it in my pocket to use it to listen to MP3s, so it's not an iPod replacement; although with the built-in Firewire port on the OQO, I can sync it with my iPod's factory firewire cable without having to buy another cable. My iPod typically is in my pocket when I listen to music and I use the external remote control on the ear buds. This configuration is not wise with the OQO because of the heat issue, plus there is no remote control that will work to control music.

The OQO also heats up a lot when I watch Divx and ripped DVDs, but I'm OK with this; although the 2.5 hour battery life limits me to 2.5 hour movies on the road and no other use of the OQO.

The processor is a little clunky. I've noticed some hiccups, especially when I run mutliple applications. I'm definately not going to run VMWare on the OQO, as I don't think it can handle it. I"ll try though when I get a working unit. ;)

The Wacom touch screen is an utter disappointment. The Sony U passive touch screen is a lot more user friendly and is functionaly around the edges (where Windows management controls such as Minimize and Close are located). The active digitizer with pen seems such a waste to me, as I find myself learning to use the thumb board while holding the Wacom pen. It's almost pointless on the OQO. I can stick with the thumb board and track stick and do most of what I want with it.

As for the thumb board, I think it's good although like most other thumb board devices, it's taking some getting use to to use it and locate the new placement of keys. For example, use of the numeric pad on the right-hand side is nice, but it's not the norm to hit number and symbol keys on the right side.

The sticky keys are great. Single and double selection of keys is a nice idea and I commend the OQO design.

I find myself typing using my fingernails to hit keys properly which is fine, but it's taking some getting use to.

I'm not much of a gamer and with 4 defective units, I have not ventured trying any MAME games yet; although from previous reports it works with out issue.

The biggest plus is size. I placed both the Sony U and OQO in the carrying cases that came with them and to my amazement is that in these cases the OQO is HALF the size of the Sony U. This is why I can carry the OQO in a belt clip case and why I need to carry the Sony U in a medium-sized planner. Carrying the Sony is a chore compared to the PPC-like portability of the OQO.

Before owning the OQO, I thought that the Sony +1.5 inch size difference wasn't a big deal, BUT IT IS. Despite the issues with quality, processor and memory performance, resolution, heat, touch screen, lack of portable VGA output, and akward docking of the OQO, the size of the OQO is the single biggest and overwhelming feature of it that overpowers the Sony U for me.

For a while, I've been feeling that the Sony U might as well be a subnotebook and larger with a PCMCIA slot and other notebook-like ammenities since it's too big to be pocketable.

The OQO is very comfortable worn naked (no case) in my suit front pocket, in the main pocket of my jeans (Levis 505 and 501), in the main pocket of cargo pants, in the front pocket of nice slacks (although it's slightly heavy and I feel it there), and in a pocket of a Spring vest I have. I cannot wear the Sony U like this at all. As I must carry it.

Surprisingly, the OQO is not comfortable in the cargo leg pocket (the big side cargo pocket) of my cargo pants. I think it's because the weight of the OQO makes it bounce around too much in that big pocket. It's much more comfortable wearing it in a regular pocket.

For the other OQO owners, what are you using your OQO for?
Please be realistic based on the limitations of the platform.

The amazing part is that we have these options with both the OQO and Sony U, so please do not be upset that I'm writing this. I'll write a Sony U version in a little bit.