CES: OQO updates UMPC with Intel Atom

OQO's model 2+ includes an Intel Atom processor

OQO has updated its iconic ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) design with an Intel Atom processor and the first PC organic light emitting diode (Oled) display.

Unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the OQO model 2+ looks very similar to the previous 02 and model e2 devices. Internally, however, the device boasts a beefed-up specification based on Intel's Atom processor and 2GB of memory.

The move to Atom boosts performance considerably compared with earlier models based on VIA or Transmeta chips, according to OQO director of international channels Martin Day.

"We've found much higher performance with the Atom - up to twice the execution speed," he said.

The battery life in the new model is improved by about 20 per cent, offering up to 3.5 hours with the standard battery pack, Day said. An extended battery offers double the capacity.

OQO also claims the model 2+ as the first PC to integrate an active-matrix Oled display, offering more vivid colours and a very wide viewing angle.

Day said that the screen has to be seen to be believed. "The viewing angle is 180 degrees. You can twist the system round and you can still read the display until the case blocks your view," he claimed.

The other new feature of the model 2+ is a wireless modem based on Qualcomm's Gobi global mobile internet chipset, which supports the EV-DO and HSPA 3G cellular standards used in the US and Europe respectively.

In format, the model 2+ is similar to its predecessors with a 5in display and a slide-down Qwerty keyboard. Unlike the more recent netbook phenomenon, the OQO is designed to be used while cradled in the owner's hands and weighs about 454g.

The new model is available with 1.86GHz or 1.33GHz Atom processors and runs Windows Vista Business edition, XP Professional or XP Home. Hard drive options are available up to 120GB or a Flash SSD up to 60GB.

OQO said the model 2+ will be available in the first half of 2009 with pricing starting at $999 in the US. UK pricing will be a straight currency conversion, according to Day, which equates to about £656 using the rate available at time of publication.