The OQO computer has finally arrived after existing as vaporware for several years. This small computer, about the size of your average PDA, runs a full version of WindowsXP Home or Professional. A one-gigahertz Transmeta processor and 20 GB hard-drive give users more power than a PDA, but less than a laptop. So does the OQO fulfill a value-add need that laptops and PDA don't offer?

Cost And Contents

The OQO, preloaded with WindowsXP Home, can be purchased from the OQO Website for $1,899. WindowsXP Professional will cost you $100 more. There is no option to buy the OQO without an operating system. You can also pre-load Microsoft Office 2003 Small Business Edition for an extra $300.

The OQO and the accessories come in an attractive box. You get the unit itself, a carrying sleeve, a power cord, an AC adapter, desktop stand, digital pen and a docking cable. The stand does not have a built-in charger or docking ports.

The docking cable can fold up easily to fit into a purse or backpack. This can make the cable more portable than traditional docking cradles. The cable plugs into the bottom of the OQO unit and replicates the following PC ports:

You can plug the docking cable into the OQO whether or not it is on the desktop stand.