I had the opportunity this morning to sit down and chat with Dennis Moore, CEO of OQO, about keeping a company agile, his schedule, his team, the Model 02, Vista Lite, Tablet PC, touch, and the new ultra-portable entrants from Asus and HP. Keep up to date with what Dennis is doing by subscribing to his blog.

The following is the transcript of our conversation. Enjoy!

Rob Bushway says:

Thanks for joining me for this chat, Dennis!

dbmoore says:

My pleasure -- thanks for inviting me.

I'm doing an IM interview with Dennis Moore, CEO of OQO in about 30 minutes.

If you have some particular questions you'd like for me to ask - post them up in the comments. I'll do my best to ask them. Better act quick, though. My interview starts in 30 minutes.

The transcript of the interview will be posted in its entirety right here on GBM.

San Francisco news affiliate KTVU.com recently spent some time at OQO headquarters and took a look at the company behind the "pc that fits in your pocket".

In other OQO news, Fast Company also did a pretty cool write up. Check it out.

There it sat, between my desktop PC, my laptop, and my iPhone, its role unclear. I stared at it. Not as handy for email as a smartphone, and more frustrating for word processing than a laptop. Where did the little guy fit?

As it turns out, it's not worth trying to wedge the Model 02 between your existing suite of gadgets, because it really works better as a replacement for all of them. It took me a week to figure this out, detaching my monitor from its tower, putting the laptop away and using the docking station to make the OQO both my desktop and on-the-road PC. When on the road, the iPhone still handled quick internet excursions, but when it came time to book a hotel room on the train, or write a long-winded email to my sister in Europe, out came the Model 02. Back in its docking station, the Model 02 left little to be desired from my other PCs; only when it came time to do some work in Adobe CS did I retreat to my Core 2 Duo laptop.

While we here at GBM certainly don’t condone the sort of hacking that violates licensing agreements there have been a couple of stories around the blogosphere of late that at least bear a mention from a curiosity standpoint.

Engadget (and the rest of the world) is linking to info on OQO Talk where a user has apparently managed to install OS X on an OQO and with the exception of WWAN, it appears that everything is up and working. There’s a blurry video and more info here.

This follows on the heels of Kevin Tofel’s experiments (now ended) of installing OS X on the Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium.

We've seen plenty of MacBook Air  parodies in the past several months, but this one has to be my favorite. It features an OQO Model 01 / 01+ Tablet PC from several years back, running Mac OS X. The author of the video calls it the MacBook Pocket. Love it!

OQO has been the model of what a productive mobile pc should be: small, light, connected, reasonably fast, and inconspicuous. Now, they are facing some heady challenges from the likes of HP, Fujitsu, and Asus.

The San Francisco Chronicle has a great article on OQO, how they started, and the new competitors on the block. Knowing OQO, I think they are up for it. It is very good reading for those interested in the ultra-mobile space.

Along those lines, Ken Hinckley got his Model 02 in and is starting to do some very interesting work with it with InkSeine. He immediately compared it to his Moleskine, and created a page to give it that "personal" flavor.

I have to tell you, I really miss my Model 02. It was the best ultra-portable I've ever used. I think I might be up for another one when OQO refreshes their line. Be sure to check out OQO's Outlet Store for some aggressive prices starting at $999.

Ken Hinckley has moved beyond the realm of normal to borderline obsessive.

The man wants an OQO Model 02 so badly that he has created an OQO Model 02 origami and is now carrying it around with him, pretending it is real.

Ok...

You can download the Model 02  origami here.

I wish I could have made to CTIA. In fact, I wish I could hit all the great mobile conferences. My kids love it when I come home with vendor swag. My wife on the hand...

If you are still attending CTIA this week, then be sure to stop by OQO's boot areas. Here are the details from OQO's Event Page on what OQO is demonstrating. Their demo of global 3G sounds quite intriguing, especially since it looks like OQO will be announcing the Model 02 with that functionality soon.

• Qualcomm Booth #1948
  OQO and Qualcomm collaborate in first technology demonstration of an ultra mobile PC with built-in global 3G connectivity. The OQO model 02 prototype features Qualcomm’s Gobi solution, a dual-3G chipset and firmware compatible with both EV-DO and HSPA networks. The technology demonstration is a significant step towards a converged mobile Internet platform with worldwide roaming capability. OQO is not presently making available a product for sale with the Gobi solution. Availability of the OQO model 02 computer with this functionality may be announced at a future date.
• Motorola Booth #1806 and WiMAX Lounge Central Lobby
  OQO is also showcasing a technology demonstration of the model 02 computer with embedded WiMAX in the Motorola booth. OQO is collaborating with Motorola and other ecosystem players including Sprint XOHM to ensure end to end interoperability and a seamless user experience. Motorola is a global leader in communications with a broad portfolio of mobile WiMAX solutions including their Wi4 infrastructure products.
• Garmin Booth #6639
  The OQO model 02 with the Garmin Mobile PC solution is also being displayed in Garmin’s CTIA booth. The Garmin Mobile PC software features a simple, intuitive interface for turn by turn, voice prompted navigation on the OQO model 02 UMPC. Bundled with the software is the Garmin GPS20x, a compact, high-sensitivity GPS receiver that connects to the OQO model 02 computer via USB. The Garmin Mobile PC solution will be available for purchase in Q2 of 2008.

According to this report from cnet, the new Isaiah chip from Via, designed by subsidiary Centaur and manufactured by Fujitsu, is being sent to OEMs for testing. The new Isaiah chip, which is pin compatible with the C7, is reportedly two to four times faster than the C7 chip. Centaur's CEO, Glenn Henry, said Via plans to release the chip around May - June. Plans for a dual-core Isaiah chip are also in the works. Learn more about the Isaiah chip here.

This bodes good news for companies like OQO, which currently use Via's C7 chip. I don't know about you, but a two to four time performance boost on the Model 02, coupled with the currently shipping 32 gb and 64 gb ssd, makes the small form factor Tablet PC very attractive.

A couple of weeks ago we let everyone know about OQO's new Outlet Store. They have now added some 1.2 ghz Model 02 Tablet PCs with integrated WWAN ( Sprint and Verizon ) for only $999, a savings of $499. Check it out if you've been hankering for an OQO but have been short on cash.

Follow the affiliate links above or the ad on the right side of the site.

The ad on the site is a bit hard to miss, but this is definitely worth mentioning - OQO is giving away a free accessory bundle with the purchase of a Model 02 Tablet PC. The $327 accessory bundle includes a double capacity battery, double capacity Stronghold case, and an auto/airline adapter kit. The special offer is valid through March 31. Follow this link or click on the ad beneath the menu bar.

Looking for an OQO Model 02 Tablet PC, but short on cash? Well, be sure to check out OQO's new Outlet Store featuring refurbished Model 02s going for as low as $999 with configurations ranging from 1.2 - 1.5 ghz and XP Pro, Tablet, Vista Business, Ultimate.

Check it out!

According to Dennis Moore, CEO of OQO, the information posted in the video about touch coming to the Model 02 is false. Mr. Moore posted this correction on OQOTalk.com, and I'm reposting it here to help OQO set the record straight. I have also corrected our post about the video.

1. OQO would never disclose future product information in other than broad terms, but I can disclose that statements in the video are not true about when certain features will ship (if ever).  I assume I could face legal liabilities of some kind if this is a false statement, so I hope you can trust me that the claims about future product features in this video and other versions on the Web are just not true.  Certainly, we are always working to design and engineer improvements in our products, manufacturing, and services, including working on ways to optimize the hardware, software, and services we offer.

2. The person in the video is no longer an OQO employee as of the end of the week when the video was filmed, had resigned prior to filming this video, and was no longer with the company when I first saw the video on tkarena.

3. I am disappointed at the misinformation in the video.  These misstatements should not have been made.  Misstatements are a violation of our values as a company, and a violation of the trust of our customers (who may rely on these statements).  Obviously, the individual in this video was not authorized to say anything about future products, particularly statements that are not true (although I suppose it might have been worse if the statements were disclosing our future product plans, because a denial in those circumstances would not be possible).  As to my feelings when I saw the video initially -- well, how would you feel in the same circumstances?  I'm glad I was at home, so people at work did not see my reaction.

We are contacting each of the sites where this video is or was available, to let them know that the statements made in the video are untrue, and to ask each site to take down the video as such misstatements benefits no one.  In fact, when we do not ship products with the features mentioned in the video on the timelines mentioned in the video (and we won't!), we will probably face individuals claiming that we are failing to deliver on our product roadmap.

Obviously, I am asking our community to trust me.  You will be able to gauge, as time passes, whether I am telling the truth about our future products.  For those who have seen my interactions in the community, I hope I have earned your trust with my actions.

I'm very sorry that these misstatements were created and propagated.  I will do what I can to make sure these misstatements are removed from the web sites where they have been posted, as they can cause irreparable harm to our business (lost sales, harmed reputation).

I appreciate all the interest in the community regarding our future products, and I appreciate all the feedback in this forum about the features suggested -- this will help us craft our actual product roadmap.

Thanks so much for your trust, and for participating in this community!

-- Dennis Moore, OQO

Thanks for the link, Kenrick.

TKArena is reporting from this CES 2008 video that touch will be coming to the OQO Model 02 in the April / May timeframe. I count multiple times where I've wanted to touch the Model 02, especially when it mounted in my car. Let's hope they are looking at a dual-mode auto-sensing digitizer.

Yes, you see what I had previously described in a podcast as my dream setup for home - an OQO Model 02 paired with a Wacom Cintiq 12WX digitizer monitor. I've only had the two together for a couple of days, but already I can tell that these two make a marvelous pairing - the ultimate portability of the OQO combined with the usability of the 12.1" widescreen format 12WX running in 1280x800 mode. After installing the software drivers for the 12WX, the OQO automatically configured the 12WX to the correct native resolution when I plugged it in the first time. After a quick calibration, I was off and writing. Simple and beautiful.

I plan on doing an InkShow on the Wacom Cintiq 12WX in the next week or so where you'll get to see exactly how well it performs. But so far, I've been very impressed with this combination of mobility and desktop functionality with a responsive pen. Let me know what questions you have on this setup!

Every year I attend CES, I learn some things to help in next year's coverage. This year was no different. As a team, we definitely learned some things last year that impacted how we approached CES this year.  On the whole, I believe we were quite successful. There are definite areas for improvement, but I couldn't be happier with what we did, how we did it, and what we did it with.

Here is a list, in no particular, of the successes and challenges I faced. Other GBM staff members will be doing the same, and you can expect their lists to be different from mine. It is worth noting that even though OQO sponsored our CES coverage and provided 2 Model 02's for our team to use during the event, we'll be honest in our use of the devices.

Successes

• The Flip Video Ultra was instrumental in our ability to capture quality video and travel light. Every GBM team member had a Flip, and we were able to import directly to our computers via USB without having to mess with tapes and playback. Couldn't ask for anything better for $249.
• Connectivity - The Bloghaus played a crucial role for our uploading dozens of 50 mb + videos. I don't know how big of a pipe they had, but it had to be at least a 3 mb line. After each day, we would stop by the Bloghaus to pump out content, upload videos, and relax. The Bloghaus has definitely made a way into our CES schedule for next year. As Warner eloquently put it, what can be better than blogging and eating oysters on the half-shell!
• I brought along two extra batteries for the Model 02, but never had to use them, primarily relying on the extended battery. I was on / off throughout the day, but found that I typically didn't have to find a power source until we hit the Bloghaus after 4:00 or 5:00.
• The Model 02 was really good for me. More times than not, I was walking and typing at the same time, getting posts up. On the very first day, I got a call from a client with network issue. I sat down, plugged in my card, and had their problem fixed in no-time. I had a lot of folks stop and ask me what I was using. They were all pretty intrigued with the Model 02, and the mobile possibilities it offered.
• Most of us used Canon SD series still cameras and they took awesome pictures. In previous years, I had taken my Nikon SLR, and while a good camera, it was just too bulky. Going mobile with the SD series was a good move.
• Going light and carrying the Tom Bihn Buzz bag was a really good move for me. My back is much happier! It is amazing how much you really don't need to get a job done effectively.
• I'm surrounded by the best team ever! As the years go on, we are becoming really, really good friends, and as you'll see in the upcoming MobileDemand InkShow, we have a great time just being around each other. They are really good for me.

Challenges

• Connectivity - this was a major area of frustration for everyone involved. Cellular coverage was very spotty and overwhelmed. Cellular coverage in the hotel was horrible, going from 5 bars to 1 bar with no explanation. Our hotel charged $12.95 per day per laptop, and they wouldn't allow mobile routers to be hooked up. Needless to say, uploading video using cellular turned out to be out of the question. We were so thankful for the Bloghaus.
• Producing video on the OQO Model 02 was time consuming and quite taxing. For example, encoding a 5-10 video in Windows Movie Maker 2.6 took about 30 - 40 minutes, compared to about 5 - 10 minutes on an X61. After the first day, we decided to take our video to the Bloghaus and produce on a more powerful Tablet. As it turned out, we were moving so quickly, it was really best to put off our video producing oor later in the day anyway. It helped us get more covered. Next year, we will definitely be bringing one or two more powerful tablets along with us for video encoding, but not concentrated on getting video up during the day time due to the need to cover as much stuff as possible.
• I don't use integrated WWAN on my own OQO Model 02, opting for a USB Novatel USB727 EV-DO modem. Because the Model 02 only has one on-board USB slot, this proved to be quite frustrating in getting pictures posted while connected. It meant I was doing frequent USB connects / disconnects between the modem and the camera in transferring pictures. We didn't have that trouble with the other Model 02's because they were using integrated Sprint WWAN.
• My wrists and thumbs hurt from doing so much thumb typing on the Model 02. I don't recommend thumb keyboards for typing throughout the day like I had to do during CES. In my case, it was worth it, because of how mobile I was. But, they do hurt.
• By the end of the day, the battery on my HTC Tilt was depleted.
• Don't install beta or test apps days before or during CES. I ended up hard-resetting my phone due to instability.
• For taking notes during interviews and booth stops, I found it easier and less hassle to do my note-taking on paper-based notepads rather than bringing a tablet / umpc out of standby and taking notes. The first day, I left my paper-based notepad at the hotel and regretted it. I have found this to be the case every year I've gone to CES. That's right, from the mouth of Tablet PC evangelist - paper, depending on the situation, is oftentimes better.

I'll post more thoughts as the week goes on. Right now,  I'm enjoying being home with my kids, recovering from being sick, and watching Seattle and Green Bay battle it out. Go Favre!

Matt and I left for the airport at 3:00 this morning for 6:00 flights. We knew the CES crowds would be out in force, and in force they are!

We are all totally exhausted, but had more fun than ever. I'm already working on an article on the successes / challenges I faced covering CES. I know the others are working on similar posts. I'm also working on an article on my general impressions of what is now my fourth consecutive CES.

Keep a watch on the site over the next several days for a lot more CES videos and articles, including a chat I had with Motion Computing's CEO and co-founder Scott Eckert on the LS800, WriteTouch, and what 2008 holds in store for Motion. It's not your typical PR speak video. Scott was really forthcoming and addressed the issues and perceptions many in the community have been discussing. The Motion videos are actually a three part series, as I also chat with Scott and co-founder John Doherty about the beginnings of Motion Computing, how the design of the M1200 came about, and much more. The third video is chat with Scott and Michael Johnson, who is in of Product Development. They are fascinating discussions I know many of you will enjoy.

In addition to all the news and video coverage we posted, we recorded what is probably the best InkShow we've ever done. It was on the rugged MobileDemand xTablet T8700. I'll be editing and producing it this weekend, posting it up on Monday. Stay tuned. You will thoroughly enjoy it.

My thanks to Warner, Matt, and Sierra for an awesome show. They are some incredible people who truly love mobile computing and LIVE it. I'm so proud to be affiliated with them.

In addition, I want to thank OQO for sponsoring our coverage at CES this year. They provided the Model 02's that Sierra, Matt, and Warner used, and aided tremendously with our highly mobile requirements.

This ought to shake the mobile connectivity space up a bit. OQO is demoing their Model 02 running embedded WiMAX on Sprint's Xohm network this morning. Matt and I will be headed over there first thing in the morning to check it out.

Here is the official release.

OQO Inc., mobile computing innovator and creator of the world’s smallest fully-functional Windows Vista^® PC, unveiled a technology demonstration of the award-winning model 02 computer with integrated 802.16e Mobile WiMAX high-speed wireless data capability at the Sprint Xohm^TM booth # 31561 at the 2008 International CES in Las Vegas. This demonstration represents the first trial of Xohm compatible WiMAX capabilities embedded in an ultra mobile PC, and showcases the power of anytime/anywhere access to information, applications, corporate networks and the full PC Internet experience.

Mobile WiMAX is a next-generation wireless networking technology that holds the potential to revolutionize mobile data communication through the availability of an advanced nationwide wireless broadband network designed specifically to mobilize the Internet and deliver new mobile multimedia applications. The promise of this new technology will be fully realized by devices that offer rich computing capability combined with truly mobile form factors.

As the leader in the ultra mobile PC category, OQO has pioneered the miniaturization of the PC into a sleek, elegant, and ergonomic device small enough to fit in your pocket yet powerful enough to run full multimedia and networked business applications with Windows XP or Vista. With this demonstration of the first ultra mobile PC with embedded Sprint Xohm compatible Mobile WiMAX, OQO is taking the logical next step in leading the development of this product category.

“Consumers and mobile workers want to experience the real Internet and all their favorite applications with the same high speed and full functionality whether at their desk or on the go,” said Bob Rosin, senior vice president of marketing and alliances, OQO. “Today’s Mobile WiMAX demonstration on the OQO model 02 shows the path to truly seamless computing.”

Typical performance on Xohm’s WiMAX network is 1.5 Megabits per second on the uplink and 2-4 Megabits per second on the downlink. This is 3-5 times faster than any available mobile wireless service. Within the next 12-24 months, Mobile WiMAX deployment will be available in metropolitan areas nationwide and become the true next-generation mobile broadband network.

"OQO’s demonstration of a UMPC with embedded Xohm WiMAX capability is further evidence of the additional development of this powerful ecosystem," said Bin Shen, vice president of product management and partnership development at Sprint’s Xohm business unit. “We expect devices like OQO’s model 02 to benefit greatly from the Xohm WiMAX network.”

OQO today is announcing a technology demonstration of Xohm compatible Mobile WiMAX wireless capability in the model 02 computer, and is not presently making available a product for sale with such functionality. Availability of the OQO model 02 computer with embedded Mobile WiMAX capability in specific geographies may be announced at a future date. With this announcement, OQO does not make any representations about product availability. The OQO model 02 is currently available with 3G wireless networking capability including EV-DO Rev. A in the U.S. and HSDPA internationally.

For more information about the OQO model 02 ultra mobile PC, please visit www.oqo.com. To receive updates regarding OQO announcements, sign up for our mailing list at www.oqo.com/mailing_list/join.html.

OQO has announced a 64 GB SSD option and an outdoor viewable screen for the Model 02. The 64 GB SSD version is $2999 and includes the outdoor viewable screen. The outdoor viewable display option costs $199 extra with other model versions. As of this posting, the options are not on the store but should be there soon.

OQO Inc., creator of the world’s smallest fully-functional Windows Vista^® PC, continues to expand its industry-leading UMPC line with the addition of a 64GB solid state drive (SSD) option plus the introduction of a new display technology offering dramatic improvement in direct sunlight readability with greater than 50 percent reduction in unwanted reflections.

This expansion of OQO’s offerings addresses two important growth segments of the UMPC market. On the one hand, field service professionals require outdoor-useable UMPCs in tough environments. At the same time, savvy prosumers are seeking best-of-class full PC functionality in a truly pocketable form-factor. With the addition of these new options, OQO customers in consumer and professional markets can now choose from the most complete line of UMPCs, ranging from base configurations starting at $1,299 to high-end configurations sporting 64GB SSD, 1.6 GHz processor, Sunlight Optimized display, Microsoft Windows Vista, and embedded mobile broadband capability through EV-DO Rev. A in the U.S. with service from Sprint or Verizon Wireless, or through HSDPA with service from international carriers.

“The OQO model 02 series continues to mature and expand to meet the needs of our customers, and the improvements announced today further push the performance envelope in the UMPC category,” said Bob Rosin, senior vice president of marketing and alliances, OQO. “Solid state drives offer substantial improvements in performance and reliability for mobile computers, while OQO’s new Sunlight Optimized display is a breakthrough in anytime/anywhere usability.”

The OQO model 02 with 64GB SSD utilizes a high performance NAND Flash based solid state drive, offering benefits including significantly faster read speeds resulting in quicker application launch and boot times, as well as improvements in battery life and shock survivability compared to hard drive based models. The OQO model 02 Sunlight Optimized display utilizes proprietary anti-reflective films in order to reduce specular reflections between the internal layers of the display itself, resulting in reduced reflections in direct sunlight and improved contrast when used in outdoor viewing scenarios.

The 64GB SSD and new Sunlight Optimized display can be ordered today at www.oqo.com/store or by calling OQO Sales at 877.676.6688. Retail information is available at www.oqo.com/about/retail_locations.html. Delivery dates of some options may be limited by component availability.

Okay, so I'm just a touch late with my predictions, but I'll still throw in my opinions!

• Standard Windows based Tablet PCs will start evolving. Microsoft has been going after the "pen/touch as a feature" kind of thinking for a while, and I think as Vista inevitably gets adopted, that the feature mind set will start to prevail. I have really mixed opinions about whether this is a good thing, because I also predict that it will lead to...
• Less diversity in Tablet PC form factors. We're seeing this already with the number of relatively ho-hum swivel convertibles that are coming out with few slates and no new hybrids. In 2008, more systems will just include a touch screen because they can, and because more people will want them due to the number of iPhone users out there. However, few people will use the ineffective touch screens well, which will cause
• Frustration with Windows Tablet PC features. And I think this is a Really Good Thing. Because if people get upset, then Microsoft will do something about it. Right now, we're merely a vocal minority. As more systems with touchscreens get in the hands of real users, frustration with the shortcomings will be inevitable and the outcry will finally reach Microsoft.
• More PowerToys for Tablet PCs. Instead of addressing the requirements in the OS, Microsoft will release at least 6 new Power Toys in 2008 geared directly for ink and touch input. These will attempt to appease the masses while Microsoft works on Vista Service Pack 2.
• Intel's vision of Mobile Internet Devices will release and people will get really excited and really disappointed. There will be a big bang at CES with lots of buzz. Once the systems start getting into reviewers hands, a couple models will get good reviews, but all will complain that the devices
• Don't run Windows
• Aren't fast enough
• Aren't compatible enough
• Don't take the place of my desktop system
• That said however, small, inexpensive ASUS Eee PC type systems will start getting really really popular. However, these aren't MIDs (according to Intel) and whether they're UMPCs or not is an open question. People will start to understand that "Anytime/Anywhere" connectivity can be a really good thing.
• HTC will FINALLY launch the Shift, and by the time it is released, it will be obsolete.
• Wacom will finally get some serious competition in the Tablet PC space, from newcomer N-Trig. N-Trig's digitizer will get some great reviews and people will start having a good option beyond Wacom. It will get adopted as an option for some of the upcoming Tablet PC releases.
• Multi touch will not happen in 2008, at least commercially. There will be talk and there will be lots of demos, but no real uses until the software catches up in 2009.
• WiMAX will lose even more momentum. I want WiMAX to succeed, but I just don't see it happening, at least not for yet another year. I actually really hope I'm wrong on this one.
• Wireless USB devices will start popping up here and there and people will start to get interested, but interoperability fears and high prices will stall the adoption.

I'm going to dub 2008 as the Year of the Tweener. I think the big stories in 2008 will all circle around those "in-between" devices - bigger than a cell phone, smaller than a Tablet PC, trying to be multi-functional and sometimes succeeding. The release of the MIDs will whet people's appetites for Internet access, and as these converged devices start to get in the hands of consumers, frustration will set in as the devices fail to live up to our hopes. And the computer manufacturers will listen to us all...