OQO model 2+ reportedly shelved as company seeks buyer

The 2 was a slick-looking unit and I was considering one when it hits the street, now looking like it hit the fan. Sad.

yay!

I’m getting one!

That sucks because I wanted to purchase the 2+ in may when it says it was shipping. Look’s like I will begin research for another UMPC. Any recommendations ?

if these guy started oumping out laptops as well they ould not be in such bad shape

I predicted this years ago and had the solution.

It is not the price but the size and shape that really is the problem. How do most people use a full Windows computer? it is not with their thumbs and that is the key issue. Since most people do not find it ideal nor comfortable to much input with their thumbs then most OQO owners probably have multiple computers. People do want a pocket laptop but most would want it to just work the same way as a normal computer so that means touch type input and they are likely not to own another computer.

That is why price then comes into the picture as it is expensive for something that does not have the expected input method people would expect for their sole computer.

This design has been unchanged in shape and size and it sells somewhere between 8-15 thousand units a year; that is pretty weak. They should add a second model that is about 7″ to 7.5″ long by 4″ to 4.3″ wide and about 1″ or less in height; that would provide the size needed for a good keyboard. Yes a small handheld if designed right can provide good input. Remember the Psion 5mx at only 6.9″ by 3.6″ I could type about 80% of desktop as the keys were large and easy to type on.

I agree with Al completely! Although my 8 year old son could have easily come up with the same conclusion. The OQO management must be completely out of touch with reality to think people would want to use their thumbs for Vista programs?

@ Al:

I fundamentally disagree that the form factor is the main reason for the OQO’s failure and again propose that price is the main issue. My reasoning on this is based on the fact that most people that would be willing to pay the price for such a mobile computer, if they did indeed have an issue with the form factor of the device, they could just as easily purchase a portable bluetooth keyboard to eliminate the need for thumb-only input.

To give an example, I personally have considered (or fantasized about) purchasing an OQO along with an IR-projection bluetooth keyboard. The keyboard device itself is only about as big as a large pack of chewing gum, but it projects a full-size virtual qwerty keyboard onto any flat surface. When I checked the price of the most common BT IR keyboards about a year or two ago, they were only $200. You could probably find them much cheaper now, and there are certainly many far less expensive portable keyboards available as well.

What most would mean about price is that since it does not have normal keyboard it is not very useful. They also do not find a third party keyboard acceptable so most would then see themselves still owning and using another keyboard computer. Thus it would be considered expensive to buy an OQO as it can not be a laptop replacement but rather a very limited use computer at an expensive cost.

The OQO’s struggles with profitability and sales seem very simple. I see the many pocket PC’s and smart phones being much less expensive and more suited for simple thumb use or touch input. An OQO is a bit of an oddity as it is powerful like a laptop but it does not provide the right keyboard for that type of use. It is a product that does not fill a need so it is no wonder they are in trouble.

I own a Pocket PC and found the OQO an expenisve toy. A pocket PC has instant on, long battery life, built in wireless/cell phone and just is a better computer for that type of use.

I still use a laptop and would like to buy a pocket version to do real work. That is the market OQO should have went after. If they made a longer version with a normal keyboard then it would not be an expensive toy but my laptop replacement.

Hi, I am too liking the 2+. I am from India and I dont know from where to buy it, so can anyone please guide me from where I should buy it??

You will NOT be able to buy the 2+ as the company has gone under. They will not be producing the 2+. Just have to research for another UMPC as there are several out there right now with others in the works.

They should have pushed this product on the market. I think it would have been a great seller and put the company back in business. I know that the government or corprate business would have bought out these devices. I personally want one since i am traveling all over the world and it portable and i don’t have to put it in a computer bag, it will fit in my pocket. This device would work well with government recruiters. since the are always out looking for people to join the forces.

I have a OQO Model 02 UMPC for sale – used 1 time! Just like new. Anyone interested?