Share your OQO stories

[Guest]

[Dennis Moore]

Hello everyone,

I've had my OQO 2 for a few months now and I also now use it as my sole computer! It works great! A little extra Ram would bring it to perfect...
So I bring my OQO everyday with me as I work as a Surgical Sales Rep in different ORs of the Montreal area. I can't say enough how practical the OQO is to get some work going when there is some free time in between OR cases. I was looking for the ultimate UMPC companion and I truly have found it, but it took a while...
I bought a Sony UX180P (great device, love the fact that there's a camera to take pictures during surgeries, but very poor keyboard input and a little too bulky for me...).
I then tried the Fujitsu U1010 (overall appreciation was poor; I sold it back on EBay. The materials seemed cheap and I didn't like the speed of the processor).
I then finally bought my OQO2 through Dynamism (these guys are great and give super A+ service...). I've also bought a nice Samsung 20'' flat screen to plug on my docking bay, so that I can have a super set-up for doing my work at home during evenings.
The only things that I would like to see in a future OQO (3?) are:
- More RAM (2GB)
- Dual processor (similar to the one on the new Sony UX)
- Camera (2+MGPix)
- A touch screen interface similar to the IPhone or Ipod Touch (I own the later and it's great!)
- More USB connections on the docking bay

Thanks for listening to my story :-)
It's great to be one of your customers!

Phil

Great story!  I look forward to your next chapter ...

Thanks for being our customer!

-- Dennis Moore, OQO

[Kenrick]

Here's a couple of little stories:

• At work:  A document needed to be signed and faxed 30 minutes ago, but the fax machines kept losing the connection.  A networked photocopier/scanner was on hand, so we just scanned the documents, had the scanner email them to myself in PDF format, I signed the PDF on the OQO 02 using PDF Annotator, and emailed the signed PDF's all with a 5 minute turnaround.  Sure, I could have done this with my tablet, but it's not something I normally carry with me.
• At work: After re-installing Windows on a server across campus, no network drivers were found upon reboot.  Normally I'd have to trudge back to the office, search for drivers online, download them, and trudge back to install them on the server.  Instead I whipped out the OQO and performed all these steps right there without having to take a trip back to the office.
• At home:  My 16 month old twins like to follow me around wherever I go in the house.  This can make working in the computer room difficult because they're pretty distracting - they keep grabbing stuff off the desks, running into me with their trucks, and pushing buttons on my computer - including the power button!  So to get a little bit of work done I grabbed the OQO and went to the "play" room.  After following me they will mostly play with their toys, letting me do a little bit of work (although not a lot, but hey, a little is better than nothing

[Dennis Moore]

Here's a couple of little stories:

• At work:  A document needed to be signed and faxed 30 minutes ago, but the fax machines kept losing the connection.  A networked photocopier/scanner was on hand, so we just scanned the documents, had the scanner email them to myself in PDF format, I signed the PDF on the OQO 02 using PDF Annotator, and emailed the signed PDF's all with a 5 minute turnaround.  Sure, I could have done this with my tablet, but it's not something I normally carry with me.
• At work: After re-installing Windows on a server across campus, no network drivers were found upon reboot.  Normally I'd have to trudge back to the office, search for drivers online, download them, and trudge back to install them on the server.  Instead I whipped out the OQO and performed all these steps right there without having to take a trip back to the office.
• At home:  My 16 month old twins like to follow me around wherever I go in the house.  This can make working in the computer room difficult because they're pretty distracting - they keep grabbing stuff off the desks, running into me with their trucks, and pushing buttons on my computer - including the power button!  So to get a little bit of work done I grabbed the OQO and went to the "play" room.  After following me they will mostly play with their toys, letting me do a little bit of work (although not a lot, but hey, a little is better than nothing

Excellent stories!  My 8 year old son likes to play http://www.Runescape.com/ on my OQO, but since my OQO is now my primary computer, that gets in the way of working (but improves my driving ).

I also think the IT support scenario is a great one, and is more and more common in our installed base.  We have customers with IT support people using Windows on OQO for desktop support and administration, and using Linux to do data center support.

Thanks for being our customer!

-- Dennis Moore, OQO

[Kenrick]

Thanks!

Oh, speaking of driving, I've also used my OQO 02 to occupy my 5 year old in the car.  I thought he would play games, but it turns out he is most fascinated when it's used as a GPS.  I use DeLorme's Street Atlas with an external USB GPS.   He loves watching the little triangle cruise around the map as we drive, makes sure to tell me if I'm driving over the speed limit, helps give directions, and at the same time has learned to read maps and a lot of the streets.   

Maybe there's a market for an OQO-sized XO-like device for kids ;-)

[Caleymac]

Please do not publicize that you can play Runescape on an OQO...I told my kids it doesn't work on my OQO so I don't have to share it with them...

[Miggwilson]

As an educator, I have a special interest in being up to date in the latest technology.

Our institution has prided itself on being the best and most advanced community college in the State.  One of our central themes is to produce students who are either ready to enter the workforce or move to a four year institution with the knowledge that they have utilized the most up to date technology available.  That prepares them for success regardless of which route they take.

Our institution rotate's PC's every three years (with older units sold to employees or donated to local schools), uses the latest in Smartboard and Whiteboard technology, buys interactive training podiums for classrooms, uses TV's across campus with the most current 1080p HDTV video formats, PDA's, Smartphones, etc.

The fact is that while we are growing taller over time, technology is growing smaller into the palms of our hands.  No one quite believes that the OQO 02 is a fully-functional PC until they see it with their own eyes.  The benefit here is that they are at least 'exposed' to the technology and can see its applications in recording test data on spreadsheets while at their desk.  While similar to that of a laptop, it offers a tad more mobility than a traditional laptop.

The pen, the scrollers, the full qwerty keyboard, etc. all make the device that much more user friendly as well as functional.  When on field-trips...taking notes is simple.  Recording water test data is a breeze, and all without the weight of a hearty laptop in hand.  I refuse to carry a laptop into the middle of a local river to take notes while the students run tests on the water.  Not a problem with the OQO (be careful though...one slip and its all over!).

The unit is truly remarkable in it's mobility and form factor.  After countless hours of research on UMPC's and small laptops...Nothing has fit the bill better than the OQO.

The fact that you can play solitaire, play a song, watch a movie, etc. is all gravvy but we all know that students like the gravvy first...then get to the meat and potatoes.

[mjolah]

Oh boy would I like to have cards with your website/phone etc.  I work in an industry where I'm a frequent speaker at conferences and gatherings of professionals, where I use my OQO 02 to run my powerpoint presentations.  I generally use the docking station, set up on the table holding the projector, coupled with a wireless mouse/pointer.  Many times people come up to me after the presentation not to ask me about the subject of the presentation, but to inquire as to what my "device" is!

My OQO is also my primary computer.  I'm using it to post this message - docked (I have 2 docks - one semi-permanently connected to a 22 inch flat screen and wireless keyboard/mouse at home, and the other I have in my briefcase).  At work, I use the OQO to tend to personal matters (manage investments, watch CNBC through my Slingbox, etc) because my employer has our work computers so tightly tied up, I can't effectively do "anything" with it.  In fact, since I've had my OQO (and I have an 01+ as well), my employer provided laptop hasn't left my office.  I connect to it via a "remote connection" through a VPN and can control my work computer remotely, virtually anywhere, from my OQO.

I also have a mount to hold my OQO (either one) in my car (proclips) and in my ATV, and use it as a GPS with a bluetooth enabled GPS device.  While I haven't used the 02 in my ATV (its an Argo Avenger - an 8X8 (eight wheel) amphibious off road vehicle (www.argoatv.com) , I do use the 01+ regularly to explore a state forest in northern lower Michigan (and more importantly, get back again).  I mount the OQO using a proclips system on the handlebars of the ORV, and it seems to do just fine!

[Dennis Moore]

As an educator, I have a special interest in being up to date in the latest technology.

Our institution has prided itself on being the best and most advanced community college in the State.  One of our central themes is to produce students who are either ready to enter the workforce or move to a four year institution with the knowledge that they have utilized the most up to date technology available.  That prepares them for success regardless of which route they take.

Our institution rotate's PC's every three years (with older units sold to employees or donated to local schools), uses the latest in Smartboard and Whiteboard technology, buys interactive training podiums for classrooms, uses TV's across campus with the most current 1080p HDTV video formats, PDA's, Smartphones, etc.

The fact is that while we are growing taller over time, technology is growing smaller into the palms of our hands.  No one quite believes that the OQO 02 is a fully-functional PC until they see it with their own eyes.  The benefit here is that they are at least 'exposed' to the technology and can see its applications in recording test data on spreadsheets while at their desk.  While similar to that of a laptop, it offers a tad more mobility than a traditional laptop.

The pen, the scrollers, the full qwerty keyboard, etc. all make the device that much more user friendly as well as functional.  When on field-trips...taking notes is simple.  Recording water test data is a breeze, and all without the weight of a hearty laptop in hand.  I refuse to carry a laptop into the middle of a local river to take notes while the students run tests on the water.  Not a problem with the OQO (be careful though...one slip and its all over!).

The unit is truly remarkable in it's mobility and form factor.  After countless hours of research on UMPC's and small laptops...Nothing has fit the bill better than the OQO.

The fact that you can play solitaire, play a song, watch a movie, etc. is all gravvy but we all know that students like the gravvy first...then get to the meat and potatoes.

Very nice story!  I posted a portion on my blog at http://dbmoore.blogspot.com/, along with other customer stories (http://dbmoore.blogspot.com/search/label/customer%20story).  You can subscribe to an RSS feed of my blog or an e-mail subscription if you'd like to keep track of it easily ...

Thanks for being our customer (and don't slip in the river -- I don't think that would be covered under our accidental damage service plan )!

-- Dennis Moore, OQO

[Dennis Moore]

Oh boy would I like to have cards with your website/phone etc.  I work in an industry where I'm a frequent speaker at conferences and gatherings of professionals, where I use my OQO 02 to run my powerpoint presentations.  I generally use the docking station, set up on the table holding the projector, coupled with a wireless mouse/pointer.  Many times people come up to me after the presentation not to ask me about the subject of the presentation, but to inquire as to what my "device" is!

mjolah --

I'm guessing you're a financial planner or some similar profession, is that the case?  Please let me know so I can share your story on my blog.  BTW, we have an affiliate program where customers (and even non-customers) can earn some extra cash ... I'll post more on this on another thread soon ...

Thanks for being our customer!

-- Dennis Moore, OQO

[mjolah]

Dennis:  I'm not a financial planner, but I am in the financial services industry.  I work for a full service financial services firm (and you can "Talk to" the guy who's name is on the door), and am a consultant in our retirement plan services enterprise - speaking about a variety of topics related to retirement plans to representative of corporate retirement plan sponsors and employers.

[edelson9]

I trade the stock market for a living. This trapped me at home chained to my computer. I loaded my trading program in my QQQ, fired up the Verizon account, and can travel all over the place while monitoring, and trading, my stocks in live action. I have done trades from my QQQ while traveling all over the place, both locally in NJ, and all the way up to Bangor Maine. Occasionall I lose the connection, like in the mountains of Vermont, but it is pretty good with the external antenna (without that external antenna it would be useless - also would love to see an antennae input so I can get an antenna power booster). I love it.

Steve

[Dennis Moore]

I trade the stock market for a living. This trapped me at home chained to my computer. I loaded my trading program in my QQQ, fired up the Verizon account, and can travel all over the place while monitoring, and trading, my stocks in live action. I have done trades from my QQQ while traveling all over the place, both locally in NJ, and all the way up to Bangor Maine. Occasionall I lose the connection, like in the mountains of Vermont, but it is pretty good with the external antenna (without that external antenna it would be useless - also would love to see an antennae input so I can get an antenna power booster). I love it.

Steve

Steve --

Very cool story!  I assume you mean "OQO" rather than "QQQ" ...

Please let us know what trading program you use (you can send a private message if you prefer).

Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for being our customer!

-- Dennis Moore, OQO

[Dennis Moore]

I am an attornry and spend much of my time on the road.  When not on the road I commute to work on a train.  The OQO paid for itself the very first day I used it.  This is true portability!!  The uses for this device are endless.  The first week I had it I took a quick trip to DC.  OQO in one jacket pocket, the wireless keyboard in the other....NO BRIEFCASE needed.  WIth all my files on OneNote, I had an entire office with me and both hands free!

scottyb159 --

I also heard from another attorney that they love the ability to look up cases, check files, markup documents, and message each other unobtrusively in client meetings, depositions, etc. -- without the wall of laptop screens cutting the attorneys off from the clients.  I hope your situation is similar.  Please send me a private message here (http://www.oqotalk.com/index.php?action=pm) if you are open to providing me with more details.

Thanks for being our customer!

-- Dennis Moore, OQO

[Dennis Moore]

I moved up to the OQO-2 from ...
(snip!)

shivafool --

Sounds like you are no fool to me!  Customers like you are convincing me to create a loyalty program (and to continue to offer feature upgrades to the extent possible).  Feel free to send me a PM here (http://www.oqotalk.com/index.php?action=pm) if you'd be willing to share some more details about your use -- these details will of course help us better sell and market our products, but also help us to improve our design and our services.

Thanks for being our customer!

-- Dennis Moore, OQO

[Dennis Moore]

Best wishes to the OQO-team (workers, engineers, designer and manager).
Model 02 is a super device!

Thanks!

Here a notice from Germany: (Sorry for my English)
Since end of August I use the OQO model 02, 1.5 GHz, 60 GB, Vista Business, docking station.
I think the Model 02 is a high-quality engineering and design work.
(snip!)
What is not so good with OQO?
The documentation. I have spend over 2.000 €. And there is no manual, no tips how to use the device in several situations …
The great help came with the reviews from Neil Balthaser, Mark Rosengarten (special thanks for the tip with the RocktDock) und Kenrik Mock and a many other user of the OQO model 02.
Many thanks to them.

edgar_germ --

Thanks for your kind words and your great input (both the positive and the areas for improvement).  Over the past years, I had many opportunities to visit Germany while working for SAP, and I hope we will do well in the market there so I will have many more opportunities to travel there!  Feel free to contact me if you'd like to share additional input with us.

Vielen Dank, dass Sie unsere Kunden! (I hope this is correct!)

-- Dennis Moore, OQO