Hand-size Windows PCs within your grasp

[adamz]

"Start-up Antelope Technologies plans to release next month a Windows XP computer that fits into a person's hand. The Highlands Ranch, Colo.-based company plans to start selling the PC, dubbed the Modular Computing Core (MCC), starting Nov. 7, said Marya Kokaska, a company representative.
Antelope's computer contains a 1GHz Crusoe processor from Transmeta, 256MB of memory, and a 10GB or 15GB hard drive. It weighs 9.1 ounces. "

I can't tell if this is running Windows XP Tablet PC Edition or what, but who can read the screen at that size? Maybe there needs to be a Windows XP Pocket PC Edition. :) At any rate, if the price is $3,970, I think I'll pass.

[freitasm]

The thing is a full Windows XP Pro edition computer.

It is a block with all computer functions and connectors, including adapters for video, audio, usb, etc.

To use it you have to move this "block" to a shell. According to the company (posted on Geekzone) (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=1677) there'll be a desktop shell, a car shell, a handheld shell, each with its own different keyboard, mouse, or input devices and display.

Move the block from your car to the desktop - and the computer will follow you.

[Pony99CA]

Originally posted by adamz
"Start-up Antelope Technologies plans to release next month a Windows XP computer that fits into a person's hand. The Highlands Ranch, Colo.-based company plans to start selling the PC, dubbed the Modular Computing Core (MCC), starting Nov. 7, said Marya Kokaska, a company representative.
This is based off the work IBM did on the MMC. It sounds a lot more expensive than the OQO, though. :(

Steve

[adamz]

The modular block idea is very cool! But I think the software would need to be alot more than just Windows XP Pro. For example the car shell would have to activate support for voice recognition and whatever display technology is used... and the handheld shell should have at least Tablet PC support for handwriting recognition. The different shells would require different GUI's.

[jlp]

Originally posted by freitasm
The thing is a full Windows XP Pro edition computer.

It is a block with all computer functions and connectors, including adapters for video, audio, usb, etc.

To use it you have to move this "block" to a shell. According to the company (posted on Geekzone) (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=1677) there'll be a desktop shell, a car shell, a handheld shell, each with its own different keyboard, mouse, or input devices and display.

Move the block from your car to the desktop - and the computer will follow you.

Most of these items are available now (Nov 7th).

In fact the $3,970 gets you not the MCC alone but all these:
the core device (MCC) which is a pocketable "desktop" (includes CPU, RAM, HDD and motherboard with graphic chip, sound chip, etc.)
the handheld device with a 6.3" LCD screen as shown on the pix (the MCC slides in)
the battery
the desktop cradle with full connectivity including 2 PC Card slots, extra USB ports, etc.
all needed accessories (keyboard, mouse, AC adapter, etc.)
full manuals


Just the screen is left to the buyer to get.



Note that the the handheld delivered in the package is rugged and offers full features:
6.3" LCD with touch screen
PC Cards slot
2 USB ports
sound (mic and speaker) connectors
mouse buttons
VGA out port
an accessory port
power in connector
a battery


As for the OS the site says: "Windows XP Pro, or other optional standard operating systems"

Also note that the device is Made in Switzerland in the watch manufacturing region, which has the highest reputation in workmanship, technology and precision.

[jlp]

Originally posted by Pony99CA
This is based off the work IBM did on the MMC. It sounds a lot more expensive than the OQO, though. :(

Steve

Yes Antelope is licencing IBM design.

Though OQO said price would be on par with entry level notebook, that was a year and a half ago.

Not only since then there is next to no new information on their site, but OQO has removed some specs from the list and it is said that much work has been done on enhancing the device since the April 02 announcement.

Also Jorry Bell, OQO boss, recently posted a message on the OQO Yahoo Group about these enhancements (without telling which ones) and said the company would be offering refunds on the preorders. Group members have deducted that could possibly imply a change in price along the change in specs.

Some Group members have found various information on deals signed between OQO and their supplyers, all of which strangely only appear on the suppliers sites: Danionics for the batteries (same supplier as the ipaq's), LiquidMetal (you hafta see what these guys do!!!) for the case, Magma for the ultrafast serial PCI connectivity, I don't remember who as the LTPS LCD supplyer, etc.

[jlp]

Most notable changes on the OQO site is the doubling of company executives, advisory and core engineers!!! since I first saw it a year and a half ago.


Also relative to the LiquidMetal deal, it has to be noted that the Swiss company Tag-Heuer, the 4th brand in luxury watch making also chose to use LM alloys as the casing of one of their newest state-of-the-art timepiece.

The LM presse release about the TAG-Heuer deal states: "Liquidmetal alloys are 2.5 times the strength and twice the hardness of commonly used titanium alloys, making them ideal for luxury watches and jewelry. Their properties translate into a watchcase that is both scratch and dent resistant, while at the same time provides a high gloss that can be polished to a luxurious jeweler's finish."


The OQO PR on LM site states:
"Liquidmetal alloys possess a unique, amorphous atomic structure that enables them to be cast into very thin-profile, precision net-shape parts while maintaining strength and hardness two-to-three times greater than titanium and other commonly used metals. These properties are particularly appealing to electronic product designers faced with the challenge of incorporating ever-increasing functionality and durability into ever-smaller personal devices.

"Having struggled in the past with the limitations of various plastics and metals, including the Apple® Titanium PowerBook® design, we were excited to discover Liquidmetal alloy's exceptional strength and thin-wall capabilities," said OQO CEO Jory Bell. "And unlike magnesium and titanium components, Liquidmetal alloy is both chemically and aesthetically suitable to be used in a natural, unpainted state and still meet our design criteria. Liquidmetal alloy is among a select group of 21st century technologies that enabled OQO to create the world's first high-performance pocketable Microsoft Windows XP computer."
(emphasis added)

That bids very well for an extremely solid, light and thin casing for the OQO.