OQO model e2 review

OQO model e2 Review

Reviewed by: Rory Reid

Reviewed on: 7 November 2007

As with the model 2, the model e2 ships with an optional 32GB solid state hard drive. The 60GB 46mm laptop hard drive option is still available, as is a new 120GB drive, which LimeWire addicts will appreciate. As before, it is 'shock-mounted' (padded) and has drop-detection technology. This theoretically parks the drive heads in the event of a fall to prevent damage, but we never once saw the drive go into protective mode -- even after bouts of violent shaking. The jury's still out on this feature.

The e2's wireless capabilities are par for the course. It comes with 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so you can get online at local hotspots or wirelessly synchronise your mobile phone. There is a sore lack of 3G/HSDPA Internet access, but you can add your own 3G module via the single USB port at the bottom right of the device. The integrated cellular datacard from the model 2 has been removed entirely.

OQO had the opportunity to incorporate a few extra features in the e2, but it has chosen not to. There's no fingerprint reader, no memory card reader, no camera and the microphone is in no way as good as the array mic on the Samsung Q1, so it isn't as good for voice recognition. The optional docking station provides HDMI and VGA ports, a couple of USB ports, Ethernet and audio connections and an integrated DVD or CD optical drive. The model e2 comes with a standard one-year return-to-base warranty.

Performance
We likened the model 2's performance to that of a Ford Mondeo, and the e2 is no different. It may use a 1.6GHz CPU instead of the 1.5GHz chip, but its use of Windows Vista erodes any advantage the extra 100MHz may provide. It scored 728 in PCMark 2005, which is basically the same as the model 2's tally of 719.

The most frustrating aspect of its performance is the fact it takes literally a couple of minutes to boot up, so you may want to get the version with a solid state hard drive if you're very impatient. 3D performance on the model e2 is nearly non-existent -- the only games you'll be playing on it are Solitaire and the rest of the 2D Windows games.

Though the CPU is a tad faster, the battery life on the e2 is even better. It lasted a full four hours in our Battery Eater test, which is which is exemplary for a machine of this type.

Conclusion
If you own the model 2, there's no reason to bother with the model e2. If you're looking for a new UMPC however, it's arguably one of the best solutions. It's more expensive than the Samsung Q1 Ultra and Asus R2H, but it has better battery life, is more compact, more stylish and its keys are comparatively easy to use.

Edited by Jason Jenkins
Additional editing by Shannon Doubleday