It really isn't fair to compare the Model 01 to either the notebook or the PDA. On one hand, it so very closely resembles the appearance of a PDA. On the other hand, the features and components of the Model 01 are much more closely aligned to a notebook computer. And yet, such comparisons are nearly inevitable.

The beauty of the Model 01 is only truly discovered once the unit is isolated from comparison and is actually evaluated on the intentions of OQO and how close they've come to what they set out to achieve. Although Tablet Edition may have been a wiser OS choice, the novelty of having the full power of Windows XP Professional complete with Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003 never wore thin.

Home users will likely fail to understand the brilliance of Model 01, focusing instead on its dated specs and compact screen, while PDA aficionados are likely to get discouraged in an OS that isn't compatible with all of the handheld applications they've come to depend on.

It is the professional who struggles with the bulk of a laptop and the hassle of file transfer who will quickly understand the convenience and design of the Model 01. With a pretty hefty sticker price, odds are it will be professional users who already rely on mobile computing usage who will make up a majority of the production unit purchasers anyway. If you happen to fall into the latter demographic, the OQO Model 01 could just well be the exact piece of equipment you didn't know you've been missing.

We give it a very capable 3 out of 5.

OUR RATING: 3 of 5

James Booth is Editor-at-Large at ZATZ Publishing. In addition to writing for Computing Unplugged and Connected Photographer, he's the author of Do-It-Yourself Wedding Photography. A self-taught photographer, James also dabbles in digital graphics and has learned to be a PC and handheld specialist through personal trial and error. James can be reached at jbooth@zatz.com.