[balug-talk] DiBono sighting

[Ruben Safir]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/01/technology/01basics.html?ei=5070&en=5755b4efcc785ef8&ex=1157774400&pagewanted=print


June 1, 2006 Basics PC's That Are a Lot Smaller Than a Breadbox By
PETER WAYNER

Chris DiBona's work as manager of open-source programs for Google takes
him on the road, where laptops grow heavier with every gate he passes
in the airport. So he has been experimenting with piecing together the
ultimate lightweight PC.

At the core of his ensemble is the OQO-01, a full-featured PC running
Windows XP that is not much bigger than a pack of 3-by-5 index cards. It's
measured in ounces (14), not pounds.

"I use both this and my cellphone in the same manner," he said. "They're
read-only devices. I can do cursory work." The OQO comes with a built-in
keyboard that can be tapped by the thumbs.

When he wants to do more serious work, he unpacks a full-size, foldable
keyboard from Think Outside that is scarcely bigger than the OQO when
he packs it away. Mr. DiBona says he types as quickly with the folding
keyboard as he does with a normal one. The 5.6-ounce keyboard connects
with the OQO wirelessly with the Bluetooth standard.

Mr. DiBona is not the only one exploring replacing a laptop with a
combination of cellphones, hand-helds and foldable keyboards. The folding
keyboards have been around since the introduction of some of the first
palmtops, but they are playing an increasingly viable role in laptop
replacement as the combined elements become more and more capable.  --