OQO model e2 'ultra-mobile PC': Up close and personal

Over the last few days we've spent most of our time giving chocolates to costumed children, playing with minor explosives and getting all friendly with the OQO model e2. Eagle-eyed readers will notice similarities to the model 2 we reviewed earlier this year, but there are some notable improvements.

First off, the e2 has a 1.6GHz CPU or the old 1.5GHz part. There's also the option of a 120GB hard drive, plus Vista Ultimate, Business or plain old Windows XP. The extending wireless antenna on the model 2 has been scrapped altogether, but you still get built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The rest is identical to the old model, which has positive and negative implications. The sliding screen looks amazing, but is practically unusable outdoors; the keyboard is functional, but only if your hands aren't too big or too small; and it's still ludicrously expensive at £1,151.

UMPC fans -- yeah, all three of you -- can expect a full review shortly.

Update: A full review is now available on the site. -Rory Reid.