Loco for the OQO

Keith Shaw’s Cool Tools Alert

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Loco for the OQO

Microsoft’s Origami gets the hype, but the OQO Model 01 Tablet Edition delivers the goods.

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Handy tools for Skype users

Now that Skype has announced free phone calls to any mobile or landline phone number in the United States or Canada (U.S. and Canadian customers only), its popularity is sure to skyrocket. If you haven’t tried Skype, now is the perfect time to download the application, because the free-call offer lasts only until the end of 2006. Here are some Skype-accessible cool tools to check out …

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MyGuide offers entry-level GPS

If you’ve been drooling for a Global Positioning System (GPS) device but stopped drooling after seeing the price tag for some of the portable devices (around $800 or so), prepare to begin drooling again.

BenQ monitor aims at the style set

I’m not one to get sentimental over the color choice and “style” of my LCD monitor, but apparently enough people care about style and design that vendors are beginning to think about this with their new offerings.

Verizon Wireless Treo 700p available

Verizon Wireless today announced that its version of the Treo 700p smart phone is now available online and will be in Verizon Wireless stores on June 1. The Verizon version will cost $399.99 (with rebates and two-year agreement), and will come with different choices for BroadbandAccess data plans ($79.99 up to $169.99 per month depending on number of voice minutes chosen).

Motorola, Verizon Wireless launch Q phone

Not to be confused with the Samsung Q1 ultra mobile PC, or the character Q from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Motorola and Verizon Wireless today announced availability of the Motorola Q smart phone. The Motorola Q, available for $199.99 (after $100 rebate and qualified voice/data plan and two-year agreement) will be available through the Verizon Wireless Web site on May 31 and will be in retail stores in June, Verizon Wireless says.

Sony Ericsson enhances Walkman phone

Sony Ericsson this week announced the W710 Walkman Phone, designed to support active lifestyles by providing a Walkman music player as well as a motion sensor and new fitness applications that measure running speed, distance and time. The phone is expected to be available in Q3 2006, Sony Ericsson says.

Give your Bluetooth headset some style

One reason people don’t use Bluetooth headsets a lot is because you look kind of dorky (or like a Borg) when wearing the silver metallic headset. ProfitWing Inc. hopes to change that with its BluePearls offering, a Bluetooth headset that also includes nine different and interchangeable faceplates.

Plantronics launches headset for VoIP and cell phone calls

Plantronics this week announced a Bluetooth headset that lets you talk on your Bluetooth cell phone as well as any VoIP-supported softphone PC application (including Skype).