We made a brief mention of the OZiQ All-in-one PC Panel some weeks ago.

Since then, we’ve met and interviewed the guy from Tucana Innovations who designed the OZiQ and also spent a few hours with the very capable All-in-one machine.

Today, my first impressions of the OZiQ, to be followed by a more extensive overview of its capabilities in a few months’ time.

Currently, a huge and heavy 19 inch CRT monitor sits pompously and prominently on my desk.

The thing is years old and doesn’t wanna die.

Besides, it’s still doing its job even though replacement by a much more economical LCD screen is the logical way to go.

The same applies to that other big box with all the wires hanging out the back.

It’s feeding the big monster in front of me with expensive electrons and a fair bit of noise.

What if I could combine the two devices into a neat, small parcel, without sacrificing my desktop power?

Enter the OZiQ All-in-one Touch Panel PC.

It does just that and a few things more.

It’s not the first kid on the block to offer an integrated panel.

The iMac G5 is probably the best known example and just recently Tangent also offered a similar idea to the corporate and educational world.

The OZiQ is sufficiently different to create some good interest in this concept and to get people thinking seriously about this alternative.

Sometimes you want the small footprint of a laptop but still crave the raw power of a Pentium P4.

Let’s just walk through some of its features.

* The OZiQ comes with either a touch screen or a standard LCD.

Some applications absolutely demand the interactivity that can only come from using a touch panel and some folks can happily do without one.

Personally, I love the touch screens on my iPAQs and Flybook and would not want to have my new PC without that feature.

* Which is the proper way to power down your computer?

Microsoft wants you to go to Start, Turn Off Computer and then press one of 3 options…

Why not just switch it off like your TV?

The OZiQ is automatically programmed to shut Windows XP down properly.

Did I mention TV? Some models will have an integrated TV module so if you go caravanning you can really have everything all-in-one.

They are also working on an optional toaster pack to go in place of that DVD slot. Just kidding…

* I love devices with as few external wires as possible.

The OZiQ, being integrated, gets rid of some obvious wiring and has easy access for those cables that still need to be plugged in, like power, FireWire, USB, audio, PS2 and some legacy peripherals.

* A small footprint.

This All-in-one PC comes with a VESA mount (this early 15” demo model did not have one) meaning you have the flexibility to hang them on a flexi arm, mount to the wall or just unclip it and take it home.

* OZiQ = PC + EC

No algebra here but simple economics: the OZiQ is a PC that’s Economically Correct.

Why?

Fewer materials to build means lower cost, fewer waste materials and lower running costs.

Everything is shipped in just one box.

The 150W power supply can save you hundreds of dollars per year in running costs.

Particularly if you are used to leaving your computers on all day, every day, like some corporations do. Now there is no more excuse to hit that On/Off button when you’re done.

The model I received was just a 15 inch demo which is a tad small but the 17 inchers are available this January followed by the 19” screens a few months later.

Pricing is still to be decided on the larger screens but look for a price tag under $2900 (that’s Australian moolah, of course!) for the 15” touch screen.

For that you’ll get a Pentium IV, running at 3.0Ghz with 1GB RAM and a 120GB HDD.

Not cheap, but a complete and powerful system that has its own niche market.

I discussed a few items with Mike Milloy, who’s responsible for the OZiQ.

I mentioned the lack of a modem port which for dial-up users is still pretty important.

This machine is envisioned primarily for broadband users and the corporate world and leaving out a modem was intentional.

There are ways around it but if you’re sporting legacy ports, which are not particularly necessary either, you might as well go the whole hog, me thinks.

Mike might still change his mind…

Another – minor point – is the fan noise. It’s no noisier than a standard desktop but I had expected it to be much less.

The fan kicks in straight at start-up which is probably unnecessary too…

My verdict at this stage, not having tested it fully and used it on a day to day basis, which is the best test of course, is very positive.

It’s a good alternative to using a smaller notebook with less grunt and this new all-in-one category is close to the desktop-replacement machines that have become de rigueur lately.

There are certain areas where this type of touch panel PC is the best solution, such as for kiosk applications or in tourist centres.

The caravanning and motor home scene will applaud the TV capabilities and the corporate world is probably the sector to really embrace this concept.

We’ll keep you posted with Part II which hopefully will be based on the 19”/TV version.

Stay tuned!