OQO has introduced a new model of its ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) aimed at European buyers. Unlike many rival handheld computers, OQO said its model is a viable laptop competitor for mobile business workers.

Available immediately, OQO's model e2 is a localised version of the model 02 that shipped in the US earlier this year, adding a UK keyboard and system software. The launch is the start of an international push by OQO to bring its products to a wider audience in Europe and Asia, according to Martin Day, director of international channels for OQO.

The model e2 ships in four configurations, with either a 1.5GHz or 1.6GHz VIA C7M processor and a hard drive up to 120GB or a 32GB solid state disk (SSD). Common to all configurations is 1GB of memory, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a choice of either Windows XP or Vista.

OQO said it had put a lot of effort into making its UMPC easy to use. The device's 5in screen has a native 800 x 480 pixels, but can zoom out to show higher resolutions. Its qwerty keyboard has also been designed to be operated with the device cradled in a user's hands, and has shortcut keys to common functions.

"The key benefits of an ultra mobile PC are increased productivity. It runs Windows, so no application porting is required. Because of this, there's no user training necessary, and no special IT support tools needed either," said Day.

The 454g model e2 ships with a clip-on adapter that adds and Ethernet and VGA ports, while an optional docking cradle supports these plus a DVD drive. The system has a standard battery life of three hours, which can be doubled to six hours with an optional extended battery. Prices start at £979 +VAT from reseller Expansys.