While not a new idea, UltraPortable computers have suddenly become quite popular.
This is mainly because a whole new approach to the idea has been undertaken by
computer companies. ASUS was the first to bring out a cheaper model.
Now, I'm not sure where these people got their inspiration from, but I would take a
stab at the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) initiative that is being attempted in
Africa. Which came about from the idea of creating usable computers for a very
low price, and while that standard of computer wouldn't work in western society,
ASUS decided to vamp up the specs a little, and gave us the first UPPC.
The ASUS EeePC 701:
and to give you an idea of size:
now, to be honest, they didn't get everything right with the first model, but they
really did a good job on the follow up one, the ASUS EeePC 901:
It has a lovely 9inch screen, as you may have noticed with the orignial, they didn't
make proper use of the screen space they allocated themselves. but with the 901, it has bigger keys,
better battery life, and overall more features here and there.
They can run any operating system you want really, be it Linux, Mac OS X, or
Windows, without much issue if you turn off the unnnecessary services that some of
those systems run.
however, to get a good one, with enough RAM, enough space, and a nice screen, you would need
to spend at least about $550 Australian. Granted your paying for size, more than
anything else, but they are marvelous study helpers, as you don't need to lug
some massive laptop around with you.
Personally, I'm looking at getting a EeePC 901, or maybe a MSi Wind(one of the many
copy-cats that popped up after the ASUS EeePC was an arousing success).
And I will add another post when I do and let you know how it goes.
