Part of Linux’s appeal has always been its low cost (essentially free) so it makes sense that a new crop of low-priced mini-laptops are turning to the OS. The beauty of these desktop replacement replacements is that, despite their compactness, they offer a real opportunity for genuine productivity on the go. While they don’t quite have the cool factor of an iPhone, some do feature flash drives for storage and wi-fi and could have definite appeal for students, journalists, and the like. One of these units will be available through Wal-Mart, so this could spell another big boost for Linux computing in the mainstream (I know, we keep hearing about another breakthrough).
Two such Linux mini-devices seem to be generating a lot of buzz:
ASUS Eee PC
Running Xandros Linux and built by motherboard manufacturer ASUSTeK, this cute little two-pounder looks almost like a toy, but don’t be fooled. Sporting a 900 MHz Intel Celeron-M, 512 MB RAM, and a choice of 2 to 8 GB flash drive, this is not a powerhouse gaming machine, but is definitely a worthy internet-capable notebook for writers, programmers, and students. The display is only a 7” 800 x 480 screen, but should be enough for most tasks. Wi-fi, modem, and Ethernet connectivity is available but no optical drive is present. The best feature, really, is that the keyboard is big enough to be fully usable--unlike the cramped keys of ultra-portables like the OQO, for example. As low as $299 US for the cheapest model, it represents a significant computing device with plenty of office software and proper web applications (you can even run Skype VOIP software!). Hard to say if this is a plus, but there is even an option to install Windows XP later if you so desire (Windows XP-based units will be offered at a later date.)
Since it uses a flash drive, the machine boots up in about 10 -15 seconds (that’s productivity right there!) and battery life is rated at about 2.5 hours. Hardcore computer power users may deride the Eee PC as a child’s plaything (and they may be right--it’s a perfect first computer for school kids) but a $299 portable computer with 512 MB RAM and offering Firefox and OpenOffice could be attractive for a healthy majority of the general public.
Body Design: 4/5
Processor and RAM: 4/5
OS & Applications: 4/5
Connectivity/Expansion: 4/5
Everex Cloudbook
With a somewhat clunkier look, but beefier specs (1.2GHz VIA processor, 512MB RAM, a 7” screen, 30GB hard drive, and a 1.3 Megapixel camera), the Cloudbook is the other main contender in Linux-based subnotebooks. The larger disk space and distribution through Wal-Mart makes it a serious offering. It doesn’t have the sleek appearance of the Eee PC, though (the huge gap between display screen and the chassis is a major eyesore) and a spinning drive means more chance of damage in transit.
The gOS Linux variant is an interesting feature, giving it a smoother interface with Google applications, but the large hard drive will probably invite more people to opt for Windows XP and big applications like Photoshop, MS Office, etc. At about $399 MSRP, it’s roughly in the same price bracket as ASUS’s product, but the Eee PC has the edge in the looks department.
Body Design: 3/5
Processor and RAM: 5/5
OS & Applications: 4/5
Connectivity/Expansion: 4/5
Verdict
You can hardly go wrong in getting a notebook computer for less than $400. Any one of these units represents a highly compact and usable computer for a very reasonable price. The prevailing wisdom in computing has always been ‘Go smaller, pay more’, but these latest Linux laptops are battling that philosophy nicely. But then Linux has always gone against the wind.
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