Where are we going with these cheap, tiny PCs?
Word has it Dell is getting into the hot new thing: tiny PCs. These small, convenient if lacking small laptops are capturing the hearts and minds of todays laptop maker. What is behind the bandwagon movement? Is it consumer preference or is it a fight to stay relevant?
The OLPC is the first I remember to promise a cheap machine that you could actually use. Their big push, buy one/give one went over well from what I hear and then was promptly discontinued. Now the effort focuses on the lofty and worthy goal of only supplying them to third world nations, not your brothers kids. But it was the OLPC that got me (and others) excited about the small size.
Then came the Asus eee PC. Loads of fun, able to do small things pretty well. Bottom line it is a $300 pc, tough to be too tough on that. Small, light, easy to take with you. Last time I checked, our Editor Robert has one he threatened to use at CES in Vegas.
Now HP, Dell and loads of others are going to build. But if they build it, who will buy? Students seem to be a big target. Techies that want to have more stuff. Ok, but is the average joe going to get one of these vs. a home desktop? Not if he knows what is good for him.
Windows XP is being revived/not let go just for these machines in efforts to bump linux to the curb. I am not sure that is a bonus feature but could help give these segment some mass appeal.
I am amazed how much our readership is following these tiny PCs. Are we just bored with other gear and can say, “yeah, I’ll drop $300 on one of these” or are these more than a fad?
Anyone believe this is how the laptop makers believe they’ll compete with smartphones or iPhones that allow us to browse and do light internet stuff? One could argue these laptops could supplant mobile smartphone capabilities with a larger screen and workable keyboard. Maybe the Foleo was just too far ahead of its time?
Tell us what you think. Are these baby laptops here to stay?
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Hi
I bought and am using to write this, an Asus eeepc and there are many good arguments for it. I should point out it is in addition to a Vista Ultimate Media Centre / File Server, an iMac desktop general purpose family machine, a couple of older Sony Laptops and an Macbook Pro 17”.
So why an eeepc (or similar). Simple, its tiny and cheap - two things you cant say about the macbook. Couple it with a small 2.5” portable drive and you have the perfect travel laptop companion, I refuse to take my 17” macbook on holiday or even in the field, and I do take 1000’s of photographs so want to back them up, also I want to connect to hotspots, check email, news websites, update facebook, write notes etc… All perfect, and if I drop it in the sea, have it stolen or whatever - well its only £200 gone as opposed to close on £2000 for a big laptop like a macbook pro,
So to sum up, its basic, disposable computing. It does what I want, when I want and the price is right. Oh and the fact its tiny and I can throw it in my backpack with cameras and stuff and forget its there doesn’t hurt either.
Seriously, these are the future, the 17” laptop is only what you think you need, the eeepc is all most people need for portable computing.
Stephen
on April 9, 2008 at 06:28 PM - LINKStephen, a “disposable laptop” is great niche market name. Your usage criteria are well put.
Anyones usage differ from Stephen?
on April 9, 2008 at 07:13 PM - LINKI’m planning to purchase an Eee PC soon, but there seems to be many similar UMPCs coming up right now. I guess I’ll wait for a moment to see if there are better offers from competitors.
I’m enticed to purchase it because of its size and portability. I own a full fledged desktop computer at home, and what I need now is a portable (below 1 kg is very light) computer to stay connected.
on April 10, 2008 at 12:54 AM - LINK