I was looking at the Asus Eee too - I think in a few more revisions (higher resolution, more storage) it will be irresistible as a cheap and lightweight "information appliance".
I decided to get an XO mostly for the novelty factor. The ruggedness, battery life, and designed hackability could make it a good platform for projects/environments where I wouldn't want to risk something more delicate (i.e. even as an e-book or media player at the beach, camping, or traveling).
I think as a platform it has the potential to attract a lot of attention from developers and educators, which could be fun to watch or participate in.
If I get tired of using it myself, I could try giving it to my family to use as a video phone, or I could pass it on to a child or local school.
The charity part doesn't hurt, either, nor the free year of T-Mobile hot spot access.
I'm convinced that PDAs will eventually grow up into laptop and desktop replacements, with the following features: real-time OS (instant on/off, with saved state), journaling filesystems (no more having to carefully disconnect external storage), and eventually, full solid state storage. I think the convenience for the end user and falling hardware prices sufficiently outweigh any other considerations, such that it will be inevitable.
I shudder to think that Windows Mobile might become the new majority OS, though.
All that said, is there any way to capitalize on these convictions...?
Very very very cool. I thought seriously about getting a few for my niece / nephews as gifts, but decided it was a bit too extravagant... and their parents might not appreciate the extra work of setting things up.
I've also thought of getting one for myself. But the small keys sound like a serious deal killer. Please let me know how you find it.
The folks putting this together have given it a lot of thought. I've heard bits and pieces over the past few years at various conferences. I hope the project works out.
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Why'd you get one?
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I decided to get an XO mostly for the novelty factor. The ruggedness, battery life, and designed hackability could make it a good platform for projects/environments where I wouldn't want to risk something more delicate (i.e. even as an e-book or media player at the beach, camping, or traveling).
I think as a platform it has the potential to attract a lot of attention from developers and educators, which could be fun to watch or participate in.
If I get tired of using it myself, I could try giving it to my family to use as a video phone, or I could pass it on to a child or local school.
The charity part doesn't hurt, either, nor the free year of T-Mobile hot spot access.
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I shudder to think that Windows Mobile might become the new majority OS, though.
All that said, is there any way to capitalize on these convictions...?
Reply
I've also thought of getting one for myself. But the small keys sound like a serious deal killer. Please let me know how you find it.
The folks putting this together have given it a lot of thought. I've heard bits and pieces over the past few years at various conferences. I hope the project works out.
Reply
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