Asus Eee PC, One Laptop Per Adult

From Learning on Demand - Another usage scenario

"Ubuntu Dapper + external HD + ASUS Eee PC will result the real "Eee " :

1. Easy to Learn, Work and Play
Learn the latest technology without a technical manual! For easy hands-on, the Eee PC offers two modes of intuitive user interface design: the easy mode and the full desktop mode in order to accommodate both experienced and inexperienced PC users. The Eee PC is also Windows XP compatible.

2. Excellent Internet Experience
Built-in WLAN connectivity allows users to stay connected for dynamic Internet usage on the go. With the Eee PC empowers users to share photos without waiting till one gets home; connect face to face with just a few clicks; enjoy online entertainment live; stay on top of emails for high work efficiency and more!

3. Excellent Mobile Computing Experience
The 7” Eee PC 701 weighs at a featherlight 0.89 kg, with large flash-based storage capacity and built-in webcam for compact mobility with wireless freedom. The special solid-state disc design based on built-in flash-memory gives the Eee PC a great shock-proof advantage over traditional notebook PCs allowing extra flexibility and a worry free mobile computing experience.

Potential Usage for the Asus EEE

Just thought I would start a list.

1. Blogger's Tote-Anywhere subnote - It is small and light enough to slip in a large bag and carry around. A blogger can conceivably settle into a comfy couch over at Starbucks, go on-line and blog away. Coincidentally, the default resolution of most of blogging site Blogger's templates is 800 x 600, which the Asus Eee PC 7o1's 800 x 480 can accommodate comfortably.

2. Car PC - It can be disassembled, with the LCD mounted on the dashboard, a USB UMTS HSDPA plugged in and a touch screen overlaid. You not only get instant in-car WLAN, you can also get instant traffic updates, traffic webcams, and other information.

3. Ebook Reader. Well, ideally it is tablet form. But at USD200, I shouldn't be complaining.

4. Messaging Device - Not just email, but IM as well. If the Eee proves small and light enough for a lot of people to carry it around on a daily basis, it just might impact's Blackberry's market. Three things, though, that might be the breaker for some - 15 seconds boot-up time (which can feel like eternity in the mobile environment), no alerts for incoming messages, and the relatively shorter battery life.

5. Movie player - With USB flash memory now so cheap these days, who needs a DVD drive? I can just save my movies on my flash drives, plug them in, and watch away anywhere I go.

6. Digital catalog for field sales executives. They can even check for real-time inventory.

7. Mobile phone - With a USB UMTS HSDPA plugged into the Eee and a bluetooth headset into my ear I can have 3G as well. Downside of course is I won't have any Caller ID feature. Nor can I do SMS texting. Unless someone comes with a really wee unit that I can attach to my shirt pocket or dangle around my neck...

I know most of the usage mentioned can be done with current notebooks. But these are either heavier, more expensive, hotter, or contain a lot of other data. At USD200 and 2 lbs, the Eee is simply in a different category.