Needed: Full-featured Budget Laptop Running Linux
One of the main reasons the Eee PC is as attractive as it is to so many people is the price. $400 for an ultra-portable is incredibly cheap compared to other ultra-mobile computers, which often cost over $2000. (See the Sony VAIOs.) As a post on Crave points out, though, the Eee is not really quite a full computer. (Both due to the hardware and the pre-installed software, which is what most people will use.) That post proposes an alternative computer for those looking at an Eee PC, a refurbished 15″ HP notebook that goes for $465 and includes 1GB of memory and a 120GB hard drive. Although this machine may have better specifications, it is not an Eee PC competitor for a number of reasons. (To be fair, the writer did mention that these differences existed, but still pitched the HP notebook as an Eee PC competitor.) First, there is a huge difference between a 15″ and a 7″ screen. The HP’s 15″ screen is starting to approach desktop replacement size, while the Eee PC’s 7″ screen is in the ultra-portable range. Second, the HP notebook that is referenced is a refurbished model. It is not at all uncommon to have huge discounts on refurbished models. If the Eee was refurbished it would cost even less.
Although the HP laptop mentioned above may not be directly competing with the Eee PC, it is still an attractive deal that could pull away customers from the Eee PC and Linux. Right now, there is not a compelling Linux-based alternative to regular budget laptops that has gotten any attention. Linux needs something to fill this gap and someone that will do it as well as Asus did. (I know someone will tell me there is one that exists, but if I have never heard of it, they are not doing a very good job marketing it.)
January 26th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
How about this one, brought to you by the same folks coming out with the cloudbook?
http://www.everex.com/products/zonbu/index.htm
MrCopilot
January 26th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
The replacement desktop your looking for IS the EeePC, in my opinion.
What do “most’ people do with their PCs? Browse the web, read e-mail, write documents (spreadsheets, letters, presentations), listen to music, watch videos, play a quick game of Solitare.
Why on Earth to people think you need dual-core processors running at 2 Ghz to do this sort of stuff?
Why? Because Microsoft and Apple tell you so.
Well, screw ‘em. You can do all of your common-day computing with the EeePC. Plug in a USB keyboard, mouse and full sized LCD monitor when you’re at your desk, and you’ve got a “full size” desktop PC.
Well, that’s my opinion…. as a very happy EeePC owner.
January 26th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
MrCopilot - I am not a big fan of Zonbu’s computer-by-subscription model. While it is true that the hardware is fine, I think that this subscription thing could confuse new users. On the other hand, perhaps the Zonbu subscription model is good for new users.
David - I agree with you that, for the most part, the specs of the Eee are fine. The two exceptions are the hard drive (if you have and frequently use a digital camera) and the screen and keyboard. All of this can be fixed with external devices, but it is a pain (especially for new users) to go out and buy this stuff and than have to plug stuff in and take it out all the time. A good dock could fix all this, though.
Thanks for the comments!
January 27th, 2008 at 12:49 am
On the Zonbu Subscription model: I’m not fond of it either, that is why they sell it without as well. Comes to $479 Choose Ala Cart and uncheck all boxes.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/542475/linux_in_2008_the_new_linux_powered.html