Acer Aspire Revo Nettop

Nettops, the desktop equivalents of low cost, low power netbook computers, are taking longer than I expected to arrive. Acer's Aspire Revo SFF NVIDIA Ion PC looks promising. There are small desktop computers, such as the Dell Studio Hybrid PC, , but these are not particularly cheap, or low power. ASUS's EEE PC there are Lenovo have announced an Intel Atom powered nettop computer, H200 bundled with an LCD monitor for US$399.99.

New ASUS Eee PCs

ASUS has launched a range of new and upgraded Eees. The Asus Eee Box B204 and 206 models look most useful, being a hard disk upgrade of the desktop PC. They have a HDMI video interface, hardware assist for video playback and a remote control, making it useful as a low power media centre computer. Eee Box can be attached behind an LCD panel using the VESA mount, as well as making for a neat installation for the home theatre, this could make them popualr for school and office desks.

Likely to be least successful is the Eee Top ET1602, a desktop computer built into a 15 inch LCD screen, which has the fatal flaw of a touch screen. This appears to be designed for the classic non-application of a kitchen computer where you can write a note for someone to buy some milk on the screen. It is a shame ASUS didn't leave out the touch screen and lower the price to produce a useful home and education computer.

Virus reported on ASUS Eee Box PC

ASUS have reported a virus present on the hard disk of their new Eee Box desktop PC. I was only able to find this in Japanese on the ASUS web site ("ASUSミニパソコン新製品「Eee Box」でのウイルス混入に関するお詫び" translated: 'ASUS new mini-computer "Eee Box" on the incorporation of the virus in Apology'). The Register have an explanation in English: "Asus admits Eee Box mini PC shipped with virus", (Tony Smith, 8th October 2008 12:10 GMT). Presumably this virus only applies to units running the Windows XP operating system, not ones using Linux.

Desktop Eee PC in Australia

According to news reports, the Eee Box, low power desktop PC for will be available in Australia in five weeks for $AU429. The unit is a cigar box sized case, and can be piggybacked on an LCD monitor using a VESA mount.

ASUS claims "Green Design" with "earth-friendly materials for reduced CO2 emissions" conforming to the EU's Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment 2002/95/EC (RoHS Directive) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive). ASUS are claiming a saving of up to 90% in energy consumption for the Eee Box B202., but do not appear to have specified any testing for energy use. The unit has WiFi and IPTV software.

But there are some disappointments: this model ships with Microsoft Windows XP Home edition in place of the Linux of the sub-notebook Eee PC. The CPU is the low power Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz) but the box has a fan. There is only 1 GB of RAM and a 80 GB (rather than the flash memory of most of the notebook models). There is a SD/MMC Card Reader and Ethernet, but only two USB sockets.

It is a shame ASUS does not seem to be offering a diskless Linux unit with more USB ports for use as a web terminal. Even so it would be useful for applications such as home users, schools and libraries where the user just wants to do some web surfing, email. The unit would also be useful for Digital Signage, mounted on the back of a large LCD or plasma screen for shops, transport terminals and office foyers. Home theatre users might also find the Eee Box useful plugged into their large LCD or Plasma TVs, for occasional web browsing.

ASUS have created a problem for all sub notebook makers with the Eee PC. The other makers have to bring out low cost sub notebooks to compete with the Eee PC, but then these also compete with the own company's other products. A similar problem is about to occur for desktop and large notebook computer makers with the release of the Eee Box. This will undercut the price of desktop computers. It will also undercut the price of large notebook computers which are being used as desktop computers. Why spend thousands of dollars on a desktop or notebook computer, when you can get one for hundreds?

Web Storage for ASUS Eee PC

ASUS is offering 20GB of web storage with its Eee PC 901, 1000, and 1000H models. There are few details of how it will work and if it will come with software for online backup and files synchronization, as the Zonbu did.

With increasing web-based file sharing activities, the new Eee PCs offers 20GB of web storage that will allow users to store and share files, pictures, movies and even business presentations in the virtual space. Not only is it a great tool for sharing, but a backup storage space for important data. ...

From: Eee PC 901, 1000, and 1000H to Hit Shelves in North America, Press Release, ASUS, July 8th, 2008

There are now some books out about the Eee PC:

Using the Asus Eee PC
by William Lawrence

Asus Eee PC For Dummies
by Joel McNamara

Also from Amazon.Com:

1. ASUS Eee PC 1000
2. ASUS Eee PC 900
3. Eee PC Accessories
4. Books on EEE PC

ASUS Eee 1000 Low cost PC

ASUS released the Eee 1000 PC on June 3, 2008, with a 10 inch screen, 1.6 GHz Intel Atom CPU, Linux, 2GB RAM and 40GB disk (also Windows XP model available). for about US$625. The unit is much larger than previous Eee PCs (about A4 size).

There is criticism of this unit for its size and speculation that the Eee 900 Series with its 8.9 inch screen will be dropped in favor of a Eee 1000 fitted with a smaller screen. But being about A4 size, I think the Eee 1000 will be the idea size for many applications, having a keyboard big enough to type on, but in a case small enough to fit in a bag with paperwork.

If used for business or study, a PC only has to be small enough to fit in the bag with your paperwork. Making the PC smaller than this provides little advantage (unless you want to carry it in a handbag, when the B5 siz Eees become useful).

One disappointment is that the unit will not be diskless.

Desktop EEE PC in June

Register Hardware reports Asus will launch its desktop version of the Eee PC at Computex in Taipei on 3 June 2008. This will be known as the Ebox, not the previous E-DT. The unit is said to have a 160GB hard drive, as well as 2GB of RAM. The hard disk would be unfortunate, as the EEE PC's lack of one was a feature, not a problem.

Asus Eee PC Handbook

The manual which comes with the ASUS EEE PC is not exactly readable. Due out in August is The Asus Eee PC Handbook by William Lawrence , a 300 page paperback to be published by Que (ISBN-10: 0789738104, ISBN-13: 978-0789738103). Given the popularity of this computer, it is unusual there are not more books about it.

HP 2133 Mini-Note

HP have announced the HP 2133 Mini-Note, a low cost, low power sub-notebook computer similar to the ASUS Eee PC. The unit has a 8.9 inch screen and starts at $US499.

I found the Eee PC to have a keyboard too small to type on comfortably. The HP 2133 appears to have a significantly wider keyboard, only about 10mm narrower than the 12 inch screen notebook computer I usually use. This should make the HP usable (but with an external screen and keyboard still desirable for extended desktop use).

The HP 2133 has got good reviews. Dell are rumored to have a similar unit coming out, produced by Compal Electronics for $399. My prediction that by the end of 2008, a "normal" computer will be one for under $500 seems to be coming true.

System features
See detailed specs	US QuickSpecs » html ...
Operating system	SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
Processors available	VIA C7-M ULV processor (1.0 GHz, 128 KB L2 cache, 400 MHz FSB)

Memory
Memory	512 MB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Memory slots	1 DIMM
Storage
Hard drive	4 GB Flash Module
Graphics and Input/Output devices
Display size	8.9-inch diagonal WXGA
Graphics	VIA Chrome 9
Integrated camera	VGA camera
Audio, Slots, and Ports
Audio	ADI1984HD High Definition CODEC; 24-bit DAC; Integrated stereo speakers; Stereo headphone/line out; Stereo microphone in
Ports	Standard: 2 USB 2.0 1 microphone in 1 headphone/line-out 1 external VGA monitor 1 RJ-45 1 AC power
Slots	1 Express Card/54 1 secure digital
Communication features
Network interface	10/100/1000 NIC
Wireless	Broadcom 802.11b/g
Product specifications
Weight	2.8 lb (1.27 kg)
Dimensions (w x d x h)	10.04 x 6.5 x 1.05 in (255 x 165 x 27 mm)
What's in the box
Battery	3-cell (28 WHr) high capacity Lithium-Ion

Open Source System Needed for Global Distribution of Curriculum Materials

The New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID) have issued a Request for Tender for a National Policy on Procurement, Storage and Distribution of Curriculum Materials for the Solomon Islands. The detailed Request for Tender (RFT) document has a good overview of the issues that a small Pacific country faces with educational materials. However, perhaps an alternative solution to new warehouses and book stock control systems should be considered.

The paper based education system could be replaced with a computer based one, using devices like the OLPC and the ASUS EEE PC. This would remove the need for tonnes of books to have to be looked after. The same equipment could be used for primary, secondary and tertiary education, as well as civil administration functions. This would be initially more complex and more expensive to install, but would have long term benefits. Modular buildings, with the computer equipment pre-installed, already facilities could be used to speed the process.

The New Zealand Agency for International Development, NZAID, is inviting the submission of tenders from consultants interested in undertaking the role of providing Technical Assistance to the Solomon Islands Education Resource Unit for the development of the National Policy on Procurement, Storage and Distribution of Curriculum Materials.

Tenders must demonstrate understanding and experience of the following:

• school curriculum materials distribution, procurement and storage policy and management;
• policy development and practical implementation of policy in the education sector;
• facilitating capacity development, skills transfer and mentoring of staff;
• and experience working cross culturally and in developing country contexts, preferably in the Pacific.




Relates to the following TenderWatch Categories
865 Management consulting services
866 Services related to management consulting
929 Other education services
914 Policy advice and guidance for Government

From: National Policy on Procurement, Storage and Distribution of Curriculum Materials for the Solomon Islands, Request for Tender, New Zealand Agency for International Development, 2008

EeePC in Paris sold Like a phone

Had a message from Shayne Flint, who was Paris for a project with the Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University. He says the EeePC is being sold there like a phone, as part of a wifi access contract. He says he saw several of them being used in restaurants, coffee shops etc. during my 12 days in Paris. There was Wifi "everywhere and lots of it is free" (but usually very slow).

Desktop EEE PC

Preview Gadgets and other computer news sites have images of what the ASUS E-DT is expected to look like. It is much as I speculated being essentially a desktop version of the EEE PC sub notebook computer, made by omitting the LCD screen, keyboard and battery. If these are available for about $300, they will be very useful.

The plain rectangular box appears to be about the size of the current EEE PC: 225 × 165 ×35 mm. It is shown mounted vertically on a circular stand. Hopefully the box can be laid down flat on the desk and is strong enough to stand an LCD display on. It is about the same size as the stand for a small LCD monitor and would fit neatly underneath.

There would be little point in making the E-DT any smaller, unless it was so small it could be attached to the back of an LCD, as with the ThinLix units. Also making the box smaller may be bad marketing, as the customer might not feel they were getting their money's worth.

Hopefully the E-DT has a security slot for securing it to the desk. This feature was omitted from the Zomb. desktop unit.

Open Source Software Development Kit for ASUS EEE PC

ASUS have released an open source Software Development Kit (SDK) for the ASUS EEE PC . This is on Sourceforge with a GNU General Public License. There are also drivers and the like on the ASUS EEE PC web site:

ASUS ... today announced the release of a comprehensive software developer´s kit (SDK) for the Asus Eee PC. The new SDK enables third-party developers to easily enhance and extend the popular, mobile, open source platform for educational, telecommunications, and many other uses. The Eee PC SDK provides a complete development platform, including an Eee PC-compatible Open Circulation Edition of the Xandros Desktop OS, the Eclipse development environment, a Qt4 toolkit, a developer´s guide, sample applications, and a multilingual VMware testing and debugging environment.

“We have experienced an overwhelming developer response to Eee PC, with thousands of source code downloads since we posted it on our site. Now, thanks to our new SDK, third-party developers and enthusiasts from the open source community will find it easy to develop, easy to port, and easy to release software for the Eee PC,” said David Wu, General Manager of ASUS Global Service Center. ...

From: ASUS Releases Development Platform for Eee PC, Press Release, ASUS, March 31, 2008

Australian School Buys Eee PCs

According to a news report (Asus sells Eee PC to All Hallows School, Lilia Guan
4 March 2008 02:36PM), a Brisbane private secondary school is purchasing 130 Asus Eee PCs for student use. The screen and keyboard of the Eee PC a bit small and I would think it would better suit younger primary students (the ones the OLPC is designed for), rather than secondary students. For senior students, a 9 inch screen in a case about A4 paper size (210 × 297 mm) would be better. But the school appears very advanced in its use of computers and I guess they know what they are doing:

All Hallows' offers an extensive computer network comprising of a 10 gigabit fibre optic loop backbone supporting 6 laboratory's (31 computers per lab) and 10 flexible Learning areas (15 computers per area). The Potter and McAuley libraries provide students with a highly IT integrated environment. Internet and access to online digital resources is provided from all computers and wireless devices on campus.

Teaching and Learning spaces are enhanced with multimedia (42) and/or Interactive whiteboards (40) that increase the motivation and engagement of students in the learning process.

In 2005 All Hallows' commenced a trial partly funded by the Australian Federal Government under the ASISTM (Australian Schools Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics) looking at ways of integrating Pocket PCs in to the curriculum. In 2005, 180 students, in the areas of Business and Mathematics carried Pocket PCs that connect to the extensive wireless network and the All Hallows' Learning Management System (MoodleBlue). During 2006, this trial was extended to 310 students. ...

From: School Report, All Hallows' School, 2007

UK Educational Laptop for $200

UK company Elonex have announced they will launch the Elonex ONE, a £99 laptop (less than $US200) at the UK Education Show 2008 on 28 February 2008. There are few details of the product, apart from it using Linux and having WiFi. Other reports indicate it has 1Gb of Flash memory and a seven-inch screen.

From the photo, the processor board appears to be built in behind the screen, as with the OLPC, rather than under the keyboard, as with the ASUS Eee PC. The screen would appear to be the same type of low cost 7 inch wide screen LCD used for DVD players, as on the Eee PC.

Having only 1 Gb of flash memory will limit the usefulness of the unit, but it is likely that uses will supplement this with a USB flash drive (assuming the unit has a USB socket).

The media release for the unit has a lot of rhetoric about commitment to improving learning for children with one-to-one access to laptops, with quotes from UK government sources. The danger with this is that government authorities, teachers and parents may get the false impression that they need to spend just £99 per student to get all these benefits. Even if the Elonex One is made available for the announced price and works as claimed, infrastructure and training costs for the education system would be at least twice the cost of the laptop per student, not including ongoing support costs and the cost of developing course ware.

Elonex claims to have conducted research and development to produce their laptop. It seems more likely that Elonex have simply selected one of the many sub-notebook PCs made and sold in Asia. These units have been made and sold for decades, but not proved popular in western countries. The success of the Eee PC has seen some of these now being offered more widely. Also the availability of Linux, low cost flash memory, low power processors and low cost LCD screens made for DVD players has made these more feasible. OLPC have tried to incorporate R&D in their computer, but this is proving problematic. It is more likely that generic computers using off the shelf components will be more successful.

The claims for education using computers made by Elonex may well prove true, but they will cost more than £99 per student.

The use of quotes in the Elonex media release is interesting. The one on "Technology has revolutionised the way we work and is now set to transform education. ..." is quoted from a Department for Education and Skills, report in 1997, Connecting the Learning Society. What Elonex don't mention is that the quote is from then UK PM Tony Blair and he went on to talk about the information superhighway and a National Grid for Learning.

The quote on "One-to-one access to a laptop computer promoted independence and had positively influenced other aspects of their work and their learning." is from a teacher, Danny Doyle: Perspectives of One-to-One Laptop Access (2004).

The vision of the ONE project is to help develop computer literacy in children in order to cultivate skills for the 21st century and enable them to make a more valued contribution to the future economy and society. Proficiency at ICT has never been so important, and fluency and familiarity with computers is essential to nurture the future digital generation. The importance of IT in education has been recognized right from the early days of the internet and personal computers:

Technology has revolutionised the way we work and is now set to transform education. Children cannot be effective in tomorrow’s world if they are trained in yesterday’s skills.

(Department for Education and Skills, 1997)

One-to-one access to a laptop computer promoted independence and had positively influenced other aspects of their work and their learning. The children were aware of their expertise and believed their current skills were transferable to new hardware and software, future education and employment.

(National Teacher Research Panel, 2004)

Computer based technology is at the heart of the DCSF's (Department for Children, Schools and Families) commitment to improving learning for all children. One-to-one access to a laptop has been a dream that until now has been cost-prohibitive. The research and development by Elonex that has lead to the ONE has allowed this dream to become a reality.

Government Strategy for Digital Technology

The significance of ICT can be seen in the DCSF e-Strategy, the government’s current strategy towards the use of digital technologies within the Education System:

“Teaching institutions ought to be advancing beyond the traditional formats that are still so prevalent. Independent research has shown that children using ICT effectively in lessons get better results, and Ofsted has confirmed that “Pupils respond very positively to the use of ICT, they engage well with lessons, their behaviour is good and their attitudes to learning are very good”

“With more flexible e-learning resources available online, teachers can adapt the curriculum to their learners’ needs and interests. Technology is the key to personalised learning and we must make sure that everyone has access to this technology. As we continue to embed e-learning across the whole learning process, it will blend more easily with life and work, bridging the boundaries between formal and informal learning.” “It is our goal to work towards ICT as a universal utility, creating more flexible learning opportunities for everyone.”

(Secretary of State for Children Schools and Families)

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced the plan to raise spending on IT in education, and to this end Jim Knight MP recently announced on 9 Jan 2008 a £30 million investment to provide the education system with improved ICT equipment and a safe internet connection. Jim Knight commented “we know from the research the difference that Information Technology can make.” “ICT has the power to transform young people's learning — both at school and beyond the school gate.”

Benefits Benefits of the ONE for Children:

• Improved ICT literacy and fluency
• Increased empowerment and motivation
• More engaging way of learning – learning can be fun!
• More flexible study
• Access to a wider range of resources
• Provides a link between learning at home and learning at school
• Improved contact between the child and their school, family and friends Stimulates creativity and greater scope for problem solving
• Opens up potential for blogging, podcasting, social networking, online clubs & societies and pupil support groups.

Benefits of the ONE for Teachers:

• The majority of teachers feel that the use of ICT in the classroom positively impacts on the engagement, motivation and achievement of their learners.
  
• Teachers' ICT skills have developed significantly over the years, as well as their acceptance to utilise the technology, leading to better lessons and a reduction in teachers' workloads.
  
• Makes available a wider range teaching methods, including assigning web based research, increased interactivity, paperless homework and use of the child’s online personal webspace.
  
• Opens the option for digital teaching materials, increased autonomy and improved out of classroom activities.

From: Elone One Press Release, Elonex , 2008

Eee PC demonstration, Sydney, 29 February 2008

I will be giving a demonstration of the Eee PC and talking about what effect other such little low cost computers may have on big business, in Sydney, 29 February 2008:

Sydney Linux Users Group (SLUG)

Start: 2008-02-29 18:30

End: 2008-02-29 20:30

Timezone: Etc/GMT+11

Location: Atlassian, 173-185 Sussex Street, Sydney

Description:

SLUG's monthly meeting, featuring talks and SLUGlets. Meetings are open to the general public, and are free of charge.

Our meetings take place next to Darling Harbour, near public transport and other amenities.

Our location: Atlassian, 173-185 Sussex Street, Sydney (corner of Sussex and Market Street). Entry is via the rear on Slip Street. There are stairs going down along the outside of building from Sussex St to near the entrance. A map of the area and directions can be found here.

We start at 18:30 but we ask that people arrive 15 minutes early so we can all get into the building and start on time. Please do not arrive before 18:00, as it may hinder business activities for our host!

Appropriate signage and directions will be posted on the building.

This month's sessions are:

General Talk
Tom Worthington: A Watershed for the Networked Organisation

With trends for carbon neutral, thin client, wireless and open source converging to signal a radical change in the use and distribution of the desktop personal computer and the desktop phone, the CIO is being presented with real challenges for transformation.

Low power, diskless and low cost advances are creating alternatives and opportunities for the organisation to simplify their systems. Some of the results from testing those alternatives with carbon neutral thin client computers, handheld Linux systems and diskless sub notebook computers will be included and discussed in this presentation.

If low power and portable networked systems are set to revolutionise the organisation, the CIO needs to be ready.

Tom Worthington will demonstrate, citing devices such as the Zonbu Thin Client Computer and the Asus Eee PC.

In-Depth Talk
Matt Palmer: SNMP: 'e's not dead, 'e's just restin'

What SNMP is, why it's still useful these days, how easy it really is to get SNMP stuff working, and a tour of a simple way to provide custom data through SNMP.

Meeting Schedule

See here for an explanation of the segments.

• 18:15: Open Doors
• 18.30: Announcements, News, Introductions
• 18:45: General Talk
• 19:30: Intermission
• 19:45: Split into two groups for:
• In-Depth Talk
• SLUGlets
• 20:30: Dinner

Dinner is at Golden Harbour Restaurant, in Chinatown. We will be having the $24 Banquet. We will be taking numbers during the break to confirm the reservation size. If you have any particular dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian), or if you would prefer to order separately, let us know beforehand.

We hope to see you there!

Desktop and screen mounted EEE PCs

According to news reports ASUS are releasing desktop and LCD screen mounted versions of their Linux low power, low cost Eee PC. The "E-DT" is a desktop version for under $US300 due by May 2008. The "E-Monitor" will be mounted in a 21" LCD TV and be about US$500 (due in September) and the "E-TV" a 42 inch LCD TV some time later.

The E-DT makes a lot of sense, being essentially a "thick" thin client computer, but one which has a marketing head start on the back of the Eee PC. Thin clients have previously been niche products and the E-DT may break that trend. It could be particularly good for the education market, cyber cafes and the like.

The Eee PC makes a good thin thin client: I am typing this on one now, with the internal LCD screen switched off, using an external LCD monitor, keyboard and mouse. This arrangement works fine for web browsing, email and some minor document editing. The generous number of USB ports allow connection of peripherals. As I commented when the Eee PC came out, about all ASUS needs to do is omit the LCD screen, keyboard, touch pad and battery to make a thin client computer for about US$199.

The "E-Monitor" may suffer from falling somewhere between a office computer and a home TV appliance. A 21 inch screen is still large for an office computer screen but small for a TV. It might have a niche market as a second home TV, perhaps on the kitchen bench or in the home office.

The E-TV with a 42 inch screen may never make it to market. Previous attempts to combine a computer and TV have been less than successful. While I have written about Using a Widescreen LCD for TV, operating the computer while on the lounge chair is difficult, even with a cordless mouse and keyboard.

E-DT As a Office Docking Station?

The E-DT would not be considered in many corporate offices, being seen as underpowered and running a non-standard operating system. However, if most applications are accessed via a web browser, and the few Windows ones were accessible via a remote server, then it could be used. It might also be used as a docking station for Microsoft Windows running laptops and smartphones. The E-DT would be connected to an LCD screen, keyboard, mouse, printer and LAN. It would communicate with the user's laptop or smart phone using WiFi, and acting as a wireless docking station, allowing the desktop keyboard and screen to be used.


See also:

• Eee PCs for sale on Amazon.com
• Flat Screens
• Using a Widescreen LCD for TV

Hacking the Eee PC

To see how to install a USB hub, GPS, Bluetooth, a card reader, flash drive, high speed WiFi, a modem and other add-ons to your ASUS Eee PC see "Eee PC Internal Upgrades". I have not tried any of these. As well as voiding your warranty these could destroy the computer if not done correctly. But many involve just adding USB devices, so are not that hard.

What would make this easier would be an external docking device which would fit under the computer and have USB sockets to hold USB drives. This would stick on under the computer and plug in with one USB cable. It would then supply four recessed, widely spaced USB sockets designed to hold Flash, Bluetooth, WiMax, 3G, WiFi, Ethernet and similar devices.

The one docking unit could be designed to fit the Eee PC and the Apple MacBook Air (which is lacking in sockets and expansion). The unit could optionally hold an extra batter battery to power the devices, recharged via the USB cable.

Of course given the relative costs of Eee PCs and Apple Airs, you could afford to use an Eee PC as a docking device for an Air. ;-)

ps: I suggested building "flash docks" into a low cost education computer. The idea came from some of the early subnotebook computers which had lots of PCMCIA slots and very little else. To add memory, a disk drive or any interface, you added a PCMCIA Card. Now many such expansion options are available with USB, but some way to physically hold the USB device is needed. The ExpressCard is intended as a PC Card replacement and includes USB as an option. But Express Cards are expensive and rare, compared to USB devices.

OLPC First Impressions

A few weeks ago I got my first chance to try the OLPC XO-1 (One Laptop per Child Children's Machine or $100 computer), sub-notebook PC. We had a lineup of two different pe-release models of the OLPC and an ASUS Eee PC for comparison. Overall the OLPC looks a solid device, but encumbered by an experimental interface and a paternalistic view of education for developing nations.

My first impression was of how bright and robust the green plastic case looks, like a toy for toddlers. The bright green rubber keyboard is well laid out, but the keys are too small for adult fingers. The very wide touch-pad under the keyboard makes it difficult to find somewhere to rest your palms.

The OLPC uses the new Sugar child friendly graphical user interface, making it unusable to those familiar with the desktop metaphor of Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac or various Linuxes. Sugar may well be a better user interface for children, but will have to be learned by anyone familiar with current computers. The OLPCs used their WiFi mesh network to recognize each other automatically, representing the other machine on the screen graphically, but due to lack of familiarity with the interface I was unable to use the connection.

The screen on the OLPC looks very much larger than the 7 inch wide LCD on the Eee PC. The transflective OLPC screen did not look as bright or clear as the Eee PC indoors. Outdoors on an overcast day, the OLPC screen switched to monochrome mode and was readable, but still not a lot more so than the conventional back lit Eee screen.

Overall the OLPC hardware looks solid and the software usable. However, the unit may be breaking too much new ground to be successful as a product and is hampered by being associated with a flawed model of development.

The users of the computer will have to learn a new user interface different from that predominating. It may well be a better interface, but it took decades for the desktop metaphor to be refined and become established. Xerox's interface was adapted for the Apple Lisa computer and then simplified for the Apple Mac before it became popular (and then adapted, or some would say degraded, for Microsoft Windows). It may take ten years and two more teams of designers before the OLPC interface is ready for widespread use.

If the OLPC was purely a university research project, or a product funded by private venture capital, then it would be worth taking a risk to develop a revolutionary new computer. However, the OLPC is intended to be used for education in developing nations. Therefore the resources spent on the OLPC have to be diverted from other education projects for developing nations. In effect the OLPC will take several hundred dollars away from each child in a developing country and using that money to conduct an educational experiment on those children. Developing nations, and parents, may have other ideas of educational priorities for their children and of how computers could be used to assist development.

It may be useful to decouple the various parts of the OLPC and develop them separately. New hardware can use new or old user interfaces, educational content can be developed to work on new or old hardware. Models for funding education for developing nations can be developed separately of a particular educational products. The customers can then assess how successful each of the products is and which they wish to use.

More ASUS Eee PC Models Available

There are now models of the AUSUS Eee PC available with 2, 4 and 8 Gbytes of flash memory via Amazon.com.

The lowest cost 2G model (US$299.99) seems to be available with the cover in: Pink, Blue or Green.

The 4G model (US$399) is available in black and white.

The 8G model (US$499) seems to be only in white. In Australia the distributor, Myers, seems to only have the 4G model in White (AU$499).