1to1 keeps getting closer

2008 is really gearing up to be the year of the cheap laptop. The whole thing looks really promising for us to eventually implement 1to1 computing in the majority of Scottish Schools.

Excluding the XO-1 (previously known as the $100 Laptop or Children's Machine) which was originally designed for use within the Less Economically Developed Work. I think the three big contenders for the UK market in 2008 are likely to be:

The ASUS EeePC

A subnotebook computer designed by ASUS and Intel noted at the time of its introduction for its combination of light weight, Linux-based operating system, solid-state drive and low purchase price. In the UK, the ASUS Eee PC is distributed as the RM Asus Minibook by RM we have been trialling a few in East Lothian. ASUS plans to introduce second-generation Eee PCs in April 2008, featuring Intel’s Merom processors. They reckon the new design will reduce power consumption by 36%.

 

Elonex One

Again this will be a linux-based laptop with 1GB of Flash memory storage, a 7in display, word processing and spreadsheet applications, and the ability to wirelessly access the Web and email. It has internal speakers for playing MP3s and a socket for headphones, as well as USB slots. It weighs in at less than 1KG and is small enough –The battery is good enough for around 3 hours. There is a version with 2GB of Flash storage and Bluetooth planned too, for £120. The One laptop will be formerly unveiled at the Education Show at the NEC on February 28. The Times article talks about an innovative way that children will transport more memory around.

The Cloud Book

Recommended to me by my friend Wang. The Cloudbook is an x86 subnotebook, or Ultra-Mobile PC, developed by Everex using a VIA processor and chipset. Unlike the above two laptops the Cloudbook includes a harddrive. Although its not yet out in the UK, it was released in the US on the 21^st February and retails at $400 (£200).

Interesting  times........

 

Comments

[Chris Jackson]

Actually the EEE PC is marketed in the UK by both RM and Asus. RM is admittedly more targetted towards the education market - but you can still pick up the ASUS branded laptop from the usual retailers. Unfortunately there are so many people buying these things that it is almost impossible to get your hands on one - so I created a site that keeps track of stock:

http://eeestock.cpjackson.co.uk

HTH - Chris.