The smallest laptop

[glenbar]

On the BBC news programme the other morning they were talking about what to buy for christmas presents and one of the chaps came up with a new laptop which is supposed to be the smallest ever and only costing �200. Did anyone see this and if so would you know where I could buy it. Have looked at the usual PC world websites etc, but couldn't see any reference to it. Thank you

[Ice.Maiden]

Do you mean the Eee pc? If so - my friends've bought one each, and say they're brilliant. You can get all sorts of amazing software, apparently. The only drawback, is in using the tiny keyboard, but from the MSN messages I've received that've been typed on one, you soon get used to it.

[Ethel]

Superb piece of kit. All the software is freeware - Linux operating system instead of Windows; OpenOffice instead of Office; Firefox instead of IE.....

This has helped to keep the costs down dramatically.

A full size keyboard can be plugged in if needs be, but for what it is - an ultraportable laptop - it can't be beaten.
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39030092,4 9293507-1,00.htm

[Ice.Maiden]

I'm no computer buff, but it sounds excellent doesn't it Ethel? My friends were told by a friend who owns a little computer shop, that he'd ordered a couple to see how they went. My friends are IT engineers, and paid for the two machines without even seeing them. They couldn't contain their excitement when they arrived, and've had people come round to look at them! There's also the advantage of using Linux, as you say, so I think they'll become "must have's", as soon as people twig onto them.

[Ethel]

Of course they will never be stand alone pcs - you will still need a 'proper' pc or laptop unless you only ever use a pc for emails and a quick browse of the internet.

A big advantage that I see to this is you can use it on the road, out and about, and provided you are very careful about the information you put on it, it is not the end of the world if it is lost or stolen. Keep personal information off, don't use it to check your bank balance - no problem.

I want one. :)

[fo3nix]

Ah, the eee PC. From those manufacturers that don't want all the money being used to help poor kids in 3rd world countries with the XO laptop.

[Ethel]

?

[WoWo]

They do look very good, but as Ethel says wouldn't really be much of a replacement for a "proper" PC, one of the biggest problems is the small size of the hard-disk.

I was looking at getting one but want to have a look at one first, anybody know a shop (in London) where I can actually see/touch/play with one?

[Phantaxus]

www.eeeuser.com

[fo3nix]

XO laptop developed by a load of very intelligent people, to get the best laptop possible for use in developing countries (with special methods to get the battery to last a lot longer than standard OS code does, etc.)

Other manufacturers saw this gap and have made their own. Money for the XO laptop helps kids in 3rd world countries, money from other laptops (like Eee PC) are just to help Asus etc.

They're a great idea, but the XO was there first and has many great features the others don't have (the XO is more than just a mini laptop). Your money also goes to helping others in need.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/fight%21/cheap-lapt op-deathmatch-olpc-xo-laptop-vs-asus-eee-pc-32 7201.php

[glenbar]

Thanks to everyone for the answers. It sounds great, but dont think it is what I am looking for unfortunately.