Section: Communications, Smartphones, Computers, Mobile Computers, Laptops
Word has it Dell is getting into the hot new thing: tiny PCs. These small, convenient if lacking small laptops are capturing the hearts and minds of todays laptop maker. What is behind the bandwagon movement? Is it consumer preference or is it a fight to stay relevant?
The OLPC is the first I remember to promise a cheap machine that you could actually use. Their big push, buy one/give one went over well from what I hear and then was promptly discontinued. Now the effort focuses on the lofty and worthy goal of only supplying them to third world nations, not your brothers kids. But it was the OLPC that got me (and others) excited about the small size.
Then came the Asus eee PC. Loads of fun, able to do small things pretty well. Bottom line it is a $300 pc, tough to be too tough on that. Small, light, easy to take with you. Last time I checked, our Editor Robert has one he threatened to use at CES in Vegas.
Now HP, Dell and loads of others are going to build. But if they build it, who will buy? Students seem to be a big target. Techies that want to have more stuff. Ok, but is the average joe going to get one of these vs. a home desktop? Not if he knows what is good for him.
Windows XP is being revived/not let go just for these machines in efforts to bump linux to the curb. I am not sure that is a bonus feature but could help give these segment some mass appeal.
I am amazed how much our readership is following these tiny PCs. Are we just bored with other gear and can say, “yeah, I’ll drop $300 on one of these” or are these more than a fad?
Anyone believe this is how the laptop makers believe they’ll compete with smartphones or iPhones that allow us to browse and do light internet stuff? One could argue these laptops could supplant mobile smartphone capabilities with a larger screen and workable keyboard. Maybe the Foleo was just too far ahead of its time?
Tell us what you think. Are these baby laptops here to stay?
Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
Written by JG Mason on April 9th, 2008 with comments disabled.
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Filed under: Gaming
We know tons of aging Dreamcast fans’ hearts skipped a beat today — us included — when Sega made a rustle with the brand name at the USPTO. But as it turns out, the recently filed trademark application is just a renewal on brand, and doesn’t express any intentions to do another Dreamcast console. In fact, Sega further explained to GameDaily, rather flatly we might add, that they have “no plans to get back into the console business.” We know, we’re already reaching for the Zoloft, too, but did anyone really think Sega wanted to make one last go of game consoles when even mega-players like Sony can’t keep it together?
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Written by Ryan Block on December 6th, 2007 with no comments.
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Filed under: Gaming
As at least two members of the Engadget staff can attest to, the Dreamcast was a totally bodacious system — one which has been surprisingly kept alive well past its cancelation from commercial sale by a core group of terrifically dedicated gamers and home-brewers. You’d think that a system which was discontinued in 2001 (though Sega did start selling refurbished units in 2006) would have run out of tricks… but you would be wrong. Some DC-fanboys just discovered an eBay auction for a prototype Iomega Dreamcast Zip Drive, an add-on that was clearly just on the brink of making it to market. The unit would have sat beneath the system and interfaced via the DC’s expansion port, providing 100MB of storage (per disc) of your precious Shenmue and Code Veronica save-states. Listen, it’s not too late to own this piece of Dreamcast history, though we can’t promise we won’t be desperately trying to outbid you. Oh, by the way, the starting price is $10,000.
[Via DCNews]
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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
Written by Joshua Topolsky on September 13th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on 1865 and 4200 and 50 dollar credit and AOL and Communications, Cellphones, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, GP and Communications, Smartphones, Computers, Mobile Computer and News Corp and PDA/Tablet and Video, Content, Imaging, Web, Websites, Online Music/Vi and W980.
