My Mobile Companion: Part 2

Last week I struck a nerve with 1SRC and FoleoFanatics readers.  It seems that some of you are more than interested in sub-notebook computers.  The Foleo might not be an option at this point, but there are devices that can step in and meet your ultra-mobile computing needs.

I’m in information technology, so it should be no surprise that I like to play with a lot of “toys.”  My Junior Podcasters correctly call them “business tools.”  During the work day, I’m always using my Treo and I was looking forward to taking my mobile computing to a new level with the Foleo.   With the Foleo put aside for the time being, Asus and Everex have developed similarly sized notebook computers that run either Linux or Microsoft Windows.  Since last week, a few 1SRCers and FoleoFanatics have contacted me urging me to take the plunge.  Before I jump into the ultra-mobile computing pool, let’s take a closer look at the options.

Asus Eee PC

The Eee PC is the first ultra-mobile computer that I recall reading about in the post Foleo era.  Actually, I’m sure that the co-hosts of the Maximum Geek podcast, Josh Curry and Jeff Kirvin, were talking about Eee about the same time Palm was talking about the Foleo.

Eee PC comes in four flavors: a 2GB version, two 4GB versions (with and without a video camera), and a high-end 8GB version.  The gigabytes in the model number refers to how much storage space is available on the device.  The Foleo was intended for use by corporate executives and other mobile professionals.  The Eee PC is intended for a larger customer base.  The tag line for Eee PC is “Easy to learn.  Easy to work.  Easy to play.”  With prices starting at $300, half the price of the Foleo, anyone who wants one can get one.  (Serious users will want to consider the 4GB or 8GB versions to allow the Eee PC to grow with you.)

The Eee PC, at 7-inches is a very portable device that I can see myself carrying around with me all the time.  It is small enough to carry around and yet big enough to still be able to get work done without having to squint at the screen to see numbers in a spreadsheet.  My biggest question about the Eee PC, and other UMPCs, is whether or not the keyboard will be big enough for my fingers.  The Stowaway keyboards that I was complaining about last week are about as small as I can go with and still be able to touch type on.

Everex Cloudbook

Everex’s yet to be released CloudBook seems like another interesting device.  I’m not sold on the design.  I defiantly like the look of the Foleo or Asus Eee better.  Despite what my co-worker Don thinks, you can have hardware that both works well and looks good.  (MacBook Air anyone?)  Aesthetics aside, Everex has some interesting things lined up for CloudBook.

The $399 CloudBook looks like it is going to be packed with just about everything under the sun.  Linux gear heads should rejoice.  Students who want an inexpensive device to do school work on will also like this device.  CloudBook will come with support for Blogger, YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia, OpenOffice 2.3 and music and video players.  (Some applications will be pre-installed.  Others, presumably, will have links from the desktop environment to the online services like Facebook and Wikipedia.)

Looking at the hardware specs, the CloudBook doesn’t appear to be a slouch.  $400 will get you a capable machine.  Stuffed into the 9-inch, 2 pound package will be a 1.2GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, a 30GB hard drive (it isn’t clear if it is a solid state drive or not), and an 800x480 7-inch WVGA display.  Everex, on their website, says that CloudBook will have a 5 hour battery.

Everex isn’t skimping on the extensibility of this device either.  CloudBook will also have a video out port, wired Ethernet, 802.11b/g wireless networking, two USB 2.0 ports, a 4-in-1 card reader, a web cam, and audio line in and out jacks.

Everex is also committed to the environment, something we should all be concerned about at this point.

More to Come?

Engadget ran an article back on February 19, with pictures of Hewlett-Packard’s new “lifestyle accessory” the Compaq 2133 UMPC.  Of all of the devices that I’ve talked about so far, this device, looks like it would be the best Foleo substitute around.  Not that I expect this device to be much different than the Eee PC or the CloudBook, mind you.  I say that because I’m a sucker for well-known companies.

It looks as if HP has captured and has been able to hold on to the top PC maker spot for a while now.  (The house that Michael built looks to be in some trouble, I guess.)  I know some of you won’t agree with my support for the unreleased Compaq 2133, but I’ve already made my objections about Linux known.  I’d rather deal with the learning curve of Windows Vista than have to puzzle my way through Linux land.  HP has the muscle behind it to build a solid machine that has the potential to go mainstream.  That said, by partnering with Wal-Mart, the Everex CloudBook could grab a considerable slice of the pie too.  It all comes down to personal bias, and mine is with HP this time around.

Designer Ultra-Mobiles

Once again bucking conventional wisdom is Apple.  When most companies are trying to make a sub-compact notebook computer, Apple super-sized their offering.  The MacBook Air is an incredible engineering marvel.  Their hardware is about the same weight as the other devices that are on or about to be on the market.  Except that Apple has a full sized QWERTY keyboard, 13-inch display scream machine.  Again, I know that some of you don’t share my views on Apple and Mac OS X, but it this device was cheaper, I would already have one of these things.  I’ve spoken to two people that I know personally and they both love their MacBook Air.  (My Mom called me the other day to ask if I had purchased one yet.)  The $1,800 starting price for the Air is proof that people value looks over function.  In my opinion, the Air does deliver on good looks and good functionality.  The question is will the Air be a niche device just like the rest of the sub-notebooks?  Only time will tell.  The PowerBook 12-inch has a cult following and I’m willing to bet the Air will also.

In Conclusion

I think it is clear that if Palm had shipped the Foleo back in September I would have happily plugging away with it.  I hope that Palm will go back and redesign the Foleo once Palm OS II/Nova ships early in 2009.  That said, I still believe in the idea that the Foleo represents even if I can’t buy one.

Other vendors have capitalized on the splash that Palm made in May during the All Things D announcement.  I’ve read and hear good things about the Asus Eee PC.  The Everex CloudBook looks like it will be a full-featured machine.  The Apple MacBook Air is full featured and has the sex appeal to sell the device on look alone, but it is far too pricey for the average user to consider getting one as a second machine.  Mac gear heads and professionals will no doubt be buying them.  And that leaves the rumored HP Compaq 2133.  If the photos that Engadget posted are in fact authentic, the 2133 will be a good-looking machine.  We are a little light on the product specs at this point, but if the hardware is going to run Vista, it has to be more powerful than the other Linux/Windows options.  (You aren’t running the Arrow interface on hardware done on the cheap.)  Would the Compaq 2133 be a value at the Foleo’s retail price of $600?  I’d like to see a new Foleo and the Compaq 2133 both shipping in the $400 price range.  Now let’s see if Palm and HP can deliver.

What are you thoughts?  I’d like to know.  Click on the Discussion link below and let us know.