I'm just off to the Handheld Learning 2007 conference in London, where RM (formerly Research Machines) is showing off the Linux-based Asus MiniBook notebook PC that it will sell to UK schools from November 1 for £169 (£199 inc VAT). RM has the specs and is taking orders here:
With its stylish looks, 7" screen, integrated card reader and optional 3G module this notebook is ideal for those looking for the latest technology on their device at prices from £169! Features also include integrated microphone, speakers, wireless b&g, 3 full-size USB ports and VGA out port.
This is, of course, our old friend the Intel Classmate PC, which I wrote about last October (Intel Classmate PC -- a mobile for the third world), as interpreted and executed by Asus, which I wrote about on May 5 (Asustek's Classmate could challenge MIT's laptop). This was duly unveiled as the Asus Eee subnotebook in June (Intel Classmate becomes $199 Asus Eee subnotebook PC).
On paper, the Asus looks much more attractive than the MIT One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) -- at least to a Westerner with broadband and reliable electricity supplies -- and while RM is pitching the Linux version, it will also run Windows. (In fact, it couldn't be that hard to knock out a version running Mac OS X, now it runs on Intel as standard.)
More later, when I've had my hands on the thing....
