Asus brought out a fantastic little UMPC style laptop for under AUD$500, the “eee PC”

I am very tempted to purchase this once my credit cards have been sorted out. I’d really like a small, portable laptop to work on while mobile. I am about to embark on learning Java programming and this would be perfect to drag around in my backpack.

Technical Details

• Display -LCD Size / Type 7″ Wide / Matted -LCD Resolution 800×480 (~WVGA) -LCD Type TFT • Graphic Intel UMA • Chipset Intel Mobile Chipset Processor: Intel Mobile CPU • Memory Onboard: 512MB DDR2 • Flash / HDD: 4GB • OS Supported: Linux Preloaded (Windows XP Compatible, Drivers included)” • Audio -Hi-Definition Audio CODEC -Microphone: 1 Internal Microphone -Speakers: 2 Internal Stereo Speakers -Audio Jack – Out (3.5mm) 1 -Audio Jack – In (3.5mm) 1 • Wireless Included: 802.11 b/g • Integrated Camera: YES (0.3MP) • LAN / Connector 10/100 Mbps / RJ-45 • USB 2.0 ports: 3 • Memory Card Reader: MMC/SD(SDHC) • VGA Port: 1 (D-sub 15 pin) • Battery -Battery 4 cell (5,200 mAh) -Battery Life 3.5 hours • Power -AC Adapter Output: 9.5V, 22W -AC Adapter Input: 100-240V AC -50/60Hz universal • Weight 2.0 lbs (with Battery) • Dimensions (W x D x H) 8.86″ x 6.30″ x 0.79″ ~ 1.26″ • Warranty: 2 Year Warranty; 6 months for battery

I wonder if it gives Renee her ‘girl wood’ hehe. I went to Officeworks the other day and had a look at it and it’s really sweet. I’d even set up an account on it for Sienna to use as the keys are perfect for her sized hands, but not too cramped for people with bigger hands to use as well.

UMPCs should be around this price and not $1,300 which is really twice or more than a standard laptop. Why would you want to pay twice for something a fraction of the size?