(it) www.efsoft.it - xoomer.alice.it/efsoft_it
Subject
mysterious..... but not too much.
When I created the link that leads to this page, I had not even thought of what might contain
Now that I started to build one thing is certain: that even if it was inspired by the success dall'Asus EEE, you will not find here yet anotherlist of problems solved and / or special settings to change or improve the functioning of the Mini Computer everyone can provide the preferred system as any PC (with some restrictions depending on the choices)
Xandros (Default) uBuntu Mandriva Microsoft XP Microsoft Vista Apple X
It would be useless because you can find here
all the assistance that you may need and the replies of people far more experienced than I (certainly) in Linux.
If you want a list of all files and programs on a Asus Eee PC 701 (the model that more than others decreed the success of the Series Eee with Linux OS) can be found HERE
This page instead frameworks this object, defined but not too mysterious, by different vision in trying to provide (imho) why the device Asus has generated such a broad reaction to the mini computer, what effects this has had on competitors (and for O.S on Microsoft) and what and how many will be developments of the phenomenon started. The wish of Mini PC is not new. The fever of miniaturization in fact has always existed, always alive, relaunched by big names (read Microsoft) but never was able to cause a phenomenon, as happened with the announcement of the model of Asus Eee If you're curious to take a leap in time to hunt for Mini PCs and of the attempts made to create the one that was what users expected to look HERE you can find a small Mini History of the MINI PCs that have anticipated those of today.
To analyze the small revolution triggered by the model of Asus Eee (by the way also the name seems to arouse curiosity) the analysis
must be based on the existing framework before its appearance.
Background to wide spectrum. I mean to say that the market of the portable (standard notebook) had already obtained the preference above
Desk models and had even reached the saturation point for over-all similar models, without, however, a real competition to reduce the prices (except for promotional sales to replace old models with new items). It was possible to find a notebook on the market between 500 and 400
euros, honestly not brilliant for weight or autonomy but sufficient to satisfy the desire for portability. From the opposite side, the PDAs (wrongly considered by someone as Mini PC) had initially met the needs of miniaturization of the users but to converge (required) with the cellular phones and no real enchangement to WinCE Office package, ultimately bring multimedia services on to use these devices, being also them severely limited by the size of the screen (reduced to 2.8/2.6 ') that is not the best to work.
(Oh well, because someone want to see on those screens the TV programs, surely everything can be done).
However the new models and the top models' price rarely fall below the 500 Euro.
In this context, the proposal Origami by Microsoft had given the green light to portable, small sizes and weight ,models equipped with a standard full PC OS.
Choice irreprehensible strategically that codified the characteristics of the UMPC, machines capable to run the Win OS and so offering the opportunity to use these machines on Microsoft's future OS also without significant changes and obtaining to fidelize the future MiniPC users. But the launch of these models did not offer the hoped results owing to the autonomy and the price, do not conform certainly to the original planned performance. Perhaps even the form factor was not much appreciated as happened with the Tablet PC version of the notebooks
It is more or less at this point and with this in mind that Asus, againstt to its own UMPC models, proposes the first PC lowcost that in the market has aroused a genuine interest in people.
Probably Asus, participating in the UMPC operation, had verified the demand for MiniPCI that the Origami plan does not satisfied and had the ability and the courage to make a different and innovative proposal to the users.
3, at least, the choices that are essential to their bid: ..
1 - The choice of a light Linux O.S, as default, with the result not require large memory space and expensive licence's charges.
2 - The first choice allowed the options to use an SSD (little as a memory card), even if of good features.
3 - From the above the killing of a standard cost while maintaining a good choice of features: WiFi, USB ports, Reader SDHC, VGA out etc
These were the first arrows at the history of 'Eee.
To this add that the Eee is an open platform, as mentioned, not burdened by the cost of Microsoft OS, but with the drivers needed to install an XP system, because you can think what you want about Microsoft, but you can not ignore them. What is certain is that with the Eee Asus has made a good contribution to the spread of Linux O.S (as well as having introduced commercially on a large diffusion model the first HD solid state). This has forced Microsoft to defer the abandonment of XP in order not to lose contact with the phenomenon created by the move of Asus) .http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2008/apr08/04-03xpeos.mspx
it is instructive to read the lines where the interviewer asks about what are the ULCPCs (Ultra Low Cost PCs) that have forced Microsoft to this step. According to the response herein quoted in full : :ULCPCs are a new and growing class of mobile computers (Computer low cost are not a new class but only models never produced to maintain prices) designed for first-time PC buyers and customers interested in complementing heir primary Windows-based PCs with companion devices with limited hardware capabilities. (I do not believe that these models have hardware capabilities so limited if the target is to run on them Windows XP and why not Linux PC based companion?) These machines vary, but they typically have smaller screen sizes (Curious, the 7-inch screen were not so small as a standard defined by Microsoft for its UMPC) and lower-powered processors than more expensive mobile PCs. (i do not think that, particularly for models with a 1.6GHz Atom we can talk about low-power processors ) While originally intended for students and other first-time PC customers in emerging markets, (This had already been planned and a great way to extend the OS market giving them perhaps what they do not need) we’re now seeing interest in these affordable devices in developed countries as well. (and this is the real concern as the interest here, not provided by Microsoft, has been obtained by a model running Linux OS by default) One thing we’ve heard loud and clear, from both our customers and our partners, is the desire for Windows on this new class of devices. (it is obvious owing to MS position but they must consider that many users have had occasion to appreciate Linux also that is equally loud and clear) We are enthusiastic about this category because it enables us to bring the benefits of Windows to more customers. (logical enthusiasm for a market opened anyway even if not by Microsoft but....Windows benefits include also pushing up the cost of the ULCPcs using XP?). For Microsoft, anyway, to make a step backward, maintaining XP, because of a Linux OS on a PC, which could succeed even if only on lowcost PCs, could mean a mismatch for its image and therefore, playing with words, they perfected the reasons for the move, dropping down the definition of ULCPCs (dangerously tied to the PC concept) by attributing the staying alive of XP (but Home only..).to the needs of the Net-top or NetBook (kind of creation extemporaneous, substantially models identified as:
"Portable designed by the minimalist hardware, only to allow Internet surfing and e-mail consultation" (But if it is so why i need XP running on this kind of devices?)
http://www.microsoft.com/italy/stampa/comunicati_stampa/giu08/0406_nettop.mspx . The Position that dentify lowcost PCs with Net-top/Netbooks (and consequently that these models use Linux because of their poor performance and needs) has been already in use, on press, web etc to identify as NETBOOK the mini PC (lowcost or less) as detectable by this example that shows the difference between title and article linked about the use of this definition.
However, a miniPCI to 299 $ (quickly turned into 299Eur) easily disappear from the shop for too much requests if in addition to the good price adds a good construction and more than acceptable performance When a producer has the courage to launch a product that opens a new perspective (but especially successful in doing so), all those
who had similar projects or not join the market with the claim (including unreported) that their product is better for win at least a slice of the pie. It is obvious that the page initially dedicated to Asus Eee should extend to other competitors
Here are some of the models already known and / or next-spread
ATTN. The page is under construction / Continuously updated so the underlying tables are subject to change and
especially not they pretend to be esausive phenomenon of lowcost and / or its evolution.
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MODEL
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Physical Data
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Hardware
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Connections
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other
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ASUS Eee PC 701 |
22,5cm x 16,4cm x 3,50cm Peso: 0,95 kg Schermo: LCD WVGA 7" Tastiera: Qwerty Touch Pad |
Intel Celeron M 900 Mhz 4GB Solid State Disk Memoria: 512MB DRAM Batteria Li-Ion 4 celle 5200mAh Scheda audio integrata |
1 Porta VGA 3 Porte USB 2.0 Ethernet 10/100 RJ 45 WiFi 802.11b/g Slot SD Uscita cuffie 1 Webcam 0.3Mpx |
S.O. Linux Xandros Prezzo.€.200 circa c/o Expansys |
|
ASUS Eee PC 901 |
22,6cm x 17,5cm x 3,90cm Peso: 1,140 kg Schermo: LCD WVGA 8.9" Tastiera: Qwerty Touch Pad |
Intel GMA 950 1600 Mhz 12GB Solid State Disk Memoria: 1024MB DRAM Batteria Li-Ion 6 celle 6600mAh Scheda audio integrata |
1 Porta VGA 3 Porte USB 2.0 Ethernet 10/100 RJ 45 WiFi 802.11b/g Bluetooth Slot SD Uscita cuffie 1 Webcam 1.3Mpx |
S.O. Windows XP home Prezzo.€.399 |
|
ACER Aspire One |
24cm x 17cm x ? cm Peso: 0.99 kg Schermo: 8.9" LED WSVGA Tastiera: Qwerty (95%) Touch Pad |
Intel ATOM N270 1,6 GHz 8GB Solid State Disk Memoria: 512MB DRAM Batteria Li-Ion 3 celle 2200 mAh Scheda audio integrata |
1 Porta VGA 3 Porte USB 2.0 Card reader 5 in 1 Ethernet 10/100 RJ 45 WiFi 802.11b/g Slot SD/SDHC(expand HD) 1 Webcam 0.3Mpx |
S.O.Linpus Linux Lite Prezzo.€.299 |
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DELL Inspiron Mini 9 |
23.2cm x 17.5cm x 2-3cm Peso: kg Schermo: 8.9" WSVGA Tastiera: Qwerty Touch Pad |
Atom Cpu 4GB Solid State Disk Memoria: 512MB DRAM Batteria Li-Ion 4 celle 3500 mAh |
1 Porta VGA 3 Porte USB 2.0 Ethernet 10/100 RJ 45 WiFi 802.11b/g Slot SD/SDHC Uscita cuffie WebCam (Optional) Bluetooth (Optional) |
S.O. Linux Ubuntu 8.04 Prezzo.€.369 |
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FujitsuSiemens Mini |
23.3cm x 17.5cm x3-3.6cm Peso: 1.0 kg Schermo: 8.9" WSVGA Tastiera: Qwerty Touch Pad |
Intel ATOM N270 1,6 GHz 60/80GB HD(3600x4200rpm) Memoria: 1 MB DRAM Batteria Li-Ion Scheda audio integrata Altoparlanti integrati microfono integrato |
1 Porta VGA Porte? USB 2.0 Ethernet 10/100 RJ 45 WiFi 802.11b/g Bluetooth Slot Express Card Uscita cuffie 1 Webcam 1.3Mpx |
S.O. Microsoft XP ome Prezzo € 399 |
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Lenovo Ideapad S10 |
25cm x 18,9cm x 2.5cm Peso: 1.2 Kg Schermo: 10" 1024x600 Tastiera: Qwerty Touch Pad |
Intel ATOM N270 1,6 GHz 160 GB Hard Disk Memoria: 1GB DRAM Batteria Li-Ion 3 celle 2200 mAh Scheda audio integrata Altoparlanti integrati microfono integrato |
1 Porta VGA 2 Porte USB 2.0 Slot Express Card 34 Card reader 4 in 1 Ethernet 10/100 RJ 45 WiFi 802.11b/g 1 Webcam 1.3Mpx |
S.O. Windows XP? Prezzo € 329 |
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Lenovo Ideapad S9 |
25cm x 18,9cm x 2.5cm Peso: 1.0 Kg Schermo: 8.9" WVGA Tastiera: Qwerty Touch Pad |
Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz Disco: 4Gb SSD |
Webcam: 300K WiFi: 802.11 b/g Bluetooth |
S.O. Linpus Linux Lite Prezzo € 300 |
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MSI Wind U90 |
26cm x 18cm x 1.9-3.15cm Peso: 1.0 Kg circa Schermo: 8.9" WVGA LED Tastiera: Qwerty Touch Pad |
Intel ATOM 1,6 GHz 80 GB Hard Disk Memoria: 1GB DDR2 Batteria Li-Ion 3 celle ? mAh Scheda audio integrata Altoparlanti integrati |
1 Porta VGA 1 porta D-sub 3 Porte USB 2.0 Ethernet 10/100 RJ 45 WiFi 802.11b/g Bluetooth 2.0 Lettore Card: 4 in 1 Uscita cuffie microfono in 1 Webcam |
S.O. Windows XP Home Prezzo € 399 offerta Wind |
This first attempt to monitor the category and its evolution comes from feeling that the phenomenon, which was developed for the meeting of the user wishes in MiniPCI and the low cost of a vald and innovative offer, may be coverted in a pretext to revive tha traditional notebook market .
Essentially the idea is to satisfy the desire of Mini (as mentioned above) adding, wisely improvements as inevitable, for pushing up the price of an object not more low cost but now NetBook running under Windows.
And no matters whether the additions made are unnecessary for devices that should be NetTop/netBook (Windows XP imcluded). As already said why a screen 7 'inches is considered valid for a UMPC but immediately becomes insufficient for a lowcost? So you have now to require screens from 9 / 10 inch with largest consumption, size and weight. And of course cost. Why to appoint these devices NetBook and to HD, in some cases, from 80/160 Gb? What sense has a such variant in a netBook intended mainly to navigate or read mail ? For this type of performance is more than just a Nokia (Internet Tablet) even in the first version N770.or N8xx What is certain is that my points of view may or may not be shared, but I am sure that the direction for the evolution of this devices should preserve the LowCost concept proposed by Asus. For example: . HP has created a notebook with 24 hours of autonomy. This was achieved with the help of SSD and a Led screen retroilluminated,. characteristics also found in some low cost. Why then does not engage with the same approach to create MiniPCI with better autonomy without increasing weight, cost and size? This shoul bea real useful upgrade. Future models plan to mount a 3G mobile connection wide-ranging. Good idea to better justify the NetBook name and surely will make happy the Phone Connection Providers (especially in Italy), even if the Cost (no longer Low) will rise again.
A different class of devices (innovative) can be represented by models like the Palm Foleo (aborted) or the Celio Redfly .... that propose a symbiosis with pdaPhone / Smarthone like a kind of Mini PC but without Cpu, O.S and storage unit.
And also without Low Cost. You will find below a list of links to various models news and rumors about the brands that have something to say in this market: ACER Aspire One AcerModels DELL Mini Inspiron FUJITSU SIEMENS Amilo Amilo video HP MiniNote (Pdf) HP è una marca che non ha bisogno di presentazioni.Al vertice per molto tempo nel campo dei PDA non manca certo di esperienza per i notebook. Caratteristiche che danno una buona garanzia sul loro prodotto. Tuttavia non posso non notare un peso superiore (e anche un prezzo) che nella versione che più si avvicina all Asus viene proposto a $499. Versioni certamente più complete hanno prezzi anche superiori e la definizione LowCost finisce per non essere appropriata Qui trovate più ampi dettagli LENOVO Ideapad G - S10 - S9 MEDION Akoya Mini MSI Wind U100 Wind U90 Questo modello è stato il primo ad apparire come avversario di Asus e forse è anche il primo ad aver mantenuto nella competizione la giusta impostazione LowCost. In realtà si dovrebbe fare il paragone con le versioni successive all' Eee 701 di cui non adotta la soluzione di HD a stato solido. Si tratta comunque di un modello che vale la pena di tenere in considerazione (almeno se non volete Linux istallato visto che adotta XP). Video e Pre Review disponibili QUI SURCOUF Mobile PC SYLVANIA Sylvania G VIA Open Book (reference design)
:http://www.linuxlinks.com/article/2007111710124771/Asus-701-Appendix.html
(Pagina in costruzione)
