Product Pipeline: Asus Eee PC, Dell Inspiron 1525, Everex CloudBook
Small spaces and small budgets pose no problem, says Christopher Harris, with the big technology found in these inexpensive laptops
By Christopher Harris -- netConnect, 4/15/2008
It has always been much easier to find inexpensive computers in a desktop format, but what about libraries whose space restrictions are as tight as their budgets? Now there are a number of new options for libraries looking to provide basic computing capabilities in a petite package at a very reasonable price. Obviously, there are some compromises to power given the small size and small price, but these sub-$500 notebooks just might fill your library's mobile computing needs.
Asus Eee PC
$399 for 4GB flash drive and 512MB RAM
One of the hottest notebooks right now is the $399 Asus Eee PC (just say a single “e”). This Taiwanese subnotebook handles basic word processing and Internet tasks with ease, but don't expect it to do everything the same way your desktop model does. It isn't that the computer is underpowered; with 512MB of RAM and an Intel mobile processor, the Eee PC 4G version is comparable to a standard desktop configuration of two years ago and can even handle Windows XP with no problem. The difference is that it doesn't, at least by default. To provide a better interface for the 7" screen and avoid the cost of a Windows license, the Eee PC ships with a modified version of the Xandros Linux open source operating system. But you don't have to be a Linux geek to operate an Eee PC. Everything is managed by a friendly launcher dashboard whose oversized icons provide a high level of comfort for nontechnical users.
Where you will notice Linux on the Eee PC is in trying to install software. For example, you won't be able to run Microsoft Office. Instead, the notebook comes with the OpenOffice suite pre-installed. OpenOffice is a very viable open source alternative that I would even go so far as to recommend as an easy way to cut costs on your Windows desktops. It provides full Microsoft Office compatibility in an environment most users will be able to use with few problems. OpenOffice seemed to take a little while to load, but it is known for long load times even on desktops.
Though the keyboard is very small, touch typing on the Eee PC is possible after a bit of practice. For non–touch typing users, or those who are used to mobile phone–sized QWERTY keyboards, the keyboard shouldn't present an obstacle.
As a notebook designed to be easy for home users, the Eee PC launcher comes configured with software that may not be appropriate for libraries. For example, the Work tab contains a link to the Thunderbird email client in addition to the individual OpenOffice icons. Some libraries may also want to remove the Wikipedia icon from the Internet tab. It is possible to remove or rearrange icons with some very simple editing of a configuration file (no Linux knowledge required). Most other system management, like setting up printers and/or adding software, is accomplished through the Settings tab.
From a hardware perspective, Asus has managed to pack a surprising amount into a very small case. Just larger than a junior-sized legal pad, the Eee PC still offers a 7" screen at 800 x 480 resolution. The only time the screen size is a problem is in viewing web sites that have been designed on a fixed width for 1,024 x 768 screens. On the sides of the notebook you will find a very generous three USB ports along with the expected Ethernet, headphone, and microphone ports. A standard security slot makes locking down this very small, two-pound laptop quite easy.
A nice addition is a regular VGA port that lets the Eee PC connect to an external monitor or projector without an adapter. This makes the Eee PC very attractive as a lightweight travel computer for presentations. Surrounding the monitor are two small speakers and a webcam. The battery life is rated at about three hours, though this can drop a bit when using the built-in wireless. Battery life is helped, however, by the lack of a hard drive. Instead, the Eee PC uses a 4GB flash memory drive similar to those in the iPod Touch and Nano. This storage can be expanded using the SD card slot, where an extra 4GB can be added for under $50. The Eee PC does not have an optical drive, so accessing information on CDs or DVDs presents an interesting challenge.
For librarians: Overall, this hot little subnotebook comes highly recommended for libraries. Its small size and smaller price make it a great way to provide additional word processing stations or Internet browsing terminals. At $399 for the 4G model, or $499 for the 8G model, which doubles the RAM to 1GB and the flash drive to 8GB, these are great for portable use throughout a wireless-enabled library.
Everex CloudBook
$399 for 30GB hard drive and 512MB RAM
The Everex CloudBook is another 7" value-priced laptop running Linux, on sale through Wal-Mart.com. The CloudBook tries to find its niche by shipping with gOS installed, a customized version of the incredibly popular Ubuntu Linux operating system (see sidebar). Like the Eee PC, the CloudBook ships with OpenOffice and a few other applications pre-installed, but gOS is designed primarily to use online tools. This does assume that you will always be connected to the Internet but avoids the usual problem of where users will store their documents.
The CloudBook is only slightly larger than the Eee PC and still includes a 7" display at 800 x 480 resolution in a similar two-pound package. It comes with 512MB of RAM upgradable to 1GB. Unlike the Eee PC's flash drives, the CloudBook features a regular 30GB laptop drive that offers much more space. Despite the additional battery drain from the spinning hard drive, the notebook still claims a five-hour battery life.
The usual Ethernet, headphone, and microphone jacks are supplemented with only two USB ports on the CloudBook. For such a small laptop, it is also a bit worrisome that there is no included security slot. It does, however, offer a four-in-one card reader that handles Sony's Memory Sticks and Multi Media Cards (MMC) as well as SD cards. One hardware drawback is the inclusion of a DVI video out port; though DVI is standard on new monitors, the much higher-quality image seems wasted for the low resolution of the CloudBook. Additionally, most projectors are still designed for VGA, so an adapter will probably be required.
For librarians: The CloudBook is probably not a perfect fit for libraries. The Eee PC's flash drive actually makes much more sense, since the 30GB hard drive is unnecessarily large for library use and will just waste battery life. The CloudBook excels at handheld usage while standing—this is the reason for the gap between the body and the monitor—but the splitting of the trackpad and buttons for use by both thumbs while upright makes navigation awkward for desktop work. So while this may be better suited to travelers, libraries should consider going with either the Eee PC or a regular laptop.
Dell Inspiron 1525
$499 for Celeron processor, 512 MB RAM and 80GB hard drive
If really little laptops running strange operating systems are not what you had in mind for expanding computer access in your library, do not despair. Dell, sensing the trend toward that $500 price point, is now offering the entry-level Dell Inspiron 1525 for $499.
Unlike the previous two subnotebooks, the Inspiron 1525 will seem much more familiar with its Windows Vista operating system and included CD/DVD drive. At six pounds, it is three times as heavy as the other two laptops; it looks and feels massive in comparison, though the 15" screen is easier to read. But the Inspiron 1525 is not competing in the same market as the Eee PC and the CloudBook; it aims to replicate the standard laptop experience at a lower price point.
For librarians: With a low-end Celeron processor and only 512MB of RAM, the Inspiron only just meets the requirements for Windows Vista Home Basic. You won't expect to find any of the Vista enhancements like Aero and scheduled backups on this device. Overall, the system felt a bit sluggish, though perhaps I was more willing to forgive speed issues in the Eee PC or CloudBook as they were not trying to be a regular laptop. Upgrading to a dual-core Pentium processor and 1GB of RAM adds $100 to the price but is an expenditure to make. Without the upgrade, this will probably be more of a frustration than a solution to your library users.
Product Sites
Asus Eee PC eeepc.asus.com
Dell Inspiron 1525 www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspnnb_1525
Everex CloudBook everex.com
| Author Information |
| Christopher Harris is the Coordinator of the School Library System of Genesee Valley BOCES in New York and a 2008 LJ Mover & Shaker. See his Infomancy blog at schoolof.info/infomancy |
|
