Word of advise for anyone considering one of these.. Linux is a fantastic operating system, but it can still be a bit picky about what hardware it will support (because manufacturers typically do not write Linux device drivers, and will not give the necessary hardware specs to the device driver hackers/coders).. soo.. if you're buying new hardware to work with a Linux box, go for decent hardware, and avoid unbranded stuff. If the packaging says that it supports Mac OSX, but does not mention Linux, there is still a decent chance that the device will work on the eeePC, as OSX is based on FreeBSD, which is extremely similar to Linux (both were originally Unix clones).
Also, a good place to check is the following: LinuxQuestions.org HCL - Main Index


I was tempted to go for one of these devices too, but I ended up going for the Nokia N800 (internet tablet), which is basically a handheld computer (not a phone!) which runs Linux. Its powerful enough to display videos (specially encoded using "transcode"), display my fiche images (saved as jpg), and fits up to 16GB of memory, via 2 SD cards. The software is all free, and the best part is that I picked up a new one for 170 GBP on ebay (compared to 250-300 on the high street), as the new N810 is just out, which most people are more interested in (but I'm not, cos it has one of those breakable pull-out keyboards which the N800 avoids). It also has a radio tuner, wifi, bluetooth, and an Opera-based browser (switchable to a Mozilla/Firefox based browser by upgrading the operating system to the 2008 version). Did I mention it also supports skype? It's cool, and a hell of an alternative to a laptop if you need your geeky toys on the road.

Good advice there.

BUT I've had to go back on my pledge to buy an Asus... it's not because it's not suitable - it's fantastic - we have one to play with in the office... however.... look what MAY be coming next year...

Mac Rumors: Apple Ultra-Portable MacBook Rumor Roundup

So I'll just have to wait and see because an Apple designed and built ultra portable with Flash memory is going to win hands down over the Asus.

m

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Thanks for that tip, Matt. Being a Mac guy it's exactly the kind of macine I would buy for travelling. Having used Macs from the beginning, I'd wait 6-12 months of course and let others work out the bugs. Let's hope the rumors are true!

Yes I know what you mean... I've bought pretty much every first generation Apple product for the last 8 years and I've paid the price - having said that the software updates always work and the hardware never fails... so I may just take yet another leap of faith and await the stunning 12 inches I'm sure Mr Jobs will provide

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But can you make him drink?
IBM Thinkpad X40 PM 1.7GHz<br>(2371-8EU) Grade B
ThinkPad X40
Shown on docking station but works fine without(no DVD). Comes with the docking station.
Click on photo to enlarge.
8x10x0.5 inches
Windows XP Pro
40 Gig HD
USB will power an external HD
Wireless
Phone Modem
Travel charger
2.5 lbs.(removes from docking station)
Fall protection on HD.
$370usd

Very nice to use.
Quality.
b.

Cracking kit - and of course I could happily instal a decent OS on it and it's very light - but I'm afraid it falls at the first hurdle having a standard HD rather than a flash based one.... which is one of the major things I'm looking for.

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matt,
With memory limited to 8 gigs and no Windows, what's to want?
Gonna be an antique when you get it.
Flash memory is coming but it isn't here yet
What don't I understand?
At least the ThinkPad is aging gracefully.
Please explain.
b.