A 99 British Pound laptop is set to be released in the market on February 28. It's a new budget computer targeted for school children and teenagers. That's roughly $200 or P8000 based on the current exchange rates. It's certainly cheaper than most Cellphone models in the market today.

Called the One, it can be used as a traditional notebook computer or, with the screen detached from the keyboard, as a portable “tablet”. Wi-fi technology lets users access the internet or swap music (and homework) files between computers wirelessly.

Personal files can be stored on the laptop's 1GB built in memory or on a tough digital wristband that children can plug into the USB Socket of whichever computer they happen to be using. The One runs on Linux, an open source software which is a rival to Windows but is completely free to use. Of course, this has it's drawbacks. It's not as slick and easy to use as Windows. But this is also why the One is so cheap. It includes a free word processor and spreadsheet, a free web browser and free email software. It has a 7 inch screen, similar to those portable DVD players. It has no CD drive.

It also has preloaded programs ranging from instant messaging softwares, photo editor, games and an MP3 player. It weighs less than a kilo and has a 3 hour battery life. It's part of the One Laptop per Child Project that UK has adopted from USA. For every One unit bought, Elonex will be donating a unit to a kid from an underdeveloped country. I wonder if they consider the Philippines as underdeveloped.

A lot of 2nd hand laptops can also be bought at that price, and I wonder if which one would be more advisable to purchase. I mean, usually, I would recommend getting the brand new one because of the warranty. Although judging by its specs, some 2nd hand laptops have better specifications in terms of memory. But this one has WiFi which makes connectivity easier.

I guess I shouldn't be thinking much of that for now. We're not even sure if it would be available here. But if it would be locally distributed, I would highly consider getting one for my little sister. A laptop sure is a handy tool for students especially now that there are a lot of WiFi hotspots available. My little sister wants a PSP for her graduation present but I'm thinking a laptop will be a better one.

I previously wanted to get her an Asus Eeg. After all, Asus is a more prominent name than the lesser known Elonex. and for a few hundred dollars more, this has better specs. It's till a few weeks until her graduation. So, I'm still gonna take my time to think this over.

Sunday, February 24, 2008
Categories: gadgets. Author: Unknown