Tech & Learning - June 2008 - (Page 31)

W W W.T E C H L E A R N I N G . C O M ASUS The Asus Eee PC (usa.asus.com) is currently available in 4 different models; prices range from about $300 (for the Model 2G Surf) to about $500 (Model 8G). A fifth model, the 900, is scheduled for sale in the US mid-May for about $550. Screen size for currently available models is 7", with 800 x 480 resolution. All are preloaded with the Linux OS, weigh about 2 pounds, include WiFi, 3 USB ports, and have a built-in card reader, speakers, and microphone. Some models include a camera. The Everex Cloudbook (www.everex.com), which utilizes the gOS Rocket operating system, has a 7-inch screen (800 x 480 resolution), weighs 2 pounds, and has a 5-hour battery life. It comes with Open Office installed (Microsoft Office compatible), as well as other open source software, WiFi, and a webcam. Being very Internet oriented, the Cloudbook comes with preinstalled or linked web-based applications, such as FireFox, Gmail, and Skype. It is priced at $399. ULTRA LOW-COST NOTEBOOK PCS ON THE RISE 500,000 IN 2007 IDC forecasts worldwide shipments of the ultra low cost notebook PC will grow from less than 500,000 units in 2007 to more than 9 million in 2012. But with low average selling prices (ASPs), worldwide revenues will be less than $3 billion in 2012. As a percentage of the total consumer PC market, these devices will remain under 5% throughout the forecast period. However, ultra low-cost notebooks could eventually capture more than one third of the education market by 2012. Source: The IDC report, Worldwide Ultra-Low-Cost Notebook 2008–2012 Forecast: The Disposable Notebook Opportunity FOURIER Fourier Systems calls their Nova5000 a “learning appliance” designed for students. Although optimized for science, it is also targeted toward general student computing. It has a 7-inch, 480 x 800 screen; runs the Windows CE.NET 5.0 OS; has built in WiFi and Ethernet; includes USB and VGA ports, and weighs under 3 pounds. It includes three “office-like” applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Pricing ranges from $379 to $599 depending on quantity and configuration. EVEREX OLPC The OLPC XO Laptop (www.laptop.org; previously reviewed in T&L; see www.techlearning.com) is targeted at undeveloped nations. It has preinstalled applications to promote creativity and collaboration, a built-in digital still/video camera, automatic mesh networking; built-in WiFi; and a long battery life. It is available only in bulk (100 XO laptops/$299 each; 1,000 units/$249 each; 10,000 units/$199 each). 9,000,000 IN 2012 TECH & LEARNING | 31 http://WWW.TECHLEARNING.COM http://usa.asus.com http://www.laptop.org http://www.techlearning.com http://www.everex.com

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Technology & Learning - June 2008 Contents Editor's Desk News & Trends They Said It: What Tech&Learning Insiders Are Writing Online Junket Justifiers Back Office Business Students of the World Unite! Get Small for Fall Summer Reading for School Leaders They Can Hear You Now What's New - NECC Highlights and More Leader of the Year Profile

Technology & Learning - June 2008

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