[GLLUG] $150 linux laptop - new?

[Bruce Smith]

> I think you're right that the price could come down to $200, but I don't
> think they'll be that much of a hit with students--they won't have the
> graphics or storage needs for most student stuff.  Perhaps for kids in
> grade school, or those who have really limited funds.
>
> Me, I think that the $200 system will ultimately be huge with older
> folks, those who didn't grow up with computers, but do know how to
> use them at least for email with their kids, etc.  I know at least half
> a dozen people who wander down to the AA public library twice a
> week or so to get email.  They could afford a $1K system, but don't
> see the need.  At $200 though, I'll bet many of them will bite...

I also see a market for the hardcore computer geek.

Sure, I have a fast desktop with a lot of disk space, but there are
times it'd be nice to have a cheap laptop on the table next to the
lazyboy while I'm watching TV, or in the kitchen, or ...   just to
check email and/or do some light surfing.  Or to ssh into my desktop
and see how that 6 hour compile is going.

And if you don't want to maintain another standalone Linux, you can
always XDMCP (or LTSP) into your main Linux desktop.

When/if the price gets down below $200, and it runs Linux reasonably
fast and well (must be able to suspend without problems, builtin in
802.11g works, all the stuff you expect from a laptop), I'll pick one
up for the reasons I listed above.

 - BS