Eee PC Press Launch

I just came from the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, where Asus held a rather intimate Press Launch for their Eee PC.  I was lucky enough to be sent by my good friend, the Doodler, to the event and I was able to hold (or rather fondle) the Eee PC.

As expected, the units they had on display were running Linux but the casual user *may* not even know the difference considering that the default desktop of the Eee PC is configured like the Windows of yore (think Windows 3.x).  Yes, it felt like playing with a computer from the mid 80's.  But reading around the 'net, I know that there is an option to convert the desktop to a so-called "advanced" mode.  In Advanced mode, the Eee PC will look and feel like the usual Linux computer... something that I'm pretty familiar and comfortable with.  The unit available for sale starting November 18, 2007 is the variant with the 4 GB storage and 512Mb RAM.  I asked them if it is possible to upgrade the RAM to at least 1GB and they said that it is possible only if done through the local authorized Asus repair center (whoopee!).

The presentation of the Eee PC was pretty comprehensive.  They underscored how small and handy the unit is.  As shown in the picture above, the Eee PC weighs less than a Harry Potter book.  They even showed a video clip where the brought the the Eee PC to a pre-school and how the kids there *BUT* a quick search on the internet shows that the people who are most interested with the Eee PC are not kids (nor the harried housewives that they also show) but mostly adults who are sick of lugging around their heavy laptops.  My unsolicited advice to the local Asus marketing team that's handling the Eee PC: take care of that segment!

I played with the Eee PC on display for a while and the more I played with it, the more I got I got convinced that I want one for myself.  But I guess I'll have to wait because according to their marketing person, Nina, there is a queue waiting for the Eee PC.

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Asus Eee PC Is (almost) Here!

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And personally, it's three weeks late. I mean if the Asus Eee PC was made available three weeks ago, I would have gotten one in a blink (instead of the iPod Touch). But Asus will still get my money. I'll get one once my "gadget budget" gets released in a few week's time.

Those who were lucky enough to get their grubby little hands on this sucker has mixed reviews. But the good news is that it other (unsupported) apps can be installed to it.

I hope my good friends at HIP gets me a review unit soon. :)

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Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka): Global Ambassador for OLPC

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor Masi Oka, star of NBC’s hit ensemble drama series “Heroes” will serve as global ambassador for One Laptop per Child (OLPC), a non-profit organization launched in 2005 with a mission of providing a means for learning, self-expression and exploration to the nearly two billion children of the developing world with little or no access to education. In his role as OLPC ambassador, Oka will appear in public service announcements – both online and on television – to promote the importance of empowering children with learning tools and Internet connectivity.

Business Wire: public relations, press release distribution, investor relations, SEC filing

Hmmm, who better to serve as the global ambassador for the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) project than a TV nerd?  I think this is a nice choice!

So that's what he has hidden in the messenger bag he has in the picture shown above :)

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