I've thought it would be neat to get a Kindle (but they aren't available here yet). Books and magazines are rather expensive here compared to the States, so it might be a cheaper way to go for reading. I've always wanted a computer in the kitchen for displaying recipes or checking the shopping list, but I'm not going to put out the money for a laptop just for that.
Then I saw someone talk about the Cloudbook on twitter the other day so I looked it up online. It's (relatively) cheap, small, easy to move between the kitchen and porch, has all the stuff I'd need for reading mail, blogging, chatting, putting together shopping lists, surfing for and using recipes...
There are just 2 problems. One is that it isn't sold here. That isn't overwhelming, I could have my sister ship it to me, or John could pick it up next time he's in the States. The other is the power supply. We have a transformer for plugging in our US kitchen appliances, but we've noticed it doesn't do well with adapters. We tried plugging in some computer speakers that used a ac->dc adapter and we overheated/ruined them. At $45 per replacement I wouldn't want to burn up too many of these. It should be possible to find an adapter that runs on Aus. power, but maybe while looking for that I'll find a mini computer as reasonably priced sold here.
If you are in Australia, how about a Pioneer Dreambook Light?
ReplyDeleteRob, you might want to consider that a $400 appliance with limited internet and office product capability isn't that great a price point when you can pull down a laptop for $400 or so new and used can be had even cheaper.
ReplyDeleteJust spot checking the laptop prices out at Dell I noticed that there was at least one laptop out there with a price point lower than the Cloudbook.
I'm not saying that the Cloudbook or the Eee (something else you should take a look at) aren't interesting little computers. I'm just suggesting that for 'around the house' like you describe a laptop, with it's larger screen in particular, would probably fit your needs better.
Now, if you were talking about wanting a web browser/email checker/document typer to take with you when you were out and about, then I might think that these new ultra portables would be a decent option.
Have you considered to get an advanced cell phone/palm device? Lots of them have all the internet, e-mail, text message, and Windows/Mac application nowadays and not more expensive than the Cloudbook (of course, except the monthly data plan charge)
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