I am writing this blog entry on my Aus Eee PC 1000H netbook PC at my favourite cafe, Pablos & Rustys near the Sun Gordon office in Sydney.   This is the future.   The netbook concept exploded in 2007-2008 and continues in 2009.   

The Asus Eee PC 1000H 

A netbook is a small portable laptop computer designed for wireless communication and access to the internet in a small lightweight package.  The key difference between a netbook and a laptop is that a netbook has no built-in disk drive which only adds to  weight and cost.   Who needs a disk drive today anyway.  I carry around my files on a memory stick attached to my key ring and I can download all of the software applications I need off the internet.  

By late 2008,  netbooks had begun to take market share away from laptops.  It is estimated that  almost thirty time more netbooks were sold  in 2008 (11.4 million)than in 2007 (400,000) and in 2009 sales are expected to jump to 35 million.

What is interesting is that the netbook concept started with the One Laptop per Child project and was more aimed as a low cost entry point for schools and developing countries.  However it is the mobile professionals  and families looking for a second laptop for home that is  driving the explosive growth.

My Eee PC 1000H gives me all I need.  Wireless access  to email and the net and came with StafOffice pre-installed in a package  that is about 1KG and fits easily into my brifecase.

Asus Eee PC 1000H Ultra-Portable PC Features

• Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1.6 GHz


• 512 KB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB


• 1-GB DDR2 SDRAM, 667 Mhz, Max. upto 2 GB maximum


• 160-GB, SATA 5400 rpm Hard Drive


• 10-inch (25.4 cm) WSVGA TFT LCD Display, 1024 x 600 pixels screen resolution


• Integrated Intel UMA Graphics Chipset with shared memory


• Integrated WiFi 802.11b/g /n Wireless LAN mini PCI-E connection


• Integrated Bluetooth v2.0 wireless connection


• Integrated 10/100 Mbit Ethernet LAN connection


• Integrated 56kbps Modem/Fax connection


• Integrated 1.3 Megapixel webcam (placed in the bezel above the LCD)


• 2-in-1 Media Card Reader, Multimedia Card (MMC), Memory stick (MS)


• 3 USB v2.0 ports


• Realtek ALC6628 Hi-Definition Audio 5.1 CODEC Hardware, Dolby Surround Sound


• Build-in Stereo 2 stereo speaker system 1.5 Watts each


• Built-in Digital Array Microphone


• Microsoft Windows XP, Microsodt Works


• Colors: Pearl white, Pure white, and Shine Black


• 6-cell, Li-Ion, 6600 mAh, 7.4 volts Battery, upto 6 hrs battery life


• Dimensions: WxDxH - 266 x 191.2 x 28.5/38 mm


• Weight: 1.45 Kgs with battery