ffutures: (Default)
ffutures ([personal profile] ffutures) wrote2009-02-25 11:34 am

Elonex OneT?

Maplins are selling these refurbished for a hundred quid, free delivery, mail order only, 3 months warranty. They look like a pretty basic Linux netbook (no idea what version linux), 128mb RAM plus 2gb SSHD, take SD and USB sticks. What you can't do is use an external hard disk, and I suspect the RAM can't be expanded or the OS changed. It's a pretty basic specification but realistically it's probably enough to keep me in touch, and small, cheap and light enough that I won't feel too paranoid if I carry one around.

Anyone know anything against them?
ext_58972: Mad! (Default)

[identity profile] autopope.livejournal.com 2009-02-25 12:28 pm (UTC)(link)
WARNING: according to the wikipedia entry the Elonex OneT doesn't use an intel-compatible processor -- it's some kind of RISC core. It's a 400MHz CPU (i.e. slow as hell), probably related to MIPS architecture, and compatible with just about nothing else on the planet.

As long as you don't expect too much of it and just want a cheap writing tool (keyboard plus screen), it's probably not a problem -- but don't expect something as classy and powerful as, say, an Asus Eee 701. And you can find an Eee 701 (more storage, more memory, common parts, lots of upgrade options) on eBay for about 125-150 quid.
Edited 2009-02-25 12:30 (UTC)

[identity profile] ffutures.livejournal.com 2009-02-25 12:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks - sincd posting I've seen some other negative reviews so it's probably not for me.
ext_58972: Mad! (Default)

[identity profile] autopope.livejournal.com 2009-02-25 12:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Asus are allegedly discontinuing their 9" Eees this year, to focus on the 10" machines (more practical -- full sized keyboard) or the 7" ones (cheap).

I've got a 10" Asus Eee 1000H to offload some time soon (replaced it with an HP mini 1000 -- I don't get on with Asus's keyboard layout). Alternatively, if you want small (and can cope with a small keyboard) you should keep your eyes open for a second-hand Eee 901 -- the Atom-based 9xx series Eee. Battery life is 5-6 hours, screen is 1024 x 600 pixels, and if you can type on it it's a joy and a delight. Going price on eBay is 150 quid and up -- 240 retail for a new one.

[identity profile] ffutures.livejournal.com 2009-02-25 02:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Eee 901 sounds good - small, light and a long battery life are the main goals.

[identity profile] ffutures.livejournal.com 2009-02-25 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
except I'm not seeing them under £250 or so. Oh well, I can wait.
ext_58972: Mad! (Default)

[identity profile] autopope.livejournal.com 2009-02-26 11:35 am (UTC)(link)
They're going to be discontinued within the next six months, at which point I am hoping the price will drop.

[identity profile] sirernest.livejournal.com 2009-02-25 01:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Marcus, it is the same thing I already talked about in my comments back when you where posting your search for a small comp.
You don't want it. It's a fun little toy and I enjoy mine (which is not the Elonex but the identical Maplin MiniBook/CnMBook: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=225532&source=1 [more detailed info and specs: http://cnmlifestyle.com/])

The RAM cannot be upgraded. The OS can be changed, in a way. If you can find a variant that works on it. There has been a different Linux built for it by fans but it's barely working and that's about it.

The keyboard will be too small for you. I can manage with it but barely and not for writing long texts.

It's a nice toy for surfing the web and reading stuff but that's about it.

[identity profile] ffutures.livejournal.com 2009-02-25 02:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Many thanks!
ext_58972: Mad! (Default)

FYI

[identity profile] autopope.livejournal.com 2009-02-27 09:07 am (UTC)(link)
click here.

The Eee 901 has just been slashed to US $270-odd new (or around £187) in the US.

This suggests that they're going to get very cheap on ebay real soon now. And it's a vastly better machine than the Elonex. (20Gb SSD, 1024x600 pixel 9" display, 1Gb RAM expandable to 2Gb, Intel Atom 270 CPU at 1.6GHz, and a battery format that's available cheap in a variety of sizes on eBay.) Oh, and you can stick WinXP on it, if you're so inclined.
Edited 2009-02-27 09:45 (UTC)

Re: FYI

[identity profile] ffutures.livejournal.com 2009-02-27 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks - still looks to be 280 quid most places in the UK, unfortunately, but we shall see what happens.
ext_58972: Mad! (Default)

Re: FYI

[identity profile] autopope.livejournal.com 2009-02-27 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
So you know why I'm recommending it, here's an in-depth review. In a nutshell: it's the ideal intersection of small size, battery life, decent screen, and good processor. Assuming you don't mind the pokey keyboard and odd right-shift key placement, it's as near perfect as you can get.

If you're willing to go a bit larger or require a full-sized keyboard, the HP mini 1000 (wot I use right now) is great. But you won't find it for less than £300.