Back Online

So it's been a while since the last time I posted to this blog. The bad reason for this is that internet access is sometime hard to come by and if I do want to some writing, my writing often occurs when I have nothing better to do (usually at night, after I am pooped from traveling around). This problem has now been rectified as I have invested myself into a ultra-portable laptop. Running in the $350 range with only 4 GB of hard drive space.

I am now operating off the Eee PC computer developed by ASUS. We are now on the way to ubiquitous portable computing as I have mentioned before. I am now working off the wifi network at the guest house I am staying at writing this post from the comfort of the dining table.

A shot of the Eee PC is depicted here for reference and a quick outline of the specs are as follows:

4 GB flash memory
7" size
1 kg in weight
512 MB ram
Xandros Linux
3 USB ports
approx 4 hours battery life
External monitor connector
Memory card reader
Wireless internet
Web camera


This ultra-portable computer is perfect for a traveling person like me with minimalized size and a rich set of features. I am now able to easily fit this computer into a hand bag and pull it out whenever I have a free moment. Though one of the limitations of this computer is the small HD size, (approx only 1 GB of free space to use), I am currently hooking the 60 GB external HD to this computer for all my storage needs (ie my pictures and loading new sets of music into my iPod mini).

As a result of my experiences with this computer, I am very confident that ultra-portable computing will be the next big thing to hit. The next big thing to happen in the coming years is the development of an extensive wifi wireless network to supplement internet connectivity to these mobile devices. What me will see in the future is the development of a roaming wifi network, allowing computers to connect between different routers seamlessly. I believe that these networks will eventually either supplement or replace cellphone networks in the future.

Commercialization of these wifi networks will likely happen and if the cellular carriers are on the ball, they will eventually transition to equip themselves to develop a high speed cellular internet system to keep up with ultra mobile networking devices. Interestingly, if a large wireless internet platform were to be developed, I believe that such a network will be very cheap as wireless routers only cost in the $100 range. What we may find is a wifi network consisting of open routers allowing for either free or very cheap internet access.

Deployment of wireless networks is significantly cheaper and easier than deploying ground lines and these networks will piggy back off these ground lines. The wireless ultra-portable revolution will likely have been started by Apple's iPhone but it is the computer makers of ASUS, Intel and the OLPC initiative that will drive the creation of these networks.

Watch out for companies developing full coverage of wireless internet networks and applications them. This will be the next multi-billion dollar market.

Oh.. and I forgot to mention that postings will be more frequent from here on in :)