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I’m very excited – I got my new Asus Eee PC ($299) running Linux. I will write a full review later but, for now, here are screenshots from the primary menu “tabs” within the OS.

There’s one last tab for “favorites” as well – you can put whatever you’d like there.

I found it using my own StatsCounter logs… The Asus Linux laptop computer for just $299! Do your own research or trust the 4 to 5 star feedback on our Asus Laptop page, but this gem features an 800 MHz Intel Celeron Processor, 512 MB DDR DRAM, 2 GB Hard Drive and Linux Preloaded. From what I’m reading, this version of Linux even supports Windows XP.

When it comes to what you can expect, other than a 7″ screen, you won’t be disappointed:

Get the power of a full-sized laptop in the ultra-compact ASUS Eee PC 2G Surf, which offers a full QWERTY keyboard, 7-inch screen, and preinstalled Linux operating system. (This laptop is also compatible with the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.) You’ll be able to stay connected to email and the Internet easily thanks to the Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g). Because it uses flash memory instead of a hard drive (with 2 GB of storage), the Eee PC is optimal for weathering rough handling and sharing space in overstuffed bags.

An interesting thing that I found while looking over the reviews is that this little baby is expandable as well.

“I… added the 8 GB SDHC card for file storage. In the future as the SDHC format expands you could have truly unlimited storage at a reasonable price.”

Another thing that I love seeing – one of the reviewers is happy to have spent $400 for his/her Asus laptop, saying “Best $400 ever spent!” But you can get one for under $300 before shipping, at just $299 through our shopping system. The Sky Blue model is my favorite. No joke, I’m ordering one now.

update – I ordered the Sky Blue one with the 8GB card (for just $42 more). There was even a free shipping option. I will let you know my opinion when I receive it…

Technorati Tags: Asus

So I’m sitting here writing this post tonight minus one finger. If you work with computers at all, you know you can sometimes get mystery pains in your hands. Well, tonight, my left index finger’s big knuckle is killing me. As a result, I am pecking away without it right now. My point to you, my dedicated reader? Two words: adjustable keyboard.

Pain from overuse and strain can sometimes be solved by switching to one of these broken-looking keyboards. Of course, you should look into all the recommended ergonomic adjustments for IT and data entry personnel as your first step to recovery. But if you’re the type that likes gadget-based solutions, the adjustable keyboards in our shop offer the chance to solve your computer-related injury with, well, more computer junk!

Honestly, the price for a quality keyboard like this is relatively high but worth it. There are options by MSoft, etc. but our choice piece available is the Goldtouch GTN0077. Here’s the 5 star review:

This keyboard is the best among mini-keyboards. I tried several mini-keyboards but found the keys to be too small. The Goldtouch keyboard, however, has the same full-size keys as a regular extended keyboard, except it does not have the numeric, 10-keypad on the right. Even the function keys are full size…. unlike other split keyboards set at a permanent angle, it uses a ball and socket, so you can adjust the split to any angle up to 30 degrees, horizontal and vertical. The keys are easy to press and very quiet.

That adjustability sounds like exactly what my now fatigued, remaining fingers need. The cost is $130 but, hey, that’s what your IT department is for, right?

Technorati Tags: QWERTY

When I was growing up, I loved watching those “House of the Future” shows where everything was controlled with the push of a button. I’ve recently been working with a company in CT, Cyclone Home Systems, that provides a number of things to homeowners very similar to the things we saw when we were growing up. Of course, they have now-conventional offerings like home intercoms, but the future of companies like this one lies in the futuristic structured wiring, security and automated window treatments offered.

The average consumer can always implement the basics of home security and automation through products like Internet cameras for home security, MPEG capture cards and plug in modules but this new generation of professional automation solutions are another story altogether. The structured wiring system’s combination of media, security and thermostat controls can

…distribute music and television to every room in your house, to control lighting everywhere in your home, to sound a security alarm when an intruder lurks outside, or to remotely monitor areas of your property where security cameras are set up.

Now that’s what those future-thinking shows promised when I was a kid! I haven’t had the pleasure of using any of Cyclone’s products/services, but their description of this “smart” house system is definitely interesting. Two questions: one serious, one not. Serious: whatever happened to those Internet-equipped refrigerators that were supposed to order groceries for us? Not so serious: where’s my jet car?

Technorati Tags: home automation