Sure, we all love what Asus is doing with their EEE PC, a small laptop that is inexpensive but Japan’s Kohjinsha is taking it one step further by creating a small and cheap tablet computer. While not lighter than the EEE, it is around the same size and includes some advantages.
I think the tablet form factor at this size is perfect for all sorts of uses, and I hope something similar gets released by one of the major computer players in North America.
The Register reports that the Kohjinsha SCC (or Small, Cheap Computers) features the following specs:
- 500MHz AMD Geode LX800 CPU
- 512MB RAM
- 80GB hard drive
- Windows XP Home Edition (not Tablet edition)
- 7 inch 800 x 480 displays
- 802.11b/g
- Ethernet
- 2 USB ports
- 3-in-1 memory card reader
- CF reader
- VGA output
- Dimensions: 218 x 163 x 25.4mm
- Weight: 945 grams
The Kohjinsha SCC will come in two models, a ¥59,800 (or about $592 US) version and a ¥79,800 ($780) version that includes Office 2007 personal edition. I would just stick with the first model, and install Open Office. I think that the sub one thousand dollar tablet would be a huge marketplace that a smart industry could capitalize on.
If Apple took their technology from the iPhone and put it in this form factor, people would be lining up around the block.
