Mobile Products to Watch in 2008, Part 2 Wisconsin

The New Year is just a few days old, and already I've forgotten my resolutions. Something about losing money and accumulating weight. Or was it the other way around?

Anyhow, you know how difficult it is to concentrate this time of year. So let's just forget about our tedious resolutions and focus instead on two upcoming mobile products. Each was announced in 2007 and is due early this year. And each offers something new--something I think could be worth your attention.

Last week, I took a look at two other 2007 product introductions, Apple's iPhone and Amazon.com's Kindle, which could be even better this year in possible second-generation versions.

Nicholas Negroponte's One Laptop Per Child initiative, in which ultra-affordable laptops were designed for children in developing countries, is likely the inspiration for Asus's Eee PC. Introduced in October 2007, the Eee PC brought something to mobile computing that hadn't been seen before: a combination of light weight (2 pounds) and low cost ($400). Ultraportable laptops from Sony and others typically cost $1500 or more, while $400 to $600 laptops usually weigh more than 5 pounds.

The first Asus Eee PCs run the Linux operating system. The Taiwanese company announced in late 2007 that it would soon ship Eee PCs with a streamlined version of Windows XP preinstalled. As of this writing, no Windows XP Eee PCs were available for purchase online, though I suspect we'll start to see them in January-February.

Asus's competitors couldn't help but notice the Eee's runaway success, and similar laptops--combining low costs and ultra portability--are expected in 2008. Intel and Microsoft are working to develop processors and software for this emerging laptop category. IDC Research Manager for Personal Computing Richard Shim told Reuters he has seen new low-cost laptops that haven't been announced yet and said "all the major guys" are looking into such devices.

Granted, a low-end laptop like the Asus Eee PC should only be considered your second computer. It simply doesn't have the power to run demanding applications. But for a small, lightweight, second laptop for travelers needing e-mail, Web, and basic office apps, a Windows XP-based Eee PC could get your new year off to a good start.

• "Eee PC's Sales Success Prompts Competition"
• "Cheap Linux PCs May Rival One Laptop Per Child"
• "Review: Miniature Laptop That Makes Sense"
• Use PC World Shopping to see the latest prices.