The idea is to put the iPad in a hinged case that contain a bluetooth keyboard to use for typing instead of the on-screen keyboard.  This essentially turn the iPad in some sort of disfunctional netbook (try to use a netbook without a mouse/trackpad).

Sure it [...]]]> Clamcase is selling a nice looking but questionable case for the iPad.

The idea is to put the iPad in a hinged case that contain a bluetooth keyboard to use for typing instead of the on-screen keyboard.  This essentially turn the iPad in some sort of disfunctional netbook (try to use a netbook without a mouse/trackpad).

Sure it would be nice to use to type long documents but does one really need to use an iPad for this?  Long document typing is better done on a full feature computer.

The iPad is mostly oriented for casual document writing, email, surfing, gaming an a bunch of other portable application usage.  I don’t see it being a good document writing platform for day long usage.

I think the case look good but will not be really practical.

via Heres the coolest iPad product yet… | 9 to 5 Mac.

I am looking forward to [...]]]>

I am posting this using my new iPad I just received tonight. It appear to be working pretty well and typing on it is actually pretty good. I can type almost as fast as using a real keyboard. Not bad at all for a few minutes of usage.

I am looking forward to use it for more things.

What is left to do before releasing [...]]]> Meklort and I worked on the project again last night and things are shaping up quite well.  The NetbookBootMaker is now reverting back to the DellEFI method of caching kext for the installation.  We ran into too many issues with the new method… like Kernel Panic and missing Quartz Extreme.

What is left to do before releasing an alpha version of the solution is to iron out some bugs from the GUI and to integrate it in the DVD menu items for easy recovery of broken Netbook OSX install.

This should make this so much easier for people.  But you will need access to a Mac and an 8GB+ USB key… small price to pay to get piece of mind installation.

It is about time Microsoft (and I hope Apple) realise that the world is evolving and that DVD are getting useless!  Why don’t [...]]]>

Realizing that the world of Netbook and ultraportable has gone missing a DVD reader Microsoft is thinkering with the idea of selling Windows 7 installation on USB Thumb Drive media.

It is about time Microsoft (and I hope Apple) realise that the world is evolving and that DVD are getting useless!  Why don’t they simply allow you to buy the right to download and install a new copy of the OS Installation on your own USB key!

This is what Meklort and I have been doing for OSX Installation on Netbook for close to a year.  Forget the DVD, think USB key!

This would save the planet from all those DVD media that we keep scratching, loosing.  You loose the USB key… fine, simply go online and use you purchased right to download a new copy and install that on your new 64GB USB key!

We don’t need dedicated key per OS.  Simply download the OS Installer you need to “a” USB key, install with it and then format that key for something else.

Maybe BestBuy and other retailers could offer their clients to install various OS version on USB Key for a minimal charge (or even for free).  This would prevent folks from downloading them via the internet and storing them on their HD. Simply walk to BestBuy, go at the OS imaging station and put the OS on your Thumb Drive.

Simple, practical, every one win.

The design changes are subtle, but still effective. [...]]]> Today, Toshiba unveiled seven additions to its consumer-friendly Satellite line, as well as three SKUs for its small business-friendly L300 line. The notebooks, which range in price from $549 to $849 and have screen sizes from 14 to 18.4 inches, boast a tweaked design and, obviously, budget price tags.

The design changes are subtle, but still effective. For instance, the keyboard now has a matte finish, which means the keys should feel soft, but not slippery (not to mention pick up fewer fingerprints). Toshiba also brought its higher-end, glossy Fusion finish down to the entry-level– and extended it to the palm rest as well.

Other flourishes that Toshiba is offering on select models include: seamless, edge-to-edge glass displays; illuminated backlit- keyboards; slot-loading DVD ports; 3D accelerometers to protect the hard drive; 16:9 displays, some with native 720p resolution; and multi-touch trackpads (on all models except entry-level and netbooks, which were announced previously).

More via source

I know, I know. Technically, netbooks are just little notebooks. But the truth of the matter is that there are a number of things that most full sized notebooks can do that are tougher to do on a netbook. For one thing, most full sized laptops have optical disc drives for installing software, listening [...]]]>

I know, I know. Technically, netbooks are just little notebooks. But the truth of the matter is that there are a number of things that most full sized notebooks can do that are tougher to do on a netbook. For one thing, most full sized laptops have optical disc drives for installing software, listening to CDs, or watching or burning DVDs. Netbooks also typically have slower processors and lower resolution displays than most laptops which makes them less than ideal for watching 1080p video, playing some games, or performing other CPU-intensive activities.

On the other hand, netbooks are good enough for 90% of the tasks that most people perform on a day to day basis. They can handle web browsing, office document editing, and other duties with ease. Heck, you can edit video on them if you really want to. It’ll just take a lot longer than on a system with a Core 2 Duo CPU.

But I’m probably preaching to the choir here. Most of you already know these things. But according to an NPD study, it appears the general public might not have gotten the message yet. NPD reports that “60 percent of consumers who purchased a netbook instead of a notebook though their netbooks would have the same functionality as notebooks.” Among those who chose a netbook instead of a notebook, only 58% said they were “very satisfied,” while 70% of those who had planned to get a netbook all along were satisfied with the purchase.

Shocking, no? It turns out that there’s a better chance you’ll be happy with your purchase if you know what you’re looking for before forking over the money. Who knew?

Anyway, there’s one statistic in the study that’s even stranger. While the main appeal of netbooks is their light weight, small size, and general portability, 60% of netbook buyers report that they never take the little laptops out of the house. I suppose it could just be aspirational thinking: You buy a netbook because you think you’ll carry it with you everywhere you go, only to realize you never go anywhere that you need a computer. But maybe the idea of a cheap, light weight computer for use around the house just appeals to people who don’t really ever expect to become road warriors.

What do you think? Do you regularly use your netbook around the house, on the go, or both?

Via liliputing