$99 3G Netbook Tailor-Made For Mobile Blogging
Dec 12th, 2008 | By James Lewin | Category: Podcasting Hardware 
RadioShack has announced that, starting Dec 14th, it will offer an ultra-lightweight, mobile netbook Internet device with integrated 3G wireless technology. The Acer Aspire one netbook is priced at $99.99 for customers who sign up for a qualifying two-year AT&T DataConnect mobile broadband service agreement with plans starting at $60 a month.Â
The netbook has a couple strikes against it – starting with the fact that it’s an Acer and it’s underpowered for media editing – but, with its ultra-tiny size, built-in 3G and Web cam, looks like it could be a great platform for mobile blogging/vlogging and social networking.Â
Here are the specs:
- Weighs 2.44 pounds
- Ultra-compact size measuring 9.8″ x 6.7″ x 1.1″ (W x D x H)
- Built-in 3G capability
- 802.11b/g wireless (Wi-Fi)
- 8.9-inch LCD screen
- Built-in Web cam
- Intel Atom processor
- Windows XP Home
- 1GB memory
- 160GB hard drive
- Built-in memory card readers (dedicated SD and 5-in-1)
Its perfect for portable blogging but not quite perfect for mobile blogging.
I used an MSI Wind netbook at Intels IDF conf. last August and did a live video podcast over Ustream I used a lan connection for this but a good 3G connection should be able to support this activity too.
http://www.umpcportal.com/2008/08/ultra-mobility-keynote-video-report
For mobile blogging, I would recommend something smaller and light. More moblogging exploits here.
http://umpc-moblog.blogspot.com/
Happy to answer any queries.
Regards
Steve
Why is the fact that it’s Acer a strike against it? I’m a devoted Apple fan and Mac user but I’ve also bought an Aspire One and I like it. Sure the keyboard is a bit small and the mouse keys are on the left and right side of the mouse pad but it’s pretty quick in running Windows so it’s a good choice for the intended use. Now I should get busy with putting Leopard on it 🙂
Magnus
Acers don’t have a great buyer satisfaction history. I got burned by a Acer computer a few years back myself. Hopefully, they’ve addressed their quality control issues.
This looks cute – but I can’t do another $60 bucks a month.