When new things like this come out, we should look at them since the
combined cost of a Eeepc, WINE and QPC2 is a cheaper QL compatible (with
benefit of Linux for those who like or use Linux) than any future QL
compatible hardware is likely to be.
You don't need WINE; Acer's Aspire One 120GB, Asus Eee 900/1000 series
and others like the Dell Mini 9 all support or ship with Windows XP. It's
possibly, albeit cramped, to run Windows XP on an Eee 701.
Good point. Does Windows run "native" on them or is it via some form of
Linux interface? I presume that since these machines are called PCs, they
use some form of Intel-type chips and so on.
What would be interesting, to me at least, would be a "native" QL OS for
this platform. Something that uses a cut-down Linux kernel for I/O but is
essentially a QL when you power it up. It would be fast, efficient and
interesting.
Now we're talking :-)
The lack of a hard disc is not an issue for many people. 8GB is plenty,
4GB is tolerable. Remember when your main desktop computer only had 40MB
of HD space.
Think how much software is in Quanta library. It EASILY fits on one CD.
The Eee and Aspire One are leading the marketplace with good value
products; these should definitely be looked at - the Eee 701 is now £150
ex. VAT.
Whichever way you look at these machines, you can probably put QPC or uQLx
on them and have a portable dual-system machine, either Linux+QL or XP+QL at
quite a reasonable cost.
--
Dilwyn Jones
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