Cool Technology of the Week

As folks who read my blog know, I'm a great fan of cloud computing, software as a service, and working remotely.

There's a perfect client to complement these technologies - netbooks.

Netbooks are simple computers with an operating system, a processor that's good enough, and just enough memory and storage to ensure a positive web browsing experience. Most cost under $500.

I recently evaluated the Dell Mini 10 and it's my Cool Technology of the Week.

The Mini 10 is a netbook with a 1024x567 ten inch display, web cam, an Intel Atom Processor Z520 (1.33GHz/533MHz FSB/512K Cache), 1 Gig of memory, and a 160 Gig hard drive in a 2.5 pound package for under $400.

I found the keyboard, multi-touch track pad, and 10" screen to be the right proportions for rapid typing and easy viewing with my 47 year old presbyopic eyes. I accessed all my storage and applications in the BIDMC and HMS clouds via 802.11g on my home FIOS network and found the Atom processor fast enough to meet my needs.

Here are the full specs.

The device I tested ran Windows XP, but I plan to test Ubuntu, which is offered on other Mini models, as soon as it is available.

A full featured netbook with a screen like a 720p television that's lightweight and low cost. Cool!