ASUS EeePC

Evaluating the ASUS EeepC (900) for use as a cheap. lightweight WiFi laptop for students. Currently it sells for $749NZ, but the 901 is due soon (Double the processor speed and over double the battery life! – same weight & dimensions). It’s Linux OS and simple use of open-source and Web2 tools make it an ideal introduction to the world of Web2 in education.

EeePC screenshot – EeePC Internet based applications – opensource Linux.

1. Web = Firefox2
2. Links to Google Tools/Apps
3. Skype
4. Messenger = Pidgin
5. Mail App = Thunderbird
6. Scripts for Bluetooth (requires additional BT dongle on 900 – builtin on 901)
7. VODEM script, etc…

Vodafone Casual Data

Here’s an example of an SMS that VFNZ sends re iminent 3G data cap blowout. The new VFNZ casual data daily allowance of 10MB for $1 is certainly a huge step in the right direction – great for email, RSS, & a bit of web surfing – but avoid downloading Youtube videos – as you’ll blow your daily cap in one go!

$1 per MB after the daily 10MB limit reached!

Vodafone are advertising their new casual data rate as “Vodafone NOW“