$98 laptop claimed for October
Thu Sep 25, 2008 11:51AM EDT
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That's not a typo, nor is it a joke. It may never really arrive at the price the company claims and it may end up being an outright scam, but it does at least appear to have some basis in reality: A Chinese outfit called HiVision says it has created a $98 laptop, which includes everything you'd need to perform basic computing tasks, like working on documents, playing music, and browsing the web.
The specs are admittedly minimal: an ancient 400MHz CPU, 64MB or 128MB of RAM, a 7-inch LCD, and a 1GB flash drive for storage. Wi-Fi is built-in, and the machine runs either Linux or Windows CE (now there's a blast from the past). It's a stretch to call a WinCE device a "laptop," but the Linux version that these guys took extensive video of at a trade show earlier this month looks decently capable. Almost like a real computer.
Naturally, there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical. While low-end electronics often come out of obscure shows like this (and from no-name companies), HiVision is not a name that engenders a lot of trust. Also known as Shenzen, the company's website has been off and on all morning. But an even bigger strike comes from Engadget, which spotted hollow, plastic versions of HP Mini-Notes on the tables next to the supposed $98 HiVision netbooks. Is the company (which specializes in lookalike versions of scads of electronic devices) also planning to knock off the Mini-Note?
Will we ever see a company bring this machine to the U.S.? The price may end up being higher than the claimed $98, but even at twice that, such a device could have a significant impact on the category, where mini-notes still run $350 and up.
So color me skeptical... but deeply curious.
Comments on $98 laptop claimed for October
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2 Posted by dojo921 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:46PM EDT Report Abuse
I am very skeptical that this will sell, but I'll wait and see and yes, it's probably a knock off. $98 that's a good down payment on a real laptop. Well, at least the tax.
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3 Posted by aj_knife on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:48PM EDT Report Abuse
To what I have seen in past two years, when I was in china. This is not thing, Asus has a similiar model so do a few other tech giants. Bigger Co. want higher profits, This pc is yes selling at $98. That will be cost of buying minimum qty of 1000pcs, then add freight, add shipping Insurance, add taxes, add 10% warranty charge, to my point of view this pc will be sold for $199 with linux os, b 4 warned.
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4 Posted by george_in_jax on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:08PM EDT Report Abuse
If it does happen it WILL sell very well since it is at the right price point for a secondary device. It's not designed to be a primary computer, but a small portable you can take along where you wouldn't risk having your $1000+ device stolen or damaged. Definitely Linux over CE.
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5 Posted by aj_knife on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:48PM EDT Report Abuse
I myself have used a such a laptop or has people in singapore call it a ee-pc. works fine, slows down a little when os is xp but works fine for a small laptop on the go..... keep an open mind, as such products r pushing bigger tech giants to drop their profit levels thus lowering all prices for higher end laptops.... lets wait and see......
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6 Posted by poconoboss on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:15PM EDT Report Abuse
It will definitely sell. There is a perfect market for it with people who wish to buy something a little better than a toy for their kids, but not an expensive "real" laptop. Providing there is software that can run on it, at $98. it will sell like hotcakes.
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7 Posted by klacour on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:52PM EDT Report Abuse
nteresting. I was just thinking about my long lost but loved Thinkpad 240. Basically the same specs, except I had a PCCard wireless adapter. It had no CD or floppy, a 10: screen. I put 192mb memeory, and a 20GB HD; There are a fwe on eBay for $150. Why was I looking? Because I think even $300 (like for the original eee) is too much for a gadget like this. The 240 had a GREAT keyboard (full-sized, IIRC). It ran, first, XP, then I put on a Linux distro (I forget what one). It had a battery life of about 3 hours with the expanded battery. Not bad. Originally, the 240 chassis was used for CE device!! $200 for a linux netbook? Sign me up.
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8 Posted by bobbybob3680 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:10PM EDT Report Abuse
oh my gosh thats just DISGUISTING! my old 700 mhz emac is slow and crashy and just ughhh!! 400mhz? my cell phone probally faster than that. i mean really im just disguisted thats REVULTING! i cannot believe them! thats just ....just .... RUDE! i cannot believe those dumbass's down in china are trying to sell that pile of dust! i mean really i thought the asus eeepc was a little slow but i mean really im just amased... im speechless! you know what would happen if i sold my old gateway at 500MHZ online? i wouldnt get $30 for it!
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9 Posted by moman93 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:24PM EDT Report Abuse
the only way i would buy it is if could support itunes.thats BAISICALLY what i would use it for.the govt. will jack up the price tag about 100$.it would be good for trips though.
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10 Posted by reasad_07 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:33PM EDT Report Abuse
It would be a large stape to IT for 3rd world like Bangladesh if it come.
1 Posted by vanmo92 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:31PM EDT Report Abuse
I dont think that is going to sell very well, because for example, if you are in high school (like me), you could use the schools computers which at worst have a gig of RAM and 1.5GHz, why would you want to buy that unless you REALLY wanted to take some of your work on the road, and dont mind what people are saying behind your back.