UMPCs

This session was basically an overview of the new "Ultra Mobile PCs"- those really small ones that have started popping up all over the place.

We were able to go in and try them out- and we were given an overview of the limitations and advantages of each model.

The gist was that they are small and inexpensive and they are rapidly become a technology solution for schools with tight budgets and a need for mobile labs. They are also great for things such as conferences when you don't want to carry a heavy laptop all day.

Some of the models had larger keyboards, some had better screens. They obviously don't have a CDROM, but the thinking is that you would use the USB instead.

Acer (Aspire One) Dell Asus (EEPC) HP 2133

Here is a link to the wiki.

http://technologypd.pbwiki.com/mobile

I also love the One Laptop.

http://laptop.org/en/

Mr. Negroponte from MIT started this company and created this computer that runs on Linux. The computer has amazing capabilites and is so basic it took me a while to downgrade my thinking to attempt to use it. (As in, I couldn't open it because I was looking for a hidden latch or something and I was holding it backwards. The host came over and had to show me that... it just opens like a book.) Not that complicated. The students can "find" each other on the network and instantly collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, etc. It is really fantastic. You can buy them on Amazon right now- they are $399 and you get two- one for you and one to donate.