Litl LLC launched today a Linux-based laptop design, named “Webbook”. The device comes with a custom simplified interface, it can run third party web apps, and it can operate both in a laptop mode, or by bending backwards the screen, in the “easel TV-like mode”. The Webbook can also connect through HDMI to an HDTV, and a remote control is sold separately. The Webbook goes in auto-maintainance mode, when in sleep. The Atom 1.6 Ghz/1 GB RAM device sells for $699. More info here and here. Videos of the UI here.
Startup Litl Launches Internet-Enabled Computer
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Eugenia Loli
Ex-programmer, ex-editor in chief at OSNews.com, now a visual artist/filmmaker.
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An Internet-enabled computer? You mean, it has internet and stuff? No-way. The future is here, today!
That explains why it’s pricey.
Is this basically a netbook that only runs a browser and hooks into some online service / cloud sort of thing? I think this is doomed to fail
a) It does not offer anything else over a normal netbook using online services (in fact considerably less so)
b) I can’t do anything with it offline
c) People will realize that they do not want all their data in the cloud (Personally i want my data save and sound with me, i think there for thigs like the Tonido Plug or Pogo plug will be quiet successful).
They seem to try and jump the bandwagon of the google cloud OS thingy with some not that impressive looking online apps … i dunno maybe i am missing sth. here
Perhaps they use local caching.
The only “good” thing I find about The Cloud is that as more important it gets, more free wi-fi may be available by cloud companies. In 10 years I hope there won’t be more ISPs with ridiculous plans and shitty assimetric connections. And I really really hope mesh networking is the way to go.
Lotl
But it comes with The Internet.
And that’s the important thing here. Before this revolution in technology, everyone used to just buy two normal netbooks for $699, and then make their own mini internet with two machines. Now we can connect to the big boy internet for the same price! Want!
Edit: I just realized it doesn’t even have a touchscreen! But what does it matter, let’s just navigate The Internets Tubes with our wheel!
Edited 2009-11-04 15:32 UTC
I’m still trying to figure out how they did that, considering it has no hard drive… where are they storing it?!
Obviously…in the cloud!
And there’s definitely some flash storage in there anyway.
Oh good, glad to hear they’re storing the Flash part of The Internet too.
For $699 then it’s a bargain. That’s at least 3 floppies worth of data, right?
There may be a very small niche market for a similar device, but not at those prices. Ridiculous. Maybe in the $50-$100 range.
It needs to either be more functional or less expensive, or both, than a netbook or mini-laptop.. What exactly can this machine do that a $300 netbook can’t?
Yeah, you can access the internet and connect it to a television… just like every other computer on the planet.
Edited 2009-11-04 19:56 UTC
It’s too long, so I won’t post it here: http://eugenia.gnomefiles.org/2009/11/04/regarding-litls-webbook/
Heh nice
The omission of any mention of 3g had me baffled as well…as that would be one of the most logical included features for a portable internet-only appliance like this.
Also, apparently no wired ethernet…
Also – I think this is pretty funny on their FAQ page:
“If you are seeing the message “Cannot reach litl.com” or having any additional problems, please contact ask.litl.com”
made me chuckle anyway.
Edited 2009-11-05 02:07 UTC
Their entire site is hilariously stupid.
And here I was, thinking that today people share using Facebook, Flickr etc.
Ya know why TV is lean back and web not? One of them is inherently passive and the other active. Take a guess.
Wow, a slide show if the internet? Sign me up!
Good thing for litl that this whole social networking thing hasn’t taken off and that sites like Flickr and Facebook are just not existing yet.
Thank God it’s not 3 pounds of lead! That would have been too heavy!
Edited 2009-11-05 02:18 UTC
Heh…
3 pounds of feathers probably won’t fit in your backpack…while 3 pounds of lead probably would.
The DotCom boom is long gone and today not even Apple could get away with such an overpriced joke as this.
$700? Seriously? What planet are these people from?
Sorry Litl but unless you lower the price a LOT or create a much more interesting product you’ll be gone before the end of 2010.