Ultra mobile PCs

The UMPCs I'm actually referring to are the less expensive (under $500) and not the thin, full service laptops that cost over $1500.

OLPC (one laptop per child) foundation (Linux OS) - Participants in the Give One Get One program pay $400 for two of the machines - one for their own use and the other to be donated to children in developing countries that could never afford a PC any other way.

Classmate PC (Windows XP OS) - This is Intel's version of OLPC and although the website says they are partnering with the One Laptop Per Child Foundation, much of their advertising seems to treat it as a competition. Estimated cost is under $400 - not available yet.

Asus Eee PC (Linux OS) - I've tried this out and will buy it for use in meetings and travel. I was amazed how quickly it connected to my home DSL line (as quick as plugging in the cable, clicking on the network connection icon, and selecting the name of my network) and it works just as fast with any other wireless network I have tried. Check their site for more info. Price - $399

Things to keep in mind with these devices:

• small screens (around 7")
• keyboard best for little fingers
• no CD or floppy drive (need to save work online or to a usb flash drive)
• very limited memory - don't think that you are going to add a lot of programs
• may be usable as e-book readers (say they are, but I haven't tested them yet)
• installed programs are very good for the size of PC

In a one computer home - the purchase of one of these for a second PC wouldn't be a bad idea. Cost of these devices will change along with their popularity. Asus and Intel are already planning different models.