Two Neat Techie Things

I saw these two things this week and I thought that the prices were indicative of a sea change.
#1: Cherrypal, the guys behind last year’s super green cloud computer have managed to put together a netbook dubbed “Africa” that will sell for only $99. Specs include: a 400 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM, 2 GB flash memory, 7-inch screen (800 x 480), USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports, SD card support, and it runs either Linux or Windows CE operating systems (it should also get about 4 hours of use on the Lithium battery). Yeah, don’t expect much for your $99—as the product page notes, it’s “small, slow, and sufficient.” Africa is available now at the Cherrypal open store.” [Source: Gizmodo]
Yep – 99 bucks. Why pay for an eBook reader when you can get a full netbook for cheaper? Hmmmmm. I feel price drops coming on.

#2: 640GB of storage for $149. Awesome and so small!
“The Rikiki portable HDD is no exception. They also claim that it is the smallest 2.5-inch drive on the market. I’m not sure if that is accurate or not, but with measurements at 4.3 x 2.9 x .5 inches it is even smaller than the popular FreeAgent line from Seagate. The USB 2.0, self-powered drives are available in 250GB, 500GB and 640GB flavors for $75, $109 and $149 respectively.” [Source: Gizmodo]

Both of these are stocking size at my house. (HINT!!!)
Stephen