CronoTriggerfan said:
Thanks for the compilation, chad, good stuff to brush up on!
But could someone please explain to me how the EEEpc and other subnotebooks are even remotely similar to Pandora? I don't get it. To me, it's like comparing, say, the PSP to a MacBook. Sure, many of the functions of the two overlap, but each are tailored to very different uses overall. Is there something I'm missing here?
Yes, you are missing that many people *have* compared the Eee PC to the Pandora. With many people making that comparison - it seemed like a good idea to start the comparison chart. And, I didn't start the sheet (or do most of the work) - that honor goes to AireTamStorm.
Here's the thing. People see a clamshell subnotebook computer and they instantly think Eee PC - add to that the fact that the Pandora is under $500 and runs Linux - the ties are strengthened.
It would be like coming out with a touchscreen phone any time after the iPhone. Whether or not there was any other basis for the comparison - that's the comparison that will be made. It doesn't matter if your design predates even the rumors of the iPhone - or that your phone has half the features at 1/4 the cost - or twice the features at half the cost - or a QWERTY slideout keyboard - or runs Windows Mobile - or is slate green.... It will be compared to the iPhone every time.
There are similarities, like I said, subnotebook clamshell design, QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, Linux, under $500, has had the label UMPC applied, SD card slots, USB slots, same resolution (at least for the 700 series of the Eee PCs), can run desktop Linux, but is not meant to replace your desktop (or, in most cases, your laptop either), etc.
But, you are correct to say that there are many differences. One is closer to a full-sized laptop/keyboard - the other fits in your pocket. One has built-in game controls - the other is not built for gaming at all. One has a touch screen, the other doesn't....
Really, I think the Pandora is most closely related, (I know there's a better word for it, since it's not from the same company or anything... most similar to? I dunno), the Nokia Internet Tablets (N770, N800, N810, N819 WiMax Edition). At least far more closely than to the Eee PC. Similar size, same CPU architectures, same screen resolution, similar size screen, both run Linux, both (could) run Maemo, thumb keyboards (when present), touchscreen, BlueTooth, SD Card as main memory, open source software, open platform, D-Pads....
I think it's far more similar to the N800 than the PSP.
And, also, I do understand your point. The Eee PC and the Pandora have different purposes, different target audiences, different pros & cons - but they are similar enough to compare. And since so many people (there's another thread on the front page of this very forum right now where someone is torn between the two) are asking why have this when you can have that - the comparison chart was born.
Personally, I'm plan on having both.
Here's that thread I mentioned. "I Cant Decide!, Pandora or Eee 900?!?!?!?"
EDITED: Must really learn how to spell: similar.
