Elonex ONE

The Elonex ONE (also referred to as ONE) is a subnotebook computer marketed to the education sector by Elonex. The ONE's operating system is called Linos, based on Linux kernel 2.6.21, [ [http://kernelnewbies.org/Linux_2_6_21 Linux kernel 2.6.21] ] has Wi-Fi connectivity, Ethernet networking, a solid-state hard drive, two USB ports and weighs less than 1 kg. [ [http://www.elonexone.co.uk/ Elonex website] ]

The ONE has been described by Elonex as the cheapest laptop in the UK and will retail for £99 in the UK. Its official unveiling took place on 28th February 2008 at "The Education Show" at the NEC in Birmingham [ [http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/02/19/elonex_guns_for_eee/ Reg Hardware preview dated 19th February 2008] ] and a shipping date of June 2008 was announced. [ [http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/02/28/elonex_launches_one/ "Elonex £99 Eee PC rival to arrive in June" Reg Hardware, dated 28th February 2008] ]

In February 2008, Elonex stated their vision is for "every pupil to have their own laptop" to "improve computer literacy across the nation". Elonex have aligned the cost of the ONE with the aims of the DCSF closing the achievement gap between those from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. To support this initiative Elonex have committed to "donate 1 ONE to underprivileged children from disadvantaged areas for every hundred sold". [ [http://www.elonexone.co.uk/vision.html Elonex ONE Vision] ]

Hardware

The hardware specifications published on 28 February 2008: [ [http://www.elonexone.co.uk/overview.html Hardware specifications on ElonexOne site] ]

Processor, Main Memory

* LNX Code 8 Mobile 300 MHz Processor
* Dedicated Linux Memory 128Mb DDR-II SD RAM "(256Mb in upgraded model)"
* On-board 1Gb Flash Memory, optimised for Linux "(2Gb in upgraded model)"
* Removable 1Gb, 2Gb, 4Gb, 8Gb, 16Gb wristvault (sold separately)

Dimensions, Casing

* Display: 7" High Resolution TFT LCD display; 800 x 480px Widescreen
* Dimension: 22 x 15 x 3 cm (W x L x H)
* Weight: 0.95 kg
* Interchangeable Outer Rubberised Skin (Optional)
* Splash-proof, removable QWERTY keyboard

Networking

* Wi-Fi 802.11b/g (Wireless) (54Mbit/s)
* Ethernet (Wired) (10/100Mbit/s)
* "Bluetooth (Wireless) in upgraded model"

Peripherals, Ports

* 2 USB 2.0 ports
* 2 built-in speakers
* 3.5 mm audio-in/mic
* 3.5 mm headphones
* 2 Mouse emulators (one on keyboard and one on rear of device, advertised as "for Tablet use")

Battery

* Integrated 3 cell Battery - approximately 4 hours usage
* Mains power adapter

Operating System

* Linux - Linos 2.6.21 operating system, with pre-installed software bundle

Similar devices

The ONE is similar to a the A-View or AW-300 A-BOOK products from Aware. [ [http://www.aware.com.tw/products.php Aware AW-300] ] They use an Aday 5F-300 MHz X86 processor. An earlier "Aware" product the AW-150 is sold in the USA for $199 as the MiTYBOOK. [ [http://www.icpowerhouse.com/PRODUCTS/MITYBOOK/MITYBOOK.htm MiTYBOOK] ] [ [http://www.aware.com.tw/about.php Aware Electronics Inc.,Ltd History] ]

Elonex revealed further notebook models at Computex in June 2008. [ [http://www.taipeitradeshows.com.tw/product_info.shtml?comno=F0148632&showno=2008NSC1015&docno=94875 Taipei Trade Shows ] ] [ [http://www.taipeitradeshows.com.tw/product_info.shtml?comno=F0148632&showno=2008NSC1015&docno=94876 Taipei Trade Shows ] ] [ [http://www.taipeitradeshows.com.tw/product_info.shtml?comno=F0148632&showno=2008NSC1015&docno=94877 Taipei Trade Shows ] ]

Delivery

The shipment date at the product announcement was stated as June 2008. The lack of communication from the supplier and some confusing email messages [ [http://www.doeswhat.com/2008/06/01/elonex-one-is-coming-is-elonex-ready/ Confusing email messages] ] has led to comment on internet blogs regarding a perceived delay. The last email sent to potential customers on 16 June 2008 stated that cquote|Pre-ordered ONE or ONE+ deliveries are scheduled to commence towards the end of June... in the order in which the orders were received... Early Ship (Beta Test) deliveries will be made by the end of June, followed by the remaining deliveries which will be shipped on a first ordered, first delivered basis. All deliveries will be made prior to the new school year. Delivery began July 11th onwards [ [http://www.doeswhat.com/2008/07/11/elonex-one-will-dispatch-soon/ Elonex ONE... will dispatch soon] ] [ [http://www.doeswhat.com/2008/07/31/elonex-one-finally-dispatched/ Elonex ONE... finally dispatched] ] . They have been received as early as August 1st [ [http://www.doeswhat.com/2008/08/01/elonex-one-un-boxed-first-look-review/ Elonex ONE un-boxed, first look review] ] [ [http://www.doeswhat.com/2008/08/07/detaching-the-elonex-one/ Detaching the Elonex ONE] ] .

Pre-order customers received an email in July 2008 containing a link to confirm their order. On clicking this link, Elonex offered a free upgrade to a new model, the Elonex ONEt, though it was possible to continue with the order for a Elonex One. The ONEt has a similar specification but with a faster 400 MHz processor, though its keyboard is non-detachable and it does not offer the bluetooth feature or the higher 256Mb memory of the original upgraded ONE. A presentation of ONEt model is available on the company website. [ [http://www.elonexone.co.uk/onet.html Introducing the Elonex ONEt ] ]

In August 2008, Elonex contacted customers who had ordered coloured models and explained that there was a further delay due to shipment problems. They offered either a black One+ for immediate delivery or an alternative ONEt model for delivery in September 2008.

Customers who were promised delivery by early August, have now been assured delivery by 5th September 2008 at the latest, and before the school term starts.

Customer deliveries started in September 2008.

References

External links

* [http://www.elonexone.co.uk/ Elonex ONE]
* [http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS4650708621.html Low-cost Linux laptop targets British education market]
* [http://linuxlaptopforum.ark2webdesign.co.uk/ A very useful forum for One users]
* [http://littlelinuxlaptop.com/ Loads of guidance for the One and similar palmtops]
* [http://www.skytone.net.cn/EN_down.php?fid=17&aid=37 manuals for all the software preinstalled]