Intel Classmate 2 UMPC

If you have ever wondered what the heck an UMPC is or why on earth anyone would want to buy one, this article may be of assistance.

This article details some information about Intel's upcoming Classmate 2 notebook. It seems to be a direct competitor with the Asus Eee PC, and the Everex Cloubook.
These notebooks are smaller than typical notebooks. They also lack a lot of the power of their larger counterparts. They are geared for people who need a cheap, on-the-go notebook that has some of the functionality of a work PC. Wifi, network ready and Windows XP can be found on some models. Plus they are cheaper...around $400.

The reason I have had an interest in them is for a slightly different reason. If you know someone who refuses to get on the Interweb bandwagon, yet wants to see the online baby pics, or see a team's schedule that's not in the paper, than this may be a good alternative for them.
The cost effectiveness of these is not as good as it could be. Roughly $100 or so cheaper than a larger, better equipped machine. But they are good for first time users.

Beware though! Some of these machines contain a Linux distribution! That is a bonus to some, like me, but a hindrance to those that have never used Linux.
Another reason I dig these machines is the trend of notebook pricing. As these machines flourish, the cost will go down. As cheaper, faster processors come out (Intel's Atom processor, for example) the price of the UMPC's and of regular notebooks will go down as well.
At least that is my thought!