20090831 -- The Netbook Revolution (1)

The Netbook Revolution

How the Eee PC has redefined mobile computing
Way back in 2007, Taipei-based ASUSTeK Computer introduced the Eee PC, a cheap, basic laptop computer about the size of a hardcover book. Originally designed to be both affordable and portable, the Eee PC handled simple tasks such as writing, web surfing and e-mail.

At the time, most laptops were scaled-down versions of desktop computers, and critics complained about Eee's lack of power and features. In spite of the naysayers, Asus sold more than 300,000 Eee PCs in the first few months. Other companies rushed to follow, and now nearly every major PC manufacturer has jumped into the still growing netbook market.

Through it all, the Eee PC has continued to evolve and improve. Newer versions include an Eee PC tablet that allow users to navigate by means of a touch screen. Also out is the Eee PC keyboard, a computer in a keyboard that connects to any LCD monitor or big-screen TV. In many ways, the Eee PC caught the PC industry off guard. The product does many of the things people use computers for, at a much cheaper price. Though there will always be a market for "full" computers, the Eee PC taught the PC industry a valuable lesson: Sometimes the basics are all we need.


portable adj. 便於攜帶的/手提式的
eg: I always take my portable radio to the beach with me.

jump into 熱切地投入
=> move into the market very quickly
eg: Harry jumped into a business deal without checking it out carefully and ended up losing a lot of money.

navi-船
navigate v. 駕駛/航行
eg: I had trouble learning to navigate between the personal and business settings on my cell phone.
eg: The modern equipment can navigate the ship automatically.
eg: This new software can help you navigate the Internet faster.

catch someone/someting off guard 使某人措手不及/使人吃驚
eg: The fashion was caught off guard by the new, young designer.
eg: The district attorney's(檢察官) question really caught the defendant(被告) off guard.

nay=no
naysayer n. 反對者/唱反調的人
=> someone always have negative response to an idea
eg: Regardless what the naysayer said, Tim decided to go for the new project.
eg: Chuck ignore the naysayers and finally succeeded.

//== Chat room ==//

hardcover book
hardcover 精裝本
=> hardback or hardbound

paperback 平裝本(通常在精裝本一年後發行)

jacket 書封面的護套
blurb 書的簡介(吹捧性廣告(或簡介、短文))


//== Grammer on the go ==//

Through it all, the Eee PC has continued to evolve and improve.

through it all 經歷了一切
=> from the beginning until now
=> until the end
=> through everything

eg: Even though Sam's job at the grocery store was a tough one, through it all, he learned a lot about teamwork.
eg: Even though the research was hard, through it all, the scientist has never thought of giving up.