Summer is in full swing and I've decided it's time for me to get "on the line."

Right now I'm having some fun in Photoshop and have made myself a new desktop. Took this photo at Disney World a couple of days ago and altered it today. One of the most satisfying things I've created this summer.

Kind of weird being back at Disney. Its really screwed up when you think about it... Mice, brooms, princesses, and "Its a Small World after All" makes an interesting concoction of gaiety.

Well can't wait to start messing around with the design of this place and posting some of my projects that I am working on. Check Back later!

The project webpage links to l.m.orchard's installation guide.  Looks like it might be worth playing with, especially as it's implemented in PHP with a few PEAR libraries, utilizing XMPP -- right up my alley.  I hope to be able to contribute a bit as soon as I get a more comfortable routine down (also known as "relocating and rediscovering free time").

I'll be sure to post any updates / hints.

When I first bought this yarn, I intended to use it to make something for Lexie.  But my first thought, which was to make a summer shirt or dress, I tossed.  The yarn felt like it would knit up a little too warm for a south Texas summer, even with stitches as loose as I was planning.  I don't know where the sudden urge to knit myself a shrug with this yarn came from, but I decided to just go with it.  I had two skeins of the yarn, and looking at it, I felt I had plenty to knit a shrug that went from elbow to elbow for myself, as well as one for Lexie.

That'll teach me to guestimate yarns by looking at them, with a pattern I'm winging, when I have no idea what the gauge of the yarn I'm knitting up will be.

I could tell I was running out of yarn about a foot short of the length I wanted for my shrug, so I decided to go ahead and cast on from the other end of the second ball for Lexie's shrug.  My thought was I'd knit hers, and then just use whatever yarn was left to finish my mine.  Unfortunately, that plan required yarn to be left over after I finished Lexie's shrug...and I never finished Lexie's shrug.

I'm left with four options.  My preferred solution is buy more of this yarn at Knotty Girl...but I don't think there is any more of this colorway.  Second choice is to see if Ann can special order any more.  The good news is that it's hand-dyed yarn, so there isn't a lot number to match...and with hand-dyed yarn I'm not terribly concerned about a perfect color match.  I'm not sure if she'll be able to order such a small amount of yarn--I only need one skein--so third choice is to try to find yarn somewhere else.  I'm even less sanguine about this option than the others because a cursory search earlier today came up empty.

So that leaves me with my last option...which, while it's not my first choice, is not a disaster by any stretch:  ripping back each shrug the number of rows needed for the ribbing (6 for my shrug, 4 for Lexie's), knit the K2P2 ribbing on each, and then bind off.  They'll be shorter than I wanted, but I love what these are looking like so much that I can deal with it.  And if (ok, when) I buy more of this yarn in other colorways, I'll know in the future to get three skeins.

Of course, I think part of the reason I'm able to be so relaxed about this problem is that I notched a recent fiber art victory.  Two days ago I started work on Steve's first Hawaiian shirt (the neon flamingos).  My only thought was that I'd like to get all three of the outfits in that fabric (Steve shirt, Jeffrey's shirt, and Lexie's jumper) completed before our upcoming trip to visit with Steve's family.  Steve came home from the ship, looked at the work I'd done, and asked, "Will that be ready for the picnic tomorrow?"  Steve's crew was having a Fourth of July picnic on Thursday, and he was quite excited about the idea of showing off a new shirt to his Sailors.  I told him I'd try, but no promises.

Well, it took staying up until 2 a.m. yesterday morning, and then finishing off the buttons and buttonholes after I woke up, but Steve got home to gather us all up for the picnic to find this:

It's the fastest I've ever knit up one of these shirts, so I was quite pleased with myself. Steve was just plain pleased.

(My apologizes for the fuzziness of this picture.  Once the shirt has been washed we're going to try again...but my theory is that the fabric is so eye-bleedingly neon that it's screwing with the camera focus.  So we'll see...)

The name is out.

The name for the foundation will be "Energy and Sustainability for All". Pagnotta takes care about lawyers, documents and papier... luky guy, he isn't? The good Tello goes deep in projects, time tables and gannt charts ready about a solar project and jathropa project based in Mexico... great job!!!! We tried even to be in contact with the Raw-Solar US company that produce mirrors for the Sardinia field. Everybody well focused!

In the mean time summer arrives, and hollydays comes for many of us... so next month we will be a little lazy maybe, but still focused on it because september is next!

Take care!

Dr.Rao

DetectionAreaInset determines how far from the edge of the control that the mouse move detection area begins.

Ingredients:

IBM R31 Laptop / 20GB HD / 512MB RAM / CD Burner / Logitech USB Scroll Mouse / 10/100 Ethernet / Ubuntu Live CD

The first thing I did was to uninstall everything I didn't want on the laptop, and to defrag it. I have learned over numerous OS installs to do this, and now I just do it out of habit. The machine already had Windows XP on it, so my plan was to make this a dual boot machine and save the XP for some use down the road if I need it.

There is no need for Partition Magic or another partitioning program, as Ubuntu will do that for you during the install. I also deleted the IBM hidden drive at the end of the HD to free up a little more space.

After that, The install went as usual. Insert Live CD, reboot, and follow the instructions. I chose to do an install right away, and accepted the default to most of the questions. I let it do it's thing, while I went outside and started the demolition process for our deck. While I was sweating it out with stuck deck screws, The IBM and Ubuntu were getting along famously.

I came back in the room from time to time to check on it, but there was really no need. When the install was done, I removed the CD at the prompt and rebooted. I now have the dual boot machine that I wanted, and Ubuntu, again, just works. I did the security updates right away, and will work my way through the other ones as time permits.

I will also be testing the sleep features, battery management, and wireless capabilities as time allows. I just wanted to post this for anyone else wondering if Ubuntu will run on their IBM laptop. It should not be a problem, as Linux just works. At least on this laptop.

Happy 4th! Enjoy.

well, we got the new COSMO CRICKET "Hello Sunshine" line in at my lss. i LOVE the line, the colors are great - just a "shade" off primary! i wanted to do a layout with it, but didn't really have any photos that i thought would go with it. then, i remembered the kinder photo, didn't that border have some of the same colors in it? i pulled it out and it was a pretty close match to most of the colors in the papers. so, instead of fighting with the border, i pulled elements out of it to embellish my layout with. i pieced together a butterfly and tree and then cut a star to use, all inspired by the designs on the border. The rest of the layout came together pretty easily after that. A simple strip of cardstock gave me a place to jot down all the names of the students in the class. I did add a bit of G.C.D. paper for some contrast and to accent the blue in the kid's school uniforms.

so, if you find yourself with a "pre-decorated" photo, try working with it instead of fighting with it! you might just like the results!

The Trivia questions:

1. What is the in-world name of the Second Life’s Resident Enlightenment Manager (The Linden account)?
A:Torley
(other answers given included Dr. Phil, Jesus, Jack Black, and Cory Linden)

2. What is the real name of Linden Lab’s CEO?
A: Mark Kingdon
(other answers given:bat man, jesus, Chuck Norris, and Dr. Phillip Linden)

3. When was Second Life released?
A: June 23, 2003

4. Which year was Linden Lab founded?
A:1999
(other answers given: 1842 by Blue Linden =])

5. How many registered accounts (active/inactive) are there on SL (MG/TG) approximately?
A: 14,190,267

6. What is the Second Life new rendering engine called?
A: WindLight

7. What is the in-world name of the Linden that started SL and was CEO until a couple of months ago?
A: Philip Linden

8. How many sims are there on the TG mainland?
A: around 83

9. What is the scripting language in Second Life called?
A: Linden scripting language

10. What is the newest version of SL’s physic’s engine?
A: Havok 4

Awesome event, many more to come in the near future.

I also managed to write, yesterday, an extremely simple 2D raycaster on about 3 rock n' roll hours, thanks to this great tutorial. The version I made is a slightly modified one, and the code uses pure OpenGL on VC++ Express 2008. However I still have to improve it and clean the code. Then if I have the time before going to U.S I'll post part of the code here, explain how to do 2D drawing on OpenGL and so on.

Supplies

Stamps: Wonderful Words & Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel
Ink: Night of Navy Classic Ink & VersaMark
Paper: Bashful Blue, Real Red, Night of Navy & Whisper White Card Stock
Accessories: 1 1/4", 1 3/8" & Scallop Circle Punches, Star Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Night of Navy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon & Dimensionals

I made this card for a class I did for the ladies at my church.  Since the class was the week before Father's Day, I also had them make the card below.  Its exactly the same, except the colors & the saying.  See how easy it is to alter a card to fit your needs?

Supplies

Stamps: Well Worn Alphabet & Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel
Ink: Night of Navy Classic Ink & VersaMark
Paper: Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke, Night of Navy & Very Vanilla Card Stock
Accessories: 1 1/4", 1 3/8" & Scallop Circle Punches, Star Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Night of Navy 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon & Dimensionals

Sandy und Heike haben Euch auch diesen Samstag wieder zwei Beispielkärtchen gebastelt - eines eher aus dem Vintage-, das andere aus dem Niedlich-Bereich... Besucht uns gerne auf unseren Blogs, dort findet Ihr wie immer detaillierte Infos zu den Karten...

-----

Again one week has gone by and our heads turned as hot as the summer-sun *lol* but we found another interesting challenge for you: raster-technique ! A theme with so many possibilities - we are highly expecting your creative work.

Sandy and Heike have created two sampler-cards for you as every week - one representing the vintage-, the other one the cute-style. For further information how we have managed them please do not hesitate to visit our blogs...

Sandy:

Heike:

]]> http://saturdaysworkout.wordpress.com/?p=57 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:43:37 +0000 stempelchaotin http://saturdaysworkout.wordpress.com/?p=57 !!!

The overall objective of this project is to identify what interventions are most useful to child domestic workers and which offer them the best protection from abuse and exploitation. It is intended that by identifying what interventions work and don’t work, and why, that it will be possible to improve the quality and scope of services currently provided to child domestic workers and to their employers, parents and other stakeholders; help NGOs and others who want to intervene to consider the most appropriate and effective support they can give to child domestic workers; and encourage local organisations to develop local service projects.

Project partners will develop region-specific training materials to build local practitioner capacity in best ways to intervene on behalf of child domestic workers. Project partners will also collect the views and experiences of current and former child domestic workers in their own country or region. An analysis of these views and what these views tell us about how we could assist child domestics better, will be published and disseminated as a good practice handbook. This handbook will be available in English, French and Spanish and available as free download on Anti-Slavery International’s website. It is expected that the use of the handbook will result in improvements in the quality and scope of interventions designed to protect child domestic workers from abuse and exploitation.

Through July and August 2004, WAO-Afrique and ESAM (a NGO in Benin) organized four consultations with child domestic workers (two in Togo, two in Benin). In each country, one consultation took place in a rural area while the other took place in the capital city. Participants ages ranged from 7 years to 35 years (a former child labourer), but the average ages were 13-17 years. When considered together, this ensured that the views of the child domestics were representative of the countries concerned. Read more…..

As most of the children cannot read or write, drawings were used as the method to record their experiences and views. Although many of the children had not drawn either, the resource persons found this method very effective. Two sets of drawings were made: the first of their working conditions, the second of their aspirations for the future.

Reference: 1215084347

ERS are seeking an Estimator, Major Project, Engineering for a Client. A key member of a central directorate Estimating Team with responsibility for preparing multi-disciplinary front end project estimates suitable for approval by all stakeholders prior to submission for final approval. May also be seconded out to project teams to provide estimating services direct to the project teams under the guidance of the Project Control Manager.

Location

Aldermaston

Salary

Competitive salary depending on qualifications and experience

Job Responsibilities

Ensuring performance in accordance with the requirements of Company policy and management systems.

Implementing best practice estimating policy, processes and procedures on projects.

Providing cost estimates and cost plans within levels of certainty which allow effective monitoring, forecasting and control of financial limits for projects.

Assess and use technical information and documentation to provide cost estimates and plans together with proposals for estimate improvements where appropriate.

Monitoring and assessing the development and status of technical information and documentation against the cost plan, forecasting anticipated difficulties and providing proposals for their resolution.

Assist with value engineering assessments and evaluating results as part of the project process.

Provide estimating input into risk assessments.

Provide estimating input into change request preparation.

Assist with the compilation of historical data for data bank for future projects.

Member of the Estimating Team.

Work with and provide support to colleagues in the central estimating team and project teams.

Develop and promote with others in the employers estimating community best practice processes, procedures, tools and techniques and mechanisms for their practical application.

Apply the highest degree of professional application in the estimating discipline and working relationships commensurate with the ethics of the profession.

Assist in the overall delivery of the project by the team.

Assist continuous improvement of safety and performance.

Assist graduate and staff development.

Contact with relevant professional institutions, academia and industry.

Support development of directorate and departmental policy and procedure.

To ensure that understanding and application of responsibilities with regard to the company’s environment, health, safety, security and quality standards.

Tel: 01454 203 460

cv@energyrs.co.uk

The bottom of my Grover mug features his signature and birthday (October 14. Make a note.)

One day this week when we were out shopping, these stopped us in our tracks:

Pig for her (Hi, Marin!), lion for me. Cute, or what?

A quiet Fourth around here. Briton pulled the lunch and dinner shifts, but can make it because on tonight's "A Capitol Fourth,", he gets to see the girl he's going to marry.

Hannah and I will continue to craft. She is doing brilliantly (brilliantly) with her sewing. The child, I say again, is fearless. She believes she can do it, and, by heavens, she does. She is putting together something like 90 diamond shapes to overlay on a vest for a quilted effect. And it's gorgeous!

On my needles presently: ribbed gauntlets, a scarf/shawl (which depends on how quickly I tire of working on it) and a newly-cast-on Berroco sweater .

Happy Fourth!!!!

]]> http://utilityjobs.wordpress.com/?p=142 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:15:31 +0000 mrcas http://utilityjobs.wordpress.com/?p=142 China & Nuclear Power Stations Construction Projects

Who = Peoples Republic of China’s State Nuclear Power Technology Company (SNPTC) has recently selected the Westinghouse/Shaw Consortium and Westinghouse’s AP1000 passive Generation III technology as the basis for four nuclear power plants

The AP1000 Consortium will be working closely with Energy Recruitment Solutions in the  implementation of the new build program with positions and assignments.

As part of the AP1000 Consortium, Shaw provide engineering, procurement, commissioning, and management services for the four Chinese nuclear generation units.

We have an ongoing need for staff to fulfill this large scale demand for professional skilled and educated construction and engineering experts.  We have positions across all disciplines within construction and Engineering for long term ex pat staff positions near Shanghai.

We would like to hear from candidates with recent & current experience in construction engineering of Nuclear Power Stations across the world.

Experience from Ukraine, Romania, South Africa ,Sweden, Slovenia Bulgaria ,Finland, Russia, Lithuania ,India, slovakia, france Canada  & China.

Why= With the fastest growing economy in the world and its population aggressively demanding to catch up with the western world.  Huge demand is placed on the shoulders of the PRC to enable businesses to operate across its vast lands.

With an enormous percentage of its population still living off the land and largely still existing without mains electricity. You have another demand for upgrading the national infrastructure to support the businesses and as the population that converts to working within its factories is looking to emulate its western counterparts.

Wages enable independence better quality of life with improved towns and buildings.

Mainland China already has eleven nuclear power stations in commercial operation with a further six under construction, and plenty more in the planning stages about to start construction.  China needs more Nuclear reactors if it is to continue its vertical climb in world wide dominance.

The countries rapid expansion in its growth of commercial and industry factories leads not only to national power shortages but also a heavy reliance on Fossil fuels that as a direct result is also a big impact on health and its smog related effects on the nation.

More Why China has to reduce its carbon foot print as its the second-largest contributor to energy-related carbon dioxide emissions after the USA.

Nuclear power is a natural choice to support the required power capacity in the coastal areas remote from the coalfields and where the economy is developing quickest

Where  Shanghai and north and south at Sangmen and Haiyang.

At the end of February 2007 a framework agreement was signed between Westinghouse and SNPTC specifying Haiyang in Shandong province  as the site of the second pair of AP1000 units, with Sanmen.

In July 2007 Westinghouse, along with consortium partner Shaw, signed the AP1000 contracts with SNPTC, Sanmen Nuclear Power Company, Shangdong Nuclear Power Company and China National Technical Import & Export Corporation (CNTIC). There were no specific terms released however figures of $5.3 billion for the deal have been widely quoted.

The Sanmen site works commenced in February 2008 and full construction for unit 1 is to start in March 2009, with the first power expected late in August 2013. 

Its is widely acknowledged that EDF will take a 30% share in the Taishan project as joint venture partner with CGNPC.

We understand that the Taishan Nuclear Power Company which will oversee the building, then own and operate the plant.  Cost is estimated for the project, including fuel supply, to total in excess of 8 billion Euros.  The Steam turbine generators alone will cost circa 300 million Euros

Who = Peoples Republic of China’s State Nuclear Power Technology Company (SNPTC) has recently selected the Westinghouse/Shaw Consortium and Westinghouse’s AP1000 passive Generation III technology as the basis for four nuclear power plants

The AP1000 Consortium will be working closely with Energy Recruitment Solutions in the  implementation of the new build program with positions and assignments.

As part of the AP1000 Consortium, Shaw provide engineering, procurement, commissioning, and management services for the four Chinese nuclear generation units.

We have an ongoing need for staff to fulfill this large scale demand for professional skilled and educated construction and engineering experts.  We have positions across all disciplines within construction and Engineering for long term ex pat staff positions near Shanghai.

We would like to hear from candidates with recent & current experience in construction engineering of Nuclear Power Stations across the world.

Experience from Ukraine, Romania, South Africa ,Sweden, Slovenia Bulgaria ,Finland, Russia, Lithuania ,India, slovakia, france Canada  & China.

Why= With the fastest growing economy in the world and its population aggressively demanding to catch up with the western world.  Huge demand is placed on the shoulders of the PRC to enable businesses to operate across its vast lands.

With an enormous percentage of its population still living off the land and largely still existing without mains electricity. You have another demand for upgrading the national infrastructure to support the businesses and as the population that converts to working within its factories is looking to emulate its western counterparts.

Wages enable independence better quality of life with improved towns and buildings.

Mainland China already has eleven nuclear power stations in commercial operation with a further six under construction, and plenty more in the planning stages about to start construction.  China needs more Nuclear reactors if it is to continue its vertical climb in world wide dominance.

The countries rapid expansion in its growth of commercial and industry factories leads not only to national power shortages but also a heavy reliance on Fossil fuels that as a direct result is also a big impact on health and its smog related effects on the nation.

More Why China has to reduce its carbon foot print as its the second-largest contributor to energy-related carbon dioxide emissions after the USA.

Nuclear power is a natural choice to support the required power capacity in the coastal areas remote from the coalfields and where the economy is developing quickest

Where  Shanghai and north and south at Sangmen and Haiyang.

At the end of February 2007 a framework agreement was signed between Westinghouse and SNPTC specifying Haiyang in Shandong province  as the site of the second pair of AP1000 units, with Sanmen.

In July 2007 Westinghouse, along with consortium partner Shaw, signed the AP1000 contracts with SNPTC, Sanmen Nuclear Power Company, Shangdong Nuclear Power Company and China National Technical Import & Export Corporation (CNTIC). There were no specific terms released however figures of $5.3 billion for the deal have been widely quoted.

The Sanmen site works commenced in February 2008 and full construction for unit 1 is to start in March 2009, with the first power expected late in August 2013. 

Its is widely acknowledged that EDF will take a 30% share in the Taishan project as joint venture partner with CGNPC.

We understand that the Taishan Nuclear Power Company which will oversee the building, then own and operate the plant.  Cost is estimated for the project, including fuel supply, to total in excess of 8 billion Euros.  The Steam turbine generators alone will cost circa 300 million Euros

Who = Peoples Republic of China’s State Nuclear Power Technology Company (SNPTC) has recently selected the Westinghouse/Shaw Consortium and Westinghouse’s AP1000 passive Generation III technology as the basis for four nuclear power plants

The AP1000 Consortium will be working closely with Energy Recruitment Solutions in the  implementation of the new build program with positions and assignments.

As part of the AP1000 Consortium, Shaw provide engineering, procurement, commissioning, and management services for the four Chinese nuclear generation units.

We have an ongoing need for staff to fulfill this large scale demand for professional skilled and educated construction and engineering experts.  We have positions across all disciplines within construction and Engineering for long term ex pat staff positions near Shanghai.

We would like to hear from candidates with recent & current experience in construction engineering of Nuclear Power Stations across the world.

Experience from Ukraine, Romania, South Africa ,Sweden, Slovenia Bulgaria ,Finland, Russia, Lithuania ,India, slovakia, france Canada  & China.

Why= With the fastest growing economy in the world and its population aggressively demanding to catch up with the western world.  Huge demand is placed on the shoulders of the PRC to enable businesses to operate across its vast lands.

With an enormous percentage of its population still living off the land and largely still existing without mains electricity. You have another demand for upgrading the national infrastructure to support the businesses and as the population that converts to working within its factories is looking to emulate its western counterparts.

Wages enable independence better quality of life with improved towns and buildings.

Mainland China already has eleven nuclear power stations in commercial operation with a further six under construction, and plenty more in the planning stages about to start construction.  China needs more Nuclear reactors if it is to continue its vertical climb in world wide dominance.

The countries rapid expansion in its growth of commercial and industry factories leads not only to national power shortages but also a heavy reliance on Fossil fuels that as a direct result is also a big impact on health and its smog related effects on the nation.

More Why China has to reduce its carbon foot print as its the second-largest contributor to energy-related carbon dioxide emissions after the USA.

Nuclear power is a natural choice to support the required power capacity in the coastal areas remote from the coalfields and where the economy is developing quickest

Where  Shanghai and north and south at Sangmen and Haiyang.

At the end of February 2007 a framework agreement was signed between Westinghouse and SNPTC specifying Haiyang in Shandong province  as the site of the second pair of AP1000 units, with Sanmen.

In July 2007 Westinghouse, along with consortium partner Shaw, signed the AP1000 contracts with SNPTC, Sanmen Nuclear Power Company, Shangdong Nuclear Power Company and China National Technical Import & Export Corporation (CNTIC). There were no specific terms released however figures of $5.3 billion for the deal have been widely quoted.

The Sanmen site works commenced in February 2008 and full construction for unit 1 is to start in March 2009, with the first power expected late in August 2013. 

Its is widely acknowledged that EDF will take a 30% share in the Taishan project as joint venture partner with CGNPC.

We understand that the Taishan Nuclear Power Company which will oversee the building, then own and operate the plant.  Cost is estimated for the project, including fuel supply, to total in excess of 8 billion Euros.  The Steam turbine generators alone will cost circa 300 million Euros

Contact ERS, the specialist Nuclear Recruitment firm on 01454 203 460 or info@energyrs.co.uk for further details of Nuclear Job opportunities in China and the Far East.

The books come in three series with discontinue story.

More pictures of the books:

*phew..*

I should confess that I was not totally faithful to this pair while I was knitting them. I also completed one Ironman sock. I'm calling it that because 1) I got the yarn at Tempe Yarn and Fiber while we were in Tempe for The Husband to race the Ironman. 2) They are for The Husband. 3) The yarn is Knitivity Down Home Art Yarns SOCK, and the colorway is called Timberwolf -- pretty manly don'cha think?

I've also been working on this Lace Ribbon Scarf from Knitty. The yarn is a really lovely cotton and silk blend from Twinkle yarns called Cruise. I bought it for socks, before we went to Alaska. But it just needed to be knit into this scarf.

Speaking of cruises, there is this project. It looks like a lump of lovely laceweight alpaca now, but one day it will be a lovely triangular shawl. Not anytime soon, mind you. But one day.

Cat's paws provided for scale.

• Reduced costs:   you can pretty much buy anywhere from 3-5 subnotebooks for the price of a regular laptop.
• Open-source alternative OS:  the "lean and mean" sub-notebook hardware begs for a linux-based operating system, creating a good opportunity to introduce your customers to non-windows alternatives at the public terminals.
• portability:   unlike regular-sized laptops, taking a lab of 5-10 subnotebooks on the road could be done with a simple backpack (and a back to go with it).   There is a great opportunity for community technology outreach with these machines.

Step one was to convince the powers that be that I need one of these things to play with.   At a mere $399 for the ASUS EEE PC (the one I'm going to speak about today), this was an easy ask.    When it came in, there was enthusiasm all around about this machine from all levels of staff.   It looks good; it can fit in a purse; it's sexy; it surprises the heck out of people when you say it's dirt cheap.

The Xandros install that comes with the EEE is intuitive to most I've shown it to.    My initial thoughts are that Xandros is fine for most public use.

That said, having asked a few staff about its potential, there are a good number of cons that need to be considered as well:

• the keyboard, monitor and mouse pad are way too small for anyone with hands larger than a 12 year-olds.   Libraries would almost definitely require a separate mouse and keyboard for these machines.   People with vision issues would need a separate display as well.
• Xandros is pretty limited for all but the most basic productive uses.   One of the reasons I would want to introduce linux to the public is to have interesting and/or unique software (like noteedit, Emacs, the kde line of software, sqlite etc.) available for use, not to mention Ubuntu's for-free Assistive Technology options.
• Installing and configuring another system (like Ubuntu) does require someone with some linux experience (although Justin Gill has done a great job with instructions for configuring wireless in Ubuntu 8 (Hardy Heron).    I've also had to reconfigure the wireless after a standard update using the synaptics package manager as well.    This could be quite a pain in the long run, unless you have techie front-line staff.
• Although not confirmed, the size of the EEE PC does make it a likely victim of a theft.
• It gets really hot.   It's not a laptop really, because it's intended for a table or desk, not your lap.   And using this on a couch, bed, carpet or anything that would block a square centimeter of the ventilation areas would really kill the lifetime of this laptop.
• No really cool games are available despite the linux distribution you use.    Even if you install XP, it is not likely you will be able to get any large-scale software on it afterwards.    No Second Life.   No World of Warcraft.

So far, we've experimented with the EEE PC as a support for ESL classes.   The bottom line is that the computer is too small to be used for most learners in this group.   However, I do think there are some realistic uses for it:

• It could be a lost-cost alternative for presentations in branches.
• The keyboard is the right size for smaller children -- so a program with educational games seems appropriate.
• A number of them could be useful as a lab for state/provincial libraries to offer professional development to rural libraries.
• A combination of a laptop, keyboard, mouse and screen projector could be really good for a one-to-one IT clinic for older adults (and it would still be cheaper than buying a laptop).
• It could be useful as a lender program, provided that customers will understand that this is a linux-based, teeny-tiny laptop.
• There is an opportunity here as a support piece for programs as well.   For instance, people who attend our ESL programs often bring their children.    It could be good to hand children a EEE PC while they are waiting for their mom or dad to finish their ESL sessions.
• Add a wifi package to a EEE and you could provide bibliographic instruction to people who use homebound or books by mail services.
• The EEE could be good to expand roving reference services, balancing the portability of a hand-held with the usability of a desk/laptop.

In the end, I do not think the subnotebook is going to solve all our problem regarding providing flexible and effective access to information and technology inside and outside the library.   The future is promising, but I need to see a little bit more before I am going to go bandwagon on this model of service.