I admit I was skeptical when Mike Arrington first announced he wanted to build a lightweight Web Tablet. But a few month later we saw the first prototype, which was not particularly attractive – but real. Mea Culpa, I was wrong.
The second prototype was already quite likable, albeit not as sexy as as the original sketch. Today Mike @ Techcrunch announced that the final prototype is just weeks away- and although all he now has are conceptual drawings, if the real thing is anywhere close .. OMG.. OMG.. it’s absolutely sexy! 
It’s not a full-fledged PC, in fact it’s a barebones Netbook sans keyboard. But you don’t need more: as I’ve often pointed out, at today’s price levels (the CrunchPad originally aimed at $300) we no longer need to rely on one main personal computer, but multiple situational devices: a desktop with a large screen for the office or home, a notebook for easy travel or even work at the backyard, a netbook for short trips, conferences, an iPhone if you want to carry even less, and now a CrunchPad for those lazy moments on the couch or at the pool-side (oh, and I want a Startrek Replicator
). So I want my CrunchPad slim, lightweight, with just a flash drive, good enough screen and memory to quickly pull up a browser and nothing else: everything else is in the Cloud.
Finally, I’m already envisioning the CrunchPad 2, equipped with Pixel Qi’s new screen technology that can switch between the traditional backlit screen mode and one that’s close to e-paper displays that are visible i bright sunshine, consume a fraction of energy and are easy on the eyes. While I strongly disagreed with the initial hype that netbooks with this new display could become the Kindle-killers, the CrunchPad with this screen would be an amazingly powerful combo: It’s all about convenience. I can’t wait to buy one.
I think on traditional notebooks or netbooks it’s more about visibility
in bright sunshine outdoors than anything else. Of course coupled with a device like the Crunchpad
would give us a bit more intelligent eBook: one for reading, browsing,
limited Net interaction via touch functions – but no keyboard or
peripherals. Nothing that increases bulk.
CloudAve is sponsored by Salesforce.com and Workday.