This neat mini computer was on display at the 2008 CES.  While not a direct competitor to the current Asus Eee PC models, we may see the Shuttle KPC battle it out with Asus' upcoming desktop version of the Eee PC.  Hopefully Asus will take a cue from the KPC's cool colours and designs.  And that's KPC not KFC.

More info at http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9847365-7.html

Everex is stepping up with its new CloudBook which will be in direct competition with the Asus Eee PC in the low budget UMPC market and looking to knock the king out of the ring.

The CloudBook shares similar specs with the Eee PC, such as a 7 inch screen, 512MB of memory, and runs Linux but has a notably different look and operating system and also features a 30 GB hard drive.

Features and Specifications

Operating System: gOS V2 Rocket
Processor: 1.2GHz VIA C7-M ULV Processor
Display: 7" WVGA TFT Widescreen (800 x 480 native resolution)
Preinstalled and Linked Software (gOS version): Mozilla FireFox, gMail, Meebo, Skype, Google Documents & Spreadsheets, Google Calendar, Google News, Google Maps, Wikipedia, Google Product Search, GIMP, Blogger, YouTube, Xine Movie Player, RhythmBox, Faqly, Facebook and OpenOffice.org 2.3 (includes WRITER, IMPRESS, MATH, DRAW)
Memory: 512MB DDR2 533MHz SDRAM (1GB Max)
Hard Disk Drive: 30GB, 4200RPM PATA
Graphic: VIA UniChrome Pro IGP
Audio: VIA VT1708A High Definition Audio Codec with built-in speakers
WLAN: 802.11b/g
LAN: 10/100 Ethernet
I/O: (1) DVI-I port, (2) USB 2.0 ports, (1) RJ45 Ethernet port, (1) Headphone/Line Out jack, (1) Microphone/ Line In jack, (1) 4-in-1 Media Card Reader (Secure Digital, Multi-Media Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO)
Battery: 4-Cell (14.4V, 2200mAh), rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Dimensions: 9.06" x 6.73 x 1.16" (W x D x H)
Weight: 2 pounds
Warranty & Support: 1 Year Limited Warranty with 24/7 Toll-Free Technical Support
MSRP: $399.00

*Specifications subject to change

For more info see:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4187
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=10293

Looks like the Eee PC's got a new competitor!  In addition to the existing trio of Palm Foleo, Via Nanobook, and OLPC (One Laptop Per Child), we now have a new Lenovo.

Beijing-based Lenovo / IBM has announced the release of a PC aimed at rural China.  This PC will come with educational software and will connect to a TV.  It has an estimated price of between 1,499 and 2,999 Yuan (approx. $199 USD).  With it's low pricing and considering China's population of 1.3 billion, this product could open up a huge new demographic in the PC marketplace.

What with the announcements of the ASUS Eee PC and this new Lenovo, the emergence of these low-cost PCs may be the beginning of a trend.  If they are successful, we will definitely be seeing a lot of new faces and a lot of new changes in the computing world.

Reference: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6932897.stm