I've just come across what is arguably one of the greatest departures from the main-stream that I have seen in a long time. The Foleo is simple, sleek and just the right size to carry around for those moments when a simple laptop would do nicely. It has a 10inch screen, a full sized keyboard and has all the basic tools that you need for getting down to business.

Personally I'm thrilled about the idea.

The reviews however, have been less than kind. Most 'analysts' have slamed the Foleo as being too simple and wondering why the company has gone in this direction rather than creating a full-fledged Linux powered laptop.

My take on this however is very different. I love this concept. Personally, one of the things I've loved about Plam is the instant on/off, with all the basic tools you need to get down to business - without all the distractions, lag time and complications of a full-fledged PC... and with a 5 hour battery life (which with Palm, I acctually belive).

I think that Palm has really hit on something here. This is NOT meant to be a laptop replacement, rather a companion to your smartphone - which from the sound of what I have read so far, should work with non-Palm smartphones too. As a companion, it is substantially lighter (2lbs, I belive) and able to tackle the basic office documents, web browsing and emailing; which as a business tool is EXACTLY what I need - nothing more, nothing less.

In fact, I'm so happy with my Palm Treo, that I no longer feel compelled to carry around a laptop everywhere I go... this however makes me realize that from time to time, it is a necesary evil.... until the Foleo comes out I mean.

I know nothing about the specs of the device, but then again, I know nothing about the hardware of the Treo, all I do know is that it works. Thats all I really care about. And if the Foleo has the same pedigrie as the Treo, I will be very happy.

I see the Foleo as the perfect tool for sitting anywhere jotting down a quick email, ideas or whatever.... QUICKLY. Instant on means (if I understood this correctly), that in exactly 2 minutes, I could turn it on, send out a few emails, check my Facebook account, pay for my coffee, hit the off button and be on my way. With a 'real' PC, I would not even be able to boot it up, consistly over time, that quickly. This is one atractive feature. One DAMN ATTRACTIVE feature. Oh yeah - for presentations, it has a plug to conect directly to a TV - sweet.

In short, I'd rather pay $500 for the Foleo, than for some bargain basement PC that will be twice as heavy and will require me to wait and wait between turning on, off, etc.... Oh yeah... and this device will probably NOT be obsolete in a year.

I remember seeing a device like this many years ago - it was a windows device, and back then I could see the wonderful possibilities... though back then it was a little ahead of its time; but today with the prevalance of smartphones, bluetooth and wifi - well the time is right indeed.