NorhTec Geko Surfboard $99 Eee PC Keyboard Alternative

NorhTec, who’ve brought up ultra cheap portable computers such as the Pad Tablet and Gecko EduBook are back at it again with the Gecko Surfboard which is a computer in a keyboard. Yes, just like the ASUS Eee Keyboard. While it can’t compete in looks and features, it easily makes up for in price. The Gecko Surfboard is only $99.

It’s powered by an energy efficient 1GHz Xcore86 processor, only consuming 5W of power - not good enough for gaming but good for web browsing they say. 512MB RAM. You can hook it up to a spare monitor or TV via the VGA or composite out ports. Internet connection is via 10/100 LAN, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi or 3G. Other ports include 2x USB 2.0, old school serial port and headphone / mic ports.

It can run Windows XP or Linux OSes. It’s fanless. It can boot up from a SD/SDHC card (2x SD Card slots) or 2.5” IDE HDD (not SATA).

The Gecko keyboard will be showcased at CES 2010 and ship shortly afterwards in early January 2010. The Linux version costs ~$99 while the Windows XP version will cost ~$150.

Source: LinuxDevices via SlashGear