The Netbook Revolution

迷你筆記型電腦革命
How the Eee PC has redefined mobile computing 这类迷你电脑改变了人们使用膝上型电脑的方式 by Vance Fry

Way back in 2007, Taipei-based ASUSTeK Computer introduced the Eee PC, a cheap, basic laptop computer about the size of a hardcover book. Originally designed to be both affordable and portable, the Eee PC handled simple tasks such as writing, web surfing and e-mail.

At the time, most laptops were scaled-down versions of desktop computers, and critics complained about Eee’s lack of power and features. In spite of the naysayers, Asus sold more than 300,000 Eee PCs in the first few months. Other companies rushed to follow, and now nearly every major PC manufacturer has jumped into the still growing netbook market.

Through it all, the Eee PC has continued to evolve and improve. Newer versions include an Eee PC tablet that allows users to navigate by means of a touch screen. Also out is the Eee PC Keyboard, a computer in a keyboard that connects to any LCD monitor or big-screen TV. In many ways, the Eee PC caught the PC industry off guard. The product does many of the things people use computers for, at a much cheaper price. Though there will always be a market for "full" computers, the Eee PC taught the PC industry a valuable lesson: Sometimes the basics are all we need.

Grammar:
Trough it all, the Eee PC has continued to evolve and improve.
through it all ="from the beginning until now or until the end" or "through everything"
Even though Sam's job at the grocery store was a tough one, through it all, he learned a lot about teamwork.
Even though the research was hard, through it all, the scientist has never thought of giving up.
portable (adj)-you can take it any where you go, carry (take) it with you.
I always take my portable radio to the beach with me.
jump into (idiom)-move in quickly, get in quick.
Harry jumped into a business deal without checking it out carefully and ended up losing a lot of money.
navigate (v)-controlling the moving toward a place. 驾驶，导航，航行。
I had trouble learning to navigate between the personal and business settings on my cell phone.
*The modern equipment can navigate the ship automatically.
*This new software can help you navigate the Internet faster.网路的浏览速度更快。
catch off guard (idiom)-让对方很惊讶或措手不及。 catch (caught)-抓, off guard-没有防备。
The fashion industry was caught off guard by the new, young designer.
*The district attorney's question really caught the defendant off guard.检查官的问题让被告措手不及
naysayer-someone always has negative response or idea would says. nay=no
Regardless what the naysayer said, Tim decided to go for the new project.
*Chuck ignored the naysayers and finally succeeded. 忽视，不去理会。
way back-a long period of time ago. here says "way back" only about 2 years is refereed to the computer field, within a years can have a lot of changes.
affordable-everyone has enough money able to buy it.
tasks-作业。
scaled-down-make it simpler.

Chat Room
hardcover book-hard bound. 精装本的书，硬皮书。
paperback-平装本，纸皮书。较便宜。
paper covering of the hardcover book is "jacket" ,比书多出一点折叠通常是在封面背后，有blurb (简介），封底背后有作者的简介，折叠在封面的上面是书的评论。