Digital Home Thoughts: TechCrunch Updates Its Tablet Project

"The idea is to get a new type of device into people’s hands for as cheap as possible (we were aiming for $200, it looks like $299 is more realistic). It fits perfectly on your lap while you are sitting in front of the TV, so you can look up stuff on Wikipedia or IMDB as you channel surf. It plays Flash video flawlessly so you can watch movies and TV shows on Hulu or Joost or wherever. Or listen to music on MySpace Music. Or use TokBox to have a video chat with your parents. Then check email and call it a day. Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Hulu, Wikipedia, Google Docs and Gmail are the killer apps for this device."

It has been a long time since TechCrunch's last update to their tablet project that some thought it might never see the light of day. Apparently, the CrunchPad is alive and well, and looking better than its predecessor. It still appears to fulfill most of its original intent, which is to provide a day long tablet for browsing. I was not surprised, but disappointed to them change the estimated price from $200 to $299. The update also doesn't mention anything about an estimated battery life. They're currently using Ubuntu as their OS, but short of licensing fees, I'm surprised they are not trying to use something like SplashTop, which would suit the CrunchPad perfectly. I have to say that I am disappointed with what they have come up with so far, but then again, I was quite sure that their goals as a whole were just is not practical with current day technology. Is there someone out there who is enamoured with the CrunchPad? Please tell me why this is more compelling than a netbook, Audrey or even a used tablet pc?