The litl webbook is a back-to-basics netbook which rethinks what we actually need from small computers. It does what it’s meant to do really well, and I love its design and simplicity.
Keeping it simple
Simplicity is the litl’s watchword. When you switch it on, it takes seconds to load a custom operating system on the 12” display. A straightforward home screen shows a series of ‘cards’, each offering access to a different ‘channel’.
These channels let you do different things – browse the internet, check the time, watch videos, and so on. The number of channels should increase over time, as software developers use the SDK to create new ones.
It’s all in the cloud
Unlike other netbooks, the litl accesses most services over the internet (‘in the cloud’). That means you really need to be online to use it. No problem when you’re at home with reliable wireless – not so good for working on the train, plane, or other places you can’t get online.
But then that’s not really what the litl is for. The battery is a weedy three-cell affair that’ll likely only last a couple of hours, so it’s not a road-warrior’s dream. And there are considerable advantages to a cloud-based approach. For instance, if you smash your litl or it’s stolen, your data is still safe.
So: no worries about backups or updates. No warnings that your security software is out of date or that your program ended unexpectedly. This might be the closest I’ve ever seen to a maintenance-free computer.
A flexible display
The litl is a good-looking netbook, with a two-tone color scheme and minimal ports, buttons and switches. The beautiful packaging and accompanying illustrated cards give away just how much effort has gone into the design.
The most striking feature is a clever hinge which allows the screen to bend right round. This lets you fold the netbook into an upside-down ‘V’, so it stands up by itself like an easel.
With the keyboard tucked away, it’s suddenly much easier to do a whole bunch of stuff. You can follow recipes without getting flour on the keyboard, view photos or watch the news.
The display changes automatically to accommodate easel mode. So, for instance, if you are viewing photos on Flickr, it’ll jump to full-screen slideshow view. As the keyboard gets hidden, a scroll wheel and button lets you flick between photos, move through text and so on.
Plump for the optional remote control if you plan on connecting your litl to a TV (an HDMI connection is standard). But if that’s your main purpose for buying, hold on for the company’s forthcoming web TV product.
Kill caps lock
Other features of the litl are pretty standard. The keyboard is what you’re used to, just without a caps lock key (hopefully a trend other manufacturers will follow). There’s a green ‘litl’ key that takes you straight to the home screen. And the touchpad mouse works just as you’d expect it to. Simple. Again.
The litl isn’t for everyone. Geeks and tinkerers may be disappointed, and it’s not a workhorse for documents, spreadsheets and presentations. But for low-maintenance web browsing, sharing photos and videos, and email, it works well.
See the litl team explain how the litl works:
But what is does, it does very well. For web browsing, sharing photos and videos, checking Facebook and sending emails, the $399 litl could be all you need. And just for once, ‘so easy your grandma can use it’ might not be an exaggeration.
January 1st, 2012 by Kris in Interactive, Video 0