Blogging From the CloudBook
February 15th, 2008 by Avram Piltch 
Now that I fixed the boot problem by replace the xorg.conf file on the CloudBook, it’s full speed ahead. However, since I fixed the machine (I also broke it), I got to take it home for the weekend to test.
Once I got home and connected (this time easly) to my WPA2-encrypted wireless router, I decided to try logging into WordPress, our blogging software, to see how it works on the CloudBook.
A lot of bloggers would love to have a UMPC like the Eee PC or the CloudBook. The small size and weight mean that you can take this machine anywhere and share your thoughts or news immediately on your blog.
Unfortunately, the 800×480 resolution screen means that you need to scroll a lot while you’re working in WordPress. Fortunately, you only have to scroll vertcally, not horizontally, because the WordPress control panel can fit in a space narrower than 800 pixels.
Still, in order to insert images in this post, I had to remove both hands from the keyboard, place them on the touchpad and buttons, then scroll down to the “Upload” box and select the file. Then I had to scroll further to click the “send to editor” button to insert my image.
There’s just a ton of scrolling, but that’s to be expected at this low resolution.
5 Responses to “Blogging From the CloudBook”
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February 15th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
You could use the full screen function of Firefox to get rid of all that extra browser clutter. Use your resources man. LOL. Thanks for the pictures and reviews.
February 16th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Yeah, I have the same issue with the Eee PC. While an 800 x 480 pixel screen is good enough for reading most web pages, it’s not really enough for using web apps without scrolling. Hitting F11 to use fullscreen mode helps a little, but I’d love to see a tiny laptop with a 1024 x 600 screen. Hopefullly Everex and Asus will release some soon.
February 16th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Thanks for that screensnap! I use WP too and am getting very excited at the prospect of using a CB for it. BTW, I was also able to do test (text-only) post to WP from the iPhone:
http://mikecane2008.wordpress.com/2008/02/02/test-post-from-iphone/
Not much, but proof that it can be done!
February 16th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Once the new Firefox (3) comes out many of the “small screen size” problems will be fixed by the new “zoom” functionality that allows dynamically zooming in and out the webpage. Not only the text, but the whole webpage will then be dynamically scaled, when you press the “ctrl” key, and use the scroll button, or use special key combinations.
So you can dynamically zoom out to get an overview of a webpage, then zoom in to the details you need. I use the beta version of Firefox 3, and it works great on small screens.
I would propose to use an external mouse whenever you use the CloudBook as a tabletop device. The built in cursor control is only intended to be used while walking around with the CloudBook.
February 18th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Try using the ScribeFire plugin for Firefox to post to your WordPress blog and others.