$200 PC notebook that runs on AA batteries!!

A laptop that runs on 8 AA batteries and is $200. Yup, I'm getting one. I need a laptop that I can take around to events and to the job to make worksheets for students, and also be able to surf the internet. This'll do. The fact that it runs for 4 hours on off-the-shelf NiMH AA rechargables that I can find in any 100 shop here is excellentor denki-ya san (electronics store) is worth it to me... My 2 year old HP dv2000 has a recalled battery pack and motherboard right now... *sigh*

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One alternative to being Homeless in Japan...

Let's just hope I never have to use this particular "lifeline/get out of jail free card" here. I recently heard from a friend of mine about this particular lifestyle-- And let it be known that I too have spent a few nights at the many 24 Internet Cafes here in Japan. I mean they're quiet, convenient, there's a supply of drinks and cup-o-noodles included in the service, and for about ￥900 ($9.20) you can crash there for the night in your little cubicle. But while my little "sleepovers" were due to either poor planning (That's what I get for going to Kobe without first calling to see if my friends are free to hang out!) or because I missed the last train (virtually all public transit countrywide halts from 12am until 5:30am!), I cannot fathom having to spend $500/month to live in an internet cube. But if that's all there is between shelter and sleeping outdoors, well...

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