Nec Introduces the Laptop Without A Hard Disk

The Japanese company Nec has developed a laptop for corporate users that does not include in its configuration a hard disk. Named PC Parafield, the computer was developed as a replacement to the actual client systems and combines the possibility to work anywhere with improved data security.

Conventional laptops can be used anywhere, but they represent a security risk because they can be stolen. The new Nec system does not

store data by default, needing a network connection to the company's servers. But such a connection is not always available.

The new laptop without a hard disk stores the operating system and the software applications locally in the flash ROM memory, the system being able to work without a network connection. Flash ROM memories are usually used for storing BIOS and firmware in electronic devices, but they have limited reprogramming possibilities.

Apparently, PC Parafield looks like a normal laptop, and its specifications are standard besides the absence of the hard disk. It features an Intel Pentium M processor that runs at 1,73 GHz and has Windows XP Professional OS. 3 GB of flash ROM are available for storing the operating system and the additional software, and the featured RAM memory is 512 MB. The display has a 1024 X 768 pixels resolution (XGA), measuring 12 inches.

Source: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nec-I...sk-13661.shtml

I have read this article several times but still I don't understand it. It need network connection or it does not? Where are stored the works of a day?

I would guess that if you don't have a network connection it temporarily stores data on the Flash card then syncronises files with the network the next time you have a connection.

Than what is the point? They say that the point of a laptop like this is that even if they steel the laptop they can't steel your data. Beside, 3 GB of space for OS and other software on that memory, just the Win XP is more than 1.5 Gb.

The point I would imagine is that your work for the last month won't be on the machine. Only the last day, so it will be a lot more secure.

MI5 / MI6 already started using machines like this straight after one of their agents left their laptop on a train. Great secure country we live in hey