“A remarkably odd thing. And I mean that in the best way possible.”

Software developer, podcaster, and self-proclaimed nerd Bryan Lunduke got his hands on a litl webbook recently. His review hits on a lot of the litl's features, like the functionality of easel mode and the general design.

Perhaps most remarkable about Bryan's review is his transformation from skeptic to believer.

When I first learned about the litl, and it’s complete lack of “native” applications, my gut reaction was roughly like this:

“Are you freaking kidding me?  Why on this green earth of ours would I ever want to be stuck only using web applications?!  Not a chance you’ll ever catch me with a device like that!”  (If memory serves I ranted on like this for some time.)

But in short time, Bryan reversed course.

The web-application-only approach that the litl has taken works extremely well.  In my daily usage of the litl over the last several weeks I have found that there is very little I can’t do with this little device.  Turns out: Most of what I do with my normal computer is all web-based already.

That's the same conclusion a lot of people are making: When you live in the browser, there's not much else you need. And while the concept of giving up native applications and local storage may seem like a big leap for some folks, Brian sees appeal for a broad assortment of users.

I would, without hesitation, recommend the litl to a few key types of people:

• Grandparents.  Grandparents.  Grandparents.  This device will, literally, have no tech support once it’s up and running.  No viruses (virii?).  No Spyware.  No way for grandpa to accidentally delete some important system files.  Easy to use, only a few buttons to click.  Boom.  Grandparents are online and looking at your pictures from flickr or facebook.
• Kids.  The litl is sturdy as heck (no hard drive built in) and has rounded corners.  So kids aren’t likely to hurt it or themselves (at least not unless they go Hulk-Angry-Smash on you… but then you’ve got bigger problems to worry about).  And, again, they won’t be downloading stuff on to your computer by accident.
• Nerds who want at least one device at home they don’t have to worry about (plus it’s a good conversation starter).

Read Bryan's full review, and take a minute to give it a bump on Digg if you like it.