Coffee break with the Eee - offline YouTube videos on Linux

I had to run out to pick up a *gasp* paper book that just came out so I'm sitting in the Barnes & Noble Cafe with a grande and an Eee. While standing line to pay for the new hardcover book, I realized that my Eee was actually smaller, lighter and thinner than the book I was purchasing. With my 3G USB modem in my pocket, I've got my connectivity and therefore everything I need to blog, work online and relax. This is turning into a flexible, little Linux blogging platform.

I thought about my connectivity and of course, without that I'd be limited to whatever I have locally on the device. One item I wanted to watch was Tyler's review of the Eee, so I could plan his next mobile tech video escapade. With connectivity, I can just jump over to the YouTube video direct, but what about without a connection... and on Linux to boot?

Not a problem if you plan ahead and hop over to www.keepvid.com. This website will convert or download on-line video from any one of around 30 video sites. Yesterday, I entered the URL of Tyler's YouTube video and downloaded a flash .flv file of it on the Eee. Couple that with VLC, which plays the majority of file formats on multiple platforms, and your device can view on-line videos, "offline". Yes, you do need connectivity to initially get files to your mobile device, but if you know you won't have connectivity, this can provide hours of simulated on-line entertainment.

Comments

[Dennis]

What brand USB modem is that you are using and what service? Just looking at your setup and it sounds great for being mobile.....

[Kevin C. Tofel]

Dennis, it's a Sierra Wireless U875 AirCard on AT&T's network. It's a tad big for a small sub-notebook or UMPC, but it does the trick. Since it's USB, it works on all of my devices and if the size of a large USB modem sticking out bothers you, you can just use a USB cable to attach it. Here's a video overview: http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2007/08/eight-minutes-w.html