This is really a two-part question.
Part 1: Are low-cost, low-power, ultra-mobile computers the next big thing?
Part 2: Will RIA applications play a role in this trend?

My predictions (and opinions):
1) Yes
2) Yes

I've seen a number of articles and posts recently about low-cost, "ultra-modile" computers, such as the Asus EeePc and the Everex Cloudbook. Basically, they are very small, very affordable, & very portable computers.

Don't take this the wrong way; I will NEVER get rid of my high-power development machine. These ultra-portable machines don't hold a candle to the raw computational power and broad-range usage of a "normal" desktop or laptop computer, and they certainly don't have the high resolution graphics capabilities.

I think these types of machines will gain in popularity as more capable RIAs continue to emerge. Since RIAs are delivered through the internet, they take us several steps further to the "dummy terminal" type of computer, with all of your applications available through the web. As I mentioned before, these machines have neither the raw computation power nor mass storage available in larger computers. You won't be able to install nearly the amount of the desktop applications on them… thus the “dummy terminal”.

Users who only need to access email, use basic word processing, use basic calendar applications, surf the web, listen to music, use instant messenger, etc... don't necessarily need a high-power machine, and they certainly don’t need to spend a lot of money on it. The need a machine that is convenient, easy, useful, and applicable.

Machines like this will be a perfect solution to those users:

This would be perfect for the traveler, who wants a computer that is lightweight, and easy to travel with. They can go to any coffee shop, get internet access, and be able to access everything they need through online applications.

This would be a an inexpensive computer for children.

This would be a great machine for a technologist, who just wants another machine to play with.

This is a viable option for an in-vehicle PC.

I’m actually considering purchasing one of these machines myself for a few reasons:

Portability: Whether on the subway, in a coffee shop, or in an airplane, you can have quick access to applications and information. I can get internet, email, and maps on my cell phone now, but the phone format just doesn’t seem like enough. Other times, using my full size laptop seems like too much.

Small footprint: This will be useful in portable applications, where the computer could be used in non-traditional manners. The small footprint will allow you to have a fully capable computer where you normally wouldn’t, and doesn’t necessarily need to be on a desk or in an office.

“Geek toy”: I have already built a few prototype mobile & internet applications that are perfect for this kind of machine (which I plan to write about at a later date). I want the machine so I can really test them out, and see if it is applicable.

I'm hoping for some comments on this post... Feel free to chime in here.