Laptop or netbook?

[Lapinou]

My laptop is on its last legs. We have the money for a new one, but I'm starting to wonder if a netbook might not be a better idea. What I need it for is surfing the net, multitasking and writing...a lot of writing. The reason
I'm thinking a netbook would be good (is that the right thing!?) is because I currently write first drafts long-hand in a note book, which allows me to write on the go (which is important because writing time has to be squeezed into life with four HEd children!). So once I've done a first draft...I will then have to do writing in specially arranged times of the day (difficult to come by every day - would have to be just a few times per week...and even those I sometimes go and write in a library or coffee shop to avoid interruptions) unless I get a netbook that I can keep in my handbag.

What I want to know is:

1. Is this a stupid idea? If so, why?

2. If it's not, will I actually be able to type a lot on a netbook, or will I get fed up with the smaller keyboard (DH reckons it's not smaller...?)?

3. Will the small screen make it not worth it?

4. What's the biggest netbook you can get?

5. Can you get ones with dual core processors?

Memory not an issue as we have an external hard drive anyway.

[scarletpeaches]

My laptop is on its last legs. We have the money for a new one, but I'm starting to wonder if a netbook might not be a better idea. What I need it for is surfing the net, multitasking and writing...a lot of writing. The reason I'm thinking a netbook would be good (is that the right thing!?) is because I currently write first drafts long-hand in a note book, which allows me to write on the go (which is important because writing time has to be squeezed into life with four HEd children!). So once I've done a first draft...I will then have to do writing in specially arranged times of the day (difficult to come by every day - would have to be just a few times per week...and even those I sometimes go and write in a library or coffee shop to avoid interruptions) unless I get a netbook that I can keep in my handbag.

What I want to know is:

1. Is this a stupid idea? If so, why?Why would it be a stupid idea to type things up on a netbook?2. If it's not, will I actually be able to type a lot on a netbook, or will I get fed up with the smaller keyboard (DH reckons it's not smaller...?)?I'm using my netbook right now. The only noticeable difference on a 75%-size keyboard is that I need to clip my nails really, really short so they don't, for example, hit the W key when I'm going for the S.3. Will the small screen make it not worth it?The one I'm looking at right now is 10.1".4. What's the biggest netbook you can get?In physical size, you mean? Something like the one I have and even that's pretty big.5. Can you get ones with dual core processors?I have no idea what that means so I'll leave someone more qualified than I, to answer.
Memory not an issue as we have an external hard drive anyway.My acer aspire has a 160gb hard drive and the battery life is superb. Around six hours with the internet switched on, and simply browsing AW and keeping MS Word open for working on at the same time.

[Lapinou]

Thank you. Dual core processor is the one that lets you multitask without it slowing down.

Anyway, helpful response so thank you!

Anyone else got any thoughts or experience?

[stormie]

Netbooks are extremely portable and I use it mostly for my writing. I've had mine for a year (Acer Aspire like SPs). As for the dual core processor--not sure if they now can use those processors. Mine isn't, but you can look up netbooks on Dell or tigerdirect or bestbuy. They'll state the specifics. Great battery life.

[scarletpeaches]

The netbook (which has the XP operating system) is a lot quicker than my Vista laptop. I think it has 2gb RAM as opposed to 1gb on the laptop. Occasionally the screen sticks, but only for a second or two when I have loads of windows open.

If you're just emailing and writing, you'll be fine.

[FOTSGreg]

I have an older Acer Aspire One net book with the 8.1" screen (I believe that's the size - it's the first small one they came out with).

Thus far, net books do not come with dual core processors. If your heart is set on something with a 10.1" screen or thereabouts I'd recommend spending the extra money and obtaining a Motorola Xoom tablet. It does have a dual core processor, but at $599 it is significantly more expensive than a net book.

The keyboar of a net book is about 75-85% of normal so initially you might feel a little cramped, but you quickly get used to the smaller size (just the same as I got used to using the onscreen keyboard for my iPad).

Lightweight, economical, easy to use, fast, lots of hard drive space, long battery life. I'd say a net book is a win-win.

You can even add a peripheral external 8x DVD burner to it for less than $80.

[maestrowork]

I used to have one before I crashed it. I didn't hate it, but I don't think I would get a netbook anymore. I have an iPad now, and I love it (yes, even for writing). If I'm looking for a real laptop for travel, I'd probably look at the MacBook Air (I do have an MacBook Pro, but it's a bit too big and heavy for this discussion). I've also completely gone Mac now, so any Windows-based PC or mobile device is out of the question for me.



What I want to know is:

1. Is this a stupid idea? If so, why?


Not at all. Laptops are not for everyone, especially if you're always on the go.


2. If it's not, will I actually be able to type a lot on a netbook, or will I get fed up with the smaller keyboard (DH reckons it's not smaller...?)?

It depends. I have bigger hands, so even though my DELL had a 90% keyboard, it still felt small for me. I also mistyped because my fingers would hit the wrong keys. It felt cramped. And transitioning from the netbook back to my full-size laptopd/desktop was kind of awkward. I kept missing keys. Typing on it for an extended period of time was tiresome.

But that's just me. I am a guy and I have bigger hands. If you have small hands and slander fingers, it may not be an issue for you.

The best thing to do is to check them out in the store first. Type a few things, and see if they feel good.

3. Will the small screen make it not worth it?


Screen size isn't an issue. Most have 10" or 11" screen. It's more than adequate for writing, etc.


4. What's the biggest netbook you can get?


I think 11" is the biggest... otherwise, you're getting into the laptop market (the MacBook Air, for example, starts at 11").


5. Can you get ones with dual core processors?


Not that I'm aware of. Most netbooks are small and cheap, so they tend to have a slower processor. The only dual core I can think of is the MacBook Air, but it's a laptop technically, not a netbook.


Memory not an issue as we have an external hard drive anyway.

Most come with at least 160 or 200GB, so it shouldn't be a problem. The only issue is they don't come with CD-ROM drives. So to install software, etc. you'd need to use either an external drive or a thumb drive or via the network.

[kuwisdelu]

1. Is this a stupid idea? If so, why?

Do you have another computer besides your laptop? Will you have any other computer besides the netbook?

Personally, I wouldn't want to have only a netbook as my primary machine, but they can be good as companion devices for on-the-go stuff. I know lots of people get away with it, but a cheaper prebuilt computer means cheaper, lower-quality components.

Is money an issue? If so, a netbook can make sense. If you can afford something more expensive, but want something small and portable like a netbook, get an ultraportable; it'll last longer and run better.

2. If it's not, will I actually be able to type a lot on a netbook, or will I get fed up with the smaller keyboard (DH reckons it's not smaller...?)?

Most of them do have smaller keyboards. Personally, I find them frustrating, but lots of people can get used to them.

3. Will the small screen make it not worth it?

Depends what you want to do with it. You won't have as much screen real-estate, but it depends how much screen real estate you need. Multi-tasking is more difficult on a netbook because of this, IMO.

4. What's the biggest netbook you can get?

If you want something bigger, get a laptop.

5. Can you get ones with dual core processors?

I believe there are dual-core Atom's out now. (Atoms are the low-voltage Intel processor you most commonly find in netbooks.)

By the way, "multi-tasking without slowing down" is a factor of multiple things, and both the processor and the amount of RAM will factor into this. Even if you have a fast processor, but skimpy RAM, it'll be sluggish.

Memory not an issue as we have an external hard drive anyway.

Just for the record, you mean storage ;)

Memory generally means RAM, not drive space.

[Anne Lyle]

I've tried small netbooks (9-inch screen), but though I have small hands, as a touch typist I find the weird layout of peripheral keys to be a nuisance. I would recommend something nearer 10 inches as a minimum.

I'm typing this on a Zaggmate bluetooth keyboard that also acts as a stand for my 1st gen iPad - like Maestrowork, I'm 100% Mac these days, so that's the nearest equivalent of a netbook in the Mac world. I'm also using it to draft my novel - I use a very basic word processor that syncs over the cloud with my desktop Mac. The keyboard is 90% full size and of course Mac-friendly, so apart from the arrow keys being squashed in one corner, I find it pretty good to type on.

TBH, multi-tasking is a red herring for a writer, because you're mostly going to be in your word processor anyway, right? In any case the iPad switches seamlessly between apps, and the battery life is brilliant, much better than any laptop I've owned.

[Lapinou]

Ok, storage. <tech dunce> :D

Thanks for all the input. No closer to deciding though! :D

It is also a money issue. If I can get a good netbook for less than £250, I can afford to get other non-crap but non-connecting laptop sorted out for the kids to use. If I have to get a laptop, I'll have to spend all the money on that so we'll end up with only one.

Having said that, not much point in getting something I'll never use because of it being so annoying, however cheap it is!

All your input's been helpful, though, so thank you :)

[Lapinou]

DH has an ipad already, but it's not really fair on him for me to use that 100% of the time (although he is lovely and would let me!). And I can't connect our hard drive to it, so would be harder to switch between that and a laptop.

Unless...how cheap are 1st gen ipads now? Maybe I just need to get one of those for myself, and a keyboard dock........hmmm...

[Phil_Hall]

My wife had a dual-core netbook with 3GB of RAM, and the thing still chugged along thanks to Windows 7. Even wiping it and reinstalling a different, lighter operating system didn't help. In the end, that thing got returned and a regular laptop (about the same cost) was purchased. Multitasking on a netbook is sadly a joke. At least, that's been my experience.

[kuwisdelu]

Unless...how cheap are 1st gen ipads now? Maybe I just need to get one of those for myself, and a keyboard dock........hmmm...

You can find 16 GB WiFi's used for <$400 on eBay, Amazon, craigslist, etc.

The online Apple store has refurbs of the 32 GB WiFi for $429, but that's only $70 less than the 16 GB WiFi iPad 2. A refurb 16 GB iPad 1 would be in the $300-400 range, but they get sold out pretty fast when they appear on the refurb store.

But that goes back to the same question I had for the netbook: will you have access to another computer in the house? The iPad is also a great companion device, but I wouldn't use it as my primary machine.

In general, desktops are much cheaper than laptops and have better performance. I think a good solution would be to get a netbook or iPad for yourself, and a cheap-but-decent desktop as a family machine that the kids can use, too. That would come out to about the same as a netbook/iPad + cheap laptop, where the desktop would have better performance and give you a home "base" to rely on better than a netbook or cheap laptop.

[Lapinou]

Yeah...trouble is we've got to get whatever we get from argos cos that's what vouchers we've got <sigh>

I think I'll go back to Plan A and just get a laptop.

[benbradley]

My laptop is on its last legs. We have the money for a new one, but I'm starting to wonder if a netbook might not be a better idea. What I need it for is surfing the net, multitasking and writing...a lot of writing. The reason I'm thinking a netbook would be good (is that the right thing!?) is because I currently write first drafts long-hand in a note book, which allows me to write on the go (which is important because writing time has to be squeezed into life with four HEd children!). So once I've done a first draft...I will then have to do writing in specially arranged times of the day (difficult to come by every day - would have to be just a few times per week...and even those I sometimes go and write in a library or coffee shop to avoid interruptions) unless I get a netbook that I can keep in my handbag.

What I want to know is:

1. Is this a stupid idea? If so, why?

2. If it's not, will I actually be able to type a lot on a netbook, or will I get fed up with the smaller keyboard (DH reckons it's not smaller...?)?
Apparently keyboard sizes vary a lot. The letters and numbers may be only slightly squished together, but the function, arrow, insert/delete home/end page up/down keys are always rearranged and much smaller than on "standard" sized keyboards.
3. Will the small screen make it not worth it?It's fine for me, and I'm used to BIG screens on my desktop system. I surely don't need a lot of screen space for writing, and it's even useful for surfing.

4. What's the biggest netbook you can get?You mean physically? From what I've seen they're all about the same size with a 10" screen. The insides are surely adequate unless you use it to control a nuclear power plant.
5. Can you get ones with dual core processors?Modern netbooks are thousands of times more powerful than the Apple ][ and people wrote books on those. By now I'd guess half the netbook models on the market have multicore processors, but I really don't think it's a concern. You can write while the thing plays a movie in another window and a game in yet another window and you may notice the cursor and letters you type start to lag behind on the screen (this is also where people complain about short battery life and the computer burning their legs), but for people who insist on doing those things and complain it's not good enough, they can buy the next model up.
Memory not an issue as we have an external hard drive anyway.You mean RAM or disk space? RAM isn't an issue unless you run a dozen programs at once, including a browser with dozens of windows/tabs open. Disk space (what you would copy to an external drive) isn't an issue unless you want to save your whole movie collection to your netbook, or about half the Library of Congress.
Thank you. Dual core processor is the one that lets you multitask without it slowing down.

* runs from thread at hideous oversimplification *

[maestrowork]

DH has an ipad already, but it's not really fair on him for me to use that 100% of the time (although he is lovely and would let me!). And I can't connect our hard drive to it, so would be harder to switch between that and a laptop.


Well, iPad isn't a laptop, so why would you want to connect your hard drive to it? It syncs, however, with your Desktop. Switching from iPad and laptop has not been a problem for me, as long as I know they're two different things.

Traveling with the iPad, though, is pure pleasure. I would NEVER lug my laptop around anymore when I travel.

Unless...how cheap are 1st gen ipads now? Maybe I just need to get one of those for myself, and a keyboard dock........hmmm...

You can get one for about US$350 now... maybe even cheaper if it's refurbished.

[alleycat]

I saw a segment on TV this morning about a new NEC (Android) netbook. Made me want one. I looked up some information on it; it has good but not great reviews. I don't think it's available in the US yet.

[AlexPiper]

I've tried small netbooks (9-inch screen), but though I have small hands, as a touch typist I find the weird layout of peripheral keys to be a nuisance. I would recommend something nearer 10 inches as a minimum.

I'd second this. I have a Dell mini 9 which I hackintoshed to run Mac OS X (I jokingly call it a 'MacBook nano'); it's great that I can stuff it in my purse if I want and carry it that way, but the keyboard is teensy enough that it annoys me.

These days, my dad actually uses the MacBook nano (he borrowed it to be able to do e-mail while he was traveling, and he hasn't given it back). I do most of my portable computing on my iPad with a bluetooth keyboard where necessary. Less for typing up actual stories, admittedly -- I'm too attached to Scrivener to use anything else, which is more a mental block than hardware-related -- but quick browsing or e-mail and dealing with my story /notes/ (which are in Evernote), I'm entirely iPad at this point.

I'd recommend going to a store and looking at the netbooks, seeing whether the keyboards feel right to you. If you're planning to do major writing on the device, I think the keyboard is really almost more important than any other statistic. Word processing in some form and basic web browsing will work on /any/ netbook... so it comes down to whether or not you can tolerate the keyboard.

[kuwisdelu]

I'd second this. I have a Dell mini 9 which I hackintoshed to run Mac OS X (I jokingly call it a 'MacBook nano'); it's great that I can stuff it in my purse if I want and carry it that way, but the keyboard is teensy enough that it annoys me.

Not a "Hackbook Nano"?

[movieman]

Multitasking on a netbook is sadly a joke. At least, that's been my experience.

My home server is a dual-core Atom with 2GB of RAM and it seems to multitask fine. Of course it runs Linux rather than Windows.

Back on the original topic, I take my netbook when I go traveling but I couldn't imagine writing a complete novel on the small keyboard; I use my laptop for the vast majority of my writing. In addition, the low screen resolution (1024x600) can be problematic at times.

Not to say you can't do it, but definitely check the keyboard and screen before you buy one.

[Quentin Nokov]

I couldn't imagine writing a complete novel on the small keyboard;

I wrote a 40,000 word novel on it. A netbook really depends on your own level of comfort. My sister doesn't like the size, but I think it's perfect. Some like big, some don't. You would have to type on a display and decide whether or not it feels alright or if it's something you could easily adapt to.

I bought my netbook for about $230, on sale and with an employee discount, in October of 2009. I love it. If all you plan on doing is writing, surfing, and miscellaneous other stuff a Netbook is suffice. It is highly portable, though I never take it with me anywhere, no need to. And mine is an XP -- best version ever! I never seem to have any virus problems, unlike my sister who's gotten two in the span of six months, which almost crippled her Toshiba laptop.

My only recommendation would be an external mouse; the mouse on these can be too small. The problem I had was when I'd run my finger over it, the gentle tap would cause a zoom-in zoom-out effect and it got irritating. Now, I don't have that problem because the pad burned out. :( So I can't use it at all.

The next thing is it doesn't have a disk drive, so any programs you put on will have to be installed from a USB.

As for whether or not I get a netbook next time really depends on the price, but I recommend them. :)

[alleycat]

Ever so often I get interested in getting a netbook, but then I wonder if it won't end up like my old Palm Pilot--in a drawer somewhere collecting dust.

[strictlytopsecret]

Hybrid
http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2011-04/the-asus-transformer-a-netbook-replacement/

~STS~

[movieman]

Hybrid
http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2011-04/the-asus-transformer-a-netbook-replacement/

Interesting, though it's about twice what I paid for my netbook.

[cbenoi1]

> In addition, the low screen resolution (1024x600)
> can be problematic at times.

I don't have any issue working with Word and yWriter. I also tried FinalDraft 8, Dramatica, and Writer's Cafe (portable version via www.portableapps.com (http://www.portableapps.com)) and haven't found screen resolution to be an issue. I found PowerStructure and PowerWord from www.write-brain.com (http://www.write-brain.com) and the freebie StorYBook to be problematic at low resolution. Their UIs are cluttered to begin with, which doesn't help.

> Can you get ones with dual core processors?
> {...}
> Memory not an issue as we have an external hard drive anyway.

Word processing doesn't require that kind of horsepower. I would instead suggest you try and increase the amount of RAM above the current 1G offering. Something like 2G is nice because the small increase in power requirement is easily absorbed by not swapping to the hard disk back and forth often.

As far as having an external drive is concerned, many models have an integrated SD card reader. I'm writing this on my Toshiba NB250; I added a 250 GB SD card which I use for backup.

-cb

[zanzjan]

I have an Asus EEEPc netbook w/ the 10" screen that I bought because it had a larger keyboard than some of the other netbook brands. I use it almost exclusively for writing when I'm on the go, and it's great for that. (The one annoyance, that seems to be the case with most if not all the netbooks, is that the up arrow is where I expect the right shift key to be and vise-versa. Took some getting used to.)

Before that I had a fairly large-screen Dell laptop that weighed something like 11lbs+. For me, the absolutely critical deciding factor was weight, because I have fairly serious/chronic neck problems and the Dell would nearly cripple me if I carried it more than 10 min or so, so I never took it anywhere, which made it useless. I can carry around the 3lb Asus all day without a problem.

I do most of my writing on a desktop system at home, but I love the Asus on the road or for the occasional writer-group get-together. Which is better for someone very much depends on the uses you expect to put it to, if it's a supplement to another system or a sole system, if you can tolerate a smaller-than-normal keyboard, and if you have physical limitations that need to be taken into account.

GL,

-Suzanne

[Margarita Skies]

For me it really wouldn't matter. As long as I have a computer available to me it doesn't matter what type of computer it is. If what you want is portability, and to use it for word-processing and surfing the net, a netbook would be just fine.

[mysterymantis]

I don't think I'd trade my laptop for a netbook. That is not to say I wouldn't also have a netbook to go along with everything else I have, but I feel that with my laptop I don't really need a netbook. I don't doubt there are those that get along just fine with their netbooks, but I know a netbook couldn't replace my laptop, and that is the issue for me.

Essentially, you are losing your current laptop, and you are trying to replace it with either another laptop or a netbook. If all you needed the laptop for was browsing and word processing, I guess a netbook would be ok. There are a lot of trade offs with a netbook vs a laptop, though, and if your laptop was also your computer, then I would say you need to replace it with a laptop.

I would look at it like this...

Let's say it's a car, instead of a laptop. More than that, it's a 4 door sedan that has given up the ghost to, well, whatever. Did this car fulfill a specific role in your life? If so, does that roll still need to be filled in your life? The passenger capacity, the ease of handling, the MPG, safety features, and so on; these are all things that you likely considered when you bought the car. So after it's no longer able to serve those roles, and it's time to get something new, do you still need that same car, or has it's role diminished in your life somehow?

I'd say it's the same with this laptop vs. netbook. Just make a list of what you use the laptop for, and then see if you can find a netbook that fills all those roles within reason. If, after that list is made, you are having to acquire more items of tech to make it's functionality the same as a laptop, then you would be better off with a laptop. If the netbook would serve it's purpose without leaving you in need of another computing solution, then the netbook would be alright.

Laptops aren't so "unportable" that you can't just take them with you. I have mine with me just about all the time, in a nice backpack full of other tools of the trade (it has a laptop storage flap in the back). All my scribble pads, a portable dictionary and thesaurus, writer's market (though I don't always have this in there, it's kinda heavy), a few magazines, flash drives, portable HDD, mouse, extra pens, power cord, MP3 player, software, spare pair of glasses, and so on. It's my traveling writer bag! Of course, I don't know if others are quite into what I get into. (I can't write at home very well, too many distractions).

[benbradley]

...
There are a lot of trade offs with a netbook vs a laptop, though, and if your laptop was also your computer, then I would say you need to replace it with a laptop.
Not neccesarily - today's netbooks have the computing power and disk space of yesterday's laptops. If you can deal with the smaller keyboard and smaller screen size on the go, when you're at home or the office you can quickly plug in a full-size monitor (I have an old 17" CRT by my bed, and a bigger one at the office) and a desktop USB keyboard (cheap new, and used ones are virtually or literally free). If you have an older keyboard you like that has the old IBM PS/2 interface, you can get a small PS/2 to USB adapter for $10. Then you've got what feels like a desktop system (with TWO screens - a large and a small one!). You could even throw in a USB CDROM or CDR/W drive and the const may still add up to less than a full-size laptop.
Laptops aren't so "unportable" that you can't just take them with you. I have mine with me just about all the time, in a nice backpack full of other tools of the trade (it has a laptop storage flap in the back). All my scribble pads, a portable dictionary and thesaurus, writer's market (though I don't always have this in there, it's kinda heavy),
Do they have Writer's Market as an e-book? That would save you a lot of weight, and it's always there on your laptop/netbook. It won't make a dent in your hard drive space, unless it comes with 12 hours of author and agent interviews in HD video.
a few magazines, flash drives, portable HDD, mouse, extra pens, power cord, MP3 player, software, spare pair of glasses, and so on. It's my traveling writer bag! Of course, I don't know if others are quite into what I get into. (I can't write at home very well, too many distractions).Wow, I thought I had a lot with my Model M Space Saver keyboard I carry with my Netbook!

And I don't see why you need a separate MP3 player when you have a computer right there, they all have headphone outputs and can play mp3's with virtually no slowdown. I ran Winamp on my 200MHz desktop 12 years ago while surfing the net.

[kuwisdelu]

Not neccesarily - today's netbooks have the computing power and disk space of yesterday's laptops.

I'm pretty sure today's Atoms are still being smoked by yesterday's Core 2 Duos. They're more on par with today's smartphones than yesterday's laptops.

Of course, today's smartphones are pretty damn fast. For phones.

[mysterymantis]

Not neccesarily - today's netbooks have the computing power and disk space of yesterday's laptops. If you can deal with the smaller keyboard and smaller screen size on the go, when you're at home or the office you can quickly plug in a full-size monitor (I have an old 17" CRT by my bed, and a bigger one at the office) and a desktop USB keyboard (cheap new, and used ones are virtually or literally free). If you have an older keyboard you like that has the old IBM PS/2 interface, you can get a small PS/2 to USB adapter for $10. Then you've got what feels like a desktop system (with TWO screens - a large and a small one!). You could even throw in a USB CDROM or CDR/W drive and the const may still add up to less than a full-size laptop.

Do they have Writer's Market as an e-book? That would save you a lot of weight, and it's always there on your laptop/netbook. It won't make a dent in your hard drive space, unless it comes with 12 hours of author and agent interviews in HD video.
Wow, I thought I had a lot with my Model M Space Saver keyboard I carry with my Netbook!

And I don't see why you need a separate MP3 player when you have a computer right there, they all have headphone outputs and can play mp3's with virtually no slowdown. I ran Winamp on my 200MHz desktop 12 years ago while surfing the net.

Like already said, the atom doesn't hold up against a core 2 duo. But the core 2 duo can't come close to the atom in power conservation.

It's not just the lack of processing power that I'm talking about with trade offs. Look at all the things you listed that you hook your netbook into. To make it into what? That's a lot of additional gear that would be unnecessary if you just had a laptop. I'm not saying a netbook can't serve a purpose, I'm just saying that if you are buying one to replace a laptop, then you will probably need either another computer to go with it, or a lot of extra gear. If you have neither, and still have need for it, then replace the laptop with a laptop. If your computing needs have diminished or you have something else to do your more strenuous work on, then a netbook would probably be ok.

Price wise, you can get a netbook for under 300, but I don't know how it's performance holds up, even for basic computing. You can get a laptop for under 400, and it will likely perform alright, but I don't know how the battery will hold up. These are all things to consider too.

To answer your questions/comments...

I'm not a big fan of ebooks for my reference books. Writer's Market comes with a membership to their website, and they have the updated listings there, so an ebook would be a bit superfluous. Add the internet, and most times, I have just about any reference I need, so long as I have wifi. I just don't think it's worth losing the flexibility of the physical book for the electronic version that I usually have access to anyway. But that's just me, I'm sure people that have the ebook version like it just fine. I really only have it on me when I know I'm not going to be using my laptop (the bag is a multi-purpose bag full of gear).

The MP3 player is for multiple reasons, the main one being that I'm not always at my computer when I'm listening to music. My previous laptop had horrible battery life, and the MP3 player took that load off the battery. I'm not likely to whip out the laptop in the car to plug into my stereo. Not to mention the sound quality is superior as well. As I already mentioned, I don't have a smart phone, but if I did, I would likely ditch the MP3 player for my road trips, depending on the sound quality I got off the phone. It's kind of old now, I've had it for several years, but it still works great, so I use it. It's about the size of a brick though, and the battery has definitely worn down a bit.

I do carry a lot of gear. I do a lot of my work away from home, and I like to be prepared for just about anything. I've been known to go on weekend excursions out of town, and spend hours sitting in a cafe writing, editing, creating, reading, researching, or whatever I feel like. It's probably not common. The bag is convenient in that I just grab it and go, on a whim! :)

In any case, I just want to say that I'm not anti-netbook. I just wanted the OP to know my thoughts on replacing tech. Take care all! :)

[movieman]

I'm pretty sure today's Atoms are still being smoked by yesterday's Core 2 Duos. They're more on par with today's smartphones than yesterday's laptops

A dual-core Atom has about the same performance as a 3GHz Pentium-4 or a Cray Y-MP if you're running multithreaded software. Any other half-modern dual-core will beat it, but by absolute standards they're not too bad.

The single core is a bit slow though.

[cbenoi1]

The single core is a bit slow though.
I had a PC1 back in the day (8088 @ 4.77MHz) and it kept up with my typing. The 286 / 8MHz that replaced it kept up with my typing. Which brings me to...

What's the usage here? Writing novels or playing Halo at HD resolution?

-cb

[movieman]

What's the usage here? Writing novels or playing Halo at HD resolution?

Video playback, for example. Even the dual-core Atoms can't reliably play 720p video with modern codecs; I don't think I've ever tried an HD youtube video on my netbook, but I have tried HD movie trailers on the dual-core Atom which doesn't have GPU assist and they do not work well (they're fine on the Ion system because that can get the GPU to do the decoding for it).

But you're right, if you don't watch those funny kitten videos that people email you then just typing and doing basic web browsing is OK.

[cbenoi1]

> Even the dual-core Atoms can't reliably play
> 720p video with modern codecs;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ETDE0VGJY4

720p, full screen
Intel Atom 455 @ 1.67GHz, 2GB RAM
Intel GMA 3150 graphics
no hickups

-cb

[movieman]

Thanks, I'll have to check that one out on my netbook and see whether it can play it. I'm not sure how the Youtube codecs compare to the Quicktime H.264 trailers I've downloaded from elsewhere.

[kuwisdelu]

I suggest using YouTube's HTML5 beta. It'll use H.264.

[juniper]

So, I've been thinking about buying a mini (is that the same as a netbook?) or an iPad but my husband's job requires work accessibility even while traveling, and he's a PC guy (I'm Mac). I use PCs at my job so I swing both ways.

I think we're going to get a netbook/mini/whatever the 10.1" is called. Now comparing brands and prices and we need this by next week - travel on May 11.

For word processing, internet browsing, maybe playing some movies from Netflix - what's the minimum specs? For a non-tech person, I mean.

How's this one, a Dell Netbook Mini 10 Atom N455 1.6GHz
at Costco for $300:

Processor & Memory:
Intel® Atom Processor N455 Processor at 1.66Ghz
512KB L2 Cache
1GB DDR3 667MHz (1 DIMM)
Drives: 250GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
Graphics & Video:
10.1" TrueLife Widescreen Display (1024 x 600) resolution
Integrated Graphics
Integrated 0.3MP WebCam
Communications: 10/100 LAN
Audio: Integrated audio
Card Slots: 3-in-1 Flash Memory Reader
Ports:
2x USB 2.0 ports
1x headphone
1x RJ-45 port (LAN)
Kensington Lock slot
AC Power In
VGA
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Starter
Additional Software: McAfee Sapphire - 30 day
Power Supply: 6-cell battery (48WHr)
//////////////////

Is this one from the Dell.com site better, at $370 + shipping

Intel® Atom® Processor N450 (1.66GHz, 512K L2 Cache)
Inspiron Mini 10 (1012)
Genuine Windows® 7 Starter for Small Notebook PCs, 32bit, English
10.1" Widescreen Display (1024x600) Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam
Intel® NM10 Express
1GB DDR2 SDRAM
250G, 2.5inch, 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
56WHr Lithium-Ion Battery (6-cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0
Bluetooth 2.1 module via USB I/F with EDR
Integrated 10/100 Network Card
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 9.0
No Internal Digital TV Receiver

Or wait - are these the same ????? I don't even know what I'm looking at ...

[Margarita Skies]

All, right, Lapinou, I am thrilled you got your new laptop!!

[maestrowork]

Just realize that Windows 7 Starter is limited.

[Darkshore]

Nice thread. I myself am looking into getting either a netbook or an Ipad for portable net surfing/writing. I do currently have a laptop that was a generous gift. It's more of a gaming laptop though and even on power save mode it's battery life is only about 2 hours.

[benbradley]

Geez, two hours is ridiculously low battery run time. My Toshiba netbook still gets 5 or 6 hours (it was 8 or 9 when brand new November 2009) - I might need a new battery for this year's NaNoWriMo.

Have you tried writing on an iPad screen? Just wondering, as you might not like it, though with most any device it's possible to use an external keyboard, though of course that tends to lessen its portability.

Which brings me to my constant rant about laptop (and smaller) keyboards - the idea of a computer is to make it EASIER to do things, but those keyboards make it harder for me to type, being used to a full-sized keyboard for mumblety-five years.

[kuwisdelu]

Which brings me to my constant rant about laptop (and smaller) keyboards - the idea of a computer is to make it EASIER to do things, but those keyboards make it harder for me to type, being used to a full-sized keyboard for mumblety-five years.

Don't worry; there are also those of us who can't stand desktop keyboards. The keys are too tall and awkward.

But call me confused, but just about any laptop will have a full-sized keyboard, as long as you're not talking about a netbook.

[bluntforcetrauma]

My laptop arrives Wednesday. Very excited. Can you use the laptop while plugged in to the charger? Also, I hear they can get quite warm. Does this harm the unit?

[Darkshore]

My laptop arrives Wednesday. Very excited. Can you use the laptop while plugged in to the charger? Also, I hear they can get quite warm. Does this harm the unit?
Yes, you can use the laptop while it's plugged into the charger. Some of them can and usually do get hot, this isn't so much a damage to the machine (unless it is overheated very frequently) but more of a well..discomfort in your lap. There are certain lap cushion or desk cushion type things that have fans to help keep the unit cool. Some of which are comfy I'm sure but others look bulky. Also to benbradley, I have not tried typing on an ipad screen but I had planned to buy a keyboard/case to go along with it if I decided to save up for the device. It's quite pricey for a poor college student.

[kuwisdelu]

My laptop arrives Wednesday. Very excited. Can you use the laptop while plugged in to the charger?

Yes. You don't really have to worry about that anymore with modern batteries.

Also, I hear they can get quite warm. Does this harm the unit?

It can if it overheats, but what feels "hot" to you isn't necessarily "hot" for the laptop. You probably won't have any heat problems unless you run very intensive apps. Anything in the 30-80 C range is pretty safe. 80-90 C is also pretty safe for intensive apps, but if you get that high regularly, there's probably a problem.

[benbradley]

Don't worry; there are also those of us who can't stand desktop keyboards. The keys are too tall and awkward.

But call me confused, but just about any laptop will have a full-sized keyboard, as long as you're not talking about a netbook.
Sounds like you learned to type on laptops, where the keys depress about 1/3rd the distance they do on desktop keyboards. That's a big difference too.

Check out the new typewriter thread - or check out a real, old-fashioned REAL manual (non-electric) typewriter. You would not believe how far you have to depress a key to get a letter impression on paper!
My laptop arrives Wednesday. Very excited. Can you use the laptop while plugged in to the charger? Also, I hear they can get quite warm. Does this harm the unit?
Yes, laptops work fine while plugged in and charging. Most the people I saw at NaNoWriMo write-ins had dead batteries (meaning they wouldn't power the laptop for more than five minutes) and were plugged into various extension cords people brought.

A hot charger and laptop are fine as long as they get enough air for ventilation (they're sitting out in the air, not covered up with a towel or blanket).

[kuwisdelu]

Sounds like you learned to type on laptops, where the keys depress about 1/3rd the distance they do on desktop keyboards. That's a big difference too.

Check out the new typewriter thread - or check out a real, old-fashioned REAL manual (non-electric) typewriter. You would not believe how far you have to depress a key to get a letter impression on paper!

No. I learned to type on regular desktops with the high-action keyboards. I've used typewriters, too, but not as extensively. I just prefer the low-action laptop keyboards. It seems to me the less force you have to exert per key press is an advantage; it's the same reason guitars with lower action are easier to play than guitars with higher action. Plus, when typing too fast on traditional desktop keyboards, my fingers hit the sides of the keys when I try to type too fast.

[bluntforcetrauma]

Yes, laptops work fine while plugged in and charging. Most the people I saw at NaNoWriMo write-ins had dead batteries (meaning they wouldn't power the laptop for more than five minutes) and were plugged into various extension cords people brought.

A hot charger and laptop are fine as long as they get enough air for ventilation (they're sitting out in the air, not covered up with a towel or blanket).

Thanks, Ben. One more quick question. Can laptops be used with battery removed and charger plugged in?

[kuwisdelu]

Thanks, Ben. One more quick question. Can laptops be used with battery removed and charger plugged in?

They can, but most laptops will down-clock the CPU (i.e., intentionally make the computer slower) when you do this, since if you do anything too intensive, the power expended might end up being greater than the power supplied.

Like I said, with modern batteries, actually doing this is usually more trouble than it's worth.

[Margarita Skies]

I got this laptop, brand new, back in Jan. 2010. It would hold a little over 2 hours charge brand-new. Now, it only holds 30 mins or less, unplugged. I definitely did something wrong...

[benbradley]

I got this laptop, brand new, back in Jan. 2010. It would hold a little over 2 hours charge brand-new. Now, it only holds 30 mins or less, unplugged. I definitely did something wrong...
You USED your computer, that's what you did. From what I heard from all those NaNoWriMo peeps, one whole year before the battery needs replacing is pretty good. From all the stories I've heard, I'm surprised my netbook battery still works as well as it does.

[scarletpeaches]

I use my laptop far more often than my netbook and am curious as to how much charge it would hold after two and a half years. At home in my office, I use it plugged in all the time.

My netbook is a year and a half old and still holds charge for roughly 5 hours.

[Bigglesworth]

Incidentally, don't let the lack of a dual core processor put you off a netbook, its not a requirement for multitasking. Simplifying greatly, you'll get better results the more memory you have.

[Margarita Skies]

You USED your computer, that's what you did. From what I heard from all those NaNoWriMo peeps, one whole year before the battery needs replacing is pretty good. From all the stories I've heard, I'm surprised my netbook battery still works as well as it does.


Thank you so much. That made me feel a lot better. Now I have to hurry up, get the battery charger and plug it in. :D

[juniper]

Meh, the iPad wouldn't open a website my husband needs for his work - apparently it opens only with IE, not even Firefox (corporate insurance thing) - plus it won't work with his Verizon wireless card usb, so we ended up with the netbook. Dell 1018 at Frys, $299. They had about 8 of them I could try and the Dell had the best keyboard feel for me. Beveled matte keys that were easier for me to use than the others (Samsung, HP, Acer, and something else).

Maybe next year I can get an iPad for me and hubby can use the netbook. This year though, we can only get one. I hope the netbook will do what we want, with the Windows 7 Starter on board - hard to really tell, without giving it a run. But it's just for travel, so should be ok.

[maestrowork]

A website that would only open in IE? That's pretty bad.

[juniper]

Yeah, we went to a Mac Store and tried it out. He was able to sign into his account but when he went to look at specific things it just kept saying "processing" ...

I'd thought we could use the Verizon usb wireless card with an adaptor but the clerk said no. Said the iPad software wouldn't support it ... ? This one here:

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/03/29/ipad-5-in-1-connection-kit-available-with-ports-to-spare/

I also wanted to make sure we could get into our online banking, since it uses Flash, and it worked fine on the iPad. The bank website suggested we "upgrade to Flash" to use it but I was able to do a transfer, check accounts etc. so that was ok.

Oh well.

[AmericaMadeMe]

\Dell 1018 at Frys, $299. They had about 8 of them I could try and the Dell had the best keyboard feel for me. Beveled matte keys that were easier for me to use than the others (Samsung, HP, Acer, and something else).

Maybe next year I can get an iPad for me and hubby can use the netbook. This year though, we can only get one. I hope the netbook will do what we want, with the Windows 7 Starter on board - hard to really tell, without giving it a run. But it's just for travel, so should be ok.

I'd suggest putting your netbook through it's paces while you can still return it. Netflix? Try it. Try Netflix streaming while you have multiple applications open AND have a virus scan running in the background. Also keep in mind that lots of Dells have defects right out of the box - hence the very well stocked Dell Outlet. Use it to the max and if it doesn't work for you, take it back.

Personally, I'd advise anyone looking for a netbook to wait just a few more days for the premier of the first Google Chrome OS products. I'm not sure that all of the rumors of $10-20 monthly payments including 3G with the notebooks thrown in for free will actually happen, but it's worth a few days wait.

[kuwisdelu]

I still don't get the point of Chrome OS.

[AmericaMadeMe]

I still don't get the point of Chrome OS.

It's all about cloud computing, which is hardly a new idea. Instead of having storage and applications on your PC, you have storage and applications on a remote server. There are selling points for Chrome OS and obvious downsides as well. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't apply for a free CR-48. Why? Because I didn't have a clue as to what I'd do if Google actually sent me one? Yes, I spend part of my virtual existence in the cloud, but not all of it it. It amused me to see so many CR-48 recipients root and install fully functional operating systems. But I'm not a netbook or iPad fan.

[kuwisdelu]

It's all about cloud computing, which is hardly a new idea. Instead of having storage and applications on your PC, you have storage and applications on a remote server. There are selling points for Chrome OS and obvious downsides as well. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't apply for a free CR-48. Why? Because I didn't have a clue as to what I'd do if Google actually sent me one? Yes, I spend part of my virtual existence in the cloud, but not all of it it. It amused me to see so many CR-48 recipients root and install fully functional operating systems. But I'm not a netbook or iPad fan.

Eh, I get that much. The original iPhone tried the web app approach. It failed; people wanted native apps. I don't see any advantage that Chrome OS has over running a traditional OS and running a web browser.

[AmericaMadeMe]

Eh, I get that much. The original iPhone tried the web app approach. It failed; people wanted native apps. I don't see any advantage that Chrome OS has over running a traditional OS and running a web browser.

At the very low end of the netbook market, Chrome OS and Google web apps would offer a better user experience than Windows 7 Starter and native applications, not to mention much improved safety. No need for antivirus. At the higher end, I really don't see the purpose of Chrome OS. In short, for $10-20/month, including 100MB 3G and the notebook itself, maybe Chrome OS is worth a look. I'll tell you more next week.

Still, the cloud isn't all that appealing when you consider just how much a $300-400 PC will actually do. Native apps aren't going away any time soon.

[kuwisdelu]

Perhaps, but I think that the low end x86 market will move toward ARM and mobile OS's rather than Chrome-style cloud computing. It makes more sense.

[Kevans]

Back to the original question,

I have used a net book for a little over two years.

Pros;

It fits on a train (airline) tray table!
No games installed fewer distractions.

Cons;
I have the solid state memory, Sadly it tends to lock in one state. This results in less storage, but is fixable with a thumb drive or external drive.


Finally
I use Naturally Speaking "Dragon" voice to text software, and so don’t really care about the key size. (Grin)

I have written about 150K words on it, and sold enough of those to make it pay for its self.

Regards,
Kevin

[mysterymantis]

Eh, I get that much. The original iPhone tried the web app approach. It failed; people wanted native apps. I don't see any advantage that Chrome OS has over running a traditional OS and running a web browser.

Agreed. Cloud will have it's place. And that place will be in support to native computing.

[TheMindKiller]

My laptop I had for about 5 years and took very good care of finally crapped out on me late last year. I could easily replace it. the only thing that happened was I lost the hard drive, and since i regularly backup everything I do that's not even a big deal.

Still, I saw this as an opportunity. So I bought the iPad 2 when it came out. I use a Zaggmate case with built in Bluetooth keyboard so that it can almost function like a laptop/netbook if I want it to.

I type using iaWriter to write (love their focus mode that makes everything else fade away), save to the cloud with DropBox, use Dragon Dictation to record notes and Bento to track updates I need to make. It's fantastic. I couldn't be happier. And it was cheaper than a regular laptop. I feel so modern, lol

[juniper]

The Dell netbook worked pretty well on our trip. It was slower than my MacBook Pro and my husband's PC laptop but we expected that.

I didn't do any long writing on it but the keyboard seemed ok. I got used to the smaller size quickly. The layout of the left/right/up/down arrows, shift and return on the netbook are in the same place as my MacBook so that helped. On some of the other netbook brands the keys were in different places.

Nice to carry around such a small thing, plus not worrying about losing My Whole Life if it got dropped/stolen/lost.

I kept wishing I had an iPad though ... sigh.

[maestrowork]

I type using iaWriter to write (love their focus mode that makes everything else fade away), save to the cloud with DropBox, use Dragon Dictation to record notes and Bento to track updates I need to make. It's fantastic. I couldn't be happier. And it was cheaper than a regular laptop. I feel so modern, lol

Gotta try iaWriter...