Alphasmart, or netbook? For typing up my work?

One thing I can say is that if you get a netbook, at least get one that can run either a distro of Linux or Windows XP. The one you're looking at there has Windows CE, which these days is pretty much the equivalent of a PDA or cell phone operating system.

Go to a store that has other netbooks and try typing on one for a while to see if you're okay with the size of the keyboards.

SageMinto said:

Sorry for th late reply!

I've decided on buying a alphasmart NEO. Then saving up for a netbook(which I will play around with in Best Buy or something).
Thanks!

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Congrats on your decision.

Assuming you have reliable access to another computer for the rest of high school, instead of the netbook, it might be more worthwhile to save up the whole year and then buy a nice laptop for college.

I think if you have the alphasmart instead of the netbook, then save for an inexpensive laptop. What is the problem with desk tops? You can get a lot of machine for the price of an inexpensive laptop, and then just download the things you write on your alphasmart as you go. Knowing the alphasmart, they are rugged and you might have yours for many years. Another alternative to both might be the Ipad. I see there is a vertual keyboard on it. Can Windows or a writing program be set up? I would also look around for good quality refurbished laptops (maybe a family friend is upgrading). Right now, I am writing on a used Compaq Presario R3000 I bought from a friend for 100 dollars. It is a good but slightly older computer and I have not really done anything to it. I know it is not "state of the arts" but I can write, and browse the internet and all the things that I want. Maybe used is the way to go?

Sageminto--don't forget to check out scholarships--there are lots of small scholarships that are enough to get a good computer and printer for college.
~ Mom of teens

It depends on what you need, really. With a netbook, you get a raft of applications, including (most likely) wireless so you can pick up wifi. If what you need is a computer, get the netbook.

If what you really want is a durable device for writing that doesn't allow the kinds of distractions a netbook does (*cough*internet*cough*games*cough*), the AlphaSmart might be the better choice.

If you don't have easy access to another computer (your parents' desktop or laptop), the netbook is probably a better choice. While you can write on the AlphaSmart, you still need a proper computer to store your files, format your manuscript, and so on.

I adore my AlphaSmart. I carry it with me most places; it allows me to write pretty much anywhere, any time; and since I have a day job as a tech writer (read: 'sit in front of a computer all day writing'), it allows me to write after work and on weekends without physically feeling like I'm doing the same thing I do all day at work.

BUT...I also have a laptop that I shoot my manuscript to at the end of every writing session. The laptop is my main tool; the AlphaSmart is a handy convenience. If you don't have good access to a laptop/desktop, I think you should get the netbook; if you do have access, it's more of a toss-up.

I hope this helps.