Laptop or netbook?

Lapinou said:

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

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Lapinou said:

'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?

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Why would it be a stupid idea to type things up on a netbook?

Lapinou said:

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...?)?

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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.

Lapinou said:

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

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The one I'm looking at right now is 10.1".

Lapinou said:

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

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In physical size, you mean? Something like the one I have and even that's pretty big.

Lapinou said:

5. Can you get ones with dual core processors?

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I have no idea what that means so I'll leave someone more qualified than I, to answer.

Lapinou said:

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lapinou said:

What I want to know is:

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

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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...?)?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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.

Lapinou said:

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

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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...?)?

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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?

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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?

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If you want something bigger, get a laptop.

5. Can you get ones with dual core processors?

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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.

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Just for the record, you mean storage

Memory generally means RAM, not drive space.

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.

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.

Lapinou said:

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

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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 said:

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...?)?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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

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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.

Lapinou said:

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

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* runs from thread at hideous oversimplification *

Lapinou said:

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.

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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...

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

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.

Anne Lyle said:

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.

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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.

AlexPiper said:

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.

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Not a "Hackbook Nano"?

Phil_Hall said:

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

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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.

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

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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.

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.

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

~STS~

strictlytopsecret said:

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

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

> 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) and haven't found screen resolution to be an issue. I found PowerStructure and PowerWord from 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