Netbook Knowledge?

[Gia al Qamar]

Anyone?
I was thinking about adding a small netbook to my list of electronic gadgets...but from what I've read, it seems that most have such slow processors that I'm likely to pitch it across the room in a fit of pique...
I have a full desk top computer...so it wouldn't replace that, but rather be a more modern way to write up class choreographies (rather than pad and pencil) maybe surf the web, get emails when I'm at Starbucks...you know...
Any recommendations? I want a fast one...but if the faster ones cost as much as a regular laptop...am I better going that route?
Thanks much for your insights!

[Zumarrad]

I'm on an Aspire One right now. It is my only computer. I use it for the net, writing stuff, storing and carrying music. I have a separate CD/DVD drive, since there is no optical drive in a netbook.

The keyboard is small but not too small to type on, and I have big hands. I don't find it slow. OS is Windows XP.

I find it very good.

[CalgaryBibi]

I had an Acer Aspire One. I didn't find it slow. I did find the keyboard a bit hard to get used to.

My biggest beef with it was that the camera died after about 6 months. (I'd used it only a few times, too, mostly Skyping my DH when he was travelling in Asia.) I contacted Acer about it and received no response whatsoever. Therefore, I'm not impressed with the quality/customer service and wouldn't recommend one for that reason.

[crystalllized]

I debated over the netbook thing for a long time. My last laptop was like carrying around a giant brick, but I was concerned with the slow processors and small keyboards of the netbooks. I was planning to write some of my dissertation on a netbook, but after trying some typing out at a Best Buy, just couldn't see it happening.

I ended up with a Toshiba Satellite t135D. It is super light because it has no CD drive, but the keyboard is normal sized and the screen is 13". Processing speed is great. Overall, not too big, not too small.

Though, I just got an email about a recall for certain models for overheating. I haven't checked if mine is on that list yet...

[laura 2]

Whoops, I misread Netbook as Notebook.

[Ainsley]

My husband and I share an Acer Aspire One. I quite like it. We haven't had any major problems with it, apart from a recent viral infection.

I originally bought it with the idea that it would be a great laptop for toting back and forth to campus while working on my dissertation, but I've reverted back to using our 14" laptop for that because I find the mouse buttons on the Acer inconvenient. I'm working with two foreign languages for my dissertation and am constantly using italics and inserting special characters. I am literally wearing a hole in my 14"er's left mouse key, I use it so much. The slightly odd mouse button position on the Acer was translating into a lot of wasted time for me, though otherwise I found the keyboard to be a comfortable size.

Luckily, my husband loves the Acer, so the 14"er has more or less become my laptop and the Acer his. Processing speed has been good enough for us: he's playing a video game on it right now!

[Gia al Qamar]

Thank you so much everyone! Looks like I should look into the Acer Aspire One!
I understand that there's no CD drive, but is there a port for a thumb drive or a way to link to my desktop PC to send stuff there for storage?
AND...does size matter? ;)
I did a quick look-see online and see that some are 10" screens, others are 8...same deal smaller size?

[Ainsley]

Ours has 3 USB ports for thumb drives and peripherals. If you have a wireless router you can also network your computers to send files from one to the other and to use the desktop's disc drive from the netbook. That's how we installed programs from discs to our Acer.

We have the older generation 8.9" screen. It looks like the newer 10.1" models have a different mouse configuration, which is probably for the best, but I don't know what the other differences are.

[Gia al Qamar]

Ours has 3 USB ports for thumb drives and peripherals. If you have a wireless router you can also network your computers to send files from one to the other and to use the desktop's disc drive from the netbook. That's how we installed programs from discs to our Acer.

We have the older generation 8.9" screen. It looks like the newer 10.1" models have a different mouse configuration, which is probably for the best, but I don't know what the other differences are.

Thank you so much...this info is invaluable!

[Gia al Qamar]

I just wanted to thank everyone who assisted me (even Zorba who helped via email)...I'm typing this from my backyard on my new (purple) Acer Aspire One...and I LOVE it..very cool features...can't wait to get it in the studio and start working it!
Just curious...did you all purchase a word processing program online or use a cd to upload? I've yet to do it and it seems daunting!

[Ainsley]

Congratulations! ..g.:

We used a CD to upload our word processor. I can't remember the details at the moment, but we looked up instructions online on how to use our other laptop's disc drive from the netbook via our wireless network connection. I promise it was easier than it sounds!

[roguepen]

Look into Open Office: OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite

Open source and downloadable. So far, I haven't had any problems opening of the MS documents I have received from various sources.

Oh, if you have networked computers and use iTunes, check out the home sharing feature. I rip my CDs on my desktop and then copy the files to my netbook through iTunes. (By the way, my desktop is a Mac and my netbook is a PC.)

[Suzana]

I have a new little Toshiba, and I'm very happy with it. I carry it with me far more often than is strictly necessary. :) I liked the Acers, too, but Best Buy happened to have a deal on this model the day I was there so it turned out to be less expensive than the Acers with similar specs. The models and pricing change so fast -- it's definitely worth doing some comparison shopping.

[isisangelrd]

Hi i recommend you for personal experience Asus seashell 1005pe, its actually the netbook i own and let me tell you i dont use other , laptop. Have a battery up to 14 hours, chiclet keyboard, fantastic performance. only weight 1.2 kg. ( like 2,7 lbs) , have webcam and micro include, wifi, and runs almost everything! i just tell you that i love it! and it have amazing price and including that is so beautyfull!! the perfect choice!

[isisangelrd]

i forgot to say that have an screen of 10.1 inchs so is very practical and i can carry almost in purse or bag! 250 gb harddrive . I just change the ram for one of 2gb cause , it have a 1gb ram

[Gia al Qamar]

Look into Open Office: OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite

Open source and downloadable. So far, I haven't had any problems opening of the MS documents I have received from various sources.

Oh, if you have networked computers and use iTunes, check out the home sharing feature. I rip my CDs on my desktop and then copy the files to my netbook through iTunes. (By the way, my desktop is a Mac and my netbook is a PC.)

Oh that's so cool! Because the whole idea behind my getting the netbook (which I am loving btw...very cool machine that Acer!) was to be able to write my class combos and troupe choreography right to it and transfer to my desk top computer which uses Microsoft Office, Word, Excel etc...so I want the two to cooperate and obvious it'd be easier to do a straight (and free!) download!
The whole iTunes thing is a mystery...I haven't get explored it...it'd be going PC to PC...so I'm not sure what to expect...I don't want my entire library on my Acer...just the select songs I'm working on...brave new world this is...lol!

[Gia al Qamar]

Hi i recommend you for personal experience Asus seashell 1005pe, its actually the netbook i own and let me tell you i dont use other , laptop. Have a battery up to 14 hours, chiclet keyboard, fantastic performance. only weight 1.2 kg. ( like 2,7 lbs) , have webcam and micro include, wifi, and runs almost everything! i just tell you that i love it! and it have amazing price and including that is so beautyfull!! the perfect choice!

Thanks so much for your feedback...when researching, I did look at this netbook too, but at $100+ more than Acer, it was an easy decision for me!

[Lauren_]

My mother had an Eepc and I HATED it. Slow, annoying, non-intuitive interface, tiny keyboard. Sounds like there are much better ones out there.

[zorba]

Just to recap what Gia and I exchanged via email (with some additions):

I have an 8.9" Aspire One - and love it. I don't understand what the tizz is about regarding the "mouse" button location, but I've been using notebooks for many years, the side-by-side location is actually a bit more intuitive - to me. With that said, I only use the touchpad when I have to, I prefer a USB mouse and use one whenever I can.

I've been involved with (2) Aspire Ones. Mine, and one purchased for work. They both had to have service, which I found a bit disturbing - but the service was quick and painless: FixMyAcer

All the netbooks have about the same specs, regardless of who makes them, so its mostly "find your best deal". HP, my preferred computer vendor, was totally out to lunch on pricing when I purchased my Aspire One last year - but they now have come into line with everyone else. We've purchased several HP Netbooks where I work, and they've all been exemplary - no service issues whatsoever - and they have a bigger/nicer keyboard than most others.

However, all the HPs I've seen, and the "other" Aspire One here at work, have an irritating mis-feature that just drives me NUTS! The wireless turns itself on when you power up the computer - if you're not needing wireless just then, you're wasting power. GAH! At least give us the choice - I don't want to have to remember to turn the stupid wireless off everytime I boot the computer. For what ever reason, my 8.9" Aspire One does it the right way and powers up with the wireless OFF - the way it should be...

The other thing I don't like about many/most of the netbooks are the stupid little slide switches on the side or front edge for things like power, or wireless power or whatever - they're hard to operate. My other minor gripe is the lack of a CF card slot - netbooks are seemingly married to SD, making it a minor hassle for folks with higher end photography equipment.

But I sure wouldn't be without a netbook - I can rip Belly Dance DVDs and watch them on the airplane all the way across the US, without worrying about battery life (ALWAYS get the 6 cell battery with whatever netbook you're buying, not the 3 cell. Some 9 cells are also available)! If you drop it, it falls overboard, or it gets stolen, its $300, NOT $1500 or whatever.

I also recently purchased one of those uber-cheap $79 netbooks that runs Windows-CE. I wouldn't recommend them to the average user, but for a geek like me, is amazing what you can get done on one of these things if you're willing to do a bit of tweaking, downloading, and configuring! I even got a USB bluetooth dongle to work with it (as well as with my Acer). Oh, and its wireless stays OFF when you power up!

[zorba]

While we're on the subject of computers - am I the only one who names hir computer after famous Belly Dancers? Between work and home, I have Ansuya, Fahtiem, Rachel-Brice, Ariellah, Nadia-Gamal, and Petite-Jamilla - the latter of which is the netbook of course! The $79 Windows CE netbook I named "Tramp-Stamp" - guess what the desktop wallpaper is? ..l;,

[_Kepi_]

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with a netbook. Go for the full size notebook. I have a 15 inch Dell inspiron and it is seriously the best thing ever. It's not too heavy, the webcam works great, it's super fast and great to type on. I spent about $600 on it back in March. I feel I got the perfect pc for my use and for the price. Really, you get what you pay for.

[zorba]

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with a netbook. Go for the full size notebook. I have a 15 inch Dell inspiron and it is seriously the best thing ever. It's not too heavy, the webcam works great, it's super fast and great to type on. I spent about $600 on it back in March. I feel I got the perfect pc for my use and for the price. Really, you get what you pay for.

Yes you do - but this is a case where "better" gets in the way of "good enough". No-one suggests that a netbook is the end all and be all of computing. Where/why it shines is because of its low price - HALF of what you paid - if it breaks, is broken, flooded, stolen, etc, its half the pain. Its tiny size/weight makes it MUCH easier to tote around - and its INSANELY long battery life makes living with it much easier.

I have 2 full sized notebooks, and 2 netbooks - each has their place.

[roguepen]

Yes you do - but this is a case where "better" gets in the way of "good enough". No-one suggests that a netbook is the end all and be all of computing. Where/why it shines is because of its low price - HALF of what you paid - if it breaks, is broken, flooded, stolen, etc, its half the pain. Its tiny size/weight makes it MUCH easier to tote around - and its INSANELY long battery life makes living with it much easier.

I have 2 full sized notebooks, and 2 netbooks - each has their place.

I have to agree with this. My netbook is for web surfing, email, and travel. If I'm working (graphic design, photography, web design), I use my big ass desktop computer. Even when I had a 13" laptop, I rarely used it for work purposes aside from tethered shooting.

I was rather hesitant to get a netbook since I'm a Mac user and would have preferred to get a Macbook but I didn't have a grand to spare. For $350, I ended up with an Asus eePC that is lightweight and has a phenomenal battery life. (Up to 8 hours... it totally rocks.) It plays iTunes through my stereo system via my network and I have hooked it up to my television to watch on-demand Netflicks.

If you don't have another computer, you might want to consider the larger laptop. If you have a 'work' computer, netbooks are a good way to go.

[bellyrina86]

Hi girls i will have to agree with isisangelrd , i have the asus ee pcshell 1005 pe too and its amazing, the perfect choice , alot space, great performance, its like a super duper laptop in an small package!

[Gia al Qamar]

What Zorba said. My netbook is for a specific purpose in addition to my web-based cell phone and desk top PC...not a replacement for either...it serves it's own purpose and has already enabled me to provide valuable services in my studio that I couldn't with a more expensive computer...

MEANWHILE...I have had ZERO luck wirelessly networking with my home computer...which is now on a wireless network...any online tips for doing this? I have a 'mini' version of Windows 7 on the Acer Aspire and think this may be the issue...hints...tips...any ideas...?

[zorba]

MEANWHILE...I have had ZERO luck wirelessly networking with my home computer...which is now on a wireless network...any online tips for doing this? I have a 'mini' version of Windows 7 on the Acer Aspire and think this may be the issue...hints...tips...any ideas...?

Only that I haven't had any problems with wireless networking with Windows 7 "Starter edition". It "should" work...

[Gia al Qamar]

Only that I haven't had any problems with wireless networking with Windows 7 "Starter edition". It "should" work...

So'ok...how do I do this? Hubby tried with no luck...I haven't a clue where to start? Can you point me to an online guide or send an email to assist (bats eyes lovingly)...

[xodinahox]

i had a sony netbook and loved it (it has a wireless on/off switch, fyi). it was my 'lounge on the sofa and surf' buddy as well as my travel buddy. unfortunately, a relative of mine went surfing where he shouldn't have and i ended up with a virus on it. long story short, it was so bad that the only way to get it back in shape was to blast the hard drive and re-load windows... but that would cost me about 200 bucks (only profis could do it at the sony store since my system is in German)....

went shopping at best buy to get a new netbook, and found a hp/compaq laptop on sale for 349. though it's a bit bigger than what i'd like for sofa lounging, i'm really happier with it than my netbook.... so i guess i should thank my relative for doing unspeakable acts on my netbook, huh?