My laptop is at least six years old, maybe more, with a painfully slow 512MB processor. I’ve wanted to replace it for quite some time, and have needed one for about the last six months, but haven’t been able to take the plunge. Hauling around an external keyboard, even though Santa sent me a rubbery one that rolls up neatly in my backpack, is a pain. I’ve been looking at prices drop since long before Christmas, and now I’m glad I haven’t purchased a replacement laptop.
I’m going to get a Netbook. Stock Netbooks have twice as much memory (1GB) than I currently have. If I find I need more, I can upgrade to 2GB for about $25. If I find the screen too small to read (and why it would be, if it’s larger than a paperback, I’m not sure), I will hook up the office flatscreen at my desk, which will soon be minus a relevant CPU. I can compensate for the lack of a CD drive by downloading programs, or transferring them to a memory stick with another computer.
Netbooks run on Windows XP, a familiar and reliable operating system. Windows Vista, by most accounts I’ve read, is a memory suck, and therefore a fail. One only has to look at the apologetic Microsoft advertising associated with Vista to read the handwriting on the wall. While I lust after covet a MacBook Air, paying six times as much for the similar features isn’t a wise budget move. Pete will have to continue on as the Mac-Head in the family.
Much discussion has ensued in geek and non-geek venues about the merits of netbooks vs. laptops. I first started toying with the idea as part of a discussion here with Derek Rey, and skirted the issue in our discussion of The One earlier this year. Sean at Sean808080.com covers most of the salient points, and actually selected the model I’m liking, even though he owns a MacBook as his primary computer.
Netbooks are an interesting marketing phenomenon, because they essentially take the technology model and turn it upside down. As Wired magazine recently noted, netbooks evolved out of the desire to make laptops affordable educational options in developing countries. They needed to be hardy, dependable, and most importantly, cheap. The EeePC was born, but what happened with it was unforseen. Middle class consumers throughout Europe and the U.S. bought the entire first run of 350,000 units to use to stay connected on the go. Anyone who has lugged a 7 lb. laptop and its assorted accessories through various airports – haven’t we all? – knows they don’t seem exactly portable.
Traditionally, technology has trickled down from on high to the mass market. Even now, consumers are paying over $1000 for machines. In the early days of computers, it wasn’t uncommon to pay $3000 or more in 1990’s dollars for a desktop computer that flew along with a 386-bit processor. Now, with netbooks, the consumer has the option not of buying more, but buying less. And buying less, they are. In droves.
Image by Getty Images via Daylife
I thought about what I use my computer for most frequently. I’m not a gamer, and Pete’s the Photoshop expert in the family. I use my laptop for writing blog posts, internet use, email, and accessing my office desktop when I don’t want to go to am not in the office. It occurred to me that I could store certain rarely-used programs and files on memory sticks. The netbook has several USB drives. Other stuff is already done and stored completely online. Even hardcore Photoshoppers know about online apps like FotoFlexer.
I really don’t need more out of a laptop. I need a lot less than I was willing to pay for even a few months ago. It used to be that I would get the most computer I could afford, in an effort to beat the obsolescence game. No more do I think that’s necessary. Predictions are that others feel the same way. Netbooks, 7 percent of the computer market in 2008, are projected to be 12 percent this year. Pete will have the SUV, and I’ll have the fun little Mini Cooper.
Related:
- Microsoft to Squeeze Windows 7 onto Netbooks (technologizer.com)
- Keyboard on the new Asus Eee 1000HE ‘like night and day’ (crunchgear.com)
- CES 2009: asus eee keyboard pc (designboom.com)
- Intel moves against Psion for ‘Netbook’ trademark (news.cnet.com)
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Enjoy! I plan to buy a netbook myself this year, even though I also have a Macbook Pro. Sometimes you just don’t need the SUV as you say…
Personally I’ll probably wait a bit and check out the new ARM-based ones http://osnews.com/story/21031/ARM_Shows_Prototype_Netbooks as I’m a Linux guy too and that doesn’t scare me too much
though I may not be able to wait.
Anyway, you can do anything with them if you are flexible, as you say – external LCD, external keyboard and mouse, you could use an external DVD drive or share the drive on another computer that is on your network, flash drives, external hard drives… lots of options.
You may want to check out PortableApps as well, for stuff you can run right from a flash drive.
I think these machines are perfect for travel or the cafe – not as much to worry about compared with the $1000+ laptop. Just put it in your purse or pack and go.
In any case – have fun!
Hi Betsy – I currently have a Sony Vaio. It’s my second one and I’m happy enough with it. I would also love a Macbook but the price difference is always too huge to contemplate, when it comes to the time to replace (usually when I accidentally break the last laptop).
If you can get a machine without Windows Vista – definitely do it. I hate Vista. The stupid damn program just doesn’t seem to understand that I didn’t get up at 4am for it to shut down my computer 15 minutes later, because it thinks it’s time for an update.
Cath Lawson´s last blog post..Sleazy Sales & Why Your Neighbours Make You Poor
Hey Betsy – The company I work for bought the techs Eee’s to use and carry around instead of a laptop. I am very pleased with it. I’ve also done just the things you described here, and it is perfect. I highly recommend them.
Scott
Scott´s last blog post..To AA or Not To AA. That is the Questions. Part 3
Hi Brett – Good to see you here again! Major geekage in the comments of your cite – I couldn’t understand the half of it.
What I did understand is that the ARM technology makes an even lighter, thinner product. I’m all about tucking the thing into my handbag or at least not dislocating a shoulder when hoofing it through an airport or wherever. If my thoughts about externals have your approval, I know I’m on the right track! Thanks.
Hi Cath – Yes, the nanny-like features of Microsoft drive me nuts, like auto-install updates when all you want is for the thing to shut down because you’re already late for your appointment. Having the latest and greatest in the computer world has reached a point of diminishing returns, hasn’t it? Thank you.
Hi Betsy – I’ve been seeing more and more information surface on the Netbooks and wondered if they were a good alternative to a laptop. I work on a desktop pc, but would like the portability to leave my office and blog/surf from other locations. In one sense it’s been good (having the desktop pc) as I HAVE to unplug when I leave the office or go out of town, but on the other hand, it is nice to stay connected, too.
The netbook sounds like an affordable way to have the best of both worlds. Keep us posted on your purchase.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..Attract Readers – Make Your Blog A Safe Haven
Hi Betsy,
It’s good to be back (we’ll see how long the new filter lets me visit your site though!)
Yes, the ARM is a low power requirement processor but the new ones are fast enough for general purpose computing. I believe that there are more ARM processors installed in devices than anything else (including Intel), in the form of mobile devices like phones or PDA’s – it is quite likely that you may already have used one and not known it.
The (potential) downside is that Windows as you know it won’t run on an ARM (Windows Mobile will, however) but some of the custom Linux spins are very good if you can get the software you need.
In any case, you now have something very powerful that (almost) fits in the palm of your hand and I do believe this is the way of the future for the majority of us – even power users. If I’m at home, I have the “big machine” but when I’m on the go I need something extremely portable.
A netbook with a web cam and Skype would be my ideal mobile device, to be honest, and I know you can buy them. I don’t talk on the phone in the car and usually wherever I end up there is wireless. If there is no wireless that is because I intentionally went somewhere to disconnect!
As Cath says Vista can be a pain. It is possible to “fix” it but most people just want it to work out of the box (and for many people that means “make it work like XP!”)
Hi Scott – Sorry you wound up in moderation. Lucky you! When you’re self-employed, you pay for your business purchases! It would be heavenly to get one from an employer – I’d not want to give it back if I left the company. Glad to know it’s working for you! Thanks.
Hi Barbara – I will surely do that. It seems like a great option, doesn’t it? Thank you.
Hi Brett – Yes, for those of us who are older (or so I’ve been told
) the smaller phone screen isn’t quite the thing. Ideally, as I said when I was chatting with Derek on his blog, I’d want the phone, the computer, the entire 9 yards in one item, as you say. Using Skype is a great way to get that. Most people in Asia, or so I’ve read, use their phones for everything, even most of their computing. And yes, it seems Vista is not well-liked. Thanks again.
wow! nice to learn something new – I had not heard of the netbook, my youngest child uses her blackberry to do everything and just uses her mac for paper writing…I need a bigger key board…
I just got a laptop…for my Hawaii workshops in the fall Dell via Best Buy for $800. It has Vista as does my home computer (Mainly because my IT person gets on my computer weekly and does all my IT work.)
I would like to get one of the thumb drives to take all my work off/ and financial office data off and put that stuff yearly in my safety deposit box… The Lap top was not too heavy to carry around…but I love my Kindle for reading all the time and now am coveting the Kindle II
My husband says I love gadgets…it’s true because for so many years of my life I have been recovering from some thing or other or getting one child or other somewhere or other….and those gadgets keep one from missing out on the the world.
Wow this was fun to learn something new…mobile and light weight…
Patricia´s last blog post..Sunday Dinner
Sounds like a PERFECT plan!!! Isn’t it wonderful to know what you need – what is a “luxury” and what is a “necessity”?
This has been a great “review”. Thanks so much for sharing the pros and cons. I too am in the market for a new laptop and when I was reading that the netbook used XP – I was SOLD…. until I read to the other limitations.
Thanks to your review, I won’t buy one to learn it’s not enough for me! Betsy to the rescue once again!!!
Kathy | Virtual Impax´s last blog post..When Someone Steals Your Branding
Hi Patricia – Mobile and lightweight are the two primary issues for me at present for gadgetry. I took a good long look at how my daughter uses her Blackberry, and she rarely uses her computer any more, except – like your daughter – to write her college papers. Interesting, isn’t it? We need to keep watching the young people as they innovate uses. Thank you.
Hi Kathy – Yes, I think so. I’m glad you appreciated the review. I’m curious what limitations you see against your needs – size or power? I think you can dump Vista off a laptop and install XP – the CEO of the non-profit I work with did that. Shouldn’t be too geeky an issue, right?
hey thanks for the linkback. just a small correction. the acer aspire one comes in multiple flavors. check the wikipedia page on it for specifics. some run XP and others run Linux. The Linux version is great for people that don’t want the headache of spyware/antivirus/and security updates.
i’ve modified my acer aspire one so it runs XP, Linux, and MacOSX. it does all flavors well. Call me a happy camper.
sean808080´s last blog post..The netbook revolution – Acer Aspire One
I’ve been thinking about getting one for my trip to England Betsy. Can you upload photos with it? I want to pass them onto the internet, not save them on the drive.
I do most of my writing on Google Docs now anyway. I’m hoping for the day when the netbook and Kindle mate – and have the best of both worlds – but until then, the netbook looks like an option. Thanks for this! Let us know how it works for you!
Becky Blanton´s last blog post..Busy as a ….
Hi Betsy. I hadn’t heard of the Netbooks until now. It sounds like the perfect choice! Good things do come in small packages. Enjoy!
I have a laptop, and last year I was renting some office space in a health clinic. I had to carry my laptop with me and it was a pain. They sure get heavy after a while.
Davina´s last blog post..Take This To Heart
Hi Sean – Welcome! And thank you for the clarification on the operating systems – I wasn’t as clear on that, given that XP is the one I’ll be choosing. It sounds like you’ve got a terrific amount of versatility. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Becky – I can’t imagine why you couldn’t upload photos. Have a look and see! It would be so much easier on you with your trip. An extra few pounds does make a difference if you’re lugging it around all day with other equipment. I will keep you posted on the purchase. Thanks!
Hi Davina – It’s amazing, but laptops do get heavy, don’t they? Bigger isn’t necessarily better in this instance, and over-buying features isn’t better, either. Thank you.
I saw your comment on Lance’s site, and came by to say hi!
I recently got a new laptop, and I support your decision and reasons. It’s worked out well for me. Good luck!!
Dr. J´s last blog post..A few of Dr. J’s favorite sayings
Hi Dr. J – Thanks for coming by; it’s great to be makin’ sense!
Betsy,
You have done a great job selling the virtues of having a net book. I know that some phone companies and other companies are using the net book as a way to reward customer for signing up for high speed internet.
Mark´s last blog post..Take a Look At The Means To The End
Betsy, I sooo want a Netbook. My coworker has one and loves it, and when I think of how I don’t do anything but blog/email/surf the web I would love it, too.
And how interesting, I did not know they were originally created to make a more affordable option for developing countries. Very cool.
Marie´s last blog post..Can I be a mommy blogger without the kid?
Hi Mark – Welcome! Thank you, I’m glad you found it helpful. I saw some offers like that, too.
Hi Marie – Welcome! I think more and more of us will be getting them, don’t you? Thanks.
I bought the Gateway LT and I love it. I also bought a Bible cover and the little dude fits right in with room for my power cord, my Moleskine AND a book!
Ron´s last blog post..5 Reasons Struggling Is Good For You
Hi Ron – Wow – that’s an awesome idea, and illustrates how convenient they are. It seems like the consensus is get one! Thanks for coming by!
$25 for double the amount of memory is definitely worth it. I also like that you can get this machine with Linux pre-installed – usually have to install it myself. I don’t like that it doesn’t have a cd or dvd rom drive – how would games or movies be played. Can an external cd/dvd drive be connected to it?
Thanks for the write-up!
Kim Woodbridge´s last blog post..12 WordPress Food Themes
Hi Kim – Thanks for weighing in on the extra memory. I thought it was a good deal. Yes, they can use external drives – much like the MacBook Air needs that. I am loving the food themes in your latest post. Thank you.