Netbook recommendations

Betty · 08-24-2009, 02:00 PM

My boss is in need of a netbook. Does anyone have any experience with them? Good reviews? Bad? Indifferent?

He's in need of the device as a quick mobile way to view things online. His smart phone isn't quite big enough and his notebook is way to big to comfortable stand and use for any length of time.

The netbook seems like the right solution for this.

Have you used one? Did you like it? Why? or not?

Alex · 08-24-2009, 02:05 PM

You mean literally be standing up and using it on the move? I couldn't see myself using our netbook that way. Definitely more mobile but still primarily of use in static sitting down situations.

Have you looked at Tablet PCs?

BarTopDancer · 08-24-2009, 02:13 PM

A netbook is essentially a smaller, lower functionality laptop with built-in wifi from a cell provider (most prominently, Verizon).

Just as an example, this netbook is 2inches smaller than my laptop. I couldn't remotely imagine standing and trying to type on it. You need more than 2 hands.

Betty · 08-24-2009, 02:25 PM

He wants to use it standing on the courthouse steps. Literally. I too think he may need a 3rd arm - but it's the boss so I'm not going to argue.

Alex · 08-24-2009, 02:35 PM

Yeah, a tablet PC with touchscreen may be of more of interest. Those are designed to be used while holding it in one hand and manipulating with the other. Think a big iPhone.

Betty · 08-24-2009, 02:46 PM

I know what a tablet pc is - I think it might be bigger than he wants? I believe they have more bells and whistles then what he needs... essentially a way to get online and view things in a very mobile way.

The netbooks with cell phone service seem to have some deals going which also makes them more appealing - $99 for a netbook with a 2 year service plan. I see comments about best buy and sprint offering a 99 cent netbook but have yet to actually find any info on that at Sprint or Best Buys website. (Still waiting to hear back from my sprint rep.)

From the comments though, it still seems like he's going to have a tough time standing and using the device.

BarTopDancer · 08-24-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betty

From the comments though, it still seems like he's going to have a tough time standing and using the device.

He will.

Alex · 08-24-2009, 02:54 PM

Well, if all he's doing is reading standard documents then you might consider a Kindle or Kindle DX.

The DX is larger but has native PDF support.

Betty · 08-24-2009, 03:52 PM

Reading websites which use javascript, have logins to get the data and it has to be up to the minute updated which means it has to be online.

Alex · 08-24-2009, 06:22 PM

Yeah, if you want to use it standing you need a touchscreen.

If a cell phone is too small then a small tablet like this one, even if it is overfeatured, is the best option for usability. Using a standard netbook is just like using a regular laptop. The advantage being that it isn't such a pain in the butt to carry around.

Or tell him to set down on the courthouse steps.

08-24-2009, 02:00 PM	#1
Betty Kicking up my heels! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: The Silver State Posts: 3,783	Netbook recommendations My boss is in need of a netbook. Does anyone have any experience with them? Good reviews? Bad? Indifferent? He's in need of the device as a quick mobile way to view things online. His smart phone isn't quite big enough and his notebook is way to big to comfortable stand and use for any length of time. The netbook seems like the right solution for this. Have you used one? Did you like it? Why? or not? __________________ Nee Stell Thue
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08-24-2009, 02:05 PM	#2
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	You mean literally be standing up and using it on the move? I couldn't see myself using our netbook that way. Definitely more mobile but still primarily of use in static sitting down situations. Have you looked at Tablet PCs?
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08-24-2009, 02:13 PM	#3
BarTopDancer Prepping... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 11,405	A netbook is essentially a smaller, lower functionality laptop with built-in wifi from a cell provider (most prominently, Verizon). Just as an example, this netbook is 2inches smaller than my laptop. I couldn't remotely imagine standing and trying to type on it. You need more than 2 hands. __________________ Spork is the new MacGyver Postcards From My Edge
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08-24-2009, 02:25 PM	#4
Betty Kicking up my heels! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: The Silver State Posts: 3,783	He wants to use it standing on the courthouse steps. Literally. I too think he may need a 3rd arm - but it's the boss so I'm not going to argue. __________________ Nee Stell Thue
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08-24-2009, 02:35 PM	#5
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Yeah, a tablet PC with touchscreen may be of more of interest. Those are designed to be used while holding it in one hand and manipulating with the other. Think a big iPhone.
	Submit to Quotes

08-24-2009, 02:46 PM	#6
Betty Kicking up my heels! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: The Silver State Posts: 3,783	I know what a tablet pc is - I think it might be bigger than he wants? I believe they have more bells and whistles then what he needs... essentially a way to get online and view things in a very mobile way. The netbooks with cell phone service seem to have some deals going which also makes them more appealing - $99 for a netbook with a 2 year service plan. I see comments about best buy and sprint offering a 99 cent netbook but have yet to actually find any info on that at Sprint or Best Buys website. (Still waiting to hear back from my sprint rep.) From the comments though, it still seems like he's going to have a tough time standing and using the device. __________________ Nee Stell Thue
	Submit to Quotes

08-24-2009, 02:54 PM	#8
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Well, if all he's doing is reading standard documents then you might consider a Kindle or Kindle DX. The DX is larger but has native PDF support.
	Submit to Quotes

08-24-2009, 03:52 PM	#9
Betty Kicking up my heels! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: The Silver State Posts: 3,783	Reading websites which use javascript, have logins to get the data and it has to be up to the minute updated which means it has to be online. __________________ Nee Stell Thue
	Submit to Quotes

08-24-2009, 06:22 PM	#10
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Yeah, if you want to use it standing you need a touchscreen. If a cell phone is too small then a small tablet like this one, even if it is overfeatured, is the best option for usability. Using a standard netbook is just like using a regular laptop. The advantage being that it isn't such a pain in the butt to carry around. Or tell him to set down on the courthouse steps.
	Submit to Quotes