Netbook?

[MaryPoppins]

Done a search and can't see anything immediate, but sorry if this is a duplication.

I have currently got a hulking great Dell laptop which is close to death. I've had it about 6 years now, and it's an embarrassment.

I need something to replace it, but nothing anywhere near as big. All I do is a bit of work stuff online, online banking and shopping, and come on here. I'd need a decent size memory I guess, but size matters not. The smaller the better actually.

Is a netbook a good idea, and if so - where's a good place to look?

Ta folks.

[Bunk]

Done a search and can't see anything immediate, but sorry if this is a duplication.

I have currently got a hulking great Dell laptop which is close to death. I've had it about 6 years now, and it's an embarrassment.

I need something to replace it, but nothing anywhere near as big. All I do is a bit of work stuff online, online banking and shopping, and come on here. I'd need a decent size memory I guess, but size matters not. The smaller the better actually.

Is a netbook a good idea, and if so - where's a good place to look?

Ta folks.

A netbook is ok for messing about on the web and the odd bit of word processing etc. Wouldn't fancy doing much work on it. The other option is a small (13") laptop. That would probably have more scope for whacking more memory in it, and be a better size for work, but it'll be a bit heavier and more expensive than a netbook.

Edit: As for where to look, any online retailer should have a decent selection.

Try
www.scan.co.uk
www.ebuyer.com

[DaveB]

Or hang on for the next generation of Tablets ( iPad, Galaxy Tab etc) once they've ironed out the kinks.

[Jubber]

The other option is a small (13") laptop.

Yep, mine is swish -- great for the train -- sits beside mr so I can do my own thang at Client Co -- fits in my bag -- has enough oomph to run proper programs -- perfik.

[Bunk]

Yep, mine is swish -- great for the train -- sits beside mr so I can do my own thang at Client Co -- fits in my bag -- has enough oomph to run proper programs -- perfik.

Yeah, I like those. Does yours have a DVD drive? That seems to be the usual sacrifice to keep the size down.

[TykeMerc]

I've got a Samsung netbook that I got off eBay a year or so ago, I use it for admin apps, browsing and Slingbox while staying away or travelling. It's very useful, 3 USB ports for charging things and connecting peripherals, a 120gb drive and 2Gb RAM. It cost well under £200 and it's been excellent value for money.

I admit to being a bit of a convert as before getting it I was firmly in the "why the hell would I want a netbook" camp, but I'd replace it if it died, it's proven far too useful.

[Platypus]

A friend of mine also has a Samsung netbook - he swears by it, and does use it for 'proper' work, not just surfing.

Last time I looked, Amazon sell these and the review are very useful.

On the other hand, an iPad convert I know says that the iPad is ideal for 'most users' who surf, do emails and a bit of WP, photos and the like. You can connect an external keyboard using some gadget or other (I asked him about this).

[d000hg]

Or hang on for the next generation of Tablets ( iPad, Galaxy Tab etc) once they've ironed out the kinks.

MP, you do sound to be the kind of person tablets are aimed at. Have you tried one, it might be worth playing with an iPad to see if you get on with it?

[RichardCranium]

I have an Eee PC NetBook I have had for a year. It came with XP but I put Linux on it for tulips and giggles.

Yep, mine is swish -- great for the train -- sits beside mr so I can do my own thang at Client Co -- fits in my bag -- has enough oomph to run proper programs -- perfik.

WJS

I also have a desktop and a laptop, but the netbook has the fastest processor because it is newer.

On my desk I plug it into a 21" screen I have for the purpose and it is nearly my main machine now.

Yeah, I like those. Does yours have a DVD drive? That seems to be the usual sacrifice to keep the size down.

One definition of a NetBook is that it will not have a DVD or CD drive. You have to buy an external USB one.

[Clever Hans]

Another vote for Samsung.

My little NC10 (which I do most of my browsing on, including now) was the business for the price a year ago - it had the best reviews at the time in its bracket; I got one for my mum a month later as I was impressed; its ergonomically ok as well.

You can do most light work on it, and even run (say) lightweight dev tools on it.

As a testing-the-limits pointless experiment I ran a virtual network with Windows 2003 server and XP hooked up via VirtualBox. It actually worked!

Only for a couple of minutes though, then died a starving dog's death.