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General discussion

Looking for help in buying a netbook/low laptop

by somaticmarker May 22, 2009 8:37PM PDT

I'm thinking about buying a netbook or cheaper laptop, had a few questions. I'm only using it for email and watching videos. Also, I need to be able to install Microsoft office and SPSS (data analysis software). I'm willing to 500 at the most, it seems if I spend any more than that, I should just suck it up and drop an additional few hundred dollars and buy a higher end laptop.


1. Should I go with a netbook or a cheap laptop? . I want a big as screen screen as possible. Looking around online, it seems that the better netbooks (w/12 inch screens) and cheap laptops (w/15 inch screens)both start around $399.

2. I'm a guy with normal sized hands, is it easy to get used to the small keyboard of a netbook? I played around with one and found the small keyboard to be difficult to use, but I have only used a desktop for the last few years, so I would expect some difficulties adjusting.

3. Windows operating system, yay or nay? U saw that windows is optional on most netbooks. I have never have used Linux before. Is Linuz easy to use? Would it prevent from using Microsoft office or SPSS? Does linux prevent you from using other programs like Azureus Vuze, firefox/goggle chrome, VLC player, etc? I would prefer to save the extra $50, but if not having windows would limit the usefulness of the netbook, I owuld shell out for it.

4. Netbook users, anything that surprised you about your netbook (both good or bad)?

Thanks in advance.


---
"If I managed the Cubs, I'd be an alcoholic." Whitey Herzog (Cardinals manager 1980-1990)

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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I have both models.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator May 22, 2009 8:52PM PDT

I would only give you a netbook if I wanted to torture you. It is not a laptop replacement. If you spend hours a day on a PC you will not want to do this on any netbook today.

I have a netbook and it's a fine thing. But its used to fly out the door and go do some on site work and then back to the office.

I can't imagine anyone using a netbook as their main PC.
Bob

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respomse
by somaticmarker May 22, 2009 8:59PM PDT

Sorry for not making myself clear. I have a good desktop, but I want a netbook/laptop, as I do have to travel a little and when I'm sitting in front on the TV, in bed etc.

In no way is this device going to replace my desktop. I just want to be able to the the basic functions; word, Microsoft office, websurf, and watch videos.

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It does that.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator May 22, 2009 9:20PM PDT

I own the 8.9 inch Acer Aspire One. Works just fine but we do add a Logitech V450 Nano mouse so the touch pad is un-used.
Bob

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if you're good around computer I would say give Linux a try
by JonTitor May 23, 2009 3:40AM PDT

Specifically Ubuntu is the one that is usually recommended for beginners. The great thing about it is that it doesn't feel bloated like Vista or as outdated as XP. Plus a lot of (usually free) program work in linux now, Firefox for example is the primary browser. I would recommend you download Ubuntu now and try it out on your current PC, you can do so in a few ways without doing anything to your Windows installation

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