RSS Feeds: Netbooks, Notebooks and Laptops
While I was writing a post about netbook, notebook and laptop computers on my main blog, I was inspired to set up this site.
Until the beginning of July, 2009, I'll be doing some online window shopping of netbook computers. I already own a now-dead notebook computer and I don't feel like taking that route again.
Laptops
The term "laptop computer" encompasses the computer that are now called "netbooks" and "notebooks" and hybrids that are a little of both. That may sound redundant, but it isn't. A netbook is designed for a different kind of user than a notebook.
Notebooks can replace desktop computers. Netbooks cannot. Netbooks are designed to be less resource intensive and therefore aren't designed to do everything notebook computers can do. The current models of netbook computers run either Linux or Windows XP. Windows Vista uses more resources than a netbook is intended to provide.
Netbooks
Since notebooks are designed to be both portable, either wired or wireless, and can completely replace desktop computers, I won't mention anything else about them right now.
Netbook computers are designed for wireless communication and access to the Internet, not for day to day computing needs. They're primarily designed for web browsing and taking care of email. They rely heavily on remote access to Internet web-based applications.
Since netbooks cost less to manufacture and are less expensive than notebooks and desktop computers, they're poised to become more widely used than the other types of computers within the next few years.
My Quest
I'm searching for a suitable netbook computer to be used for two purposes: 1) As my backup computer, since my online business is web-based and only requires three applications and 2) As a computer than my wife can use to assist me while I'm using my desktop computer.
I am a typist. I learned to type on manual typewriters before most people even knew what a computer was — somewhere around 1975. I prefer a full-sized keyboard. The netbook I choose will have to have keys large enough for my large fingers and wide enough for me to be comfortable typing on.
I'm not concerned about the screen size. I know that I won't be getting one of the smallest netbooks because using the keyboard would keep me in a constant state of frustration. If the screen size is any indication of how big the keyboard is, I'll be looking for the largest netbook available. If I can get a good enough deal, I may even get two of them at the same time (one for the wife and one for me).
Wireless Broadband
There is at least one decent wireless broadband company local to me. I have DSL connection for the PC I'm using right now, but I want to use a wireless connection for my netbook, even if it can use a wired connection.
With the DSL provider I currently use, I'm limited to one connection and it's patchy at times. I'm required to have a standard land line in order to have the connection. With a wireless provider, I don't need an additional land line. If the wireless provider works out, I may ditch the DSL provider completely along with the land line I never use.
Share Your Opinions and Experience
If you have a laptop computer of some kind and would like to share your opinion or experience with it, feel free to send me a message using the contact form. If I write it about it, I'll include a link to your site (if you have one). You can also share your opinions on models you've looked at.
My own research is going to be web-based since I live in the Philippines and don't have access to a good supply of netbooks where I can physically examine them. I'm sure I'll find a few, but I'll still get the specs from the web.
Since netbooks and notebooks continue to evolve, I won't stop doing research when I finally get one for myself. The lifespan of any computer is finite and I'll have to replace one or more computers in a relatively short period of time — probably within five years.
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Referring to this "My own research is going to be web-based since I live in the Philippines and don't have access to a good supply of netbooks where I can physically examine them. I'm sure I'll find a few, but I'll still get the specs from the web."
It will be great to read the outcome and different location could mean a totally different approach to research and findings. Looking forward to read more.
I want to tell everyone first hand NOT to get an Averatec computer. The computer quality is terrible and the plastic isn't strong. Its prone to overheating and melting the tip of your batteries. Any other brand I'm sure would be better.
It sounds like you are looking for a light, but good, 13~15 inch laptop. VAIO has several great model in this category.
BTW, I second what Chris said about Averatec computers.
Vaio – too expensive. Acer – ok, but current range of keyboards are a bit tight for my sausage fingers. Eee PC range – feel a bit too flexible. HP2140 – awesome. Keyboard is 93% full size, 10" screen and I've got Ubuntu running on it. Oops, did I give something away then?