Netbook

[Moose]

If you want to get online somewhere without WiFi coverage, then you'll need it! ;-)
Otherwise you probably won't. Adding a 3G dongle will cost about £50, and around £10 a month on PAYG.

It's OK, I think that if I buy a netbook I'll get one with it just in case

 

[barq]

I've got an Acer Aspire One so I don't know if my experience is of any interest. I wasn't mad keen on Linpus - it is perfectly functional but I prefer a Debian/Ubuntu style linux so installed the Ubuntu Netbook Remix. I bought one of those really tiny bluetooth USB sticks (i.e. so small you can leave it in permanently) for £3 (inc P&P) from ebay... Useful for my bluetooth mouse and transferring files from/to my phone or using it as a modem. I also bought a bigger battery from Amazon. The original does nearly 2.5hrs which is ok, but sometimes I need a bit more juice. My 4400mah battery does around 5hrs and there is a 6600mah version available (although it is physically quite large so I avoided it. For 3g coverage I picked up a Huawei E160G usb modem from Three. Ubuntu 8.10 immediately picks it up, with 8.04 installing Network Manager 0.7 is the easiest way to get it working.

I also seriously considered the Dell netbook, but the AA1 is a good price and has one of the larger netbook keyboards.

 

[yello]

When does a laptop become a netbook?

 

[Carwash]

When does a laptop become a netbook?

A netbook is to a laptop as a laptop is to a portable.

 

[yello]

Ah, that explains everything then!

 

[Downward]

How much was the Higher Capicity Battery ?

I have seen them for £50 which is just about 1/4 of the cost of the Netbook

 

[yello]

But then I remember when there was a category of laptop called a desktop replacement. That is, larger screens and less concern with battery life.

I guess a netbook is a smaller, lighter laptop with an emphasis on network (internet) connectivity and battery life (i.e. portable connectivity) and less concern with storage space.

I'm currently using a EeePC 701 running CrunchBang linux.... a little laptop!

 

[another_dave_b]

When does a laptop become a netbook?

As defined by Wikipedia:

A netbook is a light-weight, low-cost, energy-efficient, highly portable laptop that achieves these parameters by offering fewer features, less processing power[1] and reduced ability to run resource-intensive operating systems (e.g., Windows Vista).[1]

Suitable for web browsing, email, and general purpose applications, netbooks are targeted increasingly at users accessing web-based applications (also known as Cloud computing) — which require a less powerful client computer.[2]

Or, a small, wimpy computer, fine for web browsing, word processing, emailing. Not much use for gaming, photo editing, etc.

 

[Piemaster]

I'd like to think of it as how fat you could comfortably carry one with one hand
Netbook - anywhere
Laptop - reasonable distance, eg. around an airport
desktop replacement - other side of the room

 

[barq]

How much was the Higher Capicity Battery ?

I have seen them for £50 which is just about 1/4 of the cost of the Netbook

I think £50 is for the very big battery. Mine was £35 (I think). But it was some months before I bought it. We all have different power needs. In my case portability is paramount, if I need 6hrs plus I have my big laptop. The large battery just gives me a middle option, but normally I use the standard one.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I am writing this on an Acer Aspire One, and have been running my blog and Internet journal off it - it is a little work of genius which cost me less than £190. It is entirely Linux-based with open-source software (no Microsoft bloatware), and I have already downloaded and installed loads of useful stuff. I can transfer photos directly from my digital camera to the computer via its SD card slots. Although the mousepad is slightly annoying, he keyboard is fine for touch-typing if you are used to little iBooks and have small hands. And it weighs nothing. I am wondering how I managed without it.