The Portable Writer: Netbooks Gaining Advocates

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Certainly you’ve heard about Netbooks, those small computers with 7- to 10-inch screens selling for $300-$500.  The media is full of stories about them.  The Economist carried a particularly clear and comprehensive overview in its 6 December 2008 issue.  Currently, tech guru Robert Scoble is preparing an article for Fast Company, soliciting input through his FeedFriend account.

Many users seem to be ditching their laptops in favor of the small netbooks, which fit comfortably in a purse or bookbag.  Finally, frequent fliers in economy seats can actually use a computer while travelling, with enough battery life to last through a cross-continent flight.  They are so convenient and inexpensive that writers might flock to them.  As one respondent to Scoble wrote:

I own the Aspire One. I’d say I’ve gone from taking a laptop with me every once in awhile to pretty much keeping the A1 with me about 90% of the time. The portability factor is awesome.

Before purchasing one, there are several factors to keep in mind.  Writers probably should opt for the larger 10-inch screen.  Not only is it easier on the eyes, but it also offers a bigger keyboard, ideal for those keeping more than just short notes.

Onboard memory and storage differ widely.   Some netbooks offer miniscule 4- to 8-gig flash memory, assuming their users will use wi-fi internet connections to do most of their work online [hence the name "net" books].  Others carry 160-gig hard disks.

One of the most important issues regarding memory and disk space relates to the operating system.  Originally, netbooks came out with small memory and the Linux operating system, with OpenOffice and other free open-source software pre-installed.  These work just fine even for Linux neophytes, as long as you don’t start installing a bunch of additional programs.  Manufacturers have learned however that the Windows environment has such a powerful pull that they started producing the larger memory and disk versions.   Early reports suggest that the new Windows 7, now in public beta and with smaller disk requirements and an internet orientation, may be ideal for these models, perhaps suggesting that it’s best to wait just a little longer to get a model with the new Windows pre-installed.

While researching this post, I discovered a great website covering all kinds of mobility issues.  GottaBeMobile covers the mobility waterfront, from netbooks to pocket PCs, tablet computers and multi-use cellphones.

Are any of you out there already using a NetBook?  If so, please share your experiences in the comment section below.

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    Comment by
    Jess
    4 Feb 2009

    I've been using a netbook for the last year, and I absolutely love it. Mine is the original Asus Eee PC 701, with a small screen and keyboard, but it's an amazing device nonetheless. It does fit right in most of my purses, which is great for when I'm on the go. I wrote my entire November novel on it, I use it for blogging, travel, business, and even just sitting around surfing the web. Part of me wishes I had waited just a little longer to purchase it and gotten one with a bigger screen, but I had no IDEA how netbooks were going to take off…and part of me is proud to own the one that kicked off the trend.

    Comment by
    tomcolvin
    4 Feb 2009

    Jessica, that's a fabulous endorsement of the usefulness of netbooks.
    Thanks for sharing.

    Comment by
    Problemsolverblog
    4 Feb 2009

    I bought a Lenovo S10 netbook (10″ screen) last week and it's amazing. I work entirely online, teaching college, blogging and writing. When the weather is nice I try to bike ride everywhere I go so having a big laptop was tough on me because once I arrived somewhere I had to carry it around. This little Netbook is awesome and has the same power as my 4 year old laptop.

    Comment by
    tomcolvin
    4 Feb 2009

    Thanks for that feedback. I think you are setting a trend for writers.

    Comment by
    chaburchak
    4 Feb 2009

    I popped for one of the original Asus 701 and have probably used it more than any other computer I've ever owned. Sure, the 4gb solid-state memory is rather slim, but it boots up very fast (even with a stripped-down version of XP loaded) and it can take punishment better than a hard drive. In fact, there used to be a video on YouTube of someone torture-testing their Asus, dropping it onto concrete floors and such, even with the screen open. Watching it makes you cringe, but the little bugger took it in stride and kept on working.

    Before Xmas I got a good deal on an Acer Aspire One which has a bigger screen and keyboard, and yet I still find myself using the Asus. It fits great on one thigh (perfect for someone who sits with their legs crossed a lot) and if my cat wants onto my lap, I can just hold the computer in the air above him and continue to surf the Web. :-)

    Comment by
    tomcolvin
    4 Feb 2009

    Hey, I forgot all about the cat! Great reason to own one of this little
    computers.

    I'm particularly intrigued to hear that you find the small keyboard workable
    for you. That, to me, is the only drawback to these mini-computers.

    Comment by
    chaburchak
    5 Feb 2009

    The newer/larger 10″ netbooks have keyboards that are 92% full-size, so I don't think you'd have much of a problem there. Or there's another option: you could buy one of the older smaller machines (I've seen some EEE PC's as low as $200) and use the other $200 to buy an Alphasmart Neo. That way you get a comfortable keyboard for writing (not to mention 700 hours of battery life!) plus a wireless portable for online work and for saving your files. The Neo also makes a nice external keyboard when plugged into the netbook. And the both of them together would STILL be lighter than a full-fledged laptop… :-)

    Comment by
    tomcolvin
    5 Feb 2009

    I sure endorse the NEO suggestion. Been using one for the past two years.

    Comment by
    avr
    6 Feb 2009

    I have been thinking of getting one of these netbooks for my writing, etc. Someone recommended the Aspire, 10 inch, one. I am glad to hear that it would be a good investment. Thank you for sharing.

    Comment by
    tomcolvin
    6 Feb 2009

    WriterToday, how about sharing yr experience with a netbook once you've
    bookedsome time on one, OK?

    Comment by
    LizM
    7 Feb 2009

    I have a black Acer Aspire One (8-inch screen with 120 gig hard drive). It's my mobile computer. Fits in a purse or tote bag–so light I don't even know it's there. I've to adjusted to the smaller keyboard with no problem. I make the most of the small screen size by using F11 with Web browsers to dispense with the top toolbar, and more and more, I use the minimalist Q10 word processor (free). Sometimes I find I accidentally hit the touchpad while writing, so I use the key combination to deactivate it while I'm writing. All in all, it's a great little machine.

    Comment by
    tomcolvin
    7 Feb 2009

    Liz, those are great suggestions! Expecially the browser tip and the
    reference to Q10, which works beautifully. Thanks for sharing.

  • Comment by
    Tom Colvin
    7 Feb 2009

    ComputerWorld blogger, a long-time MAC laptop advocate, now touts the new 10″ Asus EEE PC 1000 HE netbook. Check the article at http://blogs.computerworld.com/apple_netbook_wh...

    • Comment by
    avr
    7 Feb 2009

    Yes I will do that. Thank you.

    ———-
    This AOL Mail was sent from AT&T's Wireless network using Mobile Email

    Comment by
    Jim Clarkson
    8 Feb 2009

    I have been using the Asus Eee 901 for a few months and I endorse most of the comments with a few reservations. If you are a touch typist of any speed the keyboard will probably be too small for you. Mine is also very slow to boot or load a program but that may be because of all the junk I have added. I also use a 8 GB SanDisk memory stick (on a 9″ cord) as my main file storage. Am trying a Fellowes mini-track ball but the jury is out on that one.

    Comment by
    tomcolvin
    9 Feb 2009

    Hi, Jim. Thanks for letting me know that you have an Asus eee. Hope you'll
    let me try it out when I get back to Manila at end of this month.

    Does your Asus run Windows XP? That could be the problem behind slow boot
    up.

    Regarding the memory stick, I'm fascinated by those, been playing around
    with them for awhile and gathering lots of information about software useful
    to writers that will run off USB. BUT I lost a 4-gig memory stick not long
    ago — I think it fell out of my pocket when I pulled out my wallet.
    Fortunately, there was nothing critical on the stick, just a bunch of
    programs, no data. What steps do you take to protect your stick and data?

    Comment by
    On the Money
    9 Feb 2009

    Thing is though, Asus and other manufacturers offer bigger storage capacity if opting for Linux because you get more for the same money by not having to buy … sorry … “license” a Microsoft OS. Linux beats Microsoft any day anyway … Thanks for an informative post!

    Comment by
    tomcolvin
    9 Feb 2009

    I agree that Linux may be the best choice for netbook — as long as you
    don't need lots of additional software on the computer. If you use online
    applications and OpenOffice, you're in good shape.

    Comment by
    Sunsplash
    11 Sep 2009

    I have been using my netbook since November 2008. I purchased the Samsung NC10. Funny thing, this is actually my first laptop. I usually use desktops. I am a songwriter so I mainly use a Mac, and for the last few years been using my other computer, an old desktop Pc to write songs lyrics and instead of a note pad. When I first bought my netbook I carried it everywhere as it was so light. At first I really didn't know what I would do with it. It's not as powerful as my other computers so it seemed like a vanity purchase. I started using it at first to surf the net. I could do this anywhere home or away, which is fantastic. The best thing was I also have a Blackberry Curve for organizing my schedule etc, the netbook works well as a backup to this. My desktop manager for my Blackberry is on my netbook so I can sync my phone as well as backup data. Also when you want to veiw documents on a bigger screen the netbook is brilliant stand in for my Blackberry. I also started to noticed that people always ask me if I have my netbook on me, to borrow to check emails etc.. I started to realize that despite it's limitations my netbook was becoming the most useful tool I had. Last April I even bought a Macbook Pro 13" which I thought would spell the end of my adventures with the netbook. But not even close. This little netbook is so handy, and the longer I've had it the more I've found uses for it. I use it for songwriting, note taking in meetings, doing presentations, organizing papers and newletters sent via email. Watching tv shows in bed. And now I am figuring out how to use my Blackberry as a Modem for my netbook. Once I've learned how to do that, my netbook will become a force to be reckoned with.

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