Comments on: The Portable Writer: Netbooks Gaining Advocates

By: Sunsplash

Sunsplash — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:09:15 +0000

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.

By: tomcolvin

tomcolvin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:44:16 +0000

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.

By: On the Money

On the Money — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:43:26 +0000

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!

By: tomcolvin

tomcolvin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:47:18 +0000

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?

By: Jim Clarkson

Jim Clarkson — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 04:07:22 +0000

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.

By: avr

avr — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:15:12 +0000

Yes I will do that. Thank you.

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By: Tom Colvin

Tom Colvin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 20:19:58 +0000

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...

By: tomcolvin

tomcolvin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:51:11 +0000

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

By: LizM

LizM — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:36:53 +0000

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.

By: tomcolvin

tomcolvin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:25:14 +0000

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