I hear all this rhetoric about netbook's and I admit that I am quite confused. First Microsoft put's them down, then Michael Dell (Dell) and now I hear Dwight Silverman (Huston Chronicle) on TWiT saying these are not worth much. I find these netbook's quite reasonable and perhaps better than a "Smart Phone".
I have been using an HP Mini since June (2009) and I am very happy with it. It is not impressive, no HD screen to show movies on, it does not handle Adobe Creative Suite CS4 very well and perhaps it could have a bigger hard drive but this is very good for me. During the week it is on 8 to 10 hours a day.
Spec's: HP Mini with Intel's 1.6 Ghz Atom Processor, 1 GB of RAM (I upgraded to 2 GB for $35), 80 GB hard drive, Wireless/Bluetooth/Verizon EVDO card as well as a built in web cam. Currently running XP however I will be upgrading it to Windows 7 in the next week or two. Cost: Initially $249 however I received a $50 mail-in rebate from Verizon (promotional available to everyone at the time) so initial cost is $199 plus $60/month for data line with 5 GB limit per month.
What do I do on the netbook? I check email and I surf the web - what do most people do on any computer? I can use Messenger (or AIM or Google Chat - whatever). I have installed Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote version 2007 and they work very well thank you.
I have connected with Mesh (Microsoft's Mesh) and have downloaded all the Live add-in tools which are very good. I use Live mail for my Hotmail and Google for Gmail. I have access to my Workspace at Home.Live.Com
I use IE8, Google Chrome and Firefox for browsers and I am running AVG 8.5 for my Anti-Virus. I have access to Google RSS Reader, Google Docs and Google Sites.
The keyboard is 85% of the normal keyboard however I can us e all my fingers (I am a keyboarder) so no big issue here. Truth is thumb keying is not my style and although I text message I would rather use this keyboard and hence will not be getting a smart phone anytime soon.
My thought's on the smart phone: - who needs it? I cannot easily surf and do the research that I want to do, typing with thumbs is slow and error prone, the screen is too small to see much or read. I think those that read books on the iPhone have much in common to those who watch movies on their notebook/laptop, they are too impressed with impressing. Know what I mean Vern? On the other hand perhaps they do jet joy out of it I just cannot see myself doing it.
I cannot justify a data line for a phone at $60 to $100 a month when I can do more (and easier) on my netbook and I pay the $60 Verizon wireless fee which is really very good. I don't download movies just an occasional update. If I do need to download something large I wait until I go home and use my wireless network at the house. I do not get near the 5 GB limit while traveling.
My ideal phone gives me the ability to talk with someone, text message when necessary (and not about breakfast), and have my GPS (or Navigator). Beyond that it needs to be light, fit in my pocket and have long battery life. I do not text message while driving nor feel that I have to answer every text message/email instantaneously.
One last point this post was created using OneNote and will (after reviewing) be copied to Windows Live Writer for posting to the blog and all done on my HP Mini while enjoying a Pike Place at Starbucks this fine lovely November morning.
Full Disclosure for the FCC: Neither Verizon, HP, Microsoft or Google have provided me with any equipment, cash or time free. I have not been asked to write as I have about the wonders of their products or services.
Now having said that I am available if you are listening - Google, HP, Microsoft, or Verizon .
Have a GREAT DAY!
