I couldn't agree more. I bought mine more than a year ago and I have used it more than any previous computer I've owned. From the perspective of $-per-hour-usage over it's lifetime, I think it's going to be the cheapest computer I've owned.
I do have what is effectively a netbook - a Sony Vaio SRX-77 with a 10" screen running ubuntu, that I tried out some time ago before switching to a mac, but the keyboard and screen were just not comfortable and deterred me from using it.
felix
· 11 months ago
I'm so glad I'm not the only one! I really believe that this wave of netbook buyers is going to find themselves buying something larger after they spend some time with the little doohickey. And linux on the laptop? You are a braver man than me!! :)
ronin
· 11 months ago
Been saying for years that any computing device with a screen less than 12" isn't worth it for regular use. Back then it was more of an issue since the smaller the device, the more expensive it actually was. With netbooks, that's no longer the case. I still think any screen less than 10" is junk no matter what else you cram into the device. 10" is barely acceptable. I use my Wind to browse the web when in the living room. That's it. All that entails is occasional typing and a whole lot of scrolling and clicking. The screen and keyboard simply aren't comfortable enough to do much else on an extended basis (and the Wind has one of the better keyboards for its class out there). However, 12" netbooks are starting to show up which is pretty exciting.
I think what's driving netbook sales right now is the crapass economy worldwide. People want laptops but they can't afford the regular ones currently so a netbook will do. Either they don't need a computer for anything much more besides web browsing these days or they're deluded as to how much can be done with a netbook. I think how relevant netbooks remain will depend on if the economy continues to limp along (which it appears like it will). But if they're able to drive down the prices of the small regular laptops, then more power to 'em.
felix
· 11 months ago
Yeah, I hear that. But honestly, I kinda prefer browsing on my iPhone than my Fujitsu - the Fujitsu's just too much effort for the little functionality I want - unless I switch to my air for full on browsing. I suppose I've narrowed my definition of netbook to be < 12" screen. If they can make a $400 laptop < 3lbs with a full size screen and keyboard that has enough power to get through most basic tasks, well then... as you say, more power to them!!
Richard Bradshaw
· 11 months ago
See, I disagree. I have two 1st gen EEE pcs, and use them constantly. I'm a teacher, so I use it at work for all presenting in lessons etc as well as casual surfing at home. I've had them both quite a few months now and am glad I have them.
On the other hand, I do regularly use them through external monitors for longer stretches. Right now it's through my 32" TV, which admittedly does help!
Robin
· 11 months ago
Interestingly, a teacher friend of mine is actually looking at using an ipod touch for presentations in class, so she doesn't have to take her Thinkpad back and forth al the time.
Robin
· 11 months ago
I notice that my current desktop machine (which is actually a 1st gen macbook pro) is > 1000 days old and going strong. My MacBook Air is at 325 days and I see no reason to replace it in the next year. I wonder how these Netbooks will feel after a year or two as web start utilizing more and more client side CPU. Or will the popularity of NetBooks actually retard the adoption of more complex web apps?
felix
· 11 months ago
Funny, as I was typing my reply to Hsin, I was like - wow, I really hope that websites don't start doing for Netbooks what they did for iPhones. I doubt they will, simply because they're too close to regular laptops to make it worth it. I guess we'll see!
Hsin
· 11 months ago
I would disagree with you that they aren't useful. It's like saying that the iPhone is not useful because it doesn't do the things I can do with a Thinkpad x300. The key thing about the netbook that they are cheap. They're commodity machine with a price point that lets you do a lot of things but not everything.
felix
· 11 months ago
True, I wouldn't say they aren't useful. But I think they are uncomfortable. That is, the iPhone has input methods painstakingly designed for their form factor. All their applications and many websites have reformatted themselves to play nice in the small space. Netbooks on the other hand use the same apps and the same websites which all typically assume a larger screen and they use a mini-keyboard which makes it hard to type. I believe that's an intangible quality that I know made me subconsciously avoid trying to use my Fujitsu unless absolutely necessary, where I use my Air constantly.
I also agree that the netbooks key element is that they're cheap. However, the value proposition (for me at least) if one were to look at cost v. usage time - even if I had paid $400 for my fujitsu, I've already seen more value from my Air than I have with the Fujitsu.
bobby
· 6 months ago
so ur saying make the netbooks alittle bigger so the keyboard is a bit bigger and its better than the macbookair? cus that seems to be the only advantage the mac has and that only becus the netbook is alot smaller..wat a lame article
bobby
· 6 months ago
also u think if they wanted to make the netbook a little bigger they couldnt?
All Comments
I do have what is effectively a netbook - a Sony Vaio SRX-77 with a 10" screen running ubuntu, that I tried out some time ago before switching to a mac, but the keyboard and screen were just not comfortable and deterred me from using it.
I think what's driving netbook sales right now is the crapass economy worldwide. People want laptops but they can't afford the regular ones currently so a netbook will do. Either they don't need a computer for anything much more besides web browsing these days or they're deluded as to how much can be done with a netbook. I think how relevant netbooks remain will depend on if the economy continues to limp along (which it appears like it will). But if they're able to drive down the prices of the small regular laptops, then more power to 'em.
On the other hand, I do regularly use them through external monitors for longer stretches. Right now it's through my 32" TV, which admittedly does help!
I also agree that the netbooks key element is that they're cheap. However, the value proposition (for me at least) if one were to look at cost v. usage time - even if I had paid $400 for my fujitsu, I've already seen more value from my Air than I have with the Fujitsu.