Comments on: Netbook as a primary computer?

By: SaraJ

SaraJ — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:30:27 +0000

I’ve used this machine as a primary computer for quite some time.

The keyboard is large enough that I don’t use an external keyboard but I always use a mouse with any laptop as I don’t like touchpads.

I plug the netbook into a 22″ screen which sits higher up so it’s above my netbook screen.

When working I have my reference document in the netbook window while my major work is on the larger screen.

When going to a coffee shop to work, I find it to be great for about a 4 hour period before I want to get up and do something else.

The vertical limitation of the screen is a bit of a downside as some applications have menu buttons below the screen, but it’s not bad when using another monitor (which I did even with my 17″ notebook).

By: VSP

VSP — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 12:32:48 +0000

Hi. I don’t know why but I can’t convince myself to ASUS. I always using Dell (Mac is to expencive for me)

By: avallark

avallark — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 23:20:31 +0000

I believe you can get a lot more productive work done if you ditch the windows 7 on that machine and install ubuntu! have been running the out of the box ubuntu 10.04 on my office laptop for the past 4 months and its been great for getting work done.

By: Alex Frakking

Alex Frakking — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:00:56 +0000

I’ve seen your impressive multiple-monitors in action!

THe small screen and keyboard hasn’t bothered me, but it would if I spent hours on the same task (eg. spreadsheets). Since I’m often on the move, the portability makes up for it.

I get about 1/4 of my work done the BlackBerry and it doesn’t get much smaller than that!

By: Alex Frakking

Alex Frakking — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:49:14 +0000

Yes I have no real issue with the netbook form factor but the CPU is definitely the bottleneck! Looking forward to the next generation of processors

By: Kevin Kane

Kevin Kane — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:02:11 +0000

Interesting comparison, Alex!

Do you really find your productivity is optimal when you use just one screen at 1024 x 600 resolution? Have you tried multiple monitors? Laptops are great when you’re mobile, but when you have the chance to work from an office, many studies suggest that larger screens and multiple monitors enhance productivity, as I discuss here: http://kevkane.wordpress.com/2009/08/19/multiple-computer-screens-maybe-the-fastest-way-to-boost-your-productivity-immediately/

I know how you find it comfortable working at your laptop in your car, with the seat reclined. That’s what I call “workspace” innovation! For most users though, working at laptops with no larger external display, and no external keyboard and mouse, isn’t all that ergonomic or comfortable.

For smaller devices like netbooks to be optimally productive and ergonomic, I think we need mobile technology for large virtual screens, and large virtual input devices.

By: Alex Frakking

Alex Frakking — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:14:39 +0000

I hear you about the hunching… and the macbook. I do most of my work on the road so for now the portability and battery outweighs the drawbacks.

Hopefully the next generation of netbooks has more to offer

By: Edward Caissie

Edward Caissie — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:33:45 +0000

I shopped around looking at netbooks and small notebooks for about a month before I chose my Acer 4810T. It is a little larger than a netbook with a 14 inch screen, but still very light at less than five pounds. Standard use battery life meets its advertised eight hours, and it has similar CPU issues with top end graphics software. The DVD player will eat the battery quickly if gaming but the screen is a great size for informal presentations or writing which was the primary use function I was wanting to achieve.

Could I replace my desktops … maybe, but I would upgrade the CPU first.

By: Mike Ziarko

Mike Ziarko — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:16:15 +0000

I bought the exact same one back in April, I gave ended up giving it to my little sister after a month.

Its a good machine but it was way underpowered for what I needed it for. Plus I found myself hunched over it (I’m 6ft), not good for my back.

I spent another $1700 and upgraded to a macbook pro. Best computer I’ve ever owned.