Rise of the Netbook

That's why Sid and I went for the 10.2" Samsungs - they've got an 80% sized keyboard - which is fabulous.

Kate Seadevil wrote:That's why Sid and I went for the 10.2" Samsungs - they've got an 80% sized keyboard - which is fabulous.

Seconded without reservation. The Sammy's keyboard is wonderfully natural and comfortable to use. I dashed off the new novel on it without every having the slightest need to go within spitting distance of the desktop.

Of all the netbooks out there - to my mind, the Samsung is the closest thing to a fully viable alternative to a desktop replacement for people who aren't dedicated power users. I find I actually use its big sister mostly for video processing these days.

Well, my laptop went west, so I bought myself a Samsung N130 netbook. Best technotoy ever. It fits neatly into my backpack, and I can take it into work, to surf the net during my lunchtime. Not much problem with the keyboard, a little bit cramped but big enough for my needs.

Excellent news Cat and I'm pleased you're finding the reduced form factor is suiting your needs. Plus you made a good choice when it comes to make and manufacturer - Samsung's excellent reputation when it comes to netbook's is totally deserved.

I purchased a Dell Inspiron Mini back in April. Can't imagine life without it now!

Yep, another nice machine. The form factor comes in for a lot of stick from the tech geek bragade for being underpowered and underperforming, but the simple fact is they're wrong.

For the average man/woman/kid on the street's needs they're perfect.

Absolutely. I actually followed in the footsteps of the Urban Herbivore, who late in 2009 signed up for a Blackberry mobile phone deal that gave her a free netbook!

Whereas I didn't get a Blackberry. As I wouldn't know what to do with it. Obviously.

That was certainly a great way to get such a nice little machine. My Sammy NC10 was a delightfully surprising Christmas present in '08 from The Eye. I fell in love with it immediately and the affair has continued.

I obviously would know what to do with a Blackberry either; so I stand steadfastly with my LG Viewty. It may not be hip - but it does the job rather well.*

*It's even better on those rare occasions when I actually top-up its credit.

I've been thinking about a Blackberry.

I'm with TMobile, and have rather a battered Nokia. I notice that a lot of the kids at work seem to use Blackberries, now, so I'm assuming that they're reliable, In addition, 'Which' gave Blacberries a good review.

You are young enough to still be at the cutting edge. Unlike the Eocene & myself.

Aspadistra wrote:I've been thinking about a Blackberry.

I'm with TMobile, and have rather a battered Nokia. I notice that a lot of the kids at work seem to use Blackberries, now, so I'm assuming that they're reliable, In addition, 'Which' gave Blacberries a good review.

Black berry's are very good handsets according to my nephews and nieces. So I say go for it.

The Co=Ordinator wrote:You are young enough to still be at the cutting edge. Unlike the Eocene & myself.

Quoted for true.

The Co=Ordinator wrote:You are young enough to still be at the cutting edge. Unlike the Eocene & myself.

Ha! I say, "Ha!" again.

Aspadistra wrote:Ha! I say, "Ha!" again.

Yes, ha! Wait a mo...what do I have to "Ha!" about...?

That remind me, I haven't had a steak and kidney pudding for ages.

Sid Seadevil wrote:Excellent news Cat and I'm pleased you're finding the reduced form factor is suiting your needs. Plus you made a good choice when it comes to make and manufacturer - Samsung's excellent reputation when it comes to netbook's is totally deserved.

I cannot believe how long the battery on this thing lasts between charging. 4 Hours. The old lappy used to be dead after 45 minutes. This means I can use it on the tedious train journey between Treherbert and Cardiff (55 minutes each way) when ever I go to the Capital. I'm using it to finally write the Victorian Urban Fantasy novel I have been working on for the past 20 years. And surf the net at the same time, though this does cut down on the amount of time I spend writing.

Great stuff! And I bet if you were to check one of the Sammy netbook forums, you'd find some good advice on a few tweaks to the settings that would extend your battery life even further. And yes, I wrote my latest novel on my Sammy. Great, great little machine.

I am considering getting one of those 9 cell 7800 MaH replacement batteries. Aledgedly up to 9 hours between recharges.

If you don't mind the small additional weight gain and slightly added bulk, then go for it. Personally, I think the considerable gain in battery life more than justify the investment.

My main grumble with the netbook is too light and flimsy. It is almost like one of my young niece's toy, infact I constantly refer to it as The Toy. Anything that gives is a bit more weight can only be a good thing.

Then you've just given yourself a great additional rational for getting the larger battery. Longer life and it'll feel less toy-like.

Have to say that, for me, the lightness & compactness of the netbook is what makes it so user friendly.

Got to agree. Throw the thing in your bag and basically forget its there until its needed. An absolutely invaluable plus on its part.

The Co=Ordinator wrote:Have to say that, for me, the lightness & compactness of the netbook is what makes it so user friendly.

Don't get me wrong, I love the compactness of my netbook. However, I remember when computers that powerful were the size of a desk, my old brain just cannot equate something so light with something so powerful, so a little (but not much) extra weight would be an advantage.

Oh, you old fogey you. Get with the modern age...Daddio!