Netbooks and the evolution towards larger machines...
Aug 19, 2009, 7:37 pm
#47
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Baltimore, MD
Programs: AAdvantage, Mileage Plus, SkyMiles
Posts: 53
What you want is the new Acer 1410 @$450. 3lbs, 11.6" screen and intel 1.4GHz Core 2 Solo CPU. It also has the Intel 4500MHD GPU so you can do lite gaming and definitely more powerful than current gen netbooks.
Aug 19, 2009, 9:38 pm
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Grazie Gold Lounge
Programs: UA-2MM; GalacticXpress-Irridium
Posts: 10,332
My ideal netbook would be an 11 or 12" screen, at least 2GB RAM, XP is fine, battery life of 8 hrs or more and a weight of 2.3 lbs or less.
I still have my old Dell 300M. Love the form-factor. Screen is showing its age though
.
I still have my old Dell 300M. Love the form-factor. Screen is showing its age though
.
Aug 20, 2009, 7:24 am
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,704
My ideal is a full-size keyboard built around however large a screen one could fit around that; screen resolution of at least 1280x800; Vista/W7; the 8-hour battery life and your weight specs. I think this is coming soon - the battery life is the biggest hurdle.
Aug 20, 2009, 11:21 am
#50
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Baltimore, MD
Programs: AAdvantage, Mileage Plus, SkyMiles
Posts: 53
Can't see netbooks getting that kind of specs and still be profitable at $500 anytime soon. My two netbook purchases have been disappointing as they are noticeably sluggish and underpowered. But they are convenient to have.
A friend recently splurged on a Toshiba R600 last month. 12" screen, 2.4lbs, 8+ hours battery life, core 2 duo and 3GB ram. Bit over priced for my taste though.
A friend recently splurged on a Toshiba R600 last month. 12" screen, 2.4lbs, 8+ hours battery life, core 2 duo and 3GB ram. Bit over priced for my taste though.
Aug 20, 2009, 11:53 am
#51
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFOSJCOAK
Programs: AA-EXP & 1MM+, AS, MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 7,581
Aug 20, 2009, 9:34 pm
#52
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
Can't see netbooks getting that kind of specs and still be profitable at $500 anytime soon. My two netbook purchases have been disappointing as they are noticeably sluggish and underpowered. But they are convenient to have.
A friend recently splurged on a Toshiba R600 last month. 12" screen, 2.4lbs, 8+ hours battery life, core 2 duo and 3GB ram. Bit over priced for my taste though.
A friend recently splurged on a Toshiba R600 last month. 12" screen, 2.4lbs, 8+ hours battery life, core 2 duo and 3GB ram. Bit over priced for my taste though.
Aug 21, 2009, 9:00 am
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,704
Aug 21, 2009, 10:43 am
#55
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Baltimore, MD
Programs: AAdvantage, Mileage Plus, SkyMiles
Posts: 53
Netbook is just a marketing moniker (a very successful one) = sub-$500 + sub 3lbs + 3-year old spec. The value proposition can be extremely good considering you can get a dell mini 9 for sub $200 including taxes/shipping. I can't see how they make any margin off that price point but I'm not complaining.
Aug 21, 2009, 7:37 pm
#56
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
Aug 23, 2009, 5:54 am
#57
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Sweden
Posts: 195
I went thru Netbooks like other change shirts until I bought the HP 2140. It has it downsides but the upside, the incredible keyboard, outweighs all else. I even sacrificed built in 3g. I just throw it in my TimBuk2 Classic Messenger (size "S"), most days I leave the power brick at home. For extended away periods I have a 6-cell battery.
A colleague recently got the X200s, it is a very nice machine, but I since I can't expense it to my employer, I can't justify the price difference.
A colleague recently got the X200s, it is a very nice machine, but I since I can't expense it to my employer, I can't justify the price difference.
Aug 23, 2009, 9:06 am
#58
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 789
A follow up. I installed Office 2007, SlingPlayer, FeedDemon, Thunderbird, and Skype. Also Firefox, WS_FTP, ISOburner, Tweetdeck.
Went out and got the $79 USB DVD writer/player as well.
Runs great.
Right now, it's a "kiosk" machine on our countertop, but it will travel with me when I don't need our work software or when I'm on vacation.
Went out and got the $79 USB DVD writer/player as well.
Runs great.
Right now, it's a "kiosk" machine on our countertop, but it will travel with me when I don't need our work software or when I'm on vacation.
Four questions please...
1. for protection in carry on, what kind of case did you go for? Is it tough enough to do without one?
2. I have seen speaker sound is mono and very low and you need to upgrade realtek drivers. Any comments on that?
3. Will unit drive external monitors at higher res like WXGA?
4. Is the 8.5 hour battery life for real on videos and does it run hot? My old Toshiba laptop has a Sony battery so it rivals a Weber grill for cooking purposes.
Aug 23, 2009, 10:42 am
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 1999
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 15,354
Looking to buy Toshiba N205-311 for airplane and hotel use (Slingbox, Skype and NFL streaming (UK). Your input is exactly what I needed, mahalo ia oi. I will go for 2MB upgrade and DVD drive.
Four questions please...
1. for protection in carry on, what kind of case did you go for? Is it tough enough to do without one?
2. I have seen speaker sound is mono and very low and you need to upgrade realtek drivers. Any comments on that?
3. Will unit drive external monitors at higher res like WXGA?
4. Is the 8.5 hour battery life for real on videos and does it run hot? My old Toshiba laptop has a Sony battery so it rivals a Weber grill for cooking purposes.
Four questions please...
1. for protection in carry on, what kind of case did you go for? Is it tough enough to do without one?
2. I have seen speaker sound is mono and very low and you need to upgrade realtek drivers. Any comments on that?
3. Will unit drive external monitors at higher res like WXGA?
4. Is the 8.5 hour battery life for real on videos and does it run hot? My old Toshiba laptop has a Sony battery so it rivals a Weber grill for cooking purposes.
It should drive external monitors at higher res, like Windows typically does, but I can't speak to it. Haven't tried it.
I bought a Targus $20 slipcover. It fits fine, even with the protruding battery.
I haven't traveled with it yet. Going on a trip today, but need my primary machine.
I have had some issues with a Skype video call freezing from time to time this morning.
Aug 23, 2009, 1:52 pm
#60
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: BA Avios
Posts: 484
Why go with ANY Netbook when you can get a REAL laptop...the Dell Inspiron 11Z.
It is lightweight (~3 lbs), has an excellent pricepoint (~$399) and more capability than netbooks.
At least that's my impression...am I wrong?
It is lightweight (~3 lbs), has an excellent pricepoint (~$399) and more capability than netbooks.
At least that's my impression...am I wrong?
Last edited by ddschur; Aug 23, 2009 at 1:53 pm Reason: spelling