Best netbook or laptop for backpacking
Aug 23, 2009, 9:44 am
#1
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: GLA
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Best netbook or laptop for backpacking
I have looked at a lot of the other threads, but was hoping you might be willing to give me some suggestions.
I am going backpacking for 6-12 months but will be doing a lot of writing while I am travelling. Will also be Skyping, email, photos. I'm not doing any adventure travel, but I do expect that my backpack will be getting thrown around a bit.
What I need:
--long battery life
--keyboard that is usable for writing
--durable (does this mean I need a SSD?)
I'm shying away from a laptop because I think I'd be too stressed out about it breaking or getting stolen because they are so expensive! But I'm worried that a netbook will be too uncomfortable to type on.
I'm going to be in the US for a few days and hope to buy one there because the prices are so much better. Any suggestions for machines I should look at?
I am going backpacking for 6-12 months but will be doing a lot of writing while I am travelling. Will also be Skyping, email, photos. I'm not doing any adventure travel, but I do expect that my backpack will be getting thrown around a bit.
What I need:
--long battery life
--keyboard that is usable for writing
--durable (does this mean I need a SSD?)
I'm shying away from a laptop because I think I'd be too stressed out about it breaking or getting stolen because they are so expensive! But I'm worried that a netbook will be too uncomfortable to type on.
I'm going to be in the US for a few days and hope to buy one there because the prices are so much better. Any suggestions for machines I should look at?
Aug 23, 2009, 10:11 am
#2
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Lot's of deals on for the Acer Aspire w/ extended battery (around $300-$400). I have been using one to supplement my rather heavy laptop and really like it.
Aug 23, 2009, 10:38 am
#3
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Any of the older 9" models (w/6 cell battery) are being sold off, cheap.
Aug 23, 2009, 10:41 am
#4
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I can't imagine writing for an extended period of time on a 9" though?
Aug 23, 2009, 11:23 am
#6
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Aug 23, 2009, 11:31 am
#7
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I would suggest using a SSD. The 32GB size is very reasonable now. Some of the older netbooks used 8GB and they are too small. 32GB can hold a reasonable amount of pictures as long as they are not in RAW.
Regardless, carry a 2nd 32GB SD or CF card and make a backup copy of your work and pictures as you go along.
Set your power manager to the lowest setting and the computer will run longer on batteries. Versions using Atom will probably run lower power than Celeron.
Small notebooks will be more expensive than netbooks but the Lenovo X61/X60/X41/X40 have 4x3 screens and better for writing than wide screens.
Regardless, carry a 2nd 32GB SD or CF card and make a backup copy of your work and pictures as you go along.
Set your power manager to the lowest setting and the computer will run longer on batteries. Versions using Atom will probably run lower power than Celeron.
Small notebooks will be more expensive than netbooks but the Lenovo X61/X60/X41/X40 have 4x3 screens and better for writing than wide screens.
Last edited by SJUAMMF; Aug 23, 2009 at 11:37 am
Aug 23, 2009, 12:11 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Europe
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I have a Samsung NC10....I love it.......I want to have its babies. Chips off the old block?
Aug 23, 2009, 1:57 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2008
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As mentioned in another post...why not the Dell Inspiron 11Z?
It has a great price point...~399.
Has outstanding capability.
Large drive.
Weight of only ~3 lbs. vs. netbook of 2.7lbs...
IMHO if I were thinking about a travel friendly computer I would have to SERIOUSLY consider the Dell...^
It has a great price point...~399.
Has outstanding capability.
Large drive.
Weight of only ~3 lbs. vs. netbook of 2.7lbs...
IMHO if I were thinking about a travel friendly computer I would have to SERIOUSLY consider the Dell...^
Aug 23, 2009, 2:47 pm
#10
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backseatflyer: how many hours of battery life do you get on your love interest (Samsung NC10)?
ddschur: The Dell Inspiron 11Z looks great, except I've read it will get 2-3 hours of battery life. I'm probably not going to have access to power more than once a day so that's not going to be enough.
ddschur: The Dell Inspiron 11Z looks great, except I've read it will get 2-3 hours of battery life. I'm probably not going to have access to power more than once a day so that's not going to be enough.
Aug 23, 2009, 2:52 pm
#11
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
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The newer Samsung N110 gets very good reviews. I've just ordered one.
It's got a better trackpad than the NC10, and an extended battery life of up to 9 hours.
I got it for about $370 on Amazon.
Cheers,
Rick
It's got a better trackpad than the NC10, and an extended battery life of up to 9 hours.
I got it for about $370 on Amazon.
Cheers,
Rick
Aug 24, 2009, 12:33 pm
#12
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Hmm...it looks like the Samsung NC120 is the same price and it has a full size keyboard. This might be the one for me!
Aug 24, 2009, 4:20 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2008
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I have a Compaq Mini 700. Very sturdy, perfect for travelling. Only a 3-cell battery though, so battery life not too long.
The trade-off is it weighs only 1kg, versus about 1.3kg for the longer life products. The extra 300 grams is worth it though, because you get double the battery life.
The trade-off is it weighs only 1kg, versus about 1.3kg for the longer life products. The extra 300 grams is worth it though, because you get double the battery life.
Aug 24, 2009, 6:04 pm
#14
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
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Location: Manchester, UK
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First impressions are very favourable.
Keyboard is pretty good, screen is nice and bright/sharp. Trackpad is also good (the main failing of the NC10 was the trackpad according to reviews).
I've upgraded it to 2GB RAM, and I'm currently installing Office 2007.
Cheers,
Rick
Sep 22, 2009, 8:09 am
#15
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Just an update. I got the Samsung NC120. Full size keyboard and battery life is clocking in around 6-7 hours. Got it for $350 on Amazon in the US. Couldn't be more delighted!