Embracing the Netbook
Dec 29th, 2008 by rdonoghue
I’m not used to windows yet, so I’m still trying out a lot of software options, including windows live for blogging. It’s got a very Microsoft interface, for good an for ill, so if this post looks weird, please feel free to blame MS.
It’s now been a few weeks with an HP Mini 1000, and I remain pretty happy with it. Practically speaking, there’s only one thing it does that I couldn’t do with a smartphone, but that one thing is pretty important – writing. I bought the HP because it has the best keyboard of any of the netbooks – the Asus EEE 900 is almost as good, but trying them side by side definitely came down in favor of the HP.
The netbook is definitely liberating – I’ve already ditched my usual bag for a much smaller one, and it’s really, really nice to move towards a lighter load. A large bag tends to attract more stuff and get heavy pretty quick. Restricting to a smaller bag heads that off at the pass. Similarly, it’s a lot easier to grab in one hand and take up to the kitchen or bust out when I have an idea. If my laptop weren’t so large (17”) the contrast would perhaps not be so pronounced, but as is the difference is night and day.
It’s not without quirks. With a 3 cell battery, I’m looking at 3–4 hours of battery life, which is kind of short. HP is theoretically releasing a 6 cell battery next year, and I’ll likely grab one, but it’s a shame to need it. In fairness though, I knew what I was getting into picking this up before January. Less predictable was the power adaptor, which is not well fitted to the charging port. A stiff breeze will disconnect it, and that makes it very frustrating to work while plugged in.
These are minor concerns at best though, akin to my gripes with windows XP. For all that they may bug me a little, the device works just fine, and my ability to write anytime, anyplace without lugging around a huge block of computer has taken a turn for the better. For anyone else who really wants something small and portable but still friendly for writing, I would definitely encourage looking at a netbook. That said, if you’re not looking to do any writing more involved than the occasional brief email or IM then I must admit you’d probably be better off with an Ipod Touch„ Nokia n800/810 or a comparable device (unless, that is, if there’s some windows specific functionality you demand). Similarly, you can get a more powerful laptop for the price of a netbook, so make sure you really want to pay for something smaller and lighter before you shell out.
For me, this is just the sweet spot I needed, and when I close it up, I get a little rush of nerdy pleasure since it feels like I always imagined a cyberdeck to. Crazy, I know, but if you’re not going to be excited about the device, then get something cheaper.