Is a $400 Netbook Useful?

A year ago I published a Plus Edition article describing a $400 "netbook" that I had just purchased. A "netbook" is a new term for a tiny, low-powered laptop computer, usually weighing two pounds of less. These are small computers that are cheaper and lighter than full-scale laptops.

In the year since I purchased mine, I have traveled extensively and have used it to check e-mail from many hotel rooms, airports, and other places. I have written newsletter articles using its built-in word processor and have also created web pages for the eogn.com web site using an HTML editor that I downloaded and installed on the netbook.

In short, I have used this two-pound, $400 netbook to perform almost all the same applications that I typically do with my older $1,000+ laptop.

To be sure, the tiny netbook does have some significant limitations: a small screen, a small keyboard, and limited storage capacity. However, I find the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I especially appreciate being able to slip it into an overcoat pocket when traveling.

I continue to use my tiny computer frequently. So do others. I often see similar computers in use by fellow travelers in airports and elsewhere. Now The Economist has written an article that describes not only my netbook, but also a number of similar computers that have appeared in the marketplace in the past twelve months since my article was published.

Quoting from the article:

They typically have screens measuring seven to ten inches diagonally. They have built-in wireless networking, but lack an optical drive for CDs or DVDs. Some use flash memory for storage instead of a hard disk, which makes them more robust and extends battery life. Netbooks generally cost less than $500. IDC, a market-research firm, reckons worldwide sales of netbooks will reach 10.8m in 2008 and more than 20m in 2009, during which they will represent 11-12% of the entire laptop market.

The article describes several such systems, ranging in price from $300  (£179 in Britain) up to $500 (£330) or so. The pictures in the article are all of the Asus 701 Eee, the same computer that I wrote about a year ago.

If you have an interest in tiny portable computers, I suggest you read the article at http://www.economist.com/science/tq/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12673233.

Comments

[Bob Schimmel]

You can get a much nicer full size laptop at Wal-Mart for under $300.

[John in Australia]

I bought the next model up (Asus EEEPC 901) and I think it is fantastic. Slightly bigger screen than the earlier model, but great for family history etc. The only drawback is the smaller keyboard, takes a bit of getting used to. Having a PC in my bag with so much functionality and only weighing 1kg was the best investment I made for my last overseas trip. I have installed Family Tree Maker and Legacy and it meets all my needs and more. The wireless connection made keeping up with my emails on the road a breeze. Heartily endorse Dick's comments - and I don't even work for Asus:-)

John in Oz

[Wayne E. Weatherwax]

I purchase an Acer 9" model last month. I immediately downloaded online TMG7.3 into my notebook, plugged in my USB microdrive with my Master Genealogist saved databases and did a restore to transfer my database to the new notebook. I could not be happier. I opted for the 6 cell battery pack which gives up to 5 hrs on battery useage. I have not yet used it long enough on battery alone to determine how long it will last. But because in WiFI equiped I simply turn it on wherever there is a wifi available and use it. With the ac charger,cords and larger battery it is far less weight then my MAC Book Pro, and far easier to carry. I take it with me daily and use avail time to keep editing my Genealogy for publication. I have also installed MS Office as well as open office programs and still have tons of space on my hard drive.
The only negative issue is screen layout within TMG cuts off the bottom of the main Person view page. This is only when I have an individual with a large number of marriages/children and tags on a individual. Other than that issue it works the same as a larger machine. I find the keyboard easy to use, but do ocassionally hit the wrong key, but then again I'm in my 60's so missing a ket stroke is normal for me regardless of the size of the keyboard.

[Billie Walsh]

I've had my Eee for about ten months now. In fact we have two of them. MY better half liked mine so much she bought one for herself. We bought brand new full size laptops at the same time we bought our Eee's. The Eee's get much more daily use than the bigger laptops. At two pounds +/- and the size of a portable DVD player they are much more convenient to carry around for everyday just running errands sort of stuff. We won't give up our full size laoptops for heavier duty use but we won't give up the convenience of our Eee's either.

[Jason Presley]

Sony has had similar VAIO models available in Japan for nearly 10 years, it's high time the US pulled itself out of the 1990s.

[Connie]

Dick,

The article indicates these come with Linux OS and makes a vague reference to finding info online re: what to do to run Windows-based programs. I know you are a big fan of Linux, but can you point those of us who are less techno savvy to info re: what we would need to do to run a Windows-based genealogy program like Legacy?

I've never had the need to buy a PDA (preferring my laptop and a paper DayTimer), but I might be interested in a "netbook" IF I can easily load and run Legacy without having to shell out a lot of extra $$$.

[Dick Eastman]

---> The article indicates these come with Linux OS and makes a vague reference to finding info online re: what to do to run Windows-based programs.

True. Some of these netbooks run Linux while others run Windows (usually Windows XP). You need to purchase one that is appropriate to your needs.

Sadly, none of them yet run Macintosh OS X. When a two-pound Mac "netbook" becomes available, I'll buy it. It would be great to replace the two-pound Windows XP system that I am presently using.

- Dick Eastman

[Steve Overton]

I bought the latest netbook from Acer, the Acer Aspire One last month which comes with a 160GB drive, 1GB memory, and 6 hour battery. I love it. I loaded WAMPSERVER and my TNG web site and can edit my site while disconnected and when connected update the site. I loaded Office 2007 and Photoshop CS3 and still have plenty of room on the hard drive for my photos that I import through the built in memorycard port. I also bought a LG Slim DVD drive to load programs and watch movies. The LG power runs off one of the USB ports and does not require an external power source.

I am surprised at how robust this little computer is and the battery has lasted 5+ hours each time. The only issue besides the small screen is the touchpad with the left and right tabs for the mouse buttons. For when I am at a desk, I bought a tiny bluetooth card and a mouse that improves the situation dramatically. The new Acer Aspire One is a wonderful product and a requirement for any serous road warrior.

[Allan Bock]

Dick, check out this Wired article about running OS X on a netbook:

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/12/gadget-lab-vide.html

[Dick Eastman]

---> check out this Wired article about running OS X on a netbook

I love it when the author of an article describes his process as "the process of installing an illegal, hacked version of Mac OS X Leopard ..."

I think I'll pass and wait for a legal method.

- Dick Eastman

[Edel Codd]

I bought one of the first Asus Eee's available in Ireland - about a year ago now. I eventually installed XP Home on it, not being too familiar with Linux, although to save space, I used another program to strip the non-essential elements from the XP first. Apart from the fact that some programs I used need a minimum 800x600 (the Eee screen is ideally 800x480) screen to run properly, and I therefore see either the taskbar or the address bar (for example), but never both together, I have no complaints. It fits in my bag without being obvious and doesn't add a lot of weight. Much nicer to carry around than my 10lb 17" HP!

[Sabrina]

My husband got me one of these from Christmas last year in response to my wanting a laptop to do genealogy on location. Being a technology guy he was able to customize it to my needs. I love it. I use it for genealogy and so much more. I use it in my kitchen to look up recipes and it leaves me plenty of room on the counter. It's easy to carry around and fits into several purses I own. Of course the keys and screen are small, but I still have a desktop computer for other purposes. I have noticed that there isn't much battery life, but I generally use it near a power source anyway. It's in use almost everyday.

[gifts for her]

These are really useful once at this rate. We can perform almost every task on it which we are able to do on conventional laptops.