Netbooks

[GSZX1337]

Nobody with an iota of logic will even go near that thing.

It'd be a lot better if the fucking thing had USB ports. C'mon!

Is it possible for Apple to gain world domination and trump Microsoft? I foresee dark days ahead for humanity.

I'm hoping that the increase in Apple popularity will have developers make their content universal so that Linux will be supported too. /pie in the sky

As far as Apple overthrowing Microsoft, it won't happen as long as Apple has that faux 'geek chic' alternative image.

[MentalMan]

On a sponsored-up-the-ass website we all know I saw a iPad unboxing. The thing was dusted up and dirty 2 pictures after getting it out of it's box.

And it actually told you after turning it on to "slide to open".

*greasy/sweaty finger take's the virgin out of the clean clear screen*

[DerekG52]

I think timing is still a bit early for netbooks. Hardware is still too large for the given amount of horsepower it has. When a good laptop of today can fit in the form factor of a netbook, then they will have something to look into.

[AppleQueso]

I think timing is still a bit early for netbooks. Hardware is still too large for the given amount of horsepower it has. When a good laptop of today can fit in the form factor of a netbook, then they will have something to look into.

You need to remember, the whole point of net-books is a cheap computer to do everyday tasks with.

Considering these things would be considered top of the line say, 5 years ago, I'd say they're fine for their price and form factor.

[DerekG52]

I think timing is still a bit early for netbooks. Hardware is still too large for the given amount of horsepower it has. When a good laptop of today can fit in the form factor of a netbook, then they will have something to look into.

You need to remember, the whole point of net-books is a cheap computer to do everyday tasks with.

Considering these things would be considered top of the line say, 5 years ago, I'd say they're fine for their price and form factor.

Right, but I've heard plenty of stories of people underwhelmed by a netbook's ability to effectively do everyday tasks. Laptop hardware of today will be much cheaper in 5 years time, and if the trend of downsizing every component continues, netbooks could be something special.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

I think timing is still a bit early for netbooks. Hardware is still too large for the given amount of horsepower it has. When a good laptop of today can fit in the form factor of a netbook, then they will have something to look into.

You need to remember, the whole point of net-books is a cheap computer to do everyday tasks with.

Considering these things would be considered top of the line say, 5 years ago, I'd say they're fine for their price and form factor.

Right, but I've heard plenty of stories of people underwhelmed by a netbook's ability to effectively do everyday tasks. Laptop hardware of today will be much cheaper in 5 years time, and if the trend of downsizing every component continues, netbooks could be something special.

From what I've read Moore's Law can only be sustained for about 5-7 more years before we bottom out at practically atomic level transistors.

[DerekG52]

From what I've read Moore's Law can only be sustained for about 5-7 more years before we bottom out at practically atomic level transistors.

True, the ultimate limitation is the Planck length, if Moore's will ever be broken it will be truly remarkable the types and sizes of devices we can have. Maybe my 256 core processor wristwatch can display 16000x9000 resolution video http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vecto ... dards2.svg on my embedded wall screen.

And no that wasn't meant to be snarky, but more enthusiastic and excited about hardware developments.

At any rate, I stand by my initial commentary that the hardware in netbooks can be better.

[fastbilly1]

I have used a netbook daily for over a year, and have used a dozen or so variations of them. Within days my main desktop at home will be a nettop (a desktop atom pc). Take that how you will.

I bought a Netbook (Asus EEE 900 - 8.9inch screen, atom processor, 1 gig of ram, 4 gig internal) when the keyboard for my Palm Pilot broke and it only ended up being $20 more than a new keyboard (protip: NEVER buy a secondhand portable keyboard – EVER). At first it was awkward and somewhat useless. Then I reformatted it, threw on EEEbuntu (an EEE specific version of Ubuntu 9.4) and it took off. I have not regretted the purchase. The keyboard does take some getting use to, but I enjoy it a lot more than any of my other laptop keyboards.

Is it the best pc, no. Is it only useful for surfing the internet, no. Netbooks are like the Handhelds of PC gaming. They can run all the great games from years ago. GOG is the greatest thing for Netbook gamers (that and EEEusers list of games that run on an EEE 701).

Personally I use mine since it is small enough it can actually fit in my pocket (though my DSiXL says differently). But more importantly it is light. I carry it in a messenger bag with several books and a dozen folders for work and it is really easy to get around with. When I use to do this with a laptop it got to be hell. But the past six months I have enjoyed the bloody thing for work immensely. I do wish it had a better processor – if you can get one with the 330 (or any of the dual core variants) pay the premium. The 280 (single core) is a bit puny when it comes to certain tasks.

Ive used mine mostly for admin work, data recovery, and typing. Though Ive played through a chunk of Loom, Kings Quest 2, Cave Story, and a dozen SNES games on it. A USB controller (like the SF4 fight pad) and MAME make for a great portable shmup setup. Vert on the go baby!

For the record - I own two modern gaming pcs (Q6600s and 9600 gts) and a dozen or so other pcs of various stats. I use the netbook for light stuff. If I want to play borderlands, I play it on a gaming pc. BUT if push comes to shove, I will throw XP on the EEE for Half Life. Sweet Sweet Half Life.

[Octopod]

I have used a netbook daily for over a year, and have used a dozen or so variations of them. Within days my main desktop at home will be a nettop (a desktop atom pc). Take that how you will.

I bought a Netbook (Asus EEE 900 - 8.9inch screen, atom processor, 1 gig of ram, 4 gig internal) when the keyboard for my Palm Pilot broke and it only ended up being $20 more than a new keyboard (protip: NEVER buy a secondhand portable keyboard – EVER). At first it was awkward and somewhat useless. Then I reformatted it, threw on EEEbuntu (an EEE specific version of Ubuntu 9.4) and it took off. I have not regretted the purchase. The keyboard does take some getting use to, but I enjoy it a lot more than any of my other laptop keyboards.

Is it the best pc, no. Is it only useful for surfing the internet, no. Netbooks are like the Handhelds of PC gaming. They can run all the great games from years ago. GOG is the greatest thing for Netbook gamers (that and EEEusers list of games that run on an EEE 701).

Personally I use mine since it is small enough it can actually fit in my pocket (though my DSiXL says differently). But more importantly it is light. I carry it in a messenger bag with several books and a dozen folders for work and it is really easy to get around with. When I use to do this with a laptop it got to be hell. But the past six months I have enjoyed the bloody thing for work immensely. I do wish it had a better processor – if you can get one with the 330 (or any of the dual core variants) pay the premium. The 280 (single core) is a bit puny when it comes to certain tasks.

Ive used mine mostly for admin work, data recovery, and typing. Though Ive played through a chunk of Loom, Kings Quest 2, Cave Story, and a dozen SNES games on it. A USB controller (like the SF4 fight pad) and MAME make for a great portable shmup setup. Vert on the go baby!

For the record - I own two modern gaming pcs (Q6600s and 9600 gts) and a dozen or so other pcs of various stats. I use the netbook for light stuff. If I want to play borderlands, I play it on a gaming pc. BUT if push comes to shove, I will throw XP on the EEE for Half Life. Sweet Sweet Half Life.

So what netbook would you recommend?

[Pulsar_t]

It's obvious fastbilly1 is a fan of EeePC's MSI, Acer and Asus do produce top notch netbooks given the respective prices. Perhaps you can drop by your local computer shop and sample various netbook models.. The keyboard for one can be a potential deal breaker.