Sunday, April 5, 2009

The new Netbooks

Once again I turn to you in the know about a subject I know virtually nothing about.

With all the traveling I will be doing this year, several trips planned to Racine, one to California, one to AZ, etc., I am considering one of these netbooks rather than lugging my laptop with me. I have a rather heavy laptop.

Anyway, who can tell me what about this contraption. Is AT&T wireless service the only one available for it? I don't mind paying a little more if I can use a cheaper provider.

Explain away, kk, orbs and anyone else who knows something about these new little gizmos!

Thanks.

9 comments:

Bailers said...

So a netbook is basically a laptop light. It uses a different processor than a regular sized would (generally an Intel Atom, but there are others), runs either Linux or Windows XP, doesn't have a cd drive built in, but does have wifi and in some cases 3G built in. I know that AT&T is running a couple of test markets where they are subsidizing the netbooks, I've also heard that Verizon is looking into starting up a program soon.
If all you are looking for is email and internet, or some light programs like word, you should be fine. If you are trying to do any heavy lifting, then forget about it. Oh, and most netbooks only have between 8-32GB of storage space. If you want some more info, just look them up on Engadget.com or Cnet.com. Good luck!

OrbsCorbs said...

Thanks, Bailers. I know nothing about this subject, Beejay. I don't even have a laptop.

Toad said...

Beejay:

I liked them so much I bought two. Both from Walmart. They are the Acer brand with the 120GB hard drive, and Windows XP. They really work nice for internet use. For about 70 bucks or so, you can get a disc drive from Best Buy that plugs into the USB, and doesn't need a power cord. It's made by LG. They run a little slower sometimes it seems, but I think their GREAT.

Toad said...

Beejay:

I forgot. They are only $298.00 or less, and also have the card slots for looking at photo's etc. I think they might be cheeper online at Walmart.com

Toad said...

Beejay:

It's me AGAIN. AT&T is giving them away for $50.00 if you sign up for their service. I saw that on CNN recently.

Beejay said...

And what about the wireless ISP...is there anyone else out there except AT&T? I keep thinking that I hate to sign up for a two year contract @ $50/mo = $1200. Is there anyway to get someone for less. I do realize I will need a wireless carrier. Is AT&T the best route?

Bailers said...

Beejay,
It depends on where you are going to use it. Are you in a hotel? Almost all the chains have wired, wireless, or both. In that case you don't need to pony up extra for the service contract. If you just want to use it in the airports, you can buy an hourly or daily use while there through the wifi.
Unless you plan on using the 3G network (wireless internet away from a wifi) when you get home, you might want to reconsider. I doubt that ATT or any of the other providers have anything less then a 1 or 2 year commitment.
As far as brands, I've heard good things about the Acer and the Asus. Your biggest choice will likely be screen size. Good luck.

Beejay said...

Well, I may have to pony up the contract. I own a home in Sturtevant and it is not set up for a cable ISP connection. The sort periods of time I am there cannot substantiate me spending the money it would cost to have the connection put in and maintain it.

I'll probably be in WI for about a month in all this year. Part of the time, I'll be in AZ, CA and other parts of FL in hotels.

Guess I have wasted money in other ways.

Beejay said...

Bailers, btw, Thank you...now where are my manners. Bad, Beejay, Bad Beejay...to the corner with you.