Netbooks make people look ridiculous.

[coupdetat]

I know why Apple doesn't want to make netbooks now--they make their users look goofy! I've never seen people using them at my campus until today. There was a girl in the dining hall using an Aspire One and she looked absolutely ridiculous hunched over the tiny computer trying to peck out an email. Right now, there's a guy sitting at a table across from me at the library using an Eee.. and he also looks totally nuts, like he's using a little toy.

Why would you use such a small thing just to save a couple pounds of weight? I mean, it might be useful to throw in a purse/man-bag, but that just seems like such a niche usage.

[PlaceofDis]

oh yay! another thread where people can't understand the need/want for something just because it might not be right for them. :eek::rolleyes:

netbooks do fill a niche, is it a niche that is a growing trend? quite possibly since more and more of your everyday computer users are finding that the do not need more power in their machines, nor do they need to have something huge, but would rather have something small, light, and just powerful enough to fill out the everyday tasks. is there room for improvement? certainly.

my netbook (dell mini9) is great for what i need on the go. i need basic functions that the Intel Atom processor and 2gigs (only at 1gig right now mind you) can fulfill without a problem. email - web - wordprocessing - chat. the keyboard might be cramped for some, but you adjust to it. some people always peck away so i suppose thats just they're typing style. and the screen size is certainly usable and fine for those tasks. spaces and expose really shine on a screen this small, i must say.

now i don't expect apple to release once since it is a niche right now, and i don't expect the machines to be perfect for everyone. but, hey, diversity is a great thing.

[BigHungry04]

Maybe people only need a computer for browsing the internet and sending and receiving e-mail, and instead of spending over $1000 on a laptop, they can get a $400 or less netbook that does everything they need it to do. It doesn't matter if it makes them look goofy.

[coupdetat]

oh yay! another thread where people can't understand the need/want for something just because it might not be right for them. :eek::rolleyes:

Actually, I own a MBA... I think I am pretty good at wrapping my mind around ideas that others might not accept. Imagine all the crap I hear from people about it "doesn't have a CD drive, blah blah blah"!

I can't wrap my mind around the idea that there's such a huge market demand for tiny netbooks. It seems like all hype and subpar products, really. I think Steve Jobs is right in this case: netbooks don't offer a good enough experience to be worthwhile. Too many aesthetic and functional problems IMO.

Plus, I want to look good/pretentious in public. Not like I'm using an enlarged Game Boy ;)

[PlaceofDis]

Actually, I own a MBA... I think I am pretty good at wrapping my mind around ideas that others might not accept. Imagine all the crap I hear from people about it "doesn't have a CD drive, blah blah blah"!

I can't wrap my mind around the idea that there's such a huge market demand for tiny netbooks. It seems like all hype and subpar products, really. I think Steve Jobs is right in this case: netbooks don't offer a good enough experience to be worthwhile. Too many aesthetic and functional problems IMO.

Plus, I want to look good/pretentious in public. Not like I'm using an enlarged Game Boy ;)

well obviously netbooks work for quite a few people considering that they sell pretty well. and the MBA would probably be more accepted if its price tag wasn't so high for what you get.

aesthetics are a personal choice. i think my dell looks just fine, also part of the reason i got it was that it had better build quality than the other choices - even with the lack of hard drive space.

how are they subpar products if they fill out a user's needs though? i have no functional problems with mine at all.

[coupdetat]

This study has been making some waves. ArsTechnica did a pretty in-depth analysis and commentary, too.

http://www.biz360.com/articles/digitaltrends012009.aspx

I tend to agree with it. Although most techie websites' commentary rejects their conclusion, I think regular people with regular jobs might not be all that impressed with netbooks.

I find them to be subpar because of the weird keyboard layouts, ugly designs, gross trackpads, and Intel's protectionist restrictions. Also, Windows XP has really outdated networking which hinders its reliance on the "cloud".

[Winni]

Have you ever thought about why people actually talk about the MacBook Air -not- having a DVD drive?

It's quite simple: The MBA has a large screen, so you want to watch a movie on it while you're traveling. But... Surprise! It does not have a built-in DVD drive. To make things worse, it also only has a very small hard disk, so you cannot copy many DVD rips onto it.

So the MBA basically is... An extremely expensive netbook with a large screen but less connectivity options. Or in other words: It's useless for most people and most purposes. It just looks good.

Then Apple tells you that the iPhone is -the- ultimate mobile Internet device. Well, everybody who has a lot of email traffic or needs remote access to company resources (maybe via Citrix ICA Client or Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection) will quickly disagree. You just cannot write long emails on the iPhone, the idea is ridiculous.

And then there comes the cheap Netbook. Enough power to playback 1080p videos, relatively long battery life for its small size, it still has a real keyboard for people who actually need to write something on the road, all connectivity options any other laptop has and it runs all flavors of operating systems (including Hackintosh OS X). And best of all: It costs less than 500 USD.

Yes, I really see a market for those devices. My 17" PowerBook G4 recently went South, and it was too large as a mobile computer - for me and my mobile needs - anyway. Now I'm actually pondering about buying myself an MSI Wind to install OS X on it - as described above, it has exactly the right size. If Apple doesn't want to sell me such a device, MSI does. And from everything I've read, OS X runs like a charm on it. I have a Leopard Family Pack with some spare licenses and Apple can then gladly sue me here in Germany for violating their license terms by installing OS X on non-Apple hardware - I would just love to "discuss" the validity and lawfulness of their EULA with them in a German court of law. ;-)

[calculus]

When Apple bring out a Netbook I will buy it faster than any other Apple product I've ever bought.

I can live with looking ridiculous. ;)

[coupdetat]

It's quite simple: The MBA has a large screen, so you want to watch a movie on it while you're traveling. But... Surprise! It does not have a built-in DVD drive. To make things worse, it also only has a very small hard disk, so you cannot copy many DVD rips onto it.

So the MBA basically is... An extremely expensive netbook with a large screen but less connectivity options. Or in other words: It's useless for most people and most purposes. It just looks good.

...who cares? How many people are buying MBA's to watch movies? What matters to me (and, I'm willing to bet, to most of Apple's MBA buyers) is that I can run high-power apps and work for hours comfortably, while carrying a minimal load. That means doing lots of heavy MATLAB, LabVIEW, CAD work on top of being able to comfortably manage PDF documents, references, and word processing when writing papers. Being able to comfortably view lecture outlines from class is important, too.

What's so great about being able to email everywhere, anyways? If it's really that urgent, can't you respond on a smartphone?

[Acorn]

i would prefer to carry around a 350 dollar netbook then a 1000+ dollar notebook. if it breaks or gets stolen its not as big of a deal as say having your macbook stolen. it pretty much does everything you would want it to on the go. plus the samsung nc 10 as well as the msi wind do not have funky shift keys like the asus model. so typing is normal.

[jessica.]

I can live with looking ridiculous if the netbook is their 12" PB but intel-based and 9". ;)

[coupdetat]

I dunno.. everyone keeps saying it "does everything they need", but how many of you need to use Excel files at work? What about creating reports? I mean if you're writing a novel from scratch, it might be okay, but realistically creating content requires lots of references. What about students, who inevitably need to spend long hours with PDF and PPT presentations plus online course content?

[Lau]

I dunno.. everyone keeps saying it "does everything they need", but how many of you need to use Excel files at work? What about creating reports? I mean if you're writing a novel from scratch, it might be okay, but realistically creating content requires lots of references. What about students, who inevitably need to spend long hours with PDF and PPT presentations plus online course content?

I don't need to do any of those things. I don't work with Excel or Powerpoint files. If I type anything, I type it in TextEdit and then either copy it into an email (through GMail) or onto my website (through a web-based interface, so no FTP). I use Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. for my job, but I use my iMac for that, so I haven't had them on a small screened laptop since I got my iMac.

I did wonder if I could use a netbook as a secondary computer a while ago when they started coming out, so I reinstalled OSX onto my 12" iBook, and have been using that as a (chunky!) netbook. All I use on it is Safari, Preview, iTunes and TextEdit. It works a treat and I haven't missed anything. With free wifi on the trains here, it's brilliant. I just want something with slightly more capability and a slightly larger screen than my iPhone (and a proper keyboard!).

Would I buy a netbook? You betcha. I want one that badly that I'm not sure how long I'm going to hold out for Apple making one. The power and programs are so irrelevant, given that most of the stuff I use it for is web-based anyway, that the PC ones I've tried out running Linux seem pretty tempting.

[uhohzitzcooky]

Netbooks are great IMO. Previously owning an iBook G4, my Aspire One runs circles around it in everyday computing.

Like everybody else stated - it's a matter of personal preference. You may not know the entire situation of those who have a netbook. Working in retail (Best Buy), most people I notice who buy netbooks are those that use it as a secondary computer.

Me? I have a Mac Mini and a Q6700 rig at home, so there's no point in getting a $1000+ laptop. Heck, with my iBook, I only used it to go online, check email, and take notes in class. Other than that, it just sat on my desk while I did everything else on my other computers. So I sold it for $400 (after 2.5 years) and got the $350 Aspire One w/ 120GB & 6-cell battery.

[Malfoy]

Im seriously tempted to pick up an OQO 2+. While a bit more pricey, I think it rocks. :)

[NT1440]

I did see a guy with a greenish netbook at dennys when me and my friends went at 2 am.

People were making fun of him (his friends, i hope)

[Abstract]

I dunno.. everyone keeps saying it "does everything they need", but how many of you need to use Excel files at work? What about creating reports? I mean if you're writing a novel from scratch, it might be okay, but realistically creating content requires lots of references. What about students, who inevitably need to spend long hours with PDF and PPT presentations plus online course content?

If I do all my work on my desktop, and simply need a computer of any kind to type an email at uni/work, check email, check Facebook, and listen to music, then a tiny laptop would serve all their portable computing needs. This was the primary target market that Asus was aiming for when they first introduced the EeePC, and so people who are asking for netbooks for things like playing games, HD movies, etc, completely misunderstand what a netbook was primarily designed for. What these people are really looking for is an ultraportable laptop. They just want to pay $500 for a laptop instead of $1500 (i.e. less money), but don't consumers want to pay less money for everything?

Understand?

Besides what I just said, my friend has an EeePC hooked up to a 20" 1650x1080 resolution LCD when she's at home. No problems with her screen, and no problems with portability.

Sorted.

[twoodcc]

i personally have not seen someone with a netbook in public, but i can see how they might look funny. but, i think that netbooks will start to look better (sony and hp are making better ones already), and then i might just get one. one day

[EricNau]

With free wifi on the trains here, it's brilliant.
Coming from an area severely lacking both trains and free wifi, I find this idea absolutely exhilarating! :D

[coupdetat]

i personally have not seen someone with a netbook in public, but i can see how they might look funny. but, i think that netbooks will start to look better (sony and hp are making better ones already), and then i might just get one. one day

Agreed. Right now it's mostly a bunch of "me too" Taiwanese companies who usually can't get anything right. Notice how HP, Samsung and Lenovo were actually able to make decent models. Considering the size of the Apple BT keyboard, it should be totally possible to make a normal keyboard and trackpad, and fit it into a netbook-type chassis. I don't know why these companies insist upon compromising the usability of their machines.

[Unspeaked]

I know why Apple doesn't want to make netbooks now--they make their users look goofy! I've never seen people using them at my campus until today. There was a girl in the dining hall using an Aspire One and she looked absolutely ridiculous hunched over the tiny computer trying to peck out an email. Right now, there's a guy sitting at a table across from me at the library using an Eee.. and he also looks totally nuts, like he's using a little toy.

You think that's silly?!

I saw some folks walking around the other day with their faces crammed into a little screen using their fingers to move stuff around, open files and type!

Where the heck do they think they are, Star Trek Geek Fantasyville??

[GorillaPaws]

I'm with the OP on this one to a certain extent. For me there's 2 sizes of mobile computing, either it fits in my pocket, or it doesn't. If it doesn't fit in my pocket then I'm going to have to cary it around in some kind of bag. Honestly at that point, a couple inches/pounds really doesn't make much of a difference--I would rather have a full-featured laptop.

I can see the value in something like the modbook though, and would like to see Apple go down that path one day, if they can ever get inkwell up-to-par. I can appreciate that other people may have different needs etc. but I've never really understood why carrying around a 5lb laptop is SO much more of a burden than carying around a 3lb one.

[gkarris]

^^^ I agree.

I made a thread on my NetBook buying experience:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=607025

I just couldn't get myself to invest in a machine with GMA950 graphics, especially when a real cheap-o laptop that plays 720p goes for $379. :eek:
(and the x4500M graphics in that is already out-dated 2 months later).

Then there was this other thread that someone posted thought I was crazy for writing off GMA950 graphics.

Now, I'm hearing that the web will start having more HD content:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10150445-2.html?tag=mncol

Just try viewing that content on a GMA950 based system.... :eek:

[takao]

estimated sales of netbooks in 2008: 14-16 million

people buy netsbooks as secondary computer on the go either because they own a desktop or big 17" laptop at home

also quite a bit of netbooks have 3G preinstalled which makes them perfect for surfing on the go

[chewietobbacca]

Just because you don't see why other people would use em, doesn't mean that other people see a reason to buy them!

They fill the portable computing needs brilliantly. I have a enthusiast desktop at home, a laptop for work, and my iphone. You can't take a desktop around, the work laptop is at risk of being stolen or lost, and the iPhone can't do a lot of things a full computer can do.

So what's brilliant to use? The netbook, where I can watch videos, use the internet, hammer out a document, email, etc. Oh and my Aspire One with 6 hours of battery life, 160 gb hard drive, OS X on board, cost me all of $400 total, so would I feel as bad if it got lost or damaged? Definitely not.

Theres a lot of hate on netbooks here, but I can see that once Apple comes out with a netbook, everyone is going to call it the best thing since sliced bread

[ElectroGhandi]

For me there's 2 sizes of mobile computing, either it fits in my pocket, or it doesn't. If it doesn't fit in my pocket then I'm going to have to cary it around in some kind of bag. Honestly at that point, a couple inches/pounds really doesn't make much of a difference--I would rather have a full-featured laptop.


I agree here. Which is why I have a Samsung i760 (http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/forums/media/55374/verizon_samsungi760.jpg) instead of an ASUS Eee PC. I saw the Eee at Best Buy for $200 and I considered it but then I realized it didn't offer me anything over my i760 and I couldn't fit it in my pocket.

[zap2]

Actually, I own a MBA... I think I am pretty good at wrapping my mind around ideas that others might not accept.

:rolleyes:

Clearly not


I can't wrap my mind around the idea that there's such a huge market demand for tiny netbooks.

Look at the sale figures....come back and talk

It seems like all hype and subpar products, really.
Hype from 2007? Sorry, but if these devices were all hype, people wouldn't still be buying them


I think Steve Jobs is right in this case: netbooks don't offer a good enough experience to be worthwhile.

Maybe he doesn't want one, but clearly some people do. I'll search else were if Apple won't sell them


Too many aesthetic and functional problems IMO.

:rolleyes:

Maybe for you, but others are fine with them

Plus, I want to look good/pretentious in public. Not like I'm using an enlarged Game Boy ;)

:rolleyes:
Radical idea, don't buy a netbook!

[iMacmatician]

Theres a lot of hate on netbooks here, but I can see that once Apple comes out with a netbook, everyone is going to call it the best thing since sliced breadNot always.

[Abstract]

I'm with the OP on this one to a certain extent. For me there's 2 sizes of mobile computing, either it fits in my pocket, or it doesn't. If it doesn't fit in my pocket then I'm going to have to cary it around in some kind of bag.

If you think an 11" Sony TT and a 17" Dell are pretty much the same because they both fit into a bag, then you're obviously not in the market for one. :confused:

i personally have not seen someone with a netbook in public...

I have seen around 30 to 40. I don't actually keep track, but it's hard to give you a good estimate after awhile.

Agreed. Right now it's mostly a bunch of "me too" Taiwanese companies who usually can't get anything right. Notice how HP, Samsung and Lenovo were actually able to make decent models.

And Asus, and MSI......

[gkarris]

Oh and my Aspire One with 6 hours of battery life, 160 gb hard drive, OS X on board, cost me all of $400 total, so would I feel as bad if it got lost or damaged? Definitely not.

Theres a lot of hate on netbooks here, but I can see that once Apple comes out with a netbook, everyone is going to call it the best thing since sliced bread

:confused:

You don't have an off-the-shelf NetBook...

And yes, just like a Touchscreen Smartphone, or a Touchscreen iPod, Apple will probably be the one to actually pull it off - though I think they'll forgo the keyboard and have an 8" or 10" Touchscreen only device.

[GorillaPaws]

If you think an 11" Sony TT and a 17" Dell are pretty much the same because they both fit into a bag, then you're obviously not in the market for one. :confused:

It's not because they both fit into a bag, it's because the "11 Sony TT isn't small enough to fit into my pocket, which means I'm going to have to deal with toting something extra around with me in some kind of bag. Once I reach that point the differences in inches/weight between the two really doesn't make that big of a difference.

If the reduction in size/weight were enough to where I could comfortably carry the device in my pocket without having to lug around an extra bag, then loosing that functionality is justified (as it is with the iPhone), but If I'm going to have to deal with lugging/being responsible for/worring about some extra bag all day, I might as well have something that's full-featured in there.

I can understand the appeal of the cheap prices, especially in the current economic state, but I simply don't think a macbook is very heavy/bulky to begin with, so going slightly slimmer/lighter for a significant reduction in capabilities seems like a silly compromise to me. But hey, if it floats your boat...

edit: I still don't really get the appeal of the Macbook Air either, but that's just me.

[zap2]

But hey, if it floats your boat...


Thats a good way to take these things....if someone doesn't want a netbook, fine, there isn't a lack of full sized laptop now.

[chewietobbacca]

:confused:

You don't have an off-the-shelf NetBook...

And yes, just like a Touchscreen Smartphone, or a Touchscreen iPod, Apple will probably be the one to actually pull it off - though I think they'll forgo the keyboard and have an 8" or 10" Touchscreen only device.

I installed it myself as a dual boot, everything else is as it came

[rdowns]

I know why Apple doesn't want to make netbooks now--they make their users look goofy! I've never seen people using them at my campus until today. There was a girl in the dining hall using an Aspire One and she looked absolutely ridiculous hunched over the tiny computer trying to peck out an email. Right now, there's a guy sitting at a table across from me at the library using an Eee.. and he also looks totally nuts, like he's using a little toy.

Why would you use such a small thing just to save a couple pounds of weight? I mean, it might be useful to throw in a purse/man-bag, but that just seems like such a niche usage.

Are you friends with the MR member who is embarrassed to have a .me email address? :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[danny_w]

I just scored an Acer Aspire One (160GB hdd/1GB mem) with Windows XP from CL today, and have been playing with it most of the evening. I'm actually quite surprised at how responsive it is; I don't think my full size laptop at work does this well (granted, it's an older Gateway). I don't expect it will run multiple apps well at all, but it does fine with just one app open. Even Acrobat Reader opened faster than I expected, and it is notoriously slow. I might eventually try to install OS X, but I doubt it, at least not for quite some time.

And I don't care how I look when I use it. I got it primarily just so that I could replace my Macbook with something better for home use (an iMac or Mac Pro) and just use this mainly for trips, at hotels, etc. Just about any netbook out there should do just fine for checking email, making hotel reservations, etc. Perfect!

[Apple Ink]

Just two points...

First, Apple can make cow dung look good...
Second, and more importantly, You care more for looks than functionality.... o_O

Please get your priorities corrected!

[kuwisdelu]

I mean if you're writing a novel from scratch, it might be okay, but realistically creating content requires lots of references.

As a writer, I can definitely say, I'd rather create the Excel document.

Writing a whole novel on that puny keyboard would be a damn pain.

Drafting a scene or two? Sure. But a whole novel? No way.

[joelovesapple]

I want one of those. I saw one last night at a friend of our's houses and I was blown away. It was the Acer Aspire One however you say it.

It had a distro of linux on it and the thing was so quick and brilliant for youtube, checking emails, perfect mobile connectivity. They also look so diddy and cute! :o

If someone bought me one I'd be forever in their debt.:p

[savvyconsumer]

I know why Apple doesn't want to make netbooks now--they make their users look goofy! I've never seen people using them at my campus until today. There was a girl in the dining hall using an Aspire One and she looked absolutely ridiculous hunched over the tiny computer trying to peck out an email. Right now, there's a guy sitting at a table across from me at the library using an Eee.. and he also looks totally nuts, like he's using a little toy.

Why would you use such a small thing just to save a couple pounds of weight? I mean, it might be useful to throw in a purse/man-bag, but that just seems like such a niche usage.

Thanks goodness for my Samsung N120 netbook! I'm now able to stay on top of the market on-the-go without the extreme straining of my eyes like I used to with my iPhone! It also fits perfectly in my $3,000.00+ LV Suhali handbag!

[dmmcintyre3]

Thanks goodness for my Samsung N120 netbook! I'm now able to stay on top of the market on-the-go without the extreme straining of my eyes like I used to with my iPhone! It also fits perfectly in my $3,000.00+ LV Suhali handbag!

Hi newbie with 1 post...

First off I am considering getting a 17 inch for my next computer for the screen. (1920x1200) (also I do not like the new MBP's SD slot instead of express card) I would not even get a MacBook Air with it's 13 inch screen.

I just don't understand how people use 1024x600 screens. I would rather use a 12 inch PowerBook than a netbook.

[danny_w]

Hi newbie with 1 post...

First off I am considering getting a 17 inch for my next computer for the screen. (1920x1200) (also I do not like the new MBP's SD slot instead of express card) I would not even get a MacBook Air with it's 13 inch screen.

I just don't understand how people use 1024x600 screens. I would rather use a 12 inch PowerBook than a netbook.
I have a netbook, but bought it specifically for when I need to travel (very seldom) and I need a laptop to take with me. It takes up very little space, is very light, and I can stand the small screen for the little time I will use it. I would not get a netbook for my main computer, at least not unless I were to use an external keyboard/mouse/monitor.

[.Andy]

I know why Apple doesn't want to make netbooks now--they make their users look goofy! I've never seen people using them at my campus until today. There was a girl in the dining hall using an Aspire One and she looked absolutely ridiculous hunched over the tiny computer trying to peck out an email. Right now, there's a guy sitting at a table across from me at the library using an Eee.. and he also looks totally nuts, like he's using a little toy.

Why would you use such a small thing just to save a couple pounds of weight? I mean, it might be useful to throw in a purse/man-bag, but that just seems like such a niche usage.
I guess if you care about what you look like more than how productive you are you've got a point.

[uberamd]

Meh, I had an Acer Aspire One for college, and the thing was garbage. I hated it. Horrible quality parts, awful trackpad, cramped keyboard, and it did look goofy. My Macbook Air is much better for carrying around without being crippled by garbage hardware, small screens, subpar battery life, and an overall poor user experience. Apple spoiled me to the point where using a netbook is actually a bad experience and one I will never return to, unless the quality of the products swings while keeping that 'zomg it was SOOO cheap' price.

Ick.

[danny_w]

I guess if you care about what you look like more than how productive you are you've got a point.
Exactly. Who cares about how they look? That is so vain, but unfortunately it seems to be the way of the world today.

[uberamd]

Exactly. Who cares about how they look? That is so vain, but unfortunately it seems to be the way of the world today.

The fact that anyone looks any way means they care about how they look. Think about it.

[danny_w]

The fact that anyone looks any way means they care about how they look. Think about it.
I meant why is it so important? If your image is based solely on how you look you are in pretty sad shape.

[windywoo]

Meh, I had an Acer Aspire One for college, and the thing was garbage. I hated it. Horrible quality parts.

Its not meant to be a main computer, and I bet you didn't take it apart to see if the parts were horrible quality.

If you come to the netbook with unreasonable and ill-informed expectations then you are bound to be disappointed.

At OP, posting a thread about how netbooks make people look ridiculous, makes you look ridiculous.

[dukebound85]

I know why Apple doesn't want to make netbooks now--they make their users look goofy! I've never seen people using them at my campus until today. There was a girl in the dining hall using an Aspire One and she looked absolutely ridiculous hunched over the tiny computer trying to peck out an email. Right now, there's a guy sitting at a table across from me at the library using an Eee.. and he also looks totally nuts, like he's using a little toy.

Why would you use such a small thing just to save a couple pounds of weight? I mean, it might be useful to throw in a purse/man-bag, but that just seems like such a niche usage.
those iphone users typing thier emails and browsin' the web sure look goofy

[akutad]

estimated sales of netbooks in 2008: 14-16 million

people buy netsbooks as secondary computer on the go either because they own a desktop or big 17" laptop at home

also quite a bit of netbooks have 3G preinstalled which makes them perfect for surfing on the go

If Apple creates a 10" MacBook with 3G built in and I'd be more than happy to buy it. I think 13" may be large for some. Less than 10" and I think the user experience on the keyboard goes to pot.

[savvyconsumer]

Hi newbie with 1 post...

First off I am considering getting a 17 inch for my next computer for the screen. (1920x1200) (also I do not like the new MBP's SD slot instead of express card) I would not even get a MacBook Air with it's 13 inch screen.

I just don't understand how people use 1024x600 screens. I would rather use a 12 inch PowerBook than a netbook.

I'm among the original Thinkpad users. I currently have two 15 inch Thinkpads at home to trade the market. I once had the 13.3" Thinkpad 600 E which I retired over 5 years ago. Therefore, a 12 inch would still be too big for me to travel with.

I use the N120 when I'm out and about. As much as I'm used to the large screen, the N120's 1024x600 screen size along with its wonderful multi touchpad works out very well for me. The multi touchpad makes it quick and simple for me to zoom in and zoom out. My N120 screen sure beats my tiny iPhone screen!

[FX120]

I've got a S10 that I use mainly in my car for maps, web and music, it's a great little machine, really hand to have on long drives and when I am sitting around waiting for a client to show up at a jobsite.

It's no replacement for my T500, but for what I need it to do it's hard to think of a better choice.

It's also handy to toss in the toolbag when I need to interface with a Protea or other rackmounted audio processor.

[zap2]

Meh, I had an Acer Aspire One for college, and the thing was garbage. I hated it. Horrible quality parts, awful trackpad, cramped keyboard, and it did look goofy. My Macbook Air is much better for carrying around without being crippled by garbage hardware, small screens, subpar battery life, and an overall poor user experience. Apple spoiled me to the point where using a netbook is actually a bad experience and one I will never return to, unless the quality of the products swings while keeping that 'zomg it was SOOO cheap' price.

Ick.

One product doesn't represent the whole market(not saying netbooks are for you)

The fact that anyone looks any way means they care about how they look. Think about it.

No, not at all...you can buy a laptop, and not care how it looks...and it will "look" like something to people

[niuniu]

I know why Apple doesn't want to make netbooks now--they make their users look goofy! I've never seen people using them at my campus until today. There was a girl in the dining hall using an Aspire One and she looked absolutely ridiculous hunched over the tiny computer trying to peck out an email. Right now, there's a guy sitting at a table across from me at the library using an Eee.. and he also looks totally nuts, like he's using a little toy.

Why would you use such a small thing just to save a couple pounds of weight? I mean, it might be useful to throw in a purse/man-bag, but that just seems like such a niche usage.

This is a really small minded post. They should sticky this as an example of pre-rational thought.

[coupdetat]

This is a really small minded post. They should sticky this as an example of pre-rational thought.

Yikes, why so personal?

[niuniu]

Yikes, why so personal?

Oh not having a dig at you, I really do mean that the post was an example of pre-rational thought and should be stickied :)

Don't take it personally, it's just a very good example of a post that ignores all the positive qualities of a thing and focuses on a feeling or impulse a person has and they go on a rant.

[.Andy]

Yikes, why so personal?
I'm surprised you have time to post in this thread again given how cool your MBA makes you look. I thought you'd be off continually having sex.

[Cassie]

I've been considering selling my iBook G4 and picking up an HP Mini for a while. It would definitely fit me, the heaviest work I do on my iBook is a little audio editing with Audacity, I'm sure a netbook can handle that. All I need a laptop to do is surf the web, run iTunes and chat. Now that I have a functional desktop, I don't need my laptop to be my main machine anymore, and a netbook would work perfectly for me. It's a tough decision.

Netbooks have a use, otherwise people wouldn't be buying them.

[SteveMobs]

Idea for new thread: Fat people using netbooks, haha.

When I see fat people hunched over netbooks they remind me of the dad dude from the incredibles.

[danny_w]

I've been considering selling my iBook G4 and picking up an HP Mini for a while. It would definitely fit me, the heaviest work I do on my iBook is a little audio editing with Audacity, I'm sure a netbook can handle that. All I need a laptop to do is surf the web, run iTunes and chat. Now that I have a functional desktop, I don't need my laptop to be my main machine anymore, and a netbook would work perfectly for me. It's a tough decision.

Netbooks have a use, otherwise people wouldn't be buying them.
That is exactly why I got my netbook. I got tired of using a Macbook as a desktop; even though it was powerful enough there were all the attendant cables to hookup, if it froze (which it did occasionally) I had to open it to power cycle and then wait for it to boot before closing the screen, etc, etc, etc. I rarely used it as a laptop and realized that a netbook would suit me fine for the occasional time that I might need a laptop. So I sold the Macbook, and bought an iMac 24" and a netbook. I should have done this a long time ago.

[GroovyLinuxGuy]

I carry mine alot when I go out. Bored at work, head to a coffee shop and bang out some code there on my Acer Aspire One (Running Ubuntu, 1.5 GB Ram 8GB HD). If I need to read a pdf, or respond to an email...well , I don't have to pull out my MBP, wait for it to boot up while I reach around it to try and find my coffee. Plus, it fits in the helmet container of my scooter...so i don't have to strap it to my rack (great for rainy days!) Will it replace my Mac? nope, but it sure is a good addition heck...if I want to run OS X on it...I can just remote desktop/ssh into my mac from where ever i am...

I'm not concerned with needing to look cool, hip, whatever...I just want to get stuff done and enjoy my coffee...netbooks let me do that...

Cheers

[JNB]

I'd just like to see figures on how many netbook users are still using them three years later (assuming it still works, of course).

[dmmcintyre3]

I'd just like to see figures on how many netbook users are still using them three years later (assuming it still works, of course).

That would be good to know. I wonder how many people have gone through who have bought them in 3 years

[zap2]

I don't think "netbooks" have been around for three years(I'd say the first one "netbook"(as we're using it know) was the EEE PC 701, which shipped late 2007)

But I don't think these sales are going to go anyway anytime soon...they only seem to be getting better.

[michael.lauden]

I don't think "netbooks" have been around for three years(I'd say the first one "netbook"(as we're using it know) was the EEE PC 701, which shipped late 2007)

But I don't think these sales are going to go anyway anytime soon...they only seem to be getting better.

i mean it's hard not to buy a computer for the price of an iPod. i do think people look a little ridiculous but if and when i get my Dell mini 9 and drop OS X on to it... i will love it.

i am on 2-3 planes a month and go for 10 hour+ car rides every 4-6 weeks... so while having a MacBook is very nice, sometimes, i'd rather have something crappier, that still has Coda, Safari, iChat, iCal and Mail on it

[JNB]

I don't think "netbooks" have been around for three years(I'd say the first one "netbook"(as we're using it know) was the EEE PC 701, which shipped late 2007)

But I don't think these sales are going to go anyway anytime soon...they only seem to be getting better.

I didn't say they were three years old, I said I'd like to see who's still using them three years later. As in, three years from date of purchase. My belief is that the majority will not be in use, either from equipment failure (small but larger than comparative notebook percentage) or lack of the machine to live up to expectations or actual needs (greater percentage).

There will likely always be a subset of the population for whom the netbook is the perfect fit. For the majority jumping on the low price/form factor bandwagon however, I'd bet a dollar to a donut that they're going to find them to be of little to no use for what they intended, like the much-heralded tablet craze that flamed out rather spectacularly.

[flopticalcube]

I've been shopping for one but the ones that look the sturdiest are really more umpc's and are priced accordingly. I'm am slowly beginning to thing Steve might be right on this one.

[localoid]

Interestingly enough, about the time when Steve Jobs made his statement about netbooks ("not a lot of them... getting sold") 5.6 million netbooks were sold, while only 4.7 million iPhones were shipped during the same period (Q3 2008). Source (http://jkontherun.com/2008/12/09/more-niche-netb/)

[zap2]

I didn't say they were three years old, I said I'd like to see who's still using them three years later. As in, three years from date of purchase

I know....my point was, we aren't there quite yet(at a three year point)


My belief is that the majority will not be in use, either from equipment failure (small but larger than comparative notebook percentage) or lack of the machine to live up to expectations or actual needs (greater percentage).

I don't know of any stats to back that up(personally)...but I would defly be interested in data speaking to those ideas



There will likely always be a subset of the population for whom the netbook is the perfect fit. For the majority jumping on the low price/form factor bandwagon however, I'd bet a dollar to a donut that they're going to find them to be of little to no use for what they intended, like the much-heralded tablet craze that flamed out rather spectacularly.

Well until we have data to support that claim, it will remain a fairly baseless assumption.

[JNB]

I know....my point was, we aren't there quite yet(at a three year point)

I don't know of any stats to back that up(personally)...but I would defly be interested in data speaking to those ideas

Well until we have data to support that claim, it will remain a fairly baseless assumption.

I didn't stutter. ;)

I never made a claim subject to or claiming a quantitative basis or validity. I stated an interest in seeing future data, and two personal beliefs regarding the state of the market (as in opinions). No assumptions, hypotheses, or theories. Nothing more, nothing less. Unlike many posters in the wild, I actually pick my words carefully and specifically. Please do the same in reading them. :)

[dsnort]

Am I the only that finds it slightly ironic that this thread was probably started on a computer with a glowing half eaten piece of fruit on the back of it?

[zap2]

I didn't stutter. ;)

I never made a claim subject to or claiming a quantitative basis or validity. I stated an interest in seeing future data, and two personal beliefs regarding the state of the market (as in opinions). No assumptions, hypotheses, or theories. Nothing more, nothing less. Unlike many posters in the wild, I actually pick my words carefully and specifically. Please do the same in reading them. :)

Well I don't know why you'd have a personal belief based off no real evidence...I would call that an "assumption".

I'm eager to see data too, but I'll hold back and avoid wagering based on my gut.

(I never talked about you having "hypotheses or theories", so I'm not sure why you brought those up terms up, perhaps you should spend a little less time questioning my reading skills :))

[Eidorian]

The HP dv2 now comes with a dual core option for a few dollars more. The price dropped to $599 stock as well.

[RumorHasIt....]

Meh, I had an Acer Aspire One for college, and the thing was garbage. I hated it. Horrible quality parts, awful trackpad, cramped keyboard, and it did look goofy. My Macbook Air is much better for carrying around without being crippled by garbage hardware, small screens, subpar battery life, and an overall poor user experience. Apple spoiled me to the point where using a netbook is actually a bad experience and one I will never return to, unless the quality of the products swings while keeping that 'zomg it was SOOO cheap' price.

Ick.

I bought my sister an Aspire One and it is a very solid netbook. The build is strong and the screen is better than my 1st gen macbook. It's a very snappy performer.

To the OP, I'm sorry you're so concerned with how you look to other people (believe me, you are lucky that you can't read their minds!). Also, since netbooks are so popular, you might want to try one. Maybe, just maybe, someone might compliment you.

Sorry to break the news, but no one thinks you're cool because you have a mac!

[Rodimus Prime]

I can see Netbook usage and how they are useful for some people.

I used to think weight and size did not matter much to me then I learned what it was like to carry around a heavy backpack all day running from class to class. Dropping 1-2 lb made a huge difference to me. So in a laptop I would say just dropping the weight makes a big difference

Now is a netbook for me. Hell no. For personal use I would hate them. I like the 13-15 in screens. Hell the MBA is to under power for my taste.

In the end it is a balancing act between weight and what you want. For me I willing to add extra weight and little extra size for a larger screen, more HD space and an optical drive. but that is just me.

[windywoo]

ike the much-heralded tablet craze that flamed out rather spectacularly.

Tablets may have had a lot of hype, but they never had sales. Netbooks have those sales, and didn't have the hype. The success of the eePC was what caused all the other manufacturers to play catch up. The hype came after the success.

[Hawkeye411]

I know why Apple doesn't want to make netbooks now--they make their users look goofy! I've never seen people using them at my campus until today. There was a girl in the dining hall using an Aspire One and she looked absolutely ridiculous hunched over the tiny computer trying to peck out an email. Right now, there's a guy sitting at a table across from me at the library using an Eee.. and he also looks totally nuts, like he's using a little toy.

Why would you use such a small thing just to save a couple pounds of weight? I mean, it might be useful to throw in a purse/man-bag, but that just seems like such a niche usage.

So the boy with rich parents can't understand why everyone doesn't purchase a really cool MacBook Air. LMAO :D

I'm not exactly sure how a small computer makes someone look ridiculous? I guess that everyone who is hammering out an email on their iPhone better hide behind a tree before someone sees you. LMAO.

Cheers. ;) ;)