Comments on: The Netbook Competition Continues: Enter Lenovo

By: Roberto

Roberto — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:59:52 +0000

Ben is right, but depends on the stuff you need to build. I installed WAMP on my Eee so I can continue to build and test php scripts on it while on the go and not in reach of a network. It’s pretty good for that, a bit cramped, but good.

The only reason I don’t use Linux on it is because of a couple of things I use that have no Linux equivalent (plus Starcraft, but I think you can play that with Wine)

By: zelrik

zelrik — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:06:14 +0000

I am waiting for those to improve a bit. They are already interesting but I am sure they can do better :). I would still a regular laptop, so I would have laptop + netbook at home…I gave up on the desktop, too big and I dont need as much power.

By: MiniMage

MiniMage — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:38:29 +0000

For me, it’s “no digitizer, no deal.” I have to have the writing. That’s why I bought a UMPC, and it’s why I’m saving for a Fujitsu P1620, even though it’s MANY times the cost of those netbooks. Before the Tablet PC’s rebirth in 2003, I’d have been sold on the keyboard-dependent netbook concept.

By: ben

ben — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:03:01 +0000

So here’s the thing: these netbooks are great for people who can settle for reading and writing on the go… but for those of us who need to continue to BUILD things, they’re inadequate.

I want 4#, Runs XP. 1280×800 rez, three USB, one DVI/VGA, 2GB RAM, 80GB HDD, ≈3hrs FLV playback on battery, costs preferably <$800, definitely <$1000.

If mfrs. can cough up a $500 netbook, surely they can cough up what I just described and know how to sell it.

Note the absence of an optical drive.

Yes, I just described a cheap MacBook Air. The Air happens to be a proof of concept, a techno-stunt. I want something I can actually use to get work done.