Comments on: Netbooks: Too Big a Compromise for Travelers?

By: Petercky

Petercky — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:11:52 +0000

I use my HP mini 2133 to do most everything. It can be slow at times but I have got used to it. Only thing I can’t do is stream video on it. Other than that, I can play 720p smoothly and use photoshop on it easily. Only find it unsufficent when making 3D modles.

By: Kal

Kal — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:45:10 +0000

I use LogMeIn to bridge the gap. I take my ASUS Eee 900HD with me (8.5 in screen), and use LogMeIn to work off of my desktop at home when I need power, data, or programs I don’t keep on the netbook. I keep the desktop running 24/7, so it’s available anywhere I have Internet access.

Although it might not be the best option it you’re using a laptop as your main computer, for those of us with desktops, virtualization is the answer.

By: cr0ft

cr0ft — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:06:30 +0000

In this case, it’s the Macbook, since it’s a comparatively tiny 13 inches. The added weight vs all the other weight you’ll be hauling anyway isn’t a big deal, nor is the slightly larger size.

If we were talking a big and heavy 15 incher or larger, the pendulum would have swung heavily over to the Netbook side of the equation.

It also depends on what you plan on doing in any given situation. I rarely need to do heavy computational lifting while on trips, it’s mostly getting on the Net and maybe light office work – which you can do very well on a Netbook if you arm yourself with a modicum of patience.

Netbooks are a very viable choice for business travelers with ones average workaday needs. In your case, considering your everyday machine is so small, not so much.

By: Baz

Baz — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:20:25 +0000

I recently ‘upgraded’ my netbook from the original Asus Eee 701 to a 1005HA. The HA cost $10 less than the original I paid for the 701 back when they first came out – and roughly $CDN800 less than the cheapest MacBook I could get. And frankly, adding size and, recently, robustness to the equation, the MacBook simply wasn’t in the running.

While I appreciate the screen and keyboard size of the HA, in some regards I miss the small footprint and relative ruggedness (and street cred) I enjoyed with the 701 – I tend to treat the HA (with its HDD) with a tad more respect – but I’ve never really felt hampered by the abilities of either device.

By: GrantC

GrantC — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:27:11 +0000

The lack of netbook power is one of the reasons I still use my Fujitsu P1610.

It has the netbook form factor, but much more horsepower.

If I could afford the P1630, I’d purchase one of those next, rather than a netbook.

I travel a lot, and corporate applications such as Outlook (my OST is 2GB) would kill a netbooks Atom processor.

By: Michael P.

Michael P. — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:11:32 +0000

James – I am facing a similar decision right now as I prepare for a trip to Houston. I am a huge fan of the Macbook & Mac OS – now on my second Macbook, having sold the first generation to a friend. I could bring my Dell Mini 9 (not getting used much lately) but I think the Macbook will be a better choice. I now have the presentation in Keynote and I have Keynote Remote on my iPhone. The slightly larger size and extra weight is worth it for me.

I agree with Ozone’s comments – well said.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:06:38 +0000

Most I have tried will run Office fine. Not the fastest computers around but OK.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:05:21 +0000

Not at all. My decision process is centered around the three devices I have at my disposal right now. I’m not buying anything for this trip, I must decide from the available tech pool.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:02:45 +0000

The U110 is more capable than a netbook performance-wise and is a very portable notebook. It’s a nice system.

By: Lou

Lou — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:20:19 +0000

Bring both! That’s what I do.

Netbook (or iPhone) is easier to use in more social settings; laptop usually is at the hotel for when I need to do real work. On the plane it is a toss up (if in first class, then probably the laptop, if crammed in the back, the netbook is easier to manage).