netbooks mini laptops

[Blush]

Anyone here use a netbook/mini laptop when they are on the move?
I need somethign small and compacy and can't decide whether to go for just a mobile phone with good internet and email access or a netbook.
It will be to keep on top of emails really, as when I am out of the shop I need access so I can get in touch with my staff in case they need to contact anyone and reply. Not so much interenet access, although when I am out and about at shows and event etc selling products it would be good to use the virtual terminal online instead of a mobile chip and pin as I can collect email address also for newsletters etc. And check stock levels at the same time and so much easier to carry around. Opinions and recommendations welcome please!
PLease don't spam me though!

 

[MichaelG]

I have a Samsung NC10 - light and great battery life - it has replaced my laptop. I only bought the Samsung for battery life.

 

[hingis]

notebooks can not be replaced by netbooks, i do not like them...

 

[silklink]

My daughter recently got a netbook from Three (mobile company) with her monthly package. It's OK for internet based stuff and would be OK for loaded apps if you are used to OpenSource apps like OpenOffice.

So, look out for the operating system (Linux in her case) and loaded apps. Also, whether there is a hard disc present. Otherwise you have to use a USB stick.

I guess the more Windowsy - with Windows apps - and hard disc you get, the higher the cost. I think they are all right though. Like all things, they have their place.

 

[Cornish Steve]

Two of my children have Acer netbooks, and I've been very impressed. If I was traveling more within the country, I'd be very tempted to get one for myself. Not only are they convenient, but they are quite inexpensive.

 

[Blush]

So how would you rate them against a mobile phone with interent access ie a blackberry then? I can't justify both
I am wondering whether to just a usb stick for my laptop

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

THe netbook works v.well for me. I bought it so that I could be out and about with the kids, overnight stops etc, and have the netbook to hand. The battery life is 2hrs plus, the 3g dongle works fine. It suits me because although being able to get email is good, much of the replies or the points off it would require website/internet access to sort/respond to.

It also weighs around 1kg, and gets shoved into my backpack for days out, and i don't even know its there, till I need it. Have to say though, that I wouldn't lug my laptop around all day. Much heavier.

Email is 50% of what I need it for, monitoring the website is the other 50%. I tried a windows mobile phone and gave up in days. It was far to fidly for web browsing, only brought up half of the normal websites, was slow and generally a PITA.

I'm a bit old fashioned when i comes to phones, my favourite is an old blue Razr slim, because I can shove it in the pocket, safe that it's not happily dailing/surfing away. Using the PDA type phones as a phone is really tricky. The touch screens that are not hard but have film over - they are complete buggers if you just want to whack in some telephone numbers quickly.

I'm an old believer in the right tool for the right job, rather than one gizmo does all.

But my phone is up for renewal soon, so if you can find one that is perfect, let me know.

 

[self-sale]

I have a MacBook which is excellent.

 

[Brightpearl]

Samsung NC10 - I work all day every day on it (external keyboard, mouse and large monitor, battery unplugged) - then when on the move it's a fully powerful PC with Windows, all the ports needed, and with a 3G dongle, fully connected to the web. I actually use my iPhone for email more whilst on the move - and it actually means I'm in front of the computer less. Bonus

 

[keepitsecret]

I agree with most people on here.. I also have moved across to the Samsung NC10. early last year when the first netbooks reared there head in Asia, I was in Hong Kong and picked up the Asus Eee PC. (hard as hell to find even in Hong Kong - were sold out everywhere). great little product, and used it all the time.. but then when the craze came to the UK, bigger and better one's got built so I migrated to the NC10, still compact enough and super light and one of the best battery lives i've ever seen on a netbook.

 

[Barnie]

i have a hp2133, good price and better built and not plasticy like the acer

not bad but doesnt beat a desktop when you can

 

[Poppy Design]

I have a Blackberry Bold - great for emails on the go and limited short replies and also a laptop for travelling.

However I am seriously considering getting rid of the laptop for a netbook and will look at the Samsung NC10 - the price, size and weight really appeal

Joanne

 

[movietub]

Iphone does pretty much anything online better than other phones (sometimes not as fully featured but its so easy to use and navigate you actually get more done!). Iphones also come with unlimited web access which is a clincher and will quickly save more than a netbook costs if you frequently check emails. Although I have an Iphone and am about to buy either a laptop or netbook.

It's not that I can't cope with my Iphone for 90% of what I need to. It's more that it's 2009 and a netbook is only £300. Why would I not want something that makes life even easier for such a small one off investment? I may as well have the handy keyboard and screen if I need it.

Get an Iphone as well of course