Should i get a laptop or a netbook?

[crazydj]

Hi guys!

 

I have been wondering for some time now. I have a barely used 7 year old IBM ThinkPad T41. it belongs to my dad and i have been using it ever since school started 2 months ago.

 

Basically, it can only last 1.5hrs on battery power on LOW settings and takes hell of a long time to load.

 

What is need is LONG BATTERY LIFE and LIGHTWEIGHT PORTABILITY. I will only need it to surf the net, do presentations, use Microsoft Office. I don't need to play games, video editing and all that crap.

 

Moreover, with my dad's ancient 7 year old laptop, i ride a bike to campus and my bike does most of the carrying for me. The only problem is lugging it and the power adapter around in school.

 

So should i get a laptop or a netbook? I also have a second hand ThinkPad R31 used during my JC days but that is history now. Note that what i need is long battery life and lightweight portability. Basic performance needed only. Thanks.

Edited September 25, 2010 by crazydj

[kinwei]

Go find a friend whom own a Netbook and try to use their for a while and decide whether you can bear with the performace or not. For me, I find their basic performance still below my expectation. That why I go for a 13" laptop instead. Have you try reformating the laptop? For a 7 yrs old, your battery life is very good lor. I expect the battery to spoilt within 3 yrs.

[redbeacon]

Based on what you were asking for (boy did we hear you loud and clear twice!), this is what I can think of: A laptop versus over a netbook is better for you.

 

Basically, it can only last 1.5hrs on battery power on LOW settings and takes hell of a long time to load.

 

If budget is not a factor, I would recommend you the Acer Timeline. This is not just 1 laptop type; the Acer Timeline is a series of 13.3 to 15-inch laptops for you to choose from. I based my choice due to the fact that:

 

1. It has a reliable processor for your school word processing and presentation, and internet tasks. To be exact, Core 2 Duo processor starting at 1.4 Gigahertz of speed.

1.4GHz is conservative and slightly on the slow side, but given the fact that you're getting a Core 2 Duo, it's going to be an proven efficient workhorse (i.e.: not going to lag behind) for the stuff that you've mentioned you'd be doing with it, as compared to your Thinkpad.

 

2. It boasts an 8 hour battery. Yes, eight hours, if you know how to conserve the laptop battery's power.

 

A few things to note:

 

1. The laptop comes preinstalled with Vista. (You can install XP on it, but the "Acer" branded power-saving and entertainment apps/drivers that come with the laptop won't work on XP since it came preinstalled with Vista)

 

2. There's no DVD drive due to its 1.1 inch thickness (it's really thin).

 

====

 

Or, if you're like me that don't mind making the switch to a Mac, get a MacBook. The battery (7 to 8 hours) and portability (13.3 inch) can beat most laptops in the market too.

Edited September 8, 2010 by redbeacon

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

I'm waiting for netbook prices to continue dropping (older models). As their uselessness becomes apparent, so shall I have netbooks in the home and office (and maybe on the bike) as auxiliary computers

 

I'm okay with using MS word on 7 inch screens, so long as the touchpad is of the multitouch variety.

 

I love small keyboards. I r cute kitten and can fit on them okay

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

Public feedback:

 

Laptop/notebook - people go -_-, walk past and ignore

iPad - wtf it's that useless thing from the fruit company, so rich wan show off ah? not interested!

netbook - omg so cuuute! where to buy!?

 

Conclusion: For pose value, netbook ftw. Nothing else matters

[redbeacon]

i think netbook is more better than laptop..you can bring it anywhere and easy..

 

A netbook falls under the threadstarter's criteria of "Lightweight Portability".

 

Asus started the trend with netbooks. Remember the Eee PC?

Trivia aside, a lot of people tout netbooks because it's an on-the-go PC.

People who swear by Facebook can now surf the net. Do some report reviewing/editing on Microsoft Word on the small 10 inch screen.

Some light web-surfing, maybe just one or two Youtube videos open at the same time, and the occasional lightweight game you'd want to try playing. All these somewhat give you an idea of what netbooks are capable of.

 

These netbooks perform better if they have either Windows XP, or Windows 7 Starter Edition installed.

Any other fancy-schmancy operating system and it'll become sluggish (read: complain of slow loading time or too slow when using it.)

 

By the way, I did some research online, there are netbooks with batteries that last 6 to 8 hours on a full charge.

 

Public feedback:

 

Laptop/notebook - people go -_-, walk past and ignore

iPad - wtf it's that useless thing from the fruit company, so rich wan show off ah? not interested!

netbook - omg so cuuute! where to buy!?

 

Conclusion: For pose value, netbook ftw. Nothing else matters

 

Good preliminary insight on the laptop market there. This thread had me very eager to post as well, fingers dancing

 

As with what kinwei said, at the end of the day some people who buy netbooks may find that they may get put off with the performance of it. So it's true that a netbook is merely for light-weight computing; none of the heavy internet surfing/game playing/multi-tasking stuff -- demand no lag stuff -- that some people are used to on their desktop computers.

 

EDIT: Wait for netbooks that feature the Intel Atom N550 processor.

These are dual-core processors, and as its name suggests, are capable of handling twice the load (and a lot of speed improvement) as compared to the netbooks now.

 

iPad - That tablet thing is not a fully-featured computer or laptop. On-screen clunky keyboard, no way to do word processing (there's no word processor other than what they call "iWorks", which is still less featured.) People buy this tablet to do "side" stuff, such as read comics, surf the internet on a touchscreen, enjoy music on Apple's touted iPod MP3 player installed on it, and perhaps for instance if you're a real-estate agent, use this as an electronic notepad as compared to lugging a clunky notebook, use the inbuilt iPhoto to show your clients some 3D photos of properties or houses that you'd wanna sell.

Other than that, it's a way too simplistic device to be doing stuff you're used to on a computer

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

@ Redbeacon - Did I say before you're awesome? Hit the nail on the hammer as always :3

 

I used to own a Eee PC 1000H which is ironically, my first portable computer I owned... actually, it was the second, because the first I got was an eee pc 701SD I shipped out to Portugal to a needy family (bought the 701SD for $100 off a friend that didn't know what a netbook was!).

 

701SD was not really usable as a computer per se. It had Linux installed and it took some internet research to get the thing running XP, and needed lotsa custom tweaks to get it working. For instance, the screen is so small I more or less DIY improved it by dropping the font size and getting a graphics-based start menu for the desktop (Apple style).

 

It was very worth the work - the little thing can do a lot of stuff with it's Celeron processor, just imagine you're using a PC from 3-5 years ago; it can do a lot of legacy gaming. People swoon at me playing Jane's Fleet Command, Battlezone, and Mechwarrior on the MRT

 

Even typed out a couple corporate management essays on the thing, before I gave it away and in replacement got a Eee 1000H.

 

Which was better. Works out of the box, screen is big enough for normal XP user interface and study-related tasks. Atom processor may not be a dual core but it's a hyperthreading processor. I used to have like 12+ windows open on the thing and the thing didn't lag nor bog down unless you gave it a huge 3D load to choke on. Nice keyboard too - and the onboard HD sound is actually -very- good for its low cost and you can do some DJ stuff with it

 

I used to be a quite major contributor to the eeeuser.com community where we got around various netbook limitations by just sheer creativity.

 

Back in my day netbooks had battery life of anything from 2-4 hours depending on processor load. Now, the new Eee series is starting to boast 10 hour plus battery life as standard, from newer lithium polymer batteries, netbook-customised architecture (which are more efficient, than say, Eee 701SD's Celery processor ripped out of a old PC) etc.

 

A pity I had to sell the 1000H when things got rough, but soon I'll actually sell off / scrap the dinosaur PC I have here because I no longer do any gaming. Netbooks have more than enough mathematical ability to play games from 2004 and earlier, and hooked up to a huge LCD screen, it's like a poor-man's Playstation... that you can bring on the MRT and start posing away

 

I'll likely get a N280 based netbook for mine. Obsolete... but I have here a lot of info that can be used to DIY them into something else altogether.... much like a Phantom from the world of scrap, into a street racing machine

[redbeacon]

Didn't know Sister Kaylan used to have a netbook. And even juiced it to its fullest potential as well.

 

Anyways, good insight there. It may be small and tasked to do small things best just like its size suggests, but netbooks are slowly proving its potential right behind their bigger brother notebooks as manufacturers equip them progressively with more power and features.

 

Btw, where's TS? Hope he's got a good review or bargain on a new lappie...

[crazydj]

http://pdg86.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/610px-tux-g2-svg-svg.png

 

crazydj is confused.

 

Anyway, i was looking at the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1018). What are your views?

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

That... is the King of Magical Fuel Penguins.

Big enough to support Class 4 or 5?... or maybe armoured vehicles??

[redbeacon]

Evening guys and girls,

 

Market reviews show these newer generations of netbooks boast longer battery life. The Dell Inspiron Mini 1018, which falls under this generation, has been advertised to have around 7 hours of battery life - looks like it's one of the criterias the TS has asked for.

 

Inspiron Mini 1018 Specifications

 

Processor : Intel Atom processor N455 (512K Cache, 1.66 GHz)

Main Memory : 1GB, DDR3, 1333MHZ capped at 667Mhz bus

Chipset : Intel NM10 Express

Graphic system : Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150

Display : 10.1 inch (26 cm) WSVGA TrueLife (1024 x 600)

Hard Disk : 160GB SATA HDD 2.5″ (6 cm) 5400RPM

Webcamera : 0.3 megapixel

Optical Disc Drive : External only

Sound : Main Speakers (quantity) : 1 x 2.0Watt

Wireles : 801.11. b/g/n, 802.11b/g/n

Bluetooth : Bluetooth 3.0

Input/Output Port : 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x VGA connector3, 1 x LAN (RJ45), 1 x AC Power-in, 1 x, Audio jacks (1 headphone, 1 microphone)

Expansion Slots : 3-in-1 Flash Memory Reader, Express Card

Security : Kensington lock

Operating System : Genuine Windows 7 Starter 32-Bit

Battery : 3-cell 24WHr Li-Ion Battery, 6-cell 48WHr Li-Ion Battery

Dimensions : Height: 25.5mm (1.0 inch) front – 32.8mm (1.3inch) back

Width: 268mm (10.5 inches)

Depth: 197mm (7.8 inches)

Weight : 1.2kg (2.66 lbs) with 3 Cell battery and 1.33Kg (2.92lbs) with 6-cell battery

[xXxRatedxXx]

Didn't know Sister Kaylan used to have a netbook. And even juiced it to its fullest potential as well.

 

:lol:

[redbeacon]

:lol:

 

She's...well, a "female" mah, einnit?

[RedRangeR]

my fujitsu s7110 died on me after 3 years. since im not schooling anymore (waiting for ns), should i get a laptop or a netbook? i just use it to surf the net

[xXxRatedxXx]

She's...well, a "female" mah, einnit?

 

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

my fujitsu s7110 died on me after 3 years. since im not schooling anymore (waiting for ns), should i get a laptop or a netbook? i just use it to surf the net

 

Budget counts so does product selection on the market.

 

In terms of bang for the buck, sometimes the latest-generation netbook with a thousand dollar price tag is not worth it because for processing power you can have something like 4x better for the same price with what passes for a small notebook with a core2duo or better. Netbook manufacturers like to boast about their 10 hour battery life etc, but rarely do these devices actually operate (under normal processing loads) for half that time.

 

For instance, Eee PC 1000H claims to have 7 hours battery life but the best I could do with lots of custom WinXP hacks, super low screen brightness and processor speed was about 5 hours. At an actually usable configuration, 3 hours is a practical estimate.

 

So I mostly used it plugged in at my destination so I could run it at maximum performance settings, which kind of beats the point of a netbook. I should have gotten a 13.3 or 14.1 inch notebook with its far superior processing ability and not exactly much more expensive than the E1000 back in its heyday ($700+ promo price).

 

You -can- get netbooks these days for much cheaper; I know of some places that sell them for $300+, but note these do not come with 6-cell battery packs (the "7 hour" kind) nor newer Atom processors. So, PM me if you want them and I'll tell you who to harangue.

 

As for me I won't be getting another netbook because seriously, they are a bit too large to use on the go and are hard to use in outdoor/sunny conditions.

 

Also, I absolutely hate the netbook pricing at Courts because - just look at the price! $800 for last years technology. I cheated a bit with their pricing system and got a brilliant media station 17.1 inch desktop replacement laptop for that price... it has surround sound, gaming-capable chipset and something like a zillion times more proccessing power than a paltry Atom processor, sadly for my boss not me

Edited September 18, 2010 by Pandora's Kitten :3

[RedRangeR]

Budget counts so does product selection on the market.

 

In terms of bang for the buck, sometimes the latest-generation netbook with a thousand dollar price tag is not worth it because for processing power you can have something like 4x better for the same price with what passes for a small notebook with a core2duo or better. Netbook manufacturers like to boast about their 10 hour battery life etc, but rarely do these devices actually operate (under normal processing loads) for half that time.

 

For instance, Eee PC 1000H claims to have 7 hours battery life but the best I could do with lots of custom WinXP hacks, super low screen brightness and processor speed was about 5 hours. At an actually usable configuration, 3 hours is a practical estimate.

 

So I mostly used it plugged in at my destination so I could run it at maximum performance settings, which kind of beats the point of a netbook. I should have gotten a 13.3 or 14.1 inch notebook with its far superior processing ability and not exactly much more expensive than the E1000 back in its heyday ($700+ promo price).

 

You -can- get netbooks these days for much cheaper; I know of some places that sell them for $300+, but note these do not come with 6-cell battery packs (the "7 hour" kind) nor newer Atom processors. So, PM me if you want them and I'll tell you who to harangue.

 

As for me I won't be getting another netbook because seriously, they are a bit too large to use on the go and are hard to use in outdoor/sunny conditions.

 

Also, I absolutely hate the netbook pricing at Courts because - just look at the price! $800 for last years technology. I cheated a bit with their pricing system and got a brilliant media station 17.1 inch desktop replacement laptop for that price... it has surround sound, gaming-capable chipset and something like a zillion times more proccessing power than a paltry Atom processor, sadly for my boss not me

 

yikes your right. besides, im used to core2duo proc's. im not going to backtrack to an 'atom' proc

what laptop do you recommend? im not really into acer(taiwan)

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

I don't really have brand loyalty these days - everything is made in China anyway!

 

I'll simply judge by bang for the buck as well as the features. Ergonomics is important. No point buying a gigantic 22 inch laptop from Gateway if it's going to be impossible to use (although, its really cheap at $1500 - nobody wants!)

 

Another thing is the touchpad - I do NOT like my work computer which is a Compaq; the touchpad is some sort of smooth glossy plastic (same as the casing) which gives absolutely no feel whatsoever. ASUS gets a big point in their favour - their Eee PC multi-touch pads were swift responding and very easy to use. Didn't need a mouse for them, as the touchpad was better! One reason why I can use my left hand for most things these days (I'm a rightie) is because of my netbook.

 

That said, I like my laptops like classic American cars.

 

Built like a tank, BIG engine (or decent processor, biggish battery), low price!

 

Other things like design, cosmetics?

 

Feh, I'm not spending $3,000.00 on a Sony when I can get the same computing power from a $700 Acer. Plus, they are ALL made in China

[white_angel]

Kitty,

 

700 for an acer that's like a vaio?? sure or not? I'm in the market looking for a new laptop 15" and above (i know its called a tombstone but hey i like my pictures big! Lao hua liao)

 

any recommendations?? my frd told me like some coreduo 2 "I" or something. My fujitsu is near its end thus i'd have to drag my big ass to the showrooms

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

Atoms are great for battery life and light duty usage. Unlike popular notion you can multitask with Atom processors because they do hyperthread. With fast modern RAM you can do photoshop, word processing web surfing and have a zillion MSN windows open with no problems.

 

But open a youtube page and OH NO, lag! Because crappy Adobe Flash doesn't actually use the virtual dual core architecture (yes, the Atom is shown in the system monitor as having "2" processors - 2x 800mhz or whatever speed you clock it to).

 

That said, a Core2Duo has been the Intel workhorse for a long while now and I have a many years old 1.6Ghz C2D that can run everything I need a computer for, paired with a decent ATI video card. It's more than 4 times as powerful as that puny Atom chip but if you put a C2D in a laptop, don't expect any sort of decent battery life. Use it as a portable desktop, which is what most people do, anyway!

 

Smartphones are sadly, more practical for mobile web surfing than netbooks. I actually used to hold a 1.5kg, 10 inch thing on my palm during MRT rides. Good for posing but not fun at all. Whereas smartphone with built in 3G net access (duh!!), small but usable keyboard, is so much cheaper, can surf the net for 11 hours and do video recording for 4-5 hours mounted on my bike = sell the netbook!

 

As for cheap brands, well, I can't give you hints but walk up and down Funan IT Mall. The shop I got my cheap & good portable computers in years past is something called AAA Computing on the 4th floor, I believe. The lady boss is nice and provides good service... unlike some other shops.

 

Or just go to courts. Sometimes their pricing system does screw up and gives you awesome computers at half the price of other laptops right beside it.

[Rain1407]

Eerm sorry to interrupt... But I noticed that since u guys are talking about netbook, have u guys ever considered a Japanese brand called Kohjinsha? I personally am using one right now. So far it's been serving me well in office & in class. Here's the link for ur referral - http://www.kohjinsha.com.sg/prod_outline-sr.htm#02

 

Hope this helps!

Edited September 22, 2010 by Rain1407

[Rain1407]

Oh ya, the only 2 things I don't like about it is it's small 7' screen & it's ridiculously small keyboard! (I type fast & have chunky fingers by the way & it takes awhile to get used to for those touch typers hahah!). But according to TS requirement of battery power & lightweight mobility, I believe this should be a great piece of junk!

[RedRangeR]

Oh ya, the only 2 things I don't like about it is it's small 7' screen & it's ridiculously small keyboard! (I type fast & have chunky fingers by the way & it takes awhile to get used to for those touch typers hahah!). But according to TS requirement of battery power & lightweight mobility, I believe this should be a great piece of junk!

 

any idea whats the price of this beauty?

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

Not cheap.

 

You pay more for Japanese attention to detail (touchscreen, tablet convertible and internal DVD drive). Not sure if it's even on standard architecture (as in Intel compatible processor etc).

 

And for the price, may as well look at a proper standard issue C2D laptop.

[quickshift]

T41 rocks... if it's almost new (i.e. barely used), get an original IBM/Lenovo battery (some S$200 or so, just make sure you do not buy a lemon at Sim Lim) and stick with your T41 for a few more years.. It will effortlessly take you through your studies..

$0.02 worth.