Netbooks – Tiny & Easy to Travel (Aspire)
I just ordered a new toy. Isn't it cute?
Acer Aspire One 8.9-Inch Netbook Pink
I'm going to a conference in a few days, and my old laptop was clunky and chunky and hard to get through the airport. (Weighing in at a hefty 6lbs.) Now six lbs doesn't seem like a lot, but it's about the weight of a gallon of milk — and I wouldn't want to lug that through the airport, either.
The other problem with my old laptop is that it looks just like everyone elses so it makes it harder to keep track of it. I think this one should be easier to keep an eye on. Plus, it'll fit in my purse!
The things I learned in researching this little guy are:
1. If you get one, get the SIX cell, not the 3-cell. The 3-cell batteries only last about 2.5 hours. So, if you're like me and you want to throw it in the car and take it to karate and then gymnastics, you'd run out of power before you were done.
2. Before buying any of these little guys, run to Best Buy or Office Depot to try the keyboards. I tried several models and some were laid out very poorly. (On one, the shift key for your right hand was on the right side of the ‘up arrow' which totally messed up my typing.)
3. There is no DVD slot in the Aspire (no room for it).
4. There are 3 usb ports in this model. (Some only had 2 which wasn't enough for me. I use a headset, printer, mouse, and camera frequently.)
I'll have to trim my fingernails to fit the tiny keyboard better and I sure wouldn't expect this to be my main computer, but it'll be a great little travel companion.
Anyone else going this route instead of a blackberry? I love that I can choose to leave it at home or bring it. No monthly fees for internet (just hook into wireless.) My business can be left behind or I can bring it along.
It won't work very well at the beach house that I'm staying at this summer, so I'll have to visit a coffee shop to find wireless, but … I can handle that. 🙂
Have a great week!
Nicole
Angie (Losing It and Loving It)
March 2, 2009 at 11:07 amHubs bought me one for Christmas last year so that I could take it along on our vacation to Jamaica. We like to off load the THOUSANDS of pictures he takes off his camera LOL
I also like to be able to check email and do whatever I need to while away.
I have the blue one, love it! It was very easy to get through the airport, customs, etc. No need for an extra bag, it just slid right in my carry on.
Enjoy!
darina
March 2, 2009 at 9:07 amit’s a great alternative to the hp vivienne Tam I was looking at which is twice the price and only for the designer look ! hmm must look a bit closer at this 🙂
Melody
March 2, 2009 at 12:59 pmToo cute! Like Darina, I’ve been eyeballing the HP Vivienne Tam for a few weeks but cannot justify the cost. I may have to treat myself to one of these though.
Christie
March 2, 2009 at 1:37 pmOooo it is so cute! And pink – what more could a girl want? I was really surprised Apple didn’t announce a netbook at MacWorld this year. I have an iPhone and I love it for working on the go, but yours is super fun looking and probably better for more work instead of quick emails. 🙂
Kelly
March 4, 2009 at 7:56 amI’m really torn Nicole. If I go to a conference and have a table, I’d like this ok – but if I’m just sitting on a chair, I would prefer to sick with my BlackBerry.
Jan - queenofkaos
March 4, 2009 at 7:50 amHi Nicole, very interesting! I’d been wondering about these.
I don’t really NEED one but I can see how it would be handy. In the sales flyer I looked at they are pushing the social networking aspect to use it for – easy access and portability when you’re out, I thought that was interesting.
It’s on my ‘maybe’ list. It might be great for the kids btw. In our house that is mostly what they use the computer for, kids are sooo hooked up these days! It could free up computer time for Mom in a more affordable way than purchasing a regular laptop or pc.
Tracy
March 4, 2009 at 1:30 pmYou can always buy a skin for it to make it more “designer” or if you want a pic of your kids, hubs or dog 😉 Maybe even advertise a website….
Nicole
March 4, 2009 at 6:07 pmooh. A skin… fun!
Kel, I mostly didn’t want to be “at work” every time I left the house. And, I didn’t want another monthly bill. That’s why I went this way.
I’ll let you know how I like it at Stomper this weekend. 🙂
Carrie Lauth
March 4, 2009 at 8:29 pmI have the same one and love it. I use it more than I thought I would.
Arika
March 4, 2009 at 10:33 pmI’m in the market for a laptop and this just might be what I need. With 3 kids I definitely don’t need something huge and bulky to carry to the park or wherever I plan to work! Thanks for the option.
Definitely let us know how it works at the conference. 🙂