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

My condolences to all of the employees who lost their jobs as a result of this down-sizing. I've been there and I know it's hard. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Am I the only one who isn't a bit surprised about this news?

The store did many things poorly, in my not-so-humble opinion.

1. Branding.
Granted, I'm a person who isn't very techie (great at marketing, stinky at technology) — but what the heck is a circuit? And, why would I ever need one?

I have never in my long life (I'm mid-thirties already… eek!) – said “Boy, I sure could use a new circuit. Let's go to Circuit City!”

In fact, I'd be hard pressed to think of any time I've ever said “Let's go get a *anything* at Circuit City.” The branding was awful. It didn't bring *any* images to my mind of things as I drove past.

Compare this to Best Buy. Yes, I *do* regularly need the “Best” buy. That's where I'll go.

2. Branding again/Store Layout.
So, the few times I did venture into Circuit City (only because it was next door to the Pet Store) — I walked in and ran smack dab into a wall. Why was the store circular and how in the heck was one supposed to glance around to begin “impulse shopping”?

It seemed that everything in the store was tucked away, hidden from view. Small rooms everywhere. It was very claustrophobic.

Compare this to Best Buy. I walk in and my eyes open wide.

ooh! Big Screen TVs. Wow! Computer stuff. Awesome! My son runs off to the Wii section. And, inevitably, on my way out, I have to walk past the movies and I grab one or two on impulse.

3. Did I mention branding?
When I need a washer/dryer, I think “Sears” and I shop there.
When I need a DVD or Wii game — off to Target or Best Buy or Amazon.
When I needed (or I should be saying wanted) a Big Screen TV — off to Sam's.. or Best Buy.
When I need a spare computer part — we run off to the “geek” store that's run by a couple of local guys. If they aren't open — off to Radio Shack or Best Buy.
Printer ink? Office Depot.

At *no* point in my life have I thought “I NEED a Circuit!” — or I probably would have gone to … Best Buy!

ok. I'm being all snarky again, but honestly, I do think that Circuit City's branding stunk — if you can't tell.

Now, Best Buy isn't perfect either, but I do think they do things a lot better, if the amount of money I've spent there is any indication.

But, the greater question is… What does YOUR business say to people?

• Does your name bring the right images to mind?
• When people walk into your “store” (website) — do they see everything you have to offer?
• Are you on the tip of their mind when they think of something they need that you offer?
• Do you encourage people to trust you and spend money with you? Or do you shuffle them through a maze of confusion on their way around and out?

Don't be a Circuit City. Learn from them.

Please feel free to share your Circuit City thoughts. I'd honestly love to hear them.

Warmly,
Nicole