*This post is subject to the last week of the free ebook contest.
Recently, I've begun to bring my laptop everywhere I go. From planes to RWA chapter meetings to doctor's appointments and trips to the park. Nowhere is safe from me and my laptop.
I also have Fibromyalgia, so lugging heavy things can make it virtually impossible to type.
So how can I heft my laptop around AND keep my arms from falling out of their shoulder sockets?
I was gifted with an Eee PC.
I would have to say that this lightweight alternative to the big laptops is a must have for all writers on the go, like me.
But it might not be fore everyone. Here is a list of Pros and Cons so that if you are thinking about getting a mini, or an Eee or whatever else they call these pocket notebooks, you can decide if it is worth the money. I know I find it a valuable asset, but I don't speak for everyone.
Pros:
-Lightweight (around 3-6 lbs depending on which size you get. I have the 10 inch.)
-Portable Even with the 10 in, I can fit it in my bag and take it anywhere. Of course I now have a special bag for it so I carry all my personal items in my laptop bag.
-Battery Life - Mine is supposed to last for 7 hours. It lasts for about 5-6. (They say it depends on what you do with it as well. I notice if I play a movie on it, the battery time goes down.) Still 5-6 hours is nice when you're on a plane. Just don't go overseas and expect it to last the whole flight. lol
Cons:
-Smaller keyboard - Do you have big fingers? You'll probably hate the smallest ones but in my opinion, if you can learn to text, you can learn the keyboard. It just might take you a few days and a few mistakes.
-Typos - I seem to make more of them. Most mistakes correct themselves but I notice I do two spaces often and it doesn't auto correct those. Annoying!
-Mouse - I'm constantly hitting the pad and typing about three to four sentences north of where I want to be. Hopefully, I'm not looking away while typing. (Something I do when I'm trying to keep a description fresh.) When I look back at my work, it can look like a jumbled mess. Annoying x 3! I learned to shut the darned thing off.
-No CD/DVD drive. USB ports only. I don't find this detrimental but some writers do.
Despite the typos and the mouse fiasco, the smaller keyboard was manageable after a few weeks practice so for me, there are no cons.
Hope this helps in your decision to by the newest trend or pass on it.
All my best,
Allure
8 comments:
Very interesting to know, Allure. I've seen the small pc's and wondered how they would work out.
Thanks for posting!
Jenna
Allure, thanks for telling us about the smaller laptops. I've seen them around quite a bit lately. I have a regular size laptop I bought last year when my hard drive crashed on the PC at home. Still getting used to it!
Though they look adorable -- and I really believe I could use one for the convince (as I have tried lugging around my lap top and I feel it is too cumberson), I will probably wait for a bit.
More than likely I will end up getting one when my e-reader wears out... (that way, I get more bang for my buck -- as I NEVER go anywhere without my e-reader--as it holds books, is a photo albumn, and holds music.)
Shalom,
Dawn
Good analysis, Allure. I'm not a fan of the netbook style laptops, but those who want to consider this option should definitely look at your blog.
My hubby has a laptop and I can't get used to it. I like a real "mouse". But sometimes I wish I could write at my kid's practices or when I'm in my truck waiting for...whatever! Cheryl
I've been looking at those--glad it's working for you!
You forgot the best feature of the Eee.....it's so darn cute!!!! Just makes you go....eeeee! :D Very important feature for someone who tends to make purchases based on the cute-ness factor. Much to my IT hubby's dismay, I selected my current Sony Vaio laptop because of its shiny and pretty red cover, and for no other reason.
Thanks so much for posting this. I've been considering a mini and this gives some real life info to make my decision on. I've been warned already to turn off the mouse, and I can see why - I'd go nuts if things kept moving around on me.
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