Where have I been? I had never heard of a Netbook before, and now think I might need one also just for occasional for travel. A great article is linked below in case you (or others) have not seen it. If I was staying twice a year for 10 nights, I'd really want one. I have cyber withdrawal when vacationing, and usually end up in a Cyber Cafe, for brief periods which is quite expensive, besides being inconvenient.

Is it the
ASUS 8.9" Eee 4GB PC Netbook Computer with Linux - White
$299.99 that you had seen?

I did not check further to see if maybe there was any 'ratings' on them anywhere yet.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: What is a Netbook computer?

I'd sure like to see someone comment on a Netbook they might have.

Sue

Some banks were offering those 4GB EEE netbooks. I had read that the 8GB model is well worth the extra bucks if you are contemplating getting one

there are a plethora of different netbooks out right now they are the in thing. many of them come with Linux pre-installed as the operating system not Windows so make sure you if you want one with Windows you need to read carefully and see what OS it has on it. Also many do not have a hard drive they use flash so have very very limited capacity. The keyboards on some are extremely small and hard to use some are better than others. If you look around online or google comparisons of netbooks you can find some good articles doing comparatives.

Just about every manufacturer is putting one out so there are many more options now, at first the Asus E was the main one, also Everex had put out the Cloud which ran a version of linux. If you have dexterity issues definitely compare the keyboards!! some are very difficult. For your searching info these are also called UMPC's.

The best reports I have heard from people I know that own them are for the MSI Wind. here is just one comparative
comparison chart
UMPCs

I personally would love one loaded with my fave Linux distro to carry around but I just can't see spending the money for one just to have to basically play with, if I had unlimited funds I would have one too.

Yes, that is the one I saw at Target. While the keyboard is smaller than a regular laptop it is certainly bigger than a phone keypad.

wow you saw an MSI Wind for $299?? was it in the store? that is an amazing price, the cheapest I found it at target online is $399 which is decent since that one happens to have the 120gig hard drive in it with xp. Was it some special limited time sale? If I could find it for that price I might have to consider it.... like I need another computer!!

ps, I noticed this black friday ad from Del being talked about. I would much prefer the MSI however, I did see it online for $379 but so far that has been the lowest price and that is for the 3 cell battery version.

Dell Black Friday deal: $299 Inspiron Mini 9
will be interesting to see how it is configured.

No, not the MSI Wind the one Asus Eee that Sue posted a link to in the first post answering me.

ah ok well that makes sense and I see it says it runs linux but does not mention which distro it is running. So many people end up getting them and not understanding what linux is they they return them, one of the reviews on that target page did exactly that. When I got my gpc which came loaded with gOS linux they had tons of them returned and on the help forum it was full of people wanting to know how to run their windows programs and games on it LOL.

The MSI for an additional $80 would be a much better machine. I would be there will be some sales on those too for Christmas.

I did a couple hours of reading last night, I'm no geek but it seems clear to me that the MSI Wind is the best option.

I don't know why I never knew there were laptops this small before. Until I saw the Target ad I had no idea. I've been needing a mobile internet device for several years but laptops were too big and too much money and smart phones are too small and also too much money.

Lets say I do get a netbook, what do I have to do at home to be able to use it online in front of the TV?

I have comcast cable internet plugged directly into my desktop.

I know they are all Wi Fi ready but I don't know exactly what that means. I see Wi Fi signs at coffee shops (places I don't normally hang out) and in hotel rooms but I've never had a device that worked.

The MSI Wind is Bluetooth too, but I'm behind in technology and only know Bluetooth as a hands free cell phone device. One that I don't have....

you would just have to get a wireless router to put in your set up that would allow you to move about your home freely and use your laptop, as long as it is set up properly with the correct security settings you are good to go. Your cable would go to the wireless router then you can still plug your desktop into the router as a wired connection and use the laptop's wireless access.

There are many that are much more knowledgeable about this than I am however so I will let them help you out.

PS I agree with you on the MSI wind being the best option, I have been looking at the netbooks for a while now as each new one comes out and comparing, and speaking to friends that own various ones, all that has led me to the MSI wind, now if only I had the extra cash to spend on a new toy, but since I just got a new vehicle and new furniture and have like 5 computers guess what is not on the gift list LOL

I think wireless would be easier to configure. Does the netbook have both types of capability? I'm linking a step by step to configure sharing the internet connection via Bluetooth.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to share your internet connection via Bluetooth to your Pocket PC

Pam, Thanks for that excellent Bluetooth link - it is by far the best one that I have seen.

With all those linked Geekzone Bluetooth Guides it will make things so much easier for me when (remotely) helping others sort out their connection problems.

Colin

The MSI Wind does have wi fi and Bluetooth. Most of the other netbooks don't.

I do not have Bluetooth on my desktop or cell phone.

I'm not even sure what exactly it is other than an earpiece to use a cell phone hands free.

It's a different wireless technology that allows you to connect a Bluetooth enabled device without the router. In your case it would be like internet connection sharing (in which your desktop would have to be on to get the netbook online) rather than a wireless connection (where the router becomes the point at which the connection is shared). You or someone in your family should at least have a familiarity with whichever method you choose or I predict much frustration in your future. It's not hard to understand, but I have seen many end-users frustrated to tears with trying to get the connection working. Most ISPs do not support a home network unless they set it up for you. If you go wireless, the router manufacturer may assist with setup.

I'm the only one in my family who uses a computer. My husband can't even program the VCR. Let alone use the DVR or the computer. Our cell phones are dinosaurs and we don't even use text messaging.

Another stupid question. If I get a netbook, is there a way to copy/synch my emails and documents with it?