On 2009-04-08, Imno1 <> wrote:
> I'm looking to buy a netbook. I'm aware and willing to accept their
> limitations, though I am curious about one thing. In reading the various
> spec, I don't see mention of a DVD slot. Is it that netbooks don't have a
> DVD where you can insert software or does software you might want to add
> come only through download.
Small size (and low weight and cheapness) tend to rule out built-in optical
drives. These are not 'desktop replacement' or 'multimedia entertainment
centre' machines. You will probably find the need to use a conventional
machine to download large files or do any heavy work, and copy files to
and from the 'netbook' using a USB stick or SD card.
> I' m willing to around $400 plus/minus $25.
> Does anyone have experience and or recommendations on particular makes and
> models?
I have a CnMbook (also sold as Elonex ONEt or Trendtec 700 EP among other
names). It's /very/ light-weight, and slow, and the supplied OS and
software are somewhat restricted - being a cut-down derivative of Debian,
installed as 'firmware'. It's probably just about the cheapest of the
'small cheap computer' models. Yes, it's Linux, but not as we know it.
The supplied browser is Firefox, in all but name - and rather slow on this
hardware. It also has an email program, and some 'office' software.
There is very limited scope for installing other stuff - and if you insist
on your OS having a Microsoft or Apple brand, forget it.
There are no spinning discs of any sort, but there is an SD card slot and
three USB sockets (version 1, I think). It can network using ethernet and
802.11b/g, but not Bluetooth. It can be used with 'mobile broadband'
dongles to access the internet via the mobile phone system.
Power consumption seems to be very modest, but the built-in battery pack
is small so the run-time isn't much more than three hours unless you use
an external (9v 1.5A) supply (a mains adaptor/charger is included).
It's a cheap and cheerful nearly-minimalist 'appliance', good for light
use such as email and browsing websites (as long as they don't require
Flash or too much javascript). There's a useful web-forum populated by
users who like to get the most out of the ...... little things
<http://linuxlaptopforum.ark2webdesign.co.uk/>. I'm happy to lug mine
around and use it in public. For its size, the keyboard is surprisingly
good.
I also have a Toshiba Libretto 500, which is much the same size but is a
fully functional PC in all other respects. Expensive, fragile, and no
longer made. I hestitate to use it anywhere it might get damaged or
nicked.
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-- Whiskers
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