Conflicted feelings about Netbook vs Notebook which to buy?

I know you have a forum for advice on what notebook to buy, but I know what models I like. I like the mini 9 but am thinking of waiting until the mini 10 is avaible. And the other I like is either the Inspiron 1535 or the Studio 15. I will use it primarily for surfing the net and writing in Word or Open Office. I want it to be portable, but it doesn't have to be ultra portable, though that is a big draw of the mini series...

I think I prefer XP but hubby has Vista and I think I could learn to live with that. We've already got a Inspiron 530 desktop and he loves it. The thing that I think I might want, is to listen to music while I write and that makes the netbook not work out so well, BUT I have a cool Nextar MP3 player that works great for me and holds most of my music already set up, so I could live with that.

The other consideration is that I might want to be able to watch DVD's on it, so that makes it more likely that I will need the notebook over the netbook. But really, we have a HDTV and a nice Toshiba DVD/DVR so I this aspect too could be overlooked. I think that having a netbook would be more fun though as I could take it with me places and write ANYWHERE easily, BUT the screen res is something that I wonder about. Is it annoying to have such a small screen? Or is it kind of novel and fun to have it because it's so small and compact?

The final consideration is $$$...Left this for last because I have already decided that if I sell my memoir this year I am getting a Studio 17 with the cool art they have from the new art studio. BUT I have no guarantee the book will sell this year or any year of course so realistically if I want the ability to write anywhere, the netbook is the way to go IF the screen res problem is not really a big deal. The keyboard is also a consideration, I want to be able to write without looking down all the time to make sure I hit the right keys and the mini 9 seems to have some keys in odd places so that is another point in the mini 10's corner.

So what I am really looking for is your experiences with both, which ones are best to work on for extended periods of time? I would probably almost always be plugged into the wall socket with a surge protector, but I would like to be able to go outside and work on nice days. So I ask you, what do you think? Is a 15 inch probably the way to go for someone who plans on seriously writing novels and fiction on the computer? Or could a netbook work out nicely?

 

Hey Pam..for writing and such..you would prob's want to go with a 15" notebook..Unless, the 10" can work out..as the keyboard is a tad larger.

I would say the I9 would not be the right choice (based on your writing plans)

Also...you should check out the Dell Outlet..there are always really good deals going on there, and most of the time coupons are *afloat* And, the Outlet has nearly new notebooks for awesome prices!

And, a 1440x900 LED screen on a 15" lappy is a good choice!

Cin

 

Thanks Cin! I have been toying around with the dell configs on the different models, and I think it would be awesome to have a Studio 15, or even the 17" one. But if I don't sell my memoir I don't see it happening since we're still paying off the I-530. I could swing a mini 10 I bet and still be able to pay over the minimum payment so we can get the balance down to nothing in the next year or two.

I think I will go there now and config up a Inspiron 1525. AND look in the outlet again. Do you think their outlet is safe to buy from? Meaning if it's not working up to par would they repair or replace the computer? So far our I-530 hasn't had even ONE problem and I would hope to get a great lappy without problems too. But just in case what do you think of their warranty service? Dependable even if you have to wait two weeks for them to send back the system/replacement?

 

Personally, I could not see myself writing a long time on a netbook. I have an Acer Aspire One which has a keyboard for a 10 inch model and I can't type all that well on it. You should go with a full sized notebook for this.

For the Studio 15, I think it is a great notebook, I really like mine. The keyboard is very nice and you can definitely sit down and type for a while on it. I also like the backlight in it too for darker rooms.

The Outlet is awesome, I buy just about everything from it. You get the same warranty as a new notebook but for a fraction of the cost.

 

all i can say is if you like typing, the netbook might not be for you. i don't have the bear claw some guys have but i certainly don't have girlie hands as i do a lot of work with my hands like cars and just things around the house. i tried out my gf sister's netbook and OMG... it's like having fat finger all over the place especially the delete key and all the arrow and the touchpad.. ug..

i have a the studio 15 and i've always had 15" notebooks. i think it's a good fit for most. it's not too heavy or bulky but it also depends a lot on the bag you using to carry it. the battery lasts a good while as well.

too bad you can't get fingerprint on a new system because i don't think i can use a laptop without it; takes logging into sites and laptop to a new level.

go for the 15, you'd like it a lot more. or hell, get the mini and try it out. don't like in 21 days, return it.

 

Wow I can't believe they have the I-1525 for under $700 bucks! I definitely think I am going to order from the outlet, what a great idea! Thanks Cin & thank you atbnet! I am wondering about keyboard flex though, I read that the Studio flexes a bit, and since writing is the main activity I would use it for, I wonder if the Inspiron wouldn't be better, does its keyboard flex too? one thing I like about the Studio is the backlit keyboard option.

 

The netbooks will cover all your tasks, even music while typing. I touch type during 4 hour long classes with no issues, but it does take me about 5 minutes to acclimate myself. An external optical drive is also a good add-on. If you have no use for its size, ie. desk size, taking the metro, etc. then go for a larger 13"-15.4" model. Everything will come built-in and is a larger base. I prefer the 13" range especially because they are still very portable, but a full laptop still. You can get great deals with the 15.4" models as they are very popular. Use techbargains.com for great dell coupons, FYI.

 

Thank you for posting dee 540! I think after looking in the Dell outlet I am definitely going for either a Inspiron 1535 or the Studio 15 or heck, might go for the full Desktop replacement and get the Studio 17. I will have to think about it. But your post really helps, thank you!

 

Thats nice! I have a 20% off Outlet Coupon for the Inspiron and Studios if you would like it, and use it!!

Just send me a PM

Cin

 

Thanks for the hint on the coupons gengerald! I wonder, can you use the dell coupons on the outlet bargins too? That would be wickedly sweet to get more off on a full lappy setup!

 

When I have convinced my hubby I won't take NO for an answer and WILL USE a laptop like all the time, I will definitely need a good coupon Cin, thank you! I will PM you if that time comes in the next couple weeks. I am so ready for a lappy.

 

cheapstingybargains.com is also a great resource for Dell Coupons, and with the Outlet so is this thread here on the forum:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=231526&page=9

Yes, just let me know.

Cin

 

If you're only going to have one notebook, go for the fifteen incher.

I've tried to make netbooks my primary notebook There are just too many compromises to use them full time.

Netbooks are great as second, or third, options. Having tried it, I could not advise anyone to get one as a first option.

 

Usually when people can't decide between a netbook or notebook, they end up going for either a big netbook or a small notebook. Makes me think that a quick look at an Inspiron 13 might be worthwhile; a little smaller than an Inspiron 15 but possibly a little bit more expensive.

 

Agreed.

I don't get why people are so quick to saddle themselves with a fifteen inch boat anchor. These days there are plenty of, affordable, small options.

 

Do you think thirteen inches enough for writing in WORD and surfing? IT should be right? No different then a 13" CRT monitor I would think. Maybe the I13 is a good compromise. I have been looking in the dell outlet and seeing all kinds of deals. The I13 has a full size keyboard right?

Thanks for the replies! Maybe the 14 inch would be better?

 

A 13 inch notebook would be a good idea. You can probably get a nice Inspiron 13 or M1330 from the Outlet for a good price. That's probably the smallest I would go from a lot of writing.

 

Agreed!

For doing lot's of writing, like Pamster will be doing....A 13 inch would be the minimum size lappy for me ~ 15 inch maximum.


Cin

 

There are some crazy good deals on m1330s in the outlet. I just bought one of the (RED) m1330s for my wife on Sunday, pretty specced out, for 686 with tax and shipping.

To me, 13 inch is the sweet spot for laptops. It's highly portable, but large enough to get real work done. I really don't know why more people don't go for them.

 

I think I would go for the XPS (Red) line too in the 13" I was looking at them and saw one for $779 and that isn't too bad. I think it would be a awesome system, just perfect for running word and surfing like I want to do.

 

Yep, and there are some nice coupon deals going on for the outlet right now, also!


Cin

 

It really is. My sister-in-law has one and absolutely loves the thing. It's really nice blend of size and power.

 

Those sound really good deals.

Another point is if you're used to a desktop (are you?), as soon as you start using a laptop you find new places to work from and that makes you appreciate the extra portability of a smaller notebook.

 

That's true..I had a desktop before my lappy, and when I was able to take it *out and about* ~ it was awesome.

And, I'm sure Pamster will like those nice quite places for writing...bookstore seating areas (w/those lovely sofa chairs), library, etc

I'm thinking my next venture will potentially be to purchase thru the Outlet!


Cin

 

I highly recommend purchasing from the Dell outlet. My wife's (Red) M1330 just arrived a few minutes ago, and it looks great.

There's no way we would have paid the new price for this machine, at this spec. The refurb store allowed us to by the machine she wants at an incredible price. She's going to flip when she sees this thing.

 

I just received my Inspiron 13 notebook yesterday and I love it! I think 13 inches is the way to go.

 

Nice. I know I love mine.

 

That's great! Congrat's....She's gonna love it!

13" will be my next size, for sure...Already got the fever for a purchase..OH nooo's.

That's awesome! Congratulatios to you, also on it's arrival!

Enjoy!

Cin

 

I find that when I get that fever, I have a really hard time denying it. I usually just end up buying.

There's no way I could have waited as long as you did for the I9. I just would have settled on black or white. You showed tremendous restraint there.

 

I have to wait until I sell a book, or finish paying off the desktop we got from them already, because I can only afford one payment a month and at the level we're paying it wouldn't be possible to pay off another computer at this time, soon though. We pay double the minimum payment. So that should get it paid off sooner.

I doubt I get the exact specs I want, I want at least 3 GB and 120 HDD, and 2 GHZ with 2 MB cache and the 13" screen. I am on a desktop set up by hubby, he's built all our computers from New Egg parts over the years and I love it, but still I want a lappy for the experience of being able to take it places. Like the libraries here in our county, they all have free wifi, and that way I could do research on agents in the current Writer's Marketplace (A reference book they won't let you check out) and still be able to email and reply if one of the agents I submit to tries to email me I can get it and POOF send the manuscript all from the library!

Our Burger Kings and Mc Donalds have wifi too but I think you have to pay to use it. So that means library wifi for me! I love my new gearhead keyboard too, it's a big lots special I got for SIX bucks and it's got Half High Keys on it and that makes me think lappy. I love this keyboard and can see that a lappy would do wonders for me, I could go outside on the porch and write and use a computer while my son is on my desktop. That is part of the reason I want a lappy so bad, to have a portable computer that I can use while kiddo is on mine. I might get him a Mini 10 when they are out, and then again I might not. I definitely LIKE the M1330 RED model and don't have any use for blu ray at this point, but I like the double layer writer.

Thanks so much everyone, for the informed replies, I really was conflicted but I am able to say now I want either an Inspiron 13 or 14 or the M1330 in Red. That's a far cry from where I was when I posted thinking that I would like the Studio 15 or 17 and that would just be TOO big to lug around for my purposes.

 

Oh wow! I would love to know what her first impressions are after booting up! I bet she loves it Mick!

 

Yeah..I have the fever..but I think..I will wait on the Adamo 13's release...oh yeah

Yes, that surely was some restraint I had! But it paid off, it's such a lovely Netbook!

Whatever you end up purchasing, it will be a good choice for you!

Cin

 

I think so too Cin! Thanks for support and all the great information!

 

I took it home to her at lunch this afternoon. She's in love with it. This is a massive jump for her.

She's going from a G3 iBook running OSX Panther with 256MB of RAM and an 800MHz PPC, to a machine with Vista, 3GB of RAM, and a 2GHz C2D. To put it mildly, she's a happy camper.

 

Awesome!!! I am so glad it worked out so well for her and that she loves it so much. One thing I have to ask about, I have seen on the forums about the XPS's having trouble with the Nvidia 8400 card, so if I score one on the outlet I need to get one with the Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 right? Since I am not gaming or anything that would be good enough to watch movies and such right?

 

I haven't owned a computer with Nvidia graphics for quite some time (not since the XPS m1210). Because of that, I haven't really paid that much attention to the Nvidia solder issue.

The one we bought has Intel graphics. I didn't feel the need to jump on discrete graphics for a machine that will mostly be used for web surfing and word processing. You should be fine with the integrated graphics for watching movies and your everyday tasks.

 

Thanks Mick! I have learned so much since coming here I really feel so much better informed about what I want to buy now. Now I just need to get the $$$ up and DO it!