Need Tech help

[TEK224]

Need some advice from those who may be a little more tech savvy than me.
One thing I miss while on vacation is the ability to surf the web and check my e-mail (and the Dis ). I just don't feel like lugging my laptop around with me.

I was in Target today and saw what is called a "netbook". It's about the size of the portable DVD players. The info says it's used for surfing the web and checking e-mail. Sounds perfect. PLus it only weighs 2.3 pounds.

I don't work when I'm on vacation. I simply want to log on during some quiet, relaxation time. Has anyone seen these and can give an opinion?

The box said it has 512MB RAM and 120 GB hard drive. Will pick up WiFI signal. It uses the Linux operating system (I know nothing about that). The cost is $299 iirc. I know there are some starter laptops that are only a couple hundred more, but they're heavier and bulkier. I like the smallness of these machines.

Any help would be appreciated.
Terri

 

[Chuck S]

These machines are fairly new on the market, I think. However, the free internet at the DVC resorts is wired. Unless these machines also have a wired internet connection, they may not be of too much use at WDW.

 

[disneynutz]

Netbook refers to a new class of small computers. There are several manufactures. One thing to remember is that wireless internet is not free for DVC Members. $9.95 for 24 hours and it's only available in the lobbies and pool areas at the resorts.

 

[Caskbill]

Netbook refers to a new class of small computers. There are several manufactures. One thing to remember is that wireless internet is not free for DVC Members. $9.95 for 24 hours and it's only available in the lobbies and pool areas at the resorts.

While I think that's currently correct, I believe that will be changing in the future.

Meanwhile, wired internet, via ethernet cable, is free to DVC members staying on points in your DVC room. You don't need to bring the ethernet cable with you as there's one hanging in a bag in the closet.

Many members bring along a small wireless router. You can plug that into the wall and then access the internet wirelessly through your netbook. If you do get a portable wireless router, and your netbook doesn't have an ethernet connection, then be sure the router isn't one that requires an ethernet connection to the computer to first 'initialize' itself.

 

[jekjones1558]

I am buying an iPhone next month when my Verizon contract is up, and it is in large part to be able to use internet, have GPS and check e-mail while at WDW. I brought my Airport Express (wireless router) on my recent trip to get it set up so I can use the iPhone on my next trip. The screen on an iPhone is obviously pretty small to spend major time online, but I am only using it for personal, not work, reasons. I feel like you, Terri, and would like to avoid lugging around a laptop. And with the new airline baggage fees, we would like to start using our carry-on allowance to avoid having to check any luggage.

 

[bigsmooth]

Dell is selling a small laptop in that price range as well. Has like a 9" screen and runs WinXP, which is useful if you want the standard Windows features instead of Linux. I was looking for a smaller laptop, and was intrigued by that Dell model but decided against it because I wanted a bigger hard drive. But if your main use case is Internet access and portability, it probably would be a good choice. Pretty sure it had an ethernet jack as well.

 

[TEK224]

Thanks. I think the one I saw can be used wired or wireless. I'll have to doublecheck to make sure. I'll check out the Dell, too.

Terri

 

[skm]

The new Dell "netbook" is called the Mini 9 and it does have both a wireless card and an ethernet connection. You can get the Dell with Linux or with Windows XP. I bought one (with XP) for travel and will try it at OKW in two weeks.

 

[Mule2007]

Need some advice from those who may be a little more tech savvy than me.
One thing I miss while on vacation is the ability to surf the web and check my e-mail (and the Dis ). I just don't feel like lugging my laptop around with me.

I was in Target today and saw what is called a "netbook". It's about the size of the portable DVD players. The info says it's used for surfing the web and checking e-mail. Sounds perfect. PLus it only weighs 2.3 pounds.

I don't work when I'm on vacation. I simply want to log on during some quiet, relaxation time. Has anyone seen these and can give an opinion?

The box said it has 512MB RAM and 120 GB hard drive. Will pick up WiFI signal. It uses the Linux operating system (I know nothing about that). The cost is $299 iirc. I know there are some starter laptops that are only a couple hundred more, but they're heavier and bulkier. I like the smallness of these machines.

Any help would be appreciated.
Terri

The smaller computers are just that - mostly smaller without the heavy larger screen, multi-cpus or memory offerings.

Don't worry about the linux as you probably will have Mozilla Firefox pre-loaded on the computer. Just double click the Firefox Icon and away you go on the internet (if you're plugged in via ethernet)

While you're on Linux, explore the Open Office programs - you'll find they are similar to the MS Office programs (except free) and will open those files if you have any on CD or Jump Drive.

Mule

 

[donmil723]

HELP!!!!! I am trying to decide between an Iphone and the mini laptop described above. I need a new cell phone as mine is starting to have problems. I went to my AT&T store today and I really like the Iphone and the initial price of $199 for an 8 GB is not bad. However, it would cost $30 per month for unlimited email, web browsing, and GPS. On the other hand, I could buy a mini laptop with 9 inch screen weighing only 2 pounds for the same as one-year of service for the Iphone. I'm having trouble justifying the money for monthly service for an Iphone as I don't really need it for our business. Mostly want something to take with us while we travel to keep up with emails and internet access.

Has anyone used both that can tell me the pros and cons of each? Thanks!

 

[Dean]

HELP!!!!! I am trying to decide between an Iphone and the mini laptop described above. I need a new cell phone as mine is starting to have problems. I went to my AT&T store today and I really like the Iphone and the initial price of $199 for an 8 GB is not bad. However, it would cost $30 per month for unlimited email, web browsing, and GPS. On the other hand, I could buy a mini laptop with 9 inch screen weighing only 2 pounds for the same as one-year of service for the Iphone. I'm having trouble justifying the money for monthly service for an Iphone as I don't really need it for our business. Mostly want something to take with us while we travel to keep up with emails and internet access.

Has anyone used both that can tell me the pros and cons of each? Thanks!

Another options is the iPod touch. You can use it to connect wirelessly to the internet and do the same as the iPhone from that aspect. Actually about the only difference from the iPhone to the iPod touch (besides price) is the phone portion.

I'm sure ther are other companies but Jujitsu makes a powerful computer in this size with a true touch screen much like a PDA. I don't recall for certain if it's a convertible where the screen swivels to work like a PDA but I think it does. The price is likely out of your range for the purpose you're looking at but it's a very nice option for this situation. I'm sure there are others, it's just that we looked at that one for our office computers.