Netbook suggestions?

[Southerndisney]

My DD needs a small laptop or netbook to take notes in class at college. She has a desktop computer at home to play games and stream music and videos. We are just looking for something reliable and light weight to carry to school. Thanks

 

[clm10308]

I have a very small (8" screen maybe) Acer net book that is about 4 yrs old and still works fine. When I needed to carry it around I really liked that it would fit in my purse so that I didn't have to carry a separate computer bag.

It is fine for basic stuff like Internet, email, even watching videos that have been downloaded (rented from iTunes), but it does not have enough memory to play most of the Internet based games. Even the Facebook games would run too slow.

I used it mostly for excel and wordprocessing.

 

[ssawka]

There are loads of lightweight laptops out there now. I love my MacAir, but it is not cheap. They run about $1100. The Sony S Series are nice as well. They would probably be run about $800.

She should also qualify for a student discount. Apple, Sony, and Dell offer them. Many companies were having Back to School sales. Microsoft was offering a free XBox, Sony was offering a free PS 3, and Apple was offering a $100 gift card towards the App Store. I think dell was offering a $200 gift card.

 

[Cakegirl]

I bought a small ASUS netbook from Best Buy to take notes on in college. It was small enough to fit in my backpack without adding too much extra weight. I think it was around $300 if I remember.

I love it, I've been using it now for several years and it's been great.

 

[Stinkerbell1973]

I have a Chromebook - it's a Google product, made by Samsung. LOVE IT. You can order them on amazon.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Taking notes on a netbook could be kind of a pain because the keyboard is smaller. If she doesn't mind the smaller keyboard, they will do pretty much anything a laptop can do. DVD drives can be purchased separately if she wants that, but definitely not a necessity to have a DVD drive. Netbooks can be found pretty cheap too.

Yes of course if money is no object, MacBook Air would be awesome.

 

[sookie]

Not completley budget, but I got my MacBook Air 11 inch for about 900 bucks out the door. It was new but the last generation. It had the increased memory too, so I totally scored. It was through the college. I will never find a deal like that one again. Plus I got a gift card to the store, PLUS I got the 100 dollar app store deal.

It was worth it. If you can't find a deal like that one - get $250 - 300 dollar one at christmas!! You might be able to find something like the above at christmas too!!

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

I was looking at Apple's website they have refrub MBA 11 for as low as $749, earlier this week they had some down around $679. Only thing is they are older models and the specs aren't near what the newer ones are. I know a lot of people are saying refurbs are the way to go. The other thing about those is I believe AppleCare would run about $250.

If you get brand new... you can get the latest and greatest yes, also you can cash in on the student discount which brings the price down some...and if you want Apple Care, it is also discounted. You might even get in on that $100 GC deal.

Apple is gonna be pricey any way you go about it... cheapest way to get in is to buy a refurb and hope for the best. If you want the AppleCare and all, might be as well of just to buy a new one using the discount.

 

[LilyWDW]

I bought a small ASUS netbook from Best Buy to take notes on in college. It was small enough to fit in my backpack without adding too much extra weight. I think it was around $300 if I remember.

I love it, I've been using it now for several years and it's been great.

This is the direction I went as well... though I bought mine on Newegg. Asus is a very good company especially for Netbooks.

 

[kristenrice]

I have a Dell netbook that I purchased from their outlet. It is refurbished but looks brand new. I think I paid less than $300 for it. The battery life is AMAZING! I use it mainly for surfing the internet, streaming Netflix and basic word processing.

 

[Them!]

Got one at Costco for about $340. It is an Acer with Intel processor. Very portable. Great for my college student to take to class and it is cheap enough to replace when stolen or dropped.

 

[Candace]

I have an Acer Aspire One which is a 10" netbook. I use it for traveling and it has been great. Not a huge amount of memory though, if she is using it for note taking. I paid in the $250 range.

 

[dakcp2001]

Get a laptop, skip the NetBook. we got a NetBook it it was slow and useless most of the time. She will be much better off with a small laptop. If you get a NetBook, you'll end up getting her a laptop later.

 

[LilyWDW]

Get a laptop, skip the NetBook. we got a NetBook it it was slow and useless most of the time. She will be much better off with a small laptop. If you get a NetBook, you'll end up getting her a laptop later.

If all the system is bring used for is taking notes in class, internet, and other basics then a Netbook is more then fine. I am sorry your selection was slow, but mine is not and fits my needs (like those listed above) and then some. I also prefer to use a desktop for my main rig because I game so I have no use for a laptop.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Get a laptop, skip the NetBook. we got a NetBook it it was slow and useless most of the time. She will be much better off with a small laptop. If you get a NetBook, you'll end up getting her a laptop later.

A really low-end laptop can be found for probably the same price as a netbook, but if she is wanting light-weight, the netbook is going to be better fitting. Personally I would much rather have the laptop because they keyboard is full sized.

 

[Southerndisney]

Thanks everyone. Since my DD has a destop computer at home we are looking at the 11.6 Acer. It seems to be a good compromise on size between the 10" netbooks and a fullsize laptop. We looked at the 14 " Asus at Best Buy but it did not have good reviews.

 

[Disney Vegas Couple]

Another way to go is an iPad and a bluetooth keyboard. I think I've only turned on my netbook twice in the year I've had my iPad. The best part is not having to wait for it to turn on and apps can be shared with any other device like iPhone or iPod Touch. Targus or Zagg have very good keyboard/cases.

If price is the main issue, go with a netbook. If convenience is more important, look at an iPad.

Good luck finding what works for her.

 

[maxaroni]

My DD needs a small laptop or netbook to take notes in class at college. She has a desktop computer at home to play games and stream music and videos. We are just looking for something reliable and light weight to carry to school. Thanks

Is your dd commuting? If so, you may be fine with a net book. If not, my DS said no one at his college has net books. All laptops and iPads. The ones with iPads also had laptops as well. He did say some profs do not let you have any tech device in class. Strictly pencil and notebooks.