Netbooks: The must-have gadget of 2009

[Noreen]

They're as portable as a novel, as powerful as you need them to be, and you can buy them for less than £100. 'Netbook' computers are set to become the technological sensation of the year - and they might even save your local high street. Tim Walker reports......................

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/netbooks-the-musthave-gadget-of-2009-1331668.html

[Glenn]

M&S are due to sell the Elonex for £99 according to reports, but I think the shop floor price maybe more.

[Steve]

Quote

In May 2008, it emerged that Microsoft was offering PC manufacturers steep discounts on the Windows XP operating system so as to prevent them turning instead to the low-cost, open-source OS, Linux, for their netbooks. In return, Microsoft wanted assurances that the netbook's screens would remain limited to less than 10.2 inches and their hard drives to a maximum of 80 GB, to prevent them eating into the company's traditional laptop market.

As the netbook manufacturers learnt that they could call the shots, however, these restrictions were eased (to 14.1 inches and 160GB), and the forthcoming Windows 7 OS will require far less computing power to run than its predecessors have done – a sure sign that Microsoft is feeling threatened by the mass adoption of the undemanding Linux system.


I must admit I find mine very useful indeed around the house,anywhere in fact. I am glad I went for an MSI wind clone with a wider keyboard and screen than some other makes. Interesting comment regarding Windows 7, I wonder whether it relates to the cut down version for netbooks or in general

[gizmo71]

The new Sony ones aren't netbooks at all - they're massively more expensive but also the first ones to have proper screen resolutions. Tempted...

What I really want is an OQO with a built in phone so I only have to carry one thing around.

[john]

(from the Independent article) :

.. a sure sign that Microsoft is feeling threatened by the mass adoption of the undemanding Linux system.

What mass adoption ? (also http://marketshare.hitslink.com/report.aspx?qprid=9&qpcustom=Linux)

[Rik]

Hair splitter, John.

I must admit, I'm becoming tempted by the idea of a netbook...

[JB]

I must admit, I'm becoming tempted by the idea of a netbook...

Go on Rik. You know you want (need) one 

[Rik]

Need and want are so close in my vocabulary, JB.

[JB]

Need and want are so close in my vocabulary, JB.

I guessed that.

[Rik]

How's the weather today?

[JB]

How's the weather today?

Not too good in Espana today. Quite cold at night and only reaching 14C in the daytime. The design of Spanish houses means that a lot of heating is needed at this time of year to feel comfortable. I only came over (for six days) because I had a few things to sort out and going back to UK on Sunday. My wife is still in UK.

Not seen In about lalely so maybe he is here too, enjoying the cool weather. Rain forecast for the end of the week. Lovely.

[Rik]

He's not been in since December 31, JB, so I'm assuming he's somewhere near you. If you bump into him, say 'Hi'. 14C - positively balmy after last week...

[Sebby]

Need and want are so close in my vocabulary, JB.

And you're trying to re-educate everyone else along those lines.

[Simon]

I must admit, I'm becoming tempted by the idea of a netbook...

Want to buy an Eee PC? 

[Steve]

Have you got yours still or did you RMA

[Simon]

still got mine, Steve, with Ubuntu loaded on it.  I don't use it, because I can't get a wi-fi signal at work, and that was the main purpose of buying it.

[Rik]

And you're trying to re-educate everyone else along those lines.

Of course.