Anybody got or used a Toshiba NB550 with the AMD Fusion C-50 in it? It's got nifty little HK speakers and supposedly last ages whilst being capable of 1080p playback and has HDMI. Considering one as an interim device until I can get something that does everything. Also, could I please ask for people's subjective opinions of typing on 10inch devices for extended periods? I like to write. Thanks guys.
I picked up a netbook (Asus 1215n) for university work and I've found it perfectly usable, although I don't think I could use it as my primary machine (I actually had to do this for 3 weeks once and it did perform admirably, but felt quite limiting). Typing is surprisingly comfortable but I'd be wary of using it for too long as the small screen generally forces poor head posture. Mine has a 12.1" screen rather than the more common 10", I'd be inclined to say 10" may be too small for actual work, although this depends on your intended usage and preferences. Best thing would be to go to a local store and try one out, although it's harder to get a feel for long term usage this way.
I find the 'chicklet-style' of keyboards to be a bit easier to type on, especially with the condensed key size you find on the netbooks. ASUS makes some netbooks with exceptional keyboards. Lenovo also does a great job with the keyboards, probably the best job of all, but I'm not sure they have an ultraportable in the same price range as what you are looking for. they do have this Here's a review of that particular model if you want to have a read. It seems the review notes a few issues (perhaps minor depending on your needs) with using it for hdmi output, but I didn't read the whole review.
What specifically would you say felt "limiting" about using it for your main machine? What do you think is the minimum size for something to be your ONLY computer?
I agree on netbooks being completely unusable as a main machine. I tend to have mine next to me at work do do personal things on (like browsing these forums), and it's fine for using in bed or on holiday. Using it for day to day things as my only machine would drive me crazy though. The lack of screen space, lack of mouse and full-size keyboard, and lack of performance are killers. Mine is a 10.1" screen, and to be honest, it's barely enough for casual web browsing, even making the browser fullscreen (F11).
I use a 27" screen for my main pc, so that probably influences my thoughts about a 12" screen, however I do think the screen size is too small for anything other than light use. The main limitation was with multitasking, I often like to have two documents side by side (e.g. browser for references + word) and it's difficult on such a small screen. Plus any reading (whether that be proof reading or web pages) inevitably involves considerable scrolling. If you had a spare monitor you could always hook that up to your netbook whilst you work on a desk (plus keyboard+mouse if you really wanted to), this would address the main problem I have with working on the netbook. Of course I did buy a netbook for a reason, and I don't regret the decision, for my uses I feel it's ideal. It's very light (no more than the average textbook) and the battery lasts for hours so I can carry it around without much effort. I mainly use it for viewing powerpoint slides, quick web browsing and occasionally editing, I rarely use it for longer than 2/3 hours. Before you make a purchase I'd suggest you assess your intended usage, where you plan to use the machine and what features you consider essential (e.g. portability, battery life, screen size, keyboard type). That should help you make the correct purchase.
This is exactly the problem. I currently live on Lanzarote and only have two suitcases worth of possessions. I will be here until at least November and possibly into January. I have little access to tech here and I have no way of getting it "home" (or to my next location). Consequently, I can't buy anything more than what I can fit into those two cases and my beautiful Crumpler laptop bag. So right now, a netbook would allow the 17" XPS I'm currently typing on (which has a broken screen hinge and no longer closes) to remain in my apartment for movie/tv watching duties. I could use the netbook for portability and it would be a great help. HOWEVER, if I then leave here and I'm forced to upgrade the XPS for something more of an all-rounder, I'm going to be looking at something probably 13" that can do EVERYTHING. Based on current research, this puts me in Sony Vaio S or even Z series territory, or maybe even a Mac! With that, we're looking at £1000 plus territory and at that point it might seem frivolous to have "wasted" £250 odd on an interim solution...
