Time to choose my Christmas present. I am not very computer savy and was asked what I would like for Christmas. I do a little word processing, surf the net and visit a few web sites. Budget about $500.00 It has to be big enough for my fingers to hit key strokes and be able to see without reading glasses, just a little larger than news print is fine. Any recomendations?? I like the looks of the notebook sized ones I am seeing, they look to be about 8"X11" or even a bit smaller.
You need to go into a store and try it out. Maybe spend half an hour doing pretend e-mails or surfing the SDMB.
It’s important to spend some time with it to see if eyestrain sets in, or if you find issues with your favorite sites.
While I know some people are happy with the smaller screens, 15" is the smallest I consider functional for interacting with. I have an 8" tablet, which is fine for movies and reading when I’m holding it up in front of me, but I wouldn’t even try to post on the SDMB using that.
I think you’re talking about netbooks, which is really just a cutesy nickname for a small laptop. Notebook is just another word for the same thing.
That said, at that price, nearly every laptop is the same. I use an Acer One and have for a few years now with no problems. Whatever else is out there will probably be just as good.
I agree; there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. I recommend going to either Best Buy or the Microsoft store. Both have various models from most of the major manufacturers. One thing to try is lifting them, so you can get an idea of how heavy they are.
When I need a new computer, I go to the Dell website and “build” one to the specs I want, then see what the price is. Then I go to Best Buy and Micro Center and see if they have an equally good one for a better price. If they do, I buy it. If they don’t, I go back to Dell and order it.
You sound like me! I wanted a Chromebook because my old desktop was dying and I’m tired of Microsoft operating systems overly complicated ways of doing everything and I don’t require business productivity programs. I just want a simple computer that I can surf the web with, Google my questions, write a few short stories, edit and organize my pictures, and occasionally print something. In short, I want a simple computer that I can do things with. I now have that in my HP Chromebook for $318. I don’t like track pads much so I bought a small cordless mouse to go with it and now I sit in my big recliner, my 2.2 pound Chromebook on one arm of the chair and my mouse on the other arm using a paper towel for a mouse pad as I type this. I love it!
That sounds perfect, I will check it out.
To use at home or on the move? You could get yourself two presents, a laptop for home and a tablet for home and on the move. It might cost a little more than $500, but it may be worth considering?
I use a desk top at home, just away from home is what I have a need for.
Then using one for a while in a shop is a good idea, but whatever the size is you get used to it. I only had a small smart phone but I’d use it to read books while commuting, now I have a slightly bigger phone, but also a 7 inch tablet, and a laptop. I switch between them without many problems (although typing on a tiny screen and getting fingerprints everywhere is a real bore).