The world of Netbooks

Over the years we have seen that the evolution of technology has allowed us to put more and more electronics into very small units. Cell phones of today, compared to what they were 20 years ago is probably the best example. Laptops have also been subject to extensive development. From the expensive and bulky plastic boxes of the 90's, to the very affordable and light laptops we can buy today. After it became an important issue to stay connected to the internet, the wireless 802.11 technology gave the laptops a new important advantage: You could still move around with no cable connected. Their performance has also caught up with the stationary computers. So unless you are an advanced user who needs slots for multiple extension cards, run RAID or have other complex setups, a laptop will usually do the job for you. And the laptop gives you the benefit of being able to bring your computer along, with your files and applications, to either work, a vacation or simply over to your parents house to show them your new pictures.

A couple of years ago the whole concept of portable computing was then taken a step further with Asus' Eee PC. The term Netbook was created, and this lightweight ultraportable little "computer" became a hit. Even though it had limited resources compared to a full size laptop, people loved the level of portability this little computer offered. Soon most other laptop manufacturers rushed into the netbook world as well, and created their own little netbooks. Varying in sizes from 7 to 10", but with fairly similar performance and storage capacity.

The Asus EeePC

I really didn't pay much notice to this whole thing. I already had a couple of laptops in addition to my stationary computers, so I felt that I was portable enough as I was. I once looked at one of my friends' Eee PC, but this white little plastic thing reminded me more of a kids toy than a computer. This Eee PC didn't even boot up, so it was a disappointing first experience. Then, a couple of months ago, Jenn brought home a Samsung N110 netbook from work. The next two days we went to a conference, and we brought the little Samsung along and used it all day. It even stayed with us during the weekend, so I got a chance to explore it and use it for basics like checking email, browsing and typing.

The Samsung N110, the netbook that opened my eyes for netbooks.

I soon realized that I enjoyed using this little thing, and the netbook also revealed some limitations of my full size laptop that I hadn't put much thoughts into earlier. First of all was the size and the weight. I could just carry the Samsung around the house by one hand and put it where ever I wanted. It even goes on the inside of my jacket. My laptop, an IBM Thinkpad T43, is light for its size, but still twice the weight. So in order to avoid applying too much twisting and bending forces to it, I usually carry it around using both hands. (Read the blog below "Too much information" to see the reason why) So the IBM is usually never moved around much. It stays docked, and it's only removed when I need to bring it somewhere out and away from the house. I have never spent much time with the laptop in my lap either, as I find this way of working and typing to be slightly uncomfortable. But that was a totally different experience with the smaller and lighter netbook.

When I have been on the move, the Blackberry 8310 phone has been my main way of checking email and do light browsing. With a QWERTY keyboard and a big screen, this phone works well enough for this purpose. But as soon as I want to do something more, like writing a lot of text, up/downloading files, or display large websites, the phone comes short. So I see the netbook as the device that I can bring along to fill this hole. It's capable of doing browsing and other useful tasks that are to difficult to do with the phone, but on the other hand not something I would consider bringing the IBM along to do.

The netbook's number two benefit is the battery life. I have never had laptops with more than 1.5 to 2 hours of battery life. This means that in any meeting, any conference, I need to bring the AC adapter along and find a place with access to a power outlet. Otherwise I risk running out of battery and lose access to my notes and my documents. I can fit an extended life battery, but that adds a lot more weight, and makes the IBM so big that it probably no longer fits in my laptop bag. And some laptops don't even have the possiblity of adding a bigger battery. This wasn't any concern with the Samsung netbook. The 6 cell battery gave 7 hours of battery life, so the whole day could be spent on battery power. In addition, it had a built in camera. That is a feature I love, as an external web cam and its cable is a hassle if you need to move around with the camera installed.

So I have now decided to order a netbook. Jenn has 200$ off deal on Dell netbooks, but unfortunately I didn't like the Dell that much. So I chose to go with Lenovo (former IBM), a brand that I am familiar with. (Yes, I know that IBM sold the laptop division to Lenovo, and that the IBM laptops are gone for good. But luckily Lenovo kept IBM's good design and hopefully they will also keep IBM's awesome build quality)

The Lenovo S10-2. Fairly similar design as the Samsung N110. But as a Lenovo/IBM fan, I like to think that Samsung copied the Lenovo and not the opposite.

Some people might say that I am a fool for letting down an offer for getting 200$ off of a Dell netbook. But nothing makes me more annoyed then a product I am not satisfied with, and 200$ isn't going to break me. The Lenovo has the same Intel Atom N270 processor as the Dell and the Samsung, but I upgraded my specs on my order to the N280 one. The increase in speed from 1.60 to 1.66 Ghz might not give any other noticeable result than increased power consumption, but I chose to do so. I also added Bluetooth and ordered a sleeve to carry it in. The notebook will probably be here in 9-10 days, but I am actually considering letting this be a christmas gift for my self. I am not sure if I can stand the exitement for 3 weeks, and keep my self from unpacking it, but we will see. I will definately be back here with a review of the Lenovo and to share my experiences as I step into the netbook world.

Written by Bjorn Sveigdalen