Word processing on the go?

MrHippo

Does anyone have any recommendations for what I could buy for writing (electronically!) when out and about?

I'm a PhD student and starting to write up my thesis (yikes!). I was thinking it would be quite handy to have a little laptop type thing that I can get out on the train and tube, access files via my USB stick and tap-tap away for a bit. Although access to my emails and the internet would be handy it's more important that I can open and edit Word documents, view pdfs and maybe use Excel or PowerPoint type programs. The other thing of course is that I wouldn't want to spend much money!

I've seen some netbooks on amazon for under £100. E.g. this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Browser-3000-Netbook-248MHz-64MB/dp/B00304L76O

What's the general consensus on these type of things? Are they a load of cr*p or fine for the type of cheap and simple thing I'm looking for? I'm also a bit unclear about the type of OS and software they come with or can be used with...

Cheers, MrH

debitcardmayhem

Further down the link you have posted you will see

Ideal if you want a netbook for the kids. You can browse the web, e-mail, listen to music but for considerably less than a standard netbook. The Net Browser gives you the basic essentials. For: Super Fast Start Up - You can be online within seconds Lightweight - easy to carry around Value for Money - ideal as an entry level device for the kids Against: Limited onboard memory - limits the amount of data you can store Win CE 5.0 Operating system - runs a LITE version of Windows that limits its functionality What our customers say: “ Good for what you want, but don't expect too much: This item is going to be something you'll buy for on-the-spur web browsing 28 October 2009 ” See all Disgo Net Browser netbook 3000 reviews Features: Operating SystemWindows CE 5.0 Processor248MHz Main Memory64MB Hard Drive2GB Nand Flash Display7" High Resolution TFT (800 x 480) Dimensions213.5 x 141.8 x 30.5mm (W x D x H) Weight0.1Kg The disgo Net Browser 3000 - portable, surfable, enviable. Surf: Browse on the move. Check out the most viewed videos on YouTube or find out what your faraway friends are up to on Facebook. With a host of other websites available, you will always be in touch with the Net Browser 3000. Email: Send and receive email from a host of providers and use 'Inbox' to re-route your POP3 email account direct to the Net Browser. Messenger: MSN messenger means you are never more than an Instant Message away from your friends and family. Play and Work: And it's not all play on the disgo Net Browser 3000. With Microsoft Word Pad and Spread Excel, you can create, edit and save your Documents and Spreadsheets. The Net Browser also allows you to view Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint files as well as PDF files. Microsoft Image viewer is also available. Dictaphone: With the help of a microphone, you can use the Net Browser as a Dictaphone in College o

Take a photo of your existing Laptop/PC and tap on that when on the train, it will be more rewarding.

gaming_guy

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allan673

i would get a netbook, far more usefull. you can get one for around £180.

emachines em 250 is very good. 3hr battery life. my dads got one. runs windows xp too as above poster says.

Donnie

MrHippo wrote: »

Does anyone have any recommendations for what I could buy for writing (electronically!) when out and about?

I'm a PhD student and starting to write up my thesis (yikes!). I was thinking it would be quite handy to have a little laptop type thing that I can get out on the train and tube, access files via my USB stick and tap-tap away for a bit. Although access to my emails and the internet would be handy it's more important that I can open and edit Word documents, view pdfs and maybe use Excel or PowerPoint type programs. The other thing of course is that I wouldn't want to spend much money!

I've seen some netbooks on amazon for under £100. E.g. this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Browser-3000-Netbook-248MHz-64MB/dp/B00304L76O

What's the general consensus on these type of things? Are they a load of cr*p or fine for the type of cheap and simple thing I'm looking for? I'm also a bit unclear about the type of OS and software they come with or can be used with...

Cheers, MrH

This Zoostorm Freedom Netbook with a 10.2" screen is good value for money at £140.

Details here.

MrHippo

gaming_guy wrote: »

It's nothing more than a giant calculator then. Windows CE (Crap Edition ) has a very limited range of software available for it and good luck trying to get tech support for it.

Get a decent netbook running XP (or equivalent) as it will be so much better and more stuff will run on it.

Hmm yes probably something with XP would be a good idea rather than Windows CE. Like I said I really don't need it to do anything fancy and I won't be running lots of software so memory is probably not all that important. As long as I an install Open Office I should be fine. Battery life on the other hand could be an issue. Also wondering how comfortable it is to touch type on such a small keyboard, think I'll have to pop into Curry's or somewhere and have a try...