Netbook or Laptop?

Legacy_user

My daughters laptop needs replacing (so she say's) due to it being slow,lethargic etc. Aside from the fact that it might run better after being cleared of unwanted items, I thought I'd try to help with gaining info.

It seems were she to go along the path of a netbook or laptop, it seems they don't include things such as word/anti virus now, as there are so many free systems about and by leaving them off new products, can help to keep the price down. Is this so?

Were she to consider a netbook, with screen size small, are website pages in full, with micro size font, or normal size which would mean scrolling lf/rt?

Whatever the answer to that one, are ubisurfers a better deal than netbooks?

ginvzt

I got myself a netbook this Christmas (ok, it was official OH's present for me). The screen is smaller, and the keyboard is smaller, so yes, there is a lot of scrolling when browsing - however, I don't have problem with the width of the pages (well, I haven't noticed any).

It came with MS Office starter, and I have used both Excel and Word. You can either have tiny font size if you want to see more of the page, or keep scrolling up/down/right/left. It works fine for me so far as my home computer - but then all I do is read MSE and browse some more internet on it, do some calculations in Excel and update my CV in Word.

I find it more convenient for using when I am sitting on the sofa, as the smaller/lighter size means it is easier to handle. And then I can also rest it on my cat, who insists sitting on my lap (it used to be my work laptop when I used to bring it home!).

davetrousers

Why not simply remove the carp slowing it down and stick a bit of extra memory in?

PlutoinCapricorn

I have one of each, which is very convenient.

The netbook cost just £179: it uses Linux which means that you don't need the usual security suite. It is very light,so convenient for taking out. However, it should not be used for long periods as this would have a bad effect on posture etc. You do get accustomed to the small screen, but it is not really suitable for working on large documents.

tbourner

islandman wrote: »

My daughters laptop needs replacing (so she say's) due to it being slow,lethargic etc. Aside from the fact that it might run better after being cleared of unwanted items, I thought I'd try to help with gaining info.

It seems were she to go along the path of a netbook or laptop, it seems they don't include things such as word/anti virus now, as there are so many free systems about and by leaving them off new products, can help to keep the price down. Is this so?

Were she to consider a netbook, with screen size small, are website pages in full, with micro size font, or normal size which would mean scrolling lf/rt?

Whatever the answer to that one, are ubisurfers a better deal than netbooks?

It sounds like a Netbook wouldn't be fast enough for her, they're generally very basic and ONLY to be used for surfing really. You can use them for office and stuff but once you have a few windows open and especially some of the MS programs with memory leaks everywhere, they do slow down a lot! More RAM helps but they'll never be as fast running as a proper laptop, so someone who thinks their laptop is too slow won't do well with one after 6 months.

I personally love the netbook though, it's light and portable around the home, so if I fancy a cup of tea I jsut grab it and take it into the kitchen to carry on what I was doing. I'd say if you need portability then get one, but if it's main use is in one place or being carried in a bag (rather than being used whilst carrying) then get a laptop.

debitcardmayhem

To get rid of some of the slowing down have a look at closed's thread HERE

Anf for comparison there is a photo of netbook and 15" lappy together. HERE

macman

Netbooks have relatively slow processors, limited RAM, 10 inch screens, cramped keyboards and no optical drives. Their sole advantage is portability. Unless you need that, go for a laptop every time.
Very few systems have ever come with MS Word/Office included. Use OpenOffice as a free alternative and one of the many free AV programs. I would suggest Avira, Avasat or MSE.

System

It's use would be on her knees whilst watching TV and itunes,general surfing and storing some photo's, nothing heavy or demanding.

closed

An hour cleaning it up will stop it being slow, see link in post 6

d123

islandman wrote: »

It's use would be on her knees.

not normally recommended unless she puts it onto a tray or similar, there are vents under the laptop which either suck in cool air/expel hot air.

Allowing the laptop to overheat will cause slowdowns/shutdowns.

macman

So who wants to watch TV on a 10 inch screen?