We are looking into a mini laptop and wonder if anyone has any suggestions or warnings based on their experiences. Not so much the HD or RAM type of stuff, but the easy to miss type things. For instance I know I don't like the right shift key on the Eeee my husband uses for work on the road. I had no idea something that minor could be a major pain, until I was typing six rows up in the middle of my text, because the arrow up key is where I am accustom to the right shift key being.  I don't use it often enough to be able to retrain myself, so it happens over and over and I find it very frustrating. Thanks for helping me not make that mistake again and avoid other mistakes I don't even know about.

-- Edited by Wait for me on Monday 13th of July 2009 01:02:34 AM

We have the 9" Dell mini and really like it. It's keyboard however is also more difficult to use than a standard laptop. I would imagine that you would find this with all minis due to the reduced keyboard size. On our Dell, there are several keys that are dual purpose (one key when used by itself, a different key when used with the function key.) For instance, there is no page-up key as with standard keyboards. The up-arrow must be utilized in conjunction with the function key for page-up. I find the tiny size wonderful as I can carry it so easily in my purse anywhere we go. Hope this helps.

-- Edited by 2Markeys on Tuesday 14th of July 2009 07:20:41 AM

-- Edited by 2Markeys on Tuesday 14th of July 2009 07:21:51 AM

We have a 9" Acer Aspire One and are very happy it and the current 10" model looks even better and is at Costco. The happiest owners seem to be the ones with Samsung NC-10 netbooks, including a couple friends, since they love the keyboard.

We have an Acer and a Dell. Both are great, wireles connectivity works well, they're fast but have the following problems: -Keyboards are small and require time to get familiar with. -No internal DVD / CD drive so you have to copy stuff/programs to a memory stick to load on to the netbook -Screen size is weird to use on some websites, the toolbar at top cuts off the top of the web page, I know I can hide the toolbar, but that's an extra step. -I find myself staying close to the screen so I can see what's on it, because the screen is so small. Here's my opinion....I would rather spend a few hundred dollars more and buy a fullsize laptop. It would be more comfortable to use.

Most happy netbook users have one in addition to a normal notebook or desktop computer and that is true of us. Diane and I have our own notebook computers but use the netbook for tasks where its small size helps, like taking it places and monitoring our diesel engine. Believe me, I would rather lug the netbook around than my 15" Dell. The new low power chip from Intel is now shipping for 12" to 15" notebook computers that have up to 8 hours of battery life and those might be a better choice than a netbook for many RVers.

Thank you for your hints and suggestions, I will keep them in mind as I shop for my new computer.

We have two CPU's in our stix's and one laptop and that comes in the RV with us on our weekend trips.  We had been researching for a Netbook for me since I wanted something to read my blogs, journals, e-mail, surf and research.

Gary bought me a Samsung NP N310 for my birthday surprise.  I have had it one week and I LOVE IT.  I am a typist and the keyboard is great,,,,,,,,the sound is also great, quality and speed perfect for me not to mention the size for transporting and the sturdy hard case, I have the dark blue color, is very nice.

The only drawback was the Samsung's are available via online in our area therefore we were not able to be "hands on" prior to the purchase.  I did do a hands on with the Dell, Acer and several others.  I am VERY PLEASED with the Samsung and I would highly recommend it if you were in the market.

Let us know what your final choice turns out to be!
SUsan