Comments | xavierxalfonso: Specific tech questions

xavierxalfonso

Specific tech questions

Sep 22, 2011 12:24

I am likely to need a small computer for travel purposes (my good 17" laptop is not compatible with frequent travel). After some research, I have two options in mind.
Option 1: Samsung N145 Plus 10.1 inch Netbook
Option 2: Lenovo Ideapad S205 11.6 inch Notebook
Much is the same - 3 USB ports, 6-cell battery, 250GB HDD, 2GB RAM (after upgrade for the ( Read more... )

Comments 7

No tablets xavierxalfonso September 22 2011, 10:25:46 UTC

Given the importance of writing, I'd want a physical keyboard. So a tablet is just not an option (though they are very tempting).

Re: No tablets ext_737886 September 22 2011, 13:06:48 UTC

Well, just to confuse matters, there's the fold-up keyboard to consider...
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31747_7-20109567-243/logitech-fold-up-keyboard-for-ipad-review-killer-keys/

Re: No tablets xavierxalfonso September 22 2011, 13:20:21 UTC

But it only works with the iPad, which is some way above the available price range...

I imagine there are other such keyboards, but then you're looking at buying two pieces of kit that have to be paid for and then carried around. So even if I were to buy one of the cheap tablets, I'm not sure I'd be getting that much better a deal than going for a netbook.

XXiii (not logged in at present)

strawberryfrog September 22 2011, 10:51:50 UTC

Lenovo (formerly IBM thinkpad) have a pretty good reputation for build quality (I'm happy with mine). That and the screen probably accounts for the extra £70. I don't know Samsung laptops well enough to comment on them.

As a software dev, my motto is "you can never have enough RAM" - 2Gb doesn't sound like a lot.

Wikipedia says "Windows 7 Starter is only available in a 32-bit version" I prefer the 64 bit version - for the last few years it's been the best option.

xavierxalfonso September 22 2011, 11:07:51 UTC

Just the sort of input I was hoping for - thank you.

extemporanea September 22 2011, 16:34:11 UTC

Win7 Starter is a horrible hobbled version which only allows you to open three applications at once, and won't let you change your desktop background. Oh, and you can't play video files. It drove me demented and I upgraded it as soon as I could.

xavierxalfonso September 22 2011, 17:22:23 UTC

Ah. I could live with a fixed desktop if necessary, but only three programmes simultaneously is a deal-breaker.

And Amazon thinks it would cost just over 55 Pounds to upgrade to the Home version. So with a price difference of only 15 Pounds it's looking like a no-brainer to go for the Lenovo.