I got a netbook!
I decided on the Acer One A150 since it was in stock at the local store and had the same internals as the higher priced Asus EEE models.
This one has an 8.9? screen so the keyboard is a little small but it’s what I was looking for. A small computer that I can load up with all my documentation and things. I’ve been trying this on PDA’s for years and they just never work.
The model I got has 1GB memory, 160GB drive, 1.67Ghz Atom processor and Windows XP. Basically, like all the other net books. It has connectors for audio, 3 USB, VGA, Ethernet, SDHC slot, and Wireless B/G.
I wanted Windows XP on it so I would be able to install all the documentation and software that I use on a regular basis. I don’t want to waste time trying to find pathetic Linux wanna-be software that never measures up. (Not that I hate Linux in any way – just not for this purpose).
First thing I tried was installing all my video codec’s and BSplayer and that played videos well. There are issues with Wireless G keeping up sometimes though.
Next, I installed Visual Studio 2008 on it with all the extras (minus SQL) and it’s very functional. I don’t think I’d want to code all day on the small keyboard but for quick little things it works well.
I took it into the office the other day and hooked up a USB keyboard and mouse, and a monitor to the VGA port. I ran at 1280×1024 resolution and used it all day. It was perfectly good at running Office 2007 and VS 2008. I’d swear it’s better performance than the Dell 810 my employer has me using. The Atom is a dual core processor so that is already better than my Dell 810.
I was thinking that it would be smart for companies to start using these net books for people. They almost always provide keyboards, mice, and monitors at the office so carrying a small net book is nicer than a big Dell laptop.