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In my opinion, netbooks should be complementary devices to your PC and not full on PCs.

Part of the flaw for them is the form factor. I like the way you can lounge with the iPad, whereas the netbook is basically a small laptop. The other thing is that whilst you can see flash sites, you don't really want to. iPlayer looks and runs awfully in any os on a netbook.

Another annoying thing is netbooks keyboards are a compromise. the keys are too small and also without a backlight, its taking a long time for me to type this out on my mini 9!

I run iPlayer all the time on my Samsung NC10, and output through VGA to my HDTV and its absolutely fine, even using the higher res stream.
 
I have a Dell Mini9 hackintosh, LOADED - 2GB ram, 64gb runcore SSD, 1.3MP cam, etc.

I got it b/c I hated lugging my 15" MBP around.

All-in, including power adapters, cables, etc. the Dell winds up weighing a bit less than 1/2 as much as the MBP.

So it's small and light. It was also relatively cheap, even with the add-ons.

And I ****ing hate it. It's slow - whether running windoze or OSX. Having >1 application open at a time is an exercise in frustration and hate. The keyboard blows.

Overall I can't recommend netbooks in any way, shape, or form. Get a real laptop, or get an iPad.
 
I have a Dell Mini9 hackintosh, LOADED - 2GB ram, 64gb runcore SSD, 1.3MP cam, etc.

I got it b/c I hated lugging my 15" MBP around.

All-in, including power adapters, cables, etc. the Dell winds up weighing a bit less than 1/2 as much as the MBP.

So it's small and light. It was also relatively cheap, even with the add-ons.

And I ****ing hate it. It's slow - whether running windoze or OSX. Having >1 application open at a time is an exercise in frustration and hate. The keyboard blows.

Overall I can't recommend netbooks in any way, shape, or form. Get a real laptop, or get an iPad.


You observations seemingly contradict the performance tests between netbook and iPad reported in this thread (and elsewhere). Running multiple applications on netbook may be slow but it is infinitely faster than doing it on iPad ;) And I doubt that iPad's keyboard is better than the one on netbook either. Maybe you just got the wrong netbook? PC World conducted typing tests on MBP, netbook, iPad and iPhone and the results were as follows:

Device Typing time Words per minute Compared to MacBook Pro
15-inch MacBook Pro 1:42 69 n/a
Asus EeePC 1000HE 2:21 50 1.4 times as long to type passage
iPad (portrait mode) 3:02 39 1.8 times as long
iPad (landscape mode) 3:06 38 1.8 times as long
iPhone 3GS (landscape mode) 4:35 26 2.7 times as long
iPhone 3GS (portrait mode) 4:47 24 2.8 times as long

As you can see in these tests the netbook performed much better than the iPad.
 
PC World conducted typing tests on MBP, netbook, iPad and iPhone and the results were as follows:

Device Typing time Words per minute Compared to MacBook Pro
15-inch MacBook Pro 1:42 69 n/a
Asus EeePC 1000HE 2:21 50 1.4 times as long to type passage
iPad (portrait mode) 3:02 39 1.8 times as long
iPad (landscape mode) 3:06 38 1.8 times as long
iPhone 3GS (landscape mode) 4:35 26 2.7 times as long
iPhone 3GS (portrait mode) 4:47 24 2.8 times as long

As you can see in these tests the netbook performed much better than the iPad.

Im surprised portrait mode was as fast as landscape on the ipad
 
You observations seemingly contradict the performance tests between netbook and iPad reported in this thread (and elsewhere). Running multiple applications on netbook may be slow but it is infinitely faster than doing it on iPad ;) And I doubt that iPad's keyboard is better than the one on netbook either. Maybe you just got the wrong netbook? PC World conducted typing tests on MBP, netbook, iPad and iPhone and the results were as follows:

Device Typing time Words per minute Compared to MacBook Pro
15-inch MacBook Pro 1:42 69 n/a
Asus EeePC 1000HE 2:21 50 1.4 times as long to type passage
iPad (portrait mode) 3:02 39 1.8 times as long
iPad (landscape mode) 3:06 38 1.8 times as long
iPhone 3GS (landscape mode) 4:35 26 2.7 times as long
iPhone 3GS (portrait mode) 4:47 24 2.8 times as long

As you can see in these tests the netbook performed much better than the iPad.

Have you actually used an iPad? Regardless of what performance tests say, anyone who has used both will tell you that the iPad feels significantly faster than an Atom-based netbook.

By the way, I type 60WPM on the iPad keyboard and maybe about 80WPM on a traditional keyboard. I have written all my posts on MacRumors since 4/3 exclusively on an iPad, a lot of them quite long. We've been using traditional keyboard our whole lives so it's natural that we are faster on them. As we get more experience on the iPad keyboard, I have no doubt that we will be as fast or even faster on it.

BTW, I get 45WPM on the iPhone portrait mode. Anyone getting 24WPM must be physically handicapped.
 
I
If you have a nice desktop, an iPad, and a phone, why do you still need a netbook? You don't need anything else but at least a MBA offers something you don't have: a powerful and full-sized ultraportable laptop.


OK now we are just going around in circles :) Netbook is more versatile than the MBA, as well as being alot less expensive. A MBA might attract more women, but thats about it.
 
OK now we are just going around in circles :) Netbook is more versatile than the MBA, as well as being alot less expensive. A MBA might attract more women, but thats about it.

Okay, fine. I just think having a netbook and an iPad is just redundant. But yes, we are going in circles so I respect your opinion and we can end this debate :)
 
Have you actually used an iPad? Regardless of what performance tests say, anyone who has used both will tell you that the iPad feels significantly faster than an Atom-based netbook.

By the way, I type 60WPM on the iPad keyboard and maybe about 80WPM on a traditional keyboard. I have written all my posts on MacRumors since 4/3 exclusively on an iPad, a lot of them quite long. We've been using traditional keyboard our whole lives so it's natural that we are faster on them. As we get more experience on the iPad keyboard, I have no doubt that we will be as fast or even faster on it.

BTW, I get 45WPM on the iPhone portrait mode. Anyone getting 24WPM must be physically handicapped.

The fact that they guy got better results in portrait mode might indicate that he has big hands (and use thumb typing). The "feeling" that iPad is faster than netbook might be attributed to the excitement for a new toy. All tests show that iPads are slower in everything other than the start-up time. Then again the tests were performed on decent netbooks (still cheaper than iPad) and not all of them are "decent". But obviously netbook that costs as much as iPad will have at least 2GB of RAM (no re-loading for tab switching in browser) and may be equipped with SSD. Such netbook will be much faster than iPad.
 
1 reason why I think a netbook is better than an iPad-
I can run full Windows or full OSX on it. And by extension my library of Steam games :3.
 
The fact that they guy got better results in portrait mode might indicate that he has big hands (and use thumb typing). The "feeling" that iPad is faster than netbook might be attributed to the excitement for a new toy. All tests show that iPads are slower in everything other than the start-up time. Then again the tests were performed on decent netbooks (still cheaper than iPad) and not all of them are "decent". But obviously netbook that costs as much as iPad will have at least 2GB of RAM (no re-loading for tab switching in browser) and may be equipped with SSD. Such netbook will be much faster than iPad.

I think the difference can be attributed to flash memory. A netbook with an SSD may feel faster but the iPad will feel faster compared to a HDD.

Remember that people don't wait for the entire website to load before reading it. The device in which the actual page pops up first feels the fastest. And that is the iPad. Netbooks may load the entire page faster, but I take at least a couple of seconds to absorb the first page and when I'm ready to scroll down, it's usually already done.
 
OK now we are just going around in circles :) Netbook is more versatile than the MBA, as well as being alot less expensive. A MBA might attract more women, but thats about it.

Why would you say that? To me, Netbooks and the MBA are very similar, but one offers a more speed at a higher price.

As far as iPad being better then a netbook, I'd agree in some areas, but thats because the iPad is built to do less stuff, so the iPad can focus on doing those tasks while a netbook is really just a PC, so it can do more, but the UI is really just a laptop.
 
I think the difference can be attributed to flash memory. A netbook with an SSD may feel faster but the iPad will feel faster compared to a HDD.

Remember that people don't wait for the entire website to load before reading it. The device in which the actual page pops up first feels the fastest. And that is the iPad. Netbooks may load the entire page faster, but I take at least a couple of seconds to absorb the first page and when I'm ready to scroll down, it's usually already done.

Another discrepancy between the tests and the perception might be a result of the following. The tests mentioned in this thread were conducted using Safari on both netbook and iPad. In most cases, when we talk about web surfing on netbook the implied browser is Internet Explorer which was improved recently but it is still slower than Safari.
 
I'm waiting for my 3G so I obviously can't speak from experience when it comes to the iPad.

I did have an Asus EEE. I loved it for about 3 weeks until my hands start aching and my eyes started hurting. I have small hands and I had a hell of a time with the keyboard. The screen was a bitch to look at. I ended up buying a mouse because the touchpad was a PIA. I bought an external dvd burner. I bought a large sd card. I bought a spare battery because the battery life sucked. I spent about $700 total for the netbook with all the other crap.

Ultimately I decided to ebay the netbook and get a real laptop (MBP). I anticipate the iPad doing for me what I thought the netbook would be - a light, self contained surfing, emailing, lite gaming machine with good battery life and good connectivity.

RC
 
Whatever the results of those tests, and regardless of the conditions under which they were performed, I can guarantee that without exception, in real world use a Dell Mini 9 - using either windoze or osx, and loaded to the gills with every conceivable upgrade - is slower and less useful in every way than an iPad.

To argue otherwise is simply not to have used both for any meaningful period of time or in any practical application. And yes that includes side by side.

Frankly I cannot help but think that if you've really used both, and prefer the Dell Mini 9, that you are either a moron, or...well, a moron. Can't quite explain it any other way. The Dell Mini 9 is "that bad."
 
Whatever the results of those tests, and regardless of the conditions under which they were performed, I can guarantee that without exception, in real world use a Dell Mini 9 - using either windoze or osx, and loaded to the gills with every conceivable upgrade - is slower and less useful in every way than an iPad.

To argue otherwise is simply not to have used both for any meaningful period of time or in any practical application. And yes that includes side by side.

Frankly I cannot help but think that if you've really used both, and prefer the Dell Mini 9, that you are either a moron, or...well, a moron. Can't quite explain it any other way. The Dell Mini 9 is "that bad."

Anthony, you've stated your case very well and very patiently (like the others in this thread who have used both a netbook and the iPad), but don't be surprised when a blind hater (likely the same one who has already questioned whether or not you know what's best for you) comes along with more nonsense about tests run by various blog sites and "you just bought the wrong netbook" or some such garbage.

In the end, you know what you know, and the only person who has to be convinced is you. Thanks for offering something more than hot air and FUD to the discussion.
 
Anthony, you've stated your case very well and very patiently (like the others in this thread who have used both a netbook and the iPad), but don't be surprised when a blind hater (likely the same one who has already questioned whether or not you know what's best for you) comes along with more nonsense about tests run by various blog sites and "you just bought the wrong netbook" or some such garbage.

In the end, you know what you know, and the only person who has to be convinced is you. Thanks for offering something more than hot air and FUD to the discussion.

Thanks GCM. I intentionally chose to phrase my response about my particular netbook, rather than "all netbooks" (even though i also believe 9x% of them suck). And agreed - the haters will respond soon enough.

Peace out. I'm done with this thread. On to enjoy the vastly superior iPad :)
 
Thanks GCM. I intentionally chose to phrase my response about my particular netbook, rather than "all netbooks" (even though i also believe 9x% of them suck). And agreed - the haters will respond soon enough.

Peace out. I'm done with this thread. On to enjoy the vastly superior iPad :)

*Yawn* Take it to a hotel room
 
Netbook over an iPad? No thanks.

I'm here at my wife's office helping a coworker setup her netbook, the Asus Eee-PC or whatever the heck it's called. It has Win7 Startup.

Why in the hell would somebody want one of these over an iPad? It's pointless! It's slow. The keyboard is harder to type on than the iPad. It's slow. Windows 7 is a pain because the screen is so small that whenever you move a window around, it tries to maximize it (yeah I know you can disable it, but still). It's slow. You still have to sit down to really use it. It's noisy. It's slow. Did I mention it's slow?

My 3G will be here tomorrow... sure hope Fedex comes early. :)

Rob
 
I have an HP 2140 Mininote with Windows 7 Home and was wondering the same thing.

I can run iTunes on my Mininote. The iPad by itself is pretty useless (without a mothership).

I can run Quicken and many other apps I need on my Mininote. I can download files from the internet onto my Mininote and use its hard drive as temporary storage. I can VPN into work...

The netbooks have their uses. It all depends on your specific use. If all I needed was Gmail and web browsing, then no, I would have no need for a Netbook over an iPad. The iPad has its place, but replacing my computer altogether aint it. :D
 
True you can do that on a netbook... you can do a lot more on an iPad than many might realize (rdp, ssh, ftp, etc). But I sure wouldn't want to deal with their stupid touchpad that doesn't work very well, or the tiny keyboard.

Another thing... sure the netbook multitasks but poorly. With such a slow CPU and limited RAM, I'm finding it VERY hard to make this thing do more than one thing at a time.

If I really needed a small laptop for purposes like that, I would buy a used MacBook 13".

Rob
 
True you can do that on a netbook... you can do a lot more on an iPad than many might realize (rdp, ssh, ftp, etc). But I sure wouldn't want to deal with their stupid touchpad that doesn't work very well, or the tiny keyboard.

Another thing... sure the netbook multitasks but poorly. With such a slow CPU and limited RAM, I'm finding it VERY hard to make this thing do more than one thing at a time.

If I really needed a small laptop for purposes like that, I would buy a used MacBook 13".

Rob

Heh my netbook is faster browsing than any ipad. and I can type much faster than you can on a ipad. Battery life is almost as good as well. I will have both as a disclosure. I cant believe all the people who keep bringing this up to justify their $500+ toy. Go enjoy your ipad. :p
 
I'm here at my wife's office helping a coworker setup her netbook, the Asus Eee-PC or whatever the heck it's called. It has Win7 Startup.

Why in the hell would somebody want one of these over an iPad? It's pointless! It's slow. The keyboard is harder to type on than the iPad. It's slow. Windows 7 is a pain because the screen is so small that whenever you move a window around, it tries to maximize it (yeah I know you can disable it, but still). It's slow. You still have to sit down to really use it. It's noisy. It's slow. Did I mention it's slow?

My 3G will be here tomorrow... sure hope Fedex comes early. :)

Rob

We get it, you really like it, you're professing your love for a piece of tool. Whats next? OS X is better than Windows thread? Move on already. :rolleyes:
 
Wow, people. Dang. I wasn't try to start a war here. Yeah I do think the iPad is superior to a netbook in many ways. So what?

Heck I just found out this woman paid under $250 for it. For that kind of money, it's a good deal. I might have to get one just to try JoliCloud on it.

And while I'm at it, OSX is FAR superior to Windows. I switched to the Mac from Windows in January because I was sick of the instability.

Rob
 
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