Netbook Envy: Getting Down With Downgrading
For as long as I can remember I have always wanted a "better" computer -- smaller, more powerful, better features, etc. And it's been easy to chase improvements because tech tends to decline in price, year over year. Two decades ago my first home desktop computer "system" (yes, it was a "system") set me back about $2,200 and was probably less powerful (and certainly less portable) than my iPhone. Two months ago my daughter and I built a high-end gaming PC for about $1,300 -- and that tower can launch missiles.
Maybe it's part of the maturization process (mine, not technology) or maybe it's because I've become a cheapskate, or maybe because it's clearer now after years of using computers that I actually know what I do 90% of the time and am not as motivated by pay for cachet over function (this might be the time to mention that my newest car is 13 years old).
Whatever the reasons, these days I think less is more.
I haven't bought an iPhone 5 and won't be buying any new smartphone any time soon — not unless my iPhone 4S becomes unusable or lost (it has already survived a full-on immersion in water, so having saved its life I am now responsible for it, forever). I got a $200 Nexus 7 when the iPad Mini was still in the rumor stage, have since very favorably reviewed Apple's entry into the small tablet space and still haven't added it to my go bag.
But the laptop is still king of holy trinity because you still need a real, full-sized keyboard and large screen sometimes. But — what else do you really need? I think this is the year that netbooks make a comeback. My latest Reuters review is of the Samsung Chromebook, a delivery system for Google's web services. It probably can't be the only computer you own but, as I found, it could very well be the one you carry.
So now the tide has completely shifted for me: I've been using powerful Apple laptops for years, mostly issued by my employers. But the next laptop I buy will almost certainly be a netbook. And it will be better not because it's flashier/faster/more powerful but because in being none of those things it will be not too much, and not too little, but just right.
_____________
Follow me @johncabell
Steve Puls: Cyber Security open to positions that are remote or Rochester, NY. #MustUnderstandIDIC
11 年Whatever you choose, just be sure the OS and SW is supported by the vendor for security updates- e.g. XP is still a great OS but MS will soon be dropping support it. [My car is a 1999 model, the notebook I am typing this on is circa 2009, and my desktop is 6 yrs old (opted for larger LCD over a new PC, though I may be buying a new AMD multicore so I can run more than one virtual machine at a time.]
Managing Director at IMPAK Corporation
11 年This inexpensive netbooks could be good if you live in one particular ecosystem (e.g. apple, Google). With everything cloud based now, netbook could go for a while in the future. Google could have early competitive edge if they make chrome OS platform compatible with android apps.
Director Customer Engagement, Analytics, Engineering | Prosci? Certified Change Practitioner
11 年Why pay for another device? Use a bluetooth keyboard and Google docs with the tablet you already own. Netbooks have no value prop, notebooks are too bulky, ultrabooks are too expensive, tablets are closest, Microsoft RT nailed it (too bad most people won't consider it).
Content Editor at Aston Martin
11 年Chromebooks are amazing value and the 'always online' aspect isn't a problem. Only problem is the lack of dedicated apps, does everything have to be web based? Another massive point is that it comes with an easy, front and centre bookmark to google docs, probably one of the best word processor. No hassle and fuss with this netbook.