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Originally Posted by Kazilan
I'm looking to purchase a new basic laptop or netbook and am wondering if anyone here has tried a netbook. I want something small with long battery life for word processing, music, and internet use, but have read that some people don't like the netbooks as they have limited functionality and can't be customized - I read that some even limit the number of applications you can run at once.
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For word processing, music and internet a netbook works just fine. However, portability should be an issue if you consider one; if you never intend to leave the house with you laptop you probably don't need a netbook.
When it comes to functionality and applications; a netbook is just a downsized laptop. There are no other limitations than hardware ones. I haven't tried to push my netbook to it's limits, but I've heard people using it for Photoshop without any major problem. I can't vouch for movie editing, though. Juding from what I've seen on YouTube, you can play games like Half-Life 2 and FarCry on the MSI WInd.
As for customizing, you can replace the RAM, harddrive and network card easily. Replacing the processor is probably doable, but there really aren't many options for processors to put in. Intel has their Atom 270, their new Atom 280, and some Atom Celeron version. IIRC, VIA has one or to processors as well, but that's pretty much it.
Another thing, it might be a good idea to get a netbook with a 6-cell battery. 3-cell batteries are just to low for a portablie computer like a netbook. 6-cell batteries can be bought seperately but cost more than $100.
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Curious if anyone has used one and can offer recommendations/criticism. Should I just pay a little extra for a 'normal' laptop? Are netbooks targeted more at people who know little to nothing about computers?
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If portability is a non-issue, while most-bang-for-the-buck hardware-wise is, then a normal laptop will do.
As for whom netbooks are aimed for, I suppose marketing-wise it's teenagers, women and students.