Hardware
Matt Dillon Says “See Ya, Wouldn’t Wanna Be Ya” To Netbooks
In what is part MacBook review / part Farewell to netbooks, GBM’s Matt Dillon lays out why he’s kissed netbooks goodbye. It is a great read, well written, and has some very good arguments on why a person should think twice before purchasing that next netbook. Check it out.
Comparing a netbook to a notebook such as the (13″) MacBook Pro is like comparing a Geo Tracker and a Hummer; they’re in two completely different categories. Unfortunately, I had succumbed to the myth that a netbook could meet my basic computing tasks while a home-based and more powerful computer would accomplish my intensive computing requirements.
I gathered together the computers I had in my house which included a few dead clunkers in the garage, an older Motion M1300 Tablet PC, an HP desktop running Windows XP circa 2001, an Eee PC 1000HE, and a 1.83 Ghz Intel Core Duo MacBook, and hit up craigslist and eBay to liquidate. I had the necessary funds available after about two weeks of auctions and sales. It was clear that I wanted a computer with plenty of power and long battery life. I was seeking a notebook that would replace the need for both a netbook and a more powerful desktop.
Dodot
07/24/2009 at 10:06 pm
I seem to recall that Matt played around with a 2710p sometime last year. Guess that didn’t work out too well for him? :)
Matthew Dillon
07/26/2009 at 8:58 am
@Dodot: You are correct! Your memory serves you well. I did have an HP 2710p and liked it, but nonetheless did sell it. My current arsenal is as I write in the article, a MacBook Pro. I am eager to see what Apple has up their sleeve with the Apple Tablet and foresee myself getting one. My biggest issue with the 2710p was that I felt the inking experience was a tad off. I know that digitizers are usually a little off, it takes many calibrations, and you’re supposed to look at the cursor, not the actual pen, but I couldn’t get to that “natural input experience.” I grew increasingly frustrated. Granted, my time with Win7 inking has been very impressive and much better (especially in those sides/corners that tend to make me want to pull my hair out). I look forward to the tablet advancements that are in the very near future. Thanks for your comment.
Donald
07/26/2009 at 8:01 pm
You prefer reflective screen? Pure torture trying to use reflective screens outside of anything but perfect conditions.
I heard Apple may start using nonreflective screens soon for their macbooks. I might actually be able to join Mat in celebrating the Macs useability if that happens.
Techni
07/29/2009 at 10:28 pm
Sigh. Netbooks are exponentially more portable