Laptops vs. Netbooks: What You Need to Know to Make a Final Decision

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Okay, so almost one month ago I finally made the decision to purchase a netbook over a laptop computer. I’d been researching for over a year which laptop brand and type was the best fit for my needs as an indie writer actively pursuing my dreams. After publishing two articles on the subject, asking countless friends their opinions, and having my desktop conveniently crash on me the timing to get on the ball an finally make a decision was pretty imperative. An online freelance writer without a computer is like a teacher without students, like a painter without paint. The situation needed to be remedied ASAP.

Suddenly, as I was searching online a lightbulb memory flashed in my mind. I remembered that several fellow online writers had highly recommended the Acer netbook for its practical bare bones simplicity, no frills, just what a writer needs, the basics in a compact light weight device, I was sold and placed my order that same day.

I must admit I was immediately taken by its remarkably small, almost toy-like feel. I didn’t even need a clunky laptop case. All I needed to do was stick it in my purse and I was out the door. Such distinctive conveniences truly entertain my need to feel free from material objects and subsequently capture my affections to no end.

But over the 30-day trial period, I realized that as much as the Acer netbook made me feel like a hardcore indie writer, one comparable to those who sit by candlelight either scratching words on scrap pieces of paper or typing away on an antique typewriter into the wee hours of the night, I knew the few glitches with the functionality of the model would subtract from my creative focus. But despite these things, I almost opted to keep it just to have a cool story to tell one day when I’m interviewed. I pictured myself pulling the Acer out of my purse and telling the world on a live televised production that it was through that device I was able to make my first billion dollars. I mean look at JK Rowling she was on food stamps with children in tow writing notes on scraps of paper, such a story is just simply too cool.

As tempting as it was, after speaking with someone who’s very dear to my heart and a highly knowledgeable Geek Squad customer service rep, I knew I had to break down and get an actual laptop.  The Acer was great for it’s mobility, however, when it came to practical use, it had a cursor situation that made typing a not so smooth production, with a very sensitive cursor that kept moving, and for a writer, well that’s something that has to be completed eliminated. 

The Geek Squad rep broke things down very simply and easy to understand, which was a true blessing for someone like me who’s all “thumbs” when it comes to technology.  There were still some answers I needed regarding the vast differences between the wide range of laptop versions on the market.  I needed something that I could readily understand and feel comfortable with.  He was able to do just that for me.  He told me that nowadays the standard memory you need for efficient speed and usage on laptops is 4GB.  He also told me that all laptops are made from the same manufacturer and then sold to the popular name brands you’ve heard of (i.e. Sony, Acer, Toshiba, etc. – except Apple, who manufactures their own products.). 

Furthermore, he said that if you don’t need blue ray on a laptop you can save yourself about $150’s right off the bat.  His preference was Sony, he said that in his experience they tend to have the lowest rate of system maintenance needs.  Also, I’ve had several people in the technology field tell me to get a great laptop that does everything you need, you need not spend more than $400-$500’s.  This was a great relief when prior to all this advice I thought you’d have to spend about $1,000’s to get a quality laptop that would last.  They also let me know that all new laptops have WiFi capability (the ability to receive wireless internet connection, very important for coffee and teahouse writers).  All this information gave me peace of mind that I wouldn’t be paying too much for things I didn’t need and would still be receiving a long-lasting dependable laptop. 

So, given all the wealth of knowledge regarding laptops I’ve gathered in the last 1-2 years, I started my online search for laptops again.  While I was planning on purchasing a Sony, another dear friend who’s an actual IT specialist, told me that Sony’s are overpriced.  And, then my eye caught the Toshiba (from some advice, I’d heard Toshiba’s really wonderful), which was priced at approximately $475’s.  I shared the link with him and he let me know that was an exceptional deal.  What’s interesting, I think I ultimately choose it because my feeling toward the actual name brand was neutral.  Something about it just felt dependable, like they are a brand that’s been around forever, yet didn’t need to have a great deal of attention or hype to thrive and be successful in a field of laptops always trying to boast a new feature.  The Toshiba, just suddenly felt like a solid, reliable computer and I was sold.

I received it yesterday and am completely in love with it – no looking back.

Joie Schmidt © Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved.

For a complete e-book of poetry by Joie Schmidt, for Kindle readers: “Dreams of the Heart” Amazon’s Kindle (special price $2.99) or for non-Kindle readers: “Dreams of the Heart” (Adobe Reader) 

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