netbook or notebook

If you want to use it for navigation with Oziexplorer then as net book is easier to handle. If not, and it will be your only pc, and only used when stationery, then a larger more powerful notebook is the way to go.

Hello Maureen

I have traditionally used a notebook for those relatively simple tasks you describe but recently I set up a complete new system for navigation as well as those other duties.

As a basis I used one of those $299 Netbooks and it has proved remarkably capable.

I began with the budget spec eepc but its 1 gig and 160g hard drive have proved more than adequate.

The real issues for us in the car tend to be sufficent screen brightness and something that can actually be operated whilst driving (by passenger).

It was important to get a unit with a matt screen that does not refect and also with a matte casing that surrounds the screen.
I only found this in the eeepc as these features are becoming non-existent in run of the mill notebooks.

The main catch with netbook is that it has no DVD, you can of course get external ones , but all this clutter defeats the purpose for me.

Lack of DVD makes it harder to initially load programs , but this is go around by loading programs like Ozi-exploror / Office etc onto a USB stick then copying across and running setup etc.

The sheer ease of use and unobtrusive style has meant that I now actually carry the little unit into MacDonalds stores and use free internet etc.

You did not refer to navigation, but it can be effectively implemented with the little GPS mouse advertized on this site. This is what I used.

Bluetooth is also a useful acessory or feature and I implemented that with a small USB stick so that I can more easily transfer pictures from the phone.

As a result of the above we carry less stuff now and have saved a little bit of weight out of the car.

Thanks for that it has given me something to think about, it probably wont be used for navigation but we may change our mind about that.

Maureen

There is a theoretical advantage in having a solid state drive rather than a mechanical hard disk.

Although I've never had a problem with my old Toshiba laptop or my Mac Mini, there is a chance that vibration (or less likely dust) interfering with drive reliability.

The eeePC of course has solid state drives.

The eeePC display is not as clear or bright as some others, so a car mounted external display may be an option.

I picked up a mini (10") Dell and Oziexplorer a year or so ago and found it great! Small enough to fit in the front of the car without getting in the way, slips under the seat in a neoprene bag for storage, etc.

Yes, no DVD and small keyboard, typing essays (or blogs for Exploroz...) takes a bit longer, but overall am very happy with it.

Cheers,

Tristan

Also running a winXP eePC, bluetooth GPS, Ozi and Garmin for PC for urban use.
Upped to 2gb ram and 160gb HD and carry usb sticks and portable HD.
All works well