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Must have add ons for Netbooks?

S

swbsam

Platinum Member
I just got my first netbook, a newer version (with bluetooth and 6 cell battery) MSI Wind U100 - what are some must have stuff for it?

By "stuff" I mean recommended software (under XP), recommended hardware, and just general stuff, from good headphones to pair with it or a decent case recommendation.

Thanks!
 
Slip cover: I picked up a grey cordoroy slip cover from my Dell Inspiron Mini 9 from Wrappers.

GPS: I have a simple SiRFStar III Bluetooth GPS Receiver to interact with the Bluetooth dongle on my netbook. Then I paired Google Maps with GooPS for a free GPS navigation solution on my netbook. Can't beat a 9" GPS device.
 
Originally posted by: edro
I would start by getting a real laptop to do all the things a netbook can't do.
Click to expand...

I have two "real" laptops, I just wanted something simple that I can travel with easily and not care too much if I lost/broke.
 
Originally posted by: yllus
Slip cover: I picked up a grey cordoroy slip cover from my Dell Inspiron Mini 9 from Wrappers.

GPS: I have a simple SiRFStar III Bluetooth GPS Receiver to interact with the Bluetooth dongle on my netbook. Then I paired Google Maps with GooPS for a free GPS navigation solution on my netbook. Can't beat a 9" GPS device.
Click to expand...

I see a lot of slip covers out there - are they big enough for the netbook + ac/adapt?

Also, a bluetooth GPS seems VERY cool! Thanks for the suggestion
 
Originally posted by: edro
I would start by getting a real laptop to do all the things a netbook can't do.
Click to expand...

Like what? Game? Gaming notebooks are nowhere near the same category as a netbook. Once the Ion platform comes to the netbook, we'll be able to play games. Outside of that, I'm not limited in what I can do with my netbook.
 
OS X runs pretty well on the Wind 🙂

Upgrade to 2GB RAM. I'd also recommend either a 320gb 7200rpm drive (if you want speed) or a 500gb 5400rpm drive (if you want space). I really like the Logitech VX Revolution as a notebook mouse, the Wind's trackpad is a tad too small for me. For compact earbuds, I like the Etymotic 6i series of in-ear earbuds. A Bluetooth headset might be worthwhile if you use video chat or Skype. And of course, some kind of case or bag to carry it around in.
 
How about a pair of decent reading glasses so you can actually see that tiny display and post in the right fucking forum? 😛
 
Originally posted by: Kaido
OS X runs pretty well on the Wind 🙂

Upgrade to 2GB RAM. I'd also recommend either a 320gb 7200rpm drive (if you want speed) or a 500gb 5400rpm drive (if you want space). I really like the Logitech VX Revolution as a notebook mouse, the Wind's trackpad is a tad too small for me. For compact earbuds, I like the Etymotic 6i series of in-ear earbuds. A Bluetooth headset might be worthwhile if you use video chat or Skype. And of course, some kind of case or bag to carry it around in.
Click to expand...

Not to get too techie for OT, but is it worth the effort to get oS X on the WIND in your opinion? I personally have a macbook (13.3), a macbook pro (15"), an iMac and 2 desktop Windows PCs - I don't really have a bias but am comfortable on both platforms.

The last I heard was that you needed to upgrade both the ram (no problem) and the wiFi card, plus somehow get os x on there (I'm guessing either buying a usb dvd rom drive or a big thumbdrive). Seems like a lot of work, unless there's an obvious benefit that i'm not seeing. Is OS x even small monitor friendly?
 
Originally posted by: Maiora
How about a pair of decent reading glasses so you can actually see that tiny display and post in the right fucking forum? 😛
Click to expand...

Ha! Sorry, I figured since this is more accessories oriented than laptop oriented, I could get away with posting it here.

In fact, my most immediate quest is for a small bag that'll protect the netbook while leaving room for the ac adapter and perhaps a mouse.
 
Originally posted by: swbsam
Originally posted by: Kaido
OS X runs pretty well on the Wind 🙂

Upgrade to 2GB RAM. I'd also recommend either a 320gb 7200rpm drive (if you want speed) or a 500gb 5400rpm drive (if you want space). I really like the Logitech VX Revolution as a notebook mouse, the Wind's trackpad is a tad too small for me. For compact earbuds, I like the Etymotic 6i series of in-ear earbuds. A Bluetooth headset might be worthwhile if you use video chat or Skype. And of course, some kind of case or bag to carry it around in.
Click to expand...

Not to get too techie for OT, but is it worth the effort to get oS X on the WIND in your opinion? I personally have a macbook (13.3), a macbook pro (15"), an iMac and 2 desktop Windows PCs - I don't really have a bias but am comfortable on both platforms.

The last I heard was that you needed to upgrade both the ram (no problem) and the wiFi card, plus somehow get os x on there (I'm guessing either buying a usb dvd rom drive or a big thumbdrive). Seems like a lot of work, unless there's an obvious benefit that i'm not seeing. Is OS x even small monitor friendly?
Click to expand...

It's just fun to have OS X on a netbook 🙂

What will you be using your netbook for?
 
LOL, I just put Windows 7 and M$ office on a Asus 901, with a 64GB Runcore SSD. It's pretty cool. Added a higher capacity battery to it and I can use it all day.

Am waiting on Runcore SSD's for a couple of Dell Mini's, am going to put OSX on one & give it to daughter's BF, will likely make the 2nd one a dual boot with OSX and XP on it.

I have a netbook with me all the time, either as a GPS or at work for breaks & shit at work.

M$'s restrictions for the manufacturers was genius for the PC industry, lots of folk mod the crap out of them, giving the industry a boost.
 
Originally posted by: Kaido
Originally posted by: swbsam
Originally posted by: Kaido
OS X runs pretty well on the Wind 🙂

Upgrade to 2GB RAM. I'd also recommend either a 320gb 7200rpm drive (if you want speed) or a 500gb 5400rpm drive (if you want space). I really like the Logitech VX Revolution as a notebook mouse, the Wind's trackpad is a tad too small for me. For compact earbuds, I like the Etymotic 6i series of in-ear earbuds. A Bluetooth headset might be worthwhile if you use video chat or Skype. And of course, some kind of case or bag to carry it around in.
Click to expand...

Not to get too techie for OT, but is it worth the effort to get oS X on the WIND in your opinion? I personally have a macbook (13.3), a macbook pro (15"), an iMac and 2 desktop Windows PCs - I don't really have a bias but am comfortable on both platforms.

The last I heard was that you needed to upgrade both the ram (no problem) and the wiFi card, plus somehow get os x on there (I'm guessing either buying a usb dvd rom drive or a big thumbdrive). Seems like a lot of work, unless there's an obvious benefit that i'm not seeing. Is OS x even small monitor friendly?
Click to expand...

It's just fun to have OS X on a netbook 🙂

What will you be using your netbook for?
Click to expand...

Mostly writing screenplays (not a poseur, it's a hobby 🙂 ) and casual web browsing. I also think I might use it to help keep myself more organized, and as a hub for my iPhone (i.e. store digital media on there). Celt X is a great, open source screenwriting software and openoffice fills the rest of my productivity needs, for now.
 
Originally posted by: swbsam
Originally posted by: yllus
Slip cover: I picked up a grey cordoroy slip cover from my Dell Inspiron Mini 9 from Wrappers.

GPS: I have a simple SiRFStar III Bluetooth GPS Receiver to interact with the Bluetooth dongle on my netbook. Then I paired Google Maps with GooPS for a free GPS navigation solution on my netbook. Can't beat a 9" GPS device.
Click to expand...

I see a lot of slip covers out there - are they big enough for the netbook + ac/adapt?

Also, a bluetooth GPS seems VERY cool! Thanks for the suggestion
Click to expand...

The store I linked has slip covers that are specifically made for all of the popular netbooks out there - pick the one appropriate for yours and it'll definitely fit.

However, I don't know of a single slip case out there that also has room for the AC adapter. I think the idea is to put the netbook in the cover, and then throw that plus the AC adapter into a backpack. That's what I do.

Originally posted by: ivan2
for me, lightroom and a 9 cell battery (7 hours)
Click to expand...

You do image manipulation on these dog-slow machines? You've got some serious patience.

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
LOL, I just put Windows 7 and M$ office on a Asus 901, with a 64GB Runcore SSD. It's pretty cool. Added a higher capacity battery to it and I can use it all day.
Click to expand...

Is Windows 7 really worth it for netbooks? I really like XP on my Dell Inspiron 9, but if Windows 7 has faster boot times and generally improved performance...
 
These are some good ideas - especially that GPS thing.

I have a 17" Dell notebook that I use as a desktop replacement and it is entirely too large to casually carry around and I would love to get a netbook for easy stupid fun transportation.
 
Originally posted by: yllus
Originally posted by: swbsam
Originally posted by: yllus
Slip cover: I picked up a grey cordoroy slip cover from my Dell Inspiron Mini 9 from Wrappers.

GPS: I have a simple SiRFStar III Bluetooth GPS Receiver to interact with the Bluetooth dongle on my netbook. Then I paired Google Maps with GooPS for a free GPS navigation solution on my netbook. Can't beat a 9" GPS device.
Click to expand...

I see a lot of slip covers out there - are they big enough for the netbook + ac/adapt?

Also, a bluetooth GPS seems VERY cool! Thanks for the suggestion
Click to expand...

The store I linked has slip covers that are specifically made for all of the popular netbooks out there - pick the one appropriate for yours and it'll definitely fit.

However, I don't know of a single slip case out there that also has room for the AC adapter. I think the idea is to put the netbook in the cover, and then throw that plus the AC adapter into a backpack. That's what I do.

Originally posted by: ivan2
for me, lightroom and a 9 cell battery (7 hours)
Click to expand...

You do image manipulation on these dog-slow machines? You've got some serious patience.

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
LOL, I just put Windows 7 and M$ office on a Asus 901, with a 64GB Runcore SSD. It's pretty cool. Added a higher capacity battery to it and I can use it all day.
Click to expand...

Is Windows 7 really worth it for netbooks? I really like XP on my Dell Inspiron 9, but if Windows 7 has faster boot times and generally improved performance...
Click to expand...

I do use Photoshop on my NC10, and I have no issues. I've also done HDR manipulation with no problems.

As for Windows 7, supposedly the RC is much more improved, but I haven't tried it. I don't have an issue with Vista Ultimate though, so I don't see how Win7 is an issue.

Only thing I wish is that this was an Ion dual core system, but hopefully that's coming this summer.
 
Originally posted by: swbsam
Originally posted by: edro
I would start by getting a real laptop to do all the things a netbook can't do.
Click to expand...

I have two "real" laptops, I just wanted something simple that I can travel with easily and not care too much if I lost/broke.
Click to expand...

Can you buy me a new netbook and pretend like you lost it?
 
Originally posted by: Baked
Originally posted by: swbsam
Originally posted by: edro
I would start by getting a real laptop to do all the things a netbook can't do.
Click to expand...

I have two "real" laptops, I just wanted something simple that I can travel with easily and not care too much if I lost/broke.
Click to expand...

Can you buy me a new netbook and pretend like you lost it?
Click to expand...

I'll sell you an Asus 1000HE for 360 😉
 
Exernal keyboard, external monitor, external mouse, external hard drive. Unfortunatley, external processors aren't available at this time.
 
Get a cheap USB controller to play emulated games. My Asus 1000HE makes for an awesome on-the-go Super Nintendo system.

I run lightroom and photoshop as well (not the quickest, but they work in a pinch).

The GPS idea is something I hadn't thought of. My Garmin GPS was stolen recently and I have yet to replace it... hmmm...
 
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