netbook/ notebook time

[pckid9234]

Ok so my grandfather finally admitted to buying a new PC. He wants me to look for one for him. Hes like I want a netbook (i described what one was and he said perfect). He said if he is on the PC 10 min a day its a lot. But, since he has 5 kids I figure lets suprise him and everyone chips in and gets him one. He plays around on a NJ message board and Email. Thats it! with the occasional nephew playing a game.
I think this good http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834200483

[jmilch]

How well can he see? 11.6" is pretty hard for most people to really see, especially if they are older

[pckid9234]

I know i mentioned that he said he didnt care hes fine with it. But maybe offer a bigger screen but cheaper side

[BigE4u]

Thats going to suck when the time comes to replaceing the hard drive for whatever reason.

Its the #1 reason why i avoid netbooks unless they have a large single or multiple access panels on the bottom side.

Example: Acer Aspire One... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834215382

Ps- Then theres the extra cost of having to get an external usb2.0 cd/dvd reader or dvdrw burner.

[AruisDante]

I mean what's your definition of 'cheap'? You can get a 17" Insperon starting at $599. The 15" models start at $399.

If he wants small cuz it's portable that's one thing, but small for cheap isn't really necessary any more.

[PommieB]

I hate small screens, he'd be far more comfortable with a 15 inch screen, I've a 17 inch and I struggle with that at times. I'd be in all sorts of trouble without the Zoom function on the mouse I use. I hate wearing specs, unless I have to.

[Odanez]

Is the netbook just gonig to sit on a desk somewhere? If that is the case, then there's no real point in going for a tiny netbook. Do you have an old PC you can give him? Something used with not much power sounds like the right thing for him here tbh. It is much nicer to work on a desktop than a laptop, with real keyboard and screen.

But if a laptop would be the device of choice, I would also go for used - 15" is a decent size and still portable enough and can be had for the lowest prices (except for netbooks of course). Just saying.

On the other hand though, if he is really fine with the small screen, might as wll just get him a netbook.

[bravotsx]

This 15.6 incher is only $360 and far more usable for someone older.

if he's anything like the older people i know, what they say is hardly what they want since they think netbooks are cheap and convenient without really thinking about the usability.
you'd probably be doing him a favor with a bigger device and maybe a mouse.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834230457

[pckid9234]

bump i think im getting this one http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+1...6#BVRRWidgetID

[AruisDante]

Seems like a pretty solid choice. I would recommend getting him a mouse too pas the track pads on low end laptops tend to be less than worthless.

[pckid9234]

Already done

[BigE4u]

Originally Posted by pckid9234

bump i think im getting this one http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+1...6#BVRRWidgetID

That one blows away my toshiba a205-s5825/t7700(upgraded)/vista machine from 2008 purchased from BB for $430, then it was $400 2weeks later.

[pckid9234]

449 included wireless epson printer... some bloat ware... but seems decent for my grand father lol...

[PommieB]

A good choice, make sure you create the OS disks, I doubt they'd supply any. Make a note of the serial No.

[bravotsx]

looks good.
+1 for the OS backup disks. If you have Ghost you could create a disk image.
perhaps you can uninstall the included AV, put on a decent firewall, and you're good to go~

[pckid9234]

It gave me kapersky.
I jus threw on avg