Help me, Techie Trekkies: mini notebook or a better phone?

[Tribbles]

I've been wanting something portable with basic internet functionality. I don't feel like I need a full laptop (and besides, I bought a new desktop in July). I just want to be able to check email, facebook, use google, etc. I teach and write, so access to a word processing program would be nice, but that isn't necessary. I don't think I'd honestly get too much work done on the go, anyway.

That said, should I ask for a mini laptop or a better phone for Christmas? If you think a phone is better (and that is the way I'm leaning right now), are there any models you recommend? My current phone can access the internet, but it's nothing special. I'm thinking I'd like something similar to an iPhone, but preferably much less expensive. (I am with AT&T, if that helps.) I'd definitely like to have a keyboard equivalent since I am impatient and texting is therefore frustrating with the number keys.

Thanks!

 

[Crusher Disciple]

Is screen and text size an issue?

By the way, how big are mini notebooks?

 

[PlainSimpleJoel]

^ Here we have them around with 10 inch screens.

Go with a better phone.

 

[Capn Flukie]

Notebook computers are nearly the same size as an actual notebook. 3-subject no less.

I'd go with the mini notebook, it'll last a lot longer than a new phone which you'll probably want to replace in a couple months anyway. Plus, you can use it anywhere there's free wifi, and not pay for a an extra data plan like a phone. A mini notebook is a great supplement to a desktop as well. I use mine to watch stuff on Hulu and messaging, while I do more 'important' stuff with the desktop.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

I just got a netbook on black Friday, amd I can't imagine life without it, despite never having a laptop befoe. It's awesome for using the web wherever there is wi-fi, and for writing. I love it.

 

[Kestra]

I've been wanting something portable with basic internet functionality. I don't feel like I need a full laptop (and besides, I bought a new desktop in July). I just want to be able to check email, facebook, use google, etc. I teach and write, so access to a word processing program would be nice, but that isn't necessary. I don't think I'd honestly get too much work done on the go, anyway.

That said, should I ask for a mini laptop or a better phone for Christmas? If you think a phone is better (and that is the way I'm leaning right now), are there any models you recommend? My current phone can access the internet, but it's nothing special. I'm thinking I'd like something similar to an iPhone, but preferably much less expensive. (I am with AT&T, if that helps.) I'd definitely like to have a keyboard equivalent since I am impatient and texting is therefore frustrating with the number keys.

Thanks!

I know you said you'd rather not get an iPhone, but it sounds like it would be a good fit for you, especially if you're already with AT&T. The only reason I haven't gotten one is because I don't want to give up Verizon. Otherwise it's pretty much everything I'd want, and I was never someone who thought I'd want more out of a phone than calling and occasionally texting. The interface is, to me, amazing. I use the iPod Touch right now and I love bringing it with me when I know I'll have access to wireless but don't feel like actually lugging a laptop around.

I don't have much knowledge of anything beyond that, although I recently got a new phone myself with a full QWERTY pad. Even with my rare bouts of texting, I've already found it handy.

 

[RoJoHen]

I've been wanting something portable with basic internet functionality. I don't feel like I need a full laptop (and besides, I bought a new desktop in July). I just want to be able to check email, facebook, use google, etc. I teach and write, so access to a word processing program would be nice, but that isn't necessary. I don't think I'd honestly get too much work done on the go, anyway.

That said, should I ask for a mini laptop or a better phone for Christmas? If you think a phone is better (and that is the way I'm leaning right now), are there any models you recommend? My current phone can access the internet, but it's nothing special. I'm thinking I'd like something similar to an iPhone, but preferably much less expensive. (I am with AT&T, if that helps.) I'd definitely like to have a keyboard equivalent since I am impatient and texting is therefore frustrating with the number keys.

Thanks!

I know you said you'd rather not get an iPhone, but it sounds like it would be a good fit for you, especially if you're already with AT&T. The only reason I haven't gotten one is because I don't want to give up Verizon. Otherwise it's pretty much everything I'd want, and I was never someone who thought I'd want more out of a phone than calling and occasionally texting. The interface is, to me, amazing. I use the iPod Touch right now and I love bringing it with me when I know I'll have access to wireless but don't feel like actually lugging a laptop around.

I also have an iPod Touch and think it's awesome. I never really thought I'd want an iPhone until I got my Touch and realized I wish I could call and text with it.

 

[Holdfast]

If it's only occasional web access you need, a good PDA phone or smartphone is a great device.

 

[Tribbles]

Screen/text size isn't a big concern, CD.

Flukie, that's a good point, but I don't upgrade my phone more than once every two years, and that's because I can get a free upgrade at that point. If I get a new phone now, it'll be my first time ever doing so outside of the upgrade window...

Thanks for chiming in, Flying Spaghetti Monster! I'm sure once I get one or the other, I'll be the same way: "How did I ever live without this?"

Kestra, I've been the same way about phones (I used to think I'd never text at all, but persistent teen cousins have coerced me into it by constantly texting me). The iPhone does sound great. I'll look into what kind of deals I can get on them.

Thanks, all! I'm still undecided at this point, but your input definitely helps.

 

[Tiberius Jim]

I vote for getting a better phone. If you're on AT&T but don't want an iPhone (I don't blame you) you could go with something like a BlackBerry. With a data plan you get unlimited browsing anywhere, not only where you have wifi access. A netbook will either only give you net access when you're within a hotspot, or you can activate it with a data plan and get the netbook at a discount...but then deal with a 5GB cap on data usage per month. I think the best way to go is a smartphone.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

No problem. I still reccommend the netbook. The phone companies have system: they calculated that a phone battery will last up to just under a ear. That's the way it is, regardless of whether you can upgrade.

The netbook is the size of a student notebook but it is like having a full computer, no skimping, that you can bring anwhere. You can even attach a disk drive. With the net, this is proving unnecessary. If you are a guest at a house for a week, you'll have your own computer and not be bored to tears and not be fumbling a phone around.

 

[Kestra]

Kestra, I've been the same way about phones (I used to think I'd never text at all, but persistent teen cousins have coerced me into it by constantly texting me). The iPhone does sound great. I'll look into what kind of deals I can get on them.

If you know someone who has one, maybe just mess around on it for a bit yourself to see if you even like it. I knew people with iPhones and was annoyed by them playing on them all the time, and never thought I'd want one. Then I got an iPod Touch for free and initially just thought I'd be using it to play music. I was quickly drawn in and I never thought I'd use so many of the features, or that things like e-mail and web browsing would be so simple from it. You may have the opposite experience though, since not everything is for everyone. I know people who find typing on it to be incredibly frustrating.

Since it's such a big purchase, I would definitely recommend seeing if you can try one out first to see if it's even for you. But whatever you decide on, I hope you enjoy!