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HP Mini 2140, Dell Mini 12, iPhone or Pre?

Apr 4th 2009 at 10:05 AM

We're continuously fighting over the computers in my household, so the time seems ripe for another one. And I want it to be a netbook, an iPhone, or a Palm Pre. My hands are too big for the smallest Eee PCs, so I won't even go there. So here's what I've been doing.

I've been Osborning for the HD HP Mini 2140. (If you didn't click that "Osborning" link, it doesn't mean I've been biting the heads off of bats, it means I've been delaying purchasing products based on the promise of a future release.)

Looking into the HP Minis revealed something surprising to me. The Mini 1000 and 2140 are similar in many ways, but the unintuitive bit was this: The tinier 8.9" screen's resolution is 1024 x 600, but the larger 10.1" screen's resolution is only 1024 x 576.

What the hey? Based on what I saw at the store, I almost bought the one with the bigger screen! Because a bigger screen means a bigger screen, right? Not in this case.  That's why I was so happy to hear the rumor of the bigger screen on the HD HP Mini 2140, that puts that particular netbook back in the running.

In my despair, I began to look seriously at the Dell Inspiron Mini 12. (Larger than I'd want to carry around, but the bigger keyboard and screen would be appreciated.)

But then again, if I had a Palm Pre or an iPhone, I'd have a rich interface to the internet with me at all times. (Except I don't want to pay for their data plans or have to change carriers.)

Anyway, only a couple of days until I find out of the HD HP Mini 2140 is going to be real. But if I get it, would it arrive in time for my vacation?

Choices, choices.

  • HD HP Mini 2140 - PRO: size, just right.  CON: sorta expensive
  • Dell Mini 12 - PRO: size when considering screen and keyboard CON: size when considering storage, carrying
  • Apple iPhone - PRO: ubiquity (good for software selection), same carrier. CON: data plan expense
  • Palm Pre - PRO: keyboard, access to my favorite Palm apps.  CON: different carrier
Tags: geek, toys

Comments

 sjonsvenson on Apr 4th 2009 at 7:53 PM
If you rule out an small sized netbook (like the small Asuses and Acer One's) based on their size I don't understand why you add the iPhone and Palm to the selection list. They are smaller still with "key boards" that are even less usable. I have an Acer One and that keyboard is not really to small, the only size concern is in the function and arrow keys. But I have problems with those even on my 15" notebook.

 dblume on Apr 5th 2009 at 4:31 AM
I know I sent out mixed signals with the inclusion of the phones. The phones got extra points for being phones too, and for fitting in a pocket. But regarding the Asus: Being too small to touch-type comfortably on, but not being small enough to fit in a pocket and not being a phone - that just loses points. I appreciate your mentioning the Acer One, and what you thought of it. Thanks!

 (no name) on Apr 5th 2009 at 8:00 PM
Usually, the more functions that get packed into a device the more compromises have to be made. That's why most people by a camera in stead of a camera-phone. That's why most users don't use their phone to manage their emails, even if the phone can do it. That's why I see most office users that work on a notebook still linking it up to a big monitor and a real keyboard. Can you do a video conference with an iPhone? Probably. But I don't think you'll be confortable with it. Can you do it with a netbook? Yep, just as good as with any notebook. Can you make a phone call with an iPhone? Of course, dialing numbers isn't the most confortable thing (blind-typing anyone?) but as a phone it works pretty well. Can you do it with a netbook? Sure, if you install Skype or something like it, but you won't like it while hiking out in the country (with a smal backpack :) ). How high is pocketablity on your list of priorities? What are you going to use it for most? And second? For me a netbook is a better solution, I can touchtype just as bad as on any other notebook. For calls I like to use my headset with the phone tucked away in my backpack or on my belt. For you a phone may be a better option. Variety is what makes the world interesting.

 sjonsvenson on Apr 5th 2009 at 8:02 PM
PS, anonymous is my other name ^_^ (yep, my other personality forgets to log-in before posting O_o' )

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