12" screen laptops -- too small for everyday use? | FerrariChat
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12" screen laptops -- too small for everyday use?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by damcgee, Feb 3, 2006.

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  1. damcgee

    damcgee Formula 3

    Feb 23, 2003
    1,864
    Mobile, AL
    #1 damcgee, Feb 3, 2006
    I want firsthand opinions from those that have owned them.

    I have a desktop at home, so this laptop will be used for work away from home. No gaming on this, likely the only programs I will use are Microsoft Office and Firefox browser.

    I want something that is not cumbersome to carry around. I'm looking at the IBM X-series (I'm buying a used laptop -- my budget is $500-600). It says it has a "full-size" keyboard. I could go with a laptop with a 14" screen, but I really want the smaller one.

    Am I going to regret buying this smaller laptop?
     
  2. CMY

    CMY F1 World Champ

    Oct 15, 2004
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    Redondo Beach, CA
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    Chris
    #2 CMY, Feb 3, 2006
    I'm actually on a 10" screened Sony Vaio right now.. honestly, I love the size of it even though one of my hands easily stretches across the width of the keyboard. It's great for couch surfing and performing basic tasks but I don't expect it to do anything else.. for that I go to the desktop.
     
  3. Ferrari Boy

    Ferrari Boy Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2003
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    David Couch
    #3 Ferrari Boy, Feb 4, 2006
    I'm on a 12" PowerBook G4, no complaints. Still great for everyday use. Bigger screens are nicer, but not necessarily as portable.
     
  4. Artherd

    Artherd F1 Veteran

    Jun 19, 2002
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    Bay Area, CA
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    Ben Cannon
    #4 Artherd, Feb 4, 2006
    I really like my 15" widescreen powerbook. I do too much on the computer (it's maxed out at 2GB ram :) to deal with any lower res
     
  5. ferrari4me

    ferrari4me Karting

    Jun 13, 2005
    83
    Los Angeles
    #5 ferrari4me, Feb 4, 2006
    14.1" widescreen is the way to go.
     
  6. b-mak

    b-mak F1 Veteran

    Jan 23, 2004
    6,846
    Star Alliance Lounge
    #6 b-mak, Feb 4, 2006
    Ditto!

    I had planned to pick up a 19" monitor, but it's not necessary.
     
  7. vraa

    vraa F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
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    #7 vraa, Feb 4, 2006
    Dad has a 10.4 inch Sony Vaio. Maybe it's not that size, but it's around there.
    Resolution of 1280xsomething awkward. It's a widescreen.

    I think it's fine to use, but I sure could use something bigger as my main desktop is 1920x1440.
     
  8. Z0RR0

    Z0RR0 F1 Rookie

    Apr 11, 2004
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    Montreal, Canada
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    Julien
    #8 Z0RR0, Feb 4, 2006
    Mine is 12.4" or something, have been using it for a year ... no complaint! Of course, it feels fun to get on the 17 or 19" once a month ... but I really have nothing to complain about.
     
  9. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Aug 6, 2003
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    Ryan Alexander
    #9 ryalex, Feb 4, 2006
    I have used a 12" Powerbook for 3 years, and had no problems at all. In fact, I loved the small, compact size and light weight.

    Unfortunately, a few months back I dropped it on the carpet and by a fluke the screen shattered. The CPU was fine and it's now a desktop, but the HD is pretty full. I've been going back and forth about what to do - replace the screen with a used donor Powerbook, get a new Powerbook or wait for the new MacBook. Thursday, I found out that starting Monday I need a laptop for a clinical placement I'm working at.

    The MacBook is still weeks out. Can't wait for something off of eBay. Do I get another 12"? Move up to the 15"? ...

    I ended up with a 17" PowerBook. :D
     
  10. TurboTodd

    TurboTodd Formula 3

    Jan 8, 2004
    1,084
    Brentwood, TN
    #10 TurboTodd, Feb 4, 2006
    Amen.. I'm posting from my new Dell XP140.. It's a change from my 20" widescreen on my desktop.. I looked at 15 and 17" laptops, and they were just too heavy, or too hot, or both. The small Dells with 12" screens were a bit too small for me.

    Todd
     
  11. tjacoby

    tjacoby F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Vancouver Canada
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    tj
    #11 tjacoby, Feb 5, 2006
    I really like having an ultra light laptop while on the road. doesn't break my back, can still use it on the commuter airplanes, easy to use on the couch. For real work you've got the desktop for those big spreadsheets and stuff.

    the smaller laptops are slower, and will have a smaller disk drive, but so what. how much email do you have, 40 or 80GB drive should be enough. the one I have uses an external DVD drive, so I'll rip a few DVD's on the desktop before I travel, and copy them across. (I don't like the external drive bit, but will take the weight savings).
     

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