Netbooks for NS?

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 18, 2011

My son has a netbook. It's extremely portable and useful. The most difficult part (as an adult who doesn't have hands the size of an 8 year old) was getting used to the smaller keyboard. It was a little frustrating when I'd make typos. However, the keys weren't as "loud" as my full size laptop (so that was a plus to not disturb other students)

I did get a great deal on it (about $200 with a 3yr extended service warranty)

Also check with your cell phone provider, some have free net books with certain service plans.

kk83 · Jan 18, 2011

Thank you! I think I am going to try out the HP 210. It has a 93% size keyboard which is good for me since I have "chubby" fingers. I think the price at Walmart is 339 which includes a laptop sleeve. I found one about an hour away that actually has one in stock, so I'm off to go get it.

I really like the idea of having the ability to customize my notes during class, so that it saves me time later. Usually I have 4 different colored pens, 2 highlighters, notebooks, outlines and my book out. I also am thinking I'll like being able to take some handwritten notes as I'm re reading my chapter for the 3rd time and I can add more notes to my outline and it'll be organized.

Guess I am going to give it a shot and if I hate it, I can always do a return :). I appreciate the help!!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 18, 2011

I did get a deal at Staples for Microsoft Office Home & Student. I really love using Microsoft One Note. It is very easy to organize notes, link to online information and cut & paste from other documents.

Check around for prices as $339 seems a bit high. Staples, Office Max, PC Richards, and others also have deals online. Many stores will do price matching for the same model/feature. I got a sleeve for about $10 at Target.

hikernurse · Jan 18, 2011

I really like the idea of having the ability to customize my notes during class, so that it saves me time later. Usually I have 4 different colored pens, 2 highlighters, notebooks, outlines and my book out. I also am thinking I'll like being able to take some handwritten notes as I'm re reading my chapter for the 3rd time and I can add more notes to my outline and it'll be organized.

I wish I had some words of wisdom about netbooks, but this quote had me roaring--such a typical nursing student you will be :lol2: . And a typical nurse, too--many of us still customize our journals, inservice handouts and nursing reading material . With all those pens and highlighters, you will surely fit right in!!

kk83 · Jan 18, 2011

Ok so the Walmart one is not going to work out. She told me it was silver and surprise, it's blue! I found the "raspberry" color by calling around to a few Best Buys and it's 319 there w/o a sleeve. Normally color would not be a deal breaker, but I already have a pink hued wireless mouse and I don't want to have to buy another one, lol.

Ah, I am so confused! I have a love/hate relationship with technology.

hikernurse - that's good to know! I am a pen addict. My husband just told me after my last office max trip that I wouldn't need pens for a lifetime, oops!

stefanyjoy · Jan 18, 2011

If you have a Costco membership, I only buy my electronics from them. They have an automatic 90 day return policy on all computers, no questions asked. Plus the prices are very reasonable. Just stay away from Comp USA........

kk83 · Jan 18, 2011

StefanyJoy - I wish I did! I have a Sam's membership and I usually use them for my electronic's needs, but the only netbooks they had was the Dell Inspiron or a Sony one with only a 4 hour charge .

Jonathank · Jan 18, 2011

Ok so the Walmart one is not going to work out. She told me it was silver and surprise, it's blue! I found the "raspberry" color by calling around to a few Best Buys and it's 319 there w/o a sleeve. Normally color would not be a deal breaker, but I already have a pink hued wireless mouse and I don't want to have to buy another one, lol.
Ah, I am so confused! I have a love/hate relationship with technology.
hikernurse - that's good to know! I am a pen addict. My husband just told me after my last office max trip that I wouldn't need pens for a lifetime, oops!

Go on the websites of any of those retailers, and you can order the model/color of your choice. Have it shipped to a store near you if you can't get free shipping.

milzer2012 · Jan 18, 2011

I have a Love/Hate thing with my Netbook.

I got it fom my cell service, so I can use either wireless broadband (cell service) OR regular www for an

internet connection - this is a big plus.

Pros -

web connectivity almost anywhere

size/weight

in class log on to learning sites

note taking is already typed (I type a lot of notes in to a hard form for studying on the go, repitition,compactness and accuracy)

in class refernece source - handy to have.

Cons-

Speed - much slower than my Laptop

Screen size

No CDRom - need to used a flash drive -requires pre-planning for recorded material

Web connectivity is less dependable, sometimes disconnects.

E-Mail, downlaods can be slow and costly, especially in cell/Roaming spots - they are charged as "data packages" - (learned this the hard way)

Overall it is a handy tool to be able to study in the parking lot with, work on and save things portabally,

But, as many other students don't have one, I found that the need to say no to borrowing "just for a minute"

or "could I look something Up" a frequent hazard - I'm weeding the leeches out slowly.

As a supplimental internet source -good

class note taking -good

SurroDoula · Jan 18, 2011

I love mine! I would recommend getting one with a 6 cell battery if power sources are an issue at your school - I can go all day without needing to find a plug in. I avoid the need for a flash drive by using Dropbox (do a Goggle search) for all of my school files.

bella65 · Jan 18, 2011

I am thinking about getting the netbook too! I think it could be a great help, especially since it is so small and lightweight! :yeah: