Micro, Mini and Maxi?
Since I’ve had my iPhone, over 14 months or so, I’ve reveled in my ability to check email, do research, watch videos, get directions and product/service ratings and generally keep myself occupied where ever I am. In my car, at a restaurant or even when I don’t want to get up off the couch and walk to my desktop computer.
I also see it’s limitations, and still make use of my notebook computers and desktop computers most of each day, if not over the weekends. But as I travel, and my 2 year old daughter wants to watch movies/games when we are traveling, I’m interested in a “netbook” PC for more mobile use that I can’t always accomplish with my iPhone. This new generation of light, mobile PCs has come down significantly in price, from over $1,200 or $1,500 to $300-$500 in some cases. Dell has a Mini 9 Netbook with a 9 inch screen, and MSI has a Wind line with a 10 inch screen are some great examples.
This article from CNet on the “big bang” of conflict between computer manufacturers getting smaller products to market and phone handset builders going more full featured was very interesting. They focus on the handset and the small netbook pc at the ends of the spectrum of “mobile computing” but of course I think it’s smarter to look at the human side of “getting my computing/information needs met”. Broader and more holistic I think.
I see the trend of my needs/wishes from work computer, to desktop home computer to some type of notebook computer to phone handset. Depending on my tasks/intentions, I’ll choose the right tool for the job… much like my kitchen knife set, paring knives, steak knives or chopping knives on call all at the right time. It’s a simple analogy, but I think it works… as computing becomes another tool of our environment, our options multiply and conform to our work styles.
I’m considering a “netbook” (somehow I doubt this term will catch on with mainstream consumers) for traveling and light work when my MacBook Pro is too much, and my iPhone isn’t enough. I think it will also replace the need for a mini travel dvd player for long flights to Argentina with my daughter. It won’t replace my desktop (Mac Mini with 23 inch display), my work notebook or my iPhone, but I think it’ll find it’s niche in my life and computer use.
What about you, will you go with a netbook and a simple phone handset? Or a desktop and smartphone? Is there ONE perfect device for you or is “perfect” the option of micro, mini and maxi at the right time?
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Hi Charlie, I have an iPhone and love it, but it doesn’t meet my needs when I’m sitting on the couch and want to browse the web. I have a Dell Mini9 on the way; I’ll let you know what I think. Maybe you can see it at ProductCamp Austin Winter?