[talusproteus]

I'm not as new to the netbook circle, but I've been waiting patiently for the market to evolve and produce something like the netbook for almost 6 years now. Now that I'm ready to purchase one though, I thought I could use some advice before I make a bad purchase.

What I need:
A small, sturdy UMPC or netbook that I can take with me anywhere. I’ll mostly be using it to work on word documents, so I don’t need a lot of flash and pizzazz. I also don’t need a lot of storage space since, as I said, most of my files will be word documents (albeit large ones—I’m working on a few novels) and possibly some files for movie magic screenwriter. One thing I do need though is the ability to read my document (I’ll be using it for hours at a time), balanced with the ability to type my document (a keyboard that won’t make me relearn how to touchtype), balanced with my need to pack up the computer and go at a moment’s notice. I had originally wanted something that would fit in my back pocket (a la, the OQO with a keyboard attachment) but have recently decided to go with something less expensive and more typing friendly. If it can still fit in my jacket pocket, so much the better, but I’d be willing to go with a 10 incher if it has everything else I need. Which brings me to my next point…

What I’d like:
1. Long battery life (I’m talking over 8 hours—and anything above 10 would really light my fire). I expect I’ll have to buy an aftermarket battery to get that, but that may not always be the case (I’ll do whatever I must to get the battery life I need though).
2. Less than $450. I’d really rather spend $300, but again, to get a 9 or 10 cell battery I may have to pay the difference.
3. MS XP or Linux OS is fine (in fact, the ASUS modified version of Linux is pretty clean/snazzy and I liked the included games that came with the EEEpc version so I might even prefer Linux), but I need to be able to write in MS word (or, at the bare minimum, have my MS word files be recognized on the Linux openoffice software so that I can easily switch between writing on my netbook and writing on my laptop at home).
4. SSD would be nice (I already said I don’t need the extra storage and I prefer getting a longer battery life), but I don’t always have a lot of time to write (sometimes it’s a few minutes and sometimes it’s several hours) so I can’t waste time waiting for my files to upload because my DDR or SSD or processor isn’t fast enough to pull up my documents. I’m not playing WoW or anything fancy. I’m not listening to music or watching movies on the internet. I just want my documents to POP up instead…of…taking…their…time…to…load. That’s not too much to ask, right? I’m cool with using those micro cards to improve the efficiency too (but, as you can probably tell, I’m not sure exactly what I need to modify to get this done and I still need it to stay within the above-mentioned price range).
5. Decent sized keyboard and touchpad (it’s not a deal breaker but as I said I do a lot of typing…so it’d be a VERY helpful addition). Balance that with...
6. Small and ultra-light. I don't want the thing to break on me because it's too flimsy, but if I'm packing around a massive battery, then I need the computer to be pretty light to balance things out.
7. Whatever battery I get, I need to be able to write with my computer on my lap and not have the darn thing go tumbling off because the battery is so heavy and tilts my computer at a carpal-tunnel inducing angle. It'd also be nice if I didn't get made fun of for having a hammerhead or a giant tumor on my laptop...
...but, to be frank, if I can type on it easy and pack it up easy, I don't care how ugly it looks.

So…what do you tech gurus think? I’m relatively new to the netbook market and I’ve been toying with options like the EEEpc 901, Samsung NC10, Dell mini 9, and the Acer Aspire One…but I’m kind of out of my element. Any suggestions would be welcome.

[Zardon]

we reviewed the Dell Mini 9 and the asus 10 inch, and the MSI Wind (follow the reviews button from the top nav bar to them). You won't get 10 hours out of any of the netbooks available right now without some seriously oversized aftermarket batteries however ...... the other option is to get 2-3 batteries which is obviously messier.

[BlueMak]

I don't think there is any netbook out yet with the kind of battery life you are looking for. And if there is anything soon, it will be far above the 300 or 450 price and probably up to the notebook category which I think already has some with 8 hours battery.

So, if you want a netbook (due to the size) and you have to have 8 hours, then you will need to get extra batteries, 1 that comes with the machine and a further 2.

About keyboards, I used the EeePC (the smaller one) and I found it ok(ish) to type but the screen was hurting my eyes, too small. Getting 10 hours out of it, text too...no way, at least for me. I also used for an hour a Asus Aspire One and it was much better.
I own a clone of the MSI Wind and after a couple of days I got used to the keyboard for most of the things. Still, I found it impossible to work on it for long periods of time. No matter how cool and convenient and cheap(ish) netbooks are, they are NOT for use as main system. If you need portability and to work many hours on it, get a laptop with 15" monitor and full size keyboard. It will only be a bit over the price of the netbook and so much easier to type on.

If you manage to get much more money for it, then I suggest the Apple Air. I think it gets 5-6 hours of battery life (don't remember for sure, it's very late and I am tired) and it is as light as many netbooks only much more powerful and I doubt you will have problem with the looks, unfortunately you can't replace the battery as far as I know.

[BlueMak]

It looks like the Sony Vaio TT is already out. It has a reported battery life of 8 hours. It is small almost like a netbook at 11" monitor, and powerful enough for you. The only problem is the price, but you will probably be able to find it cheaper in the USA.

Insight UK - Sony VAIO TT11LN/B - Core 2 Duo SU9300 / 1.2 GHz... - VGNTT11LN/B.CEK