Why I Love My Netbook

I know, I know, it’s so horribly old-fashioned in a tablet world, but I am the happy owner of my second  ASUS eee PC. It’s a perfect machine for traveling, whether to downtown or halfway across the world. Mine is loaded with the full version of Microsoft Office, so I can do any work I need to from anywhere. It fits on an airline tray table, it is small enough to fit in my bookbag, and no one wants to steal it.

I don’t know why they didn’t catch on!

Recently, I did a survey about technology on university campuses, and one of the questions was to describe comfort with technology. The statements ranged from “I like to use the latest, newest technology” to “I am one of the last to try new technologies”, or something like that. It seemed like they were trying to rank people from Geek Hipster to Luddite, and I looked like the Luddite. But I’m not; I just don’t see a need to upgrade unless I’m sure it benefits me and not the hardware and software manufacturers. I was an early netbook adopter, but I’d still be using Office 97 if my clients could open the files. (Note to Microsoft: some people used the keyboard shortcuts.)

I’m intrigued by the new Windows 8 tablets, as they look like the best of both worlds. Until I’m convinced, though, I’ll keep my eee.

A white woman with green glasses and gray hairAnn C. Logue

I teach and write about finance. I’m the author of four books in Wiley’s …For Dummies series, a fintech content expert, and an avid traveler. Among other things.

1 Comment

  1. I am a tech consultant intrigued by how light I can go. I too am on my second eee – the 1018p. I run Ubuntu on it and it rocks. The big Dells and Lenovos have been retired. Since adopting it, I have downsized my bag and can now actually walk across the airport…

    But what will I do when the admittedly weak plaster case finally gives up?

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