New
#11
A netbook would be perfect to stave off internet withdrawal while in the hospital (provided you have access to the 'net) but don't plan on heavy duty game play. It's true that they don't come with optical drives, I bought an external USB DVD drive for use with my netbook and now wish I hadn't as I haven't used it for a long time. A thumb drive, the internet or my home network offer me plenty of ways to get around the need for an optical drive.
I prefer surfing the web on my netbook rather than my smartphone. I have a Droid X smartphone which has one of the largest screens and I find it cumbersome to surf the web on it as it requires way too much panning and zooming in/out. As mentioned by someone else, the smartphone is great for quick info lookups but I wouldn't want to use it as my sole access to the internet.
If the hospital doesn't have wifi, you could use a prepaid, cellular based "air card" but I would check with the hospital regarding that because oftentimes they want you to turn your cellphone off in hospitals.
bigmck,
Sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery.
For the first few days you are not going to feel like surfing the web and playing with Excel and Word.
Not sure if $2-300.00 is worth buying something for what little use while in the hospital for 7 days. I would call the hospital and see what, if any, set up they have for patients who are there for your procedure.
Take care my friend and get well soon.
THW
That is one thing that I don't know, if my hospital has wifi. What is the prepay 3g dongle? Is this a laptop that accesses the cell towers with a prepaid account? === I thought I would pretty up on the tech stuff, I just never had gotten into the phones. Man there is so much I don't know about that area.
here is an example:
Sprint’s 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Connection plan is priced at $59.99 per month for unlimited use on the Sprint 4G Network and 5 GB of data on the Sprint 3G Network (price plans exclude surcharges and taxes).
More: Sierra Wireless 3G/4G dongle launches on Sprint
I have been looking around on the web. I realized my original $200 will only get me a "Fred Flintstone Computer". I found one for $310 refurbished. Tell me what you think about it. Dual Core Dell Latitude Laptop CDRW/DVD WiFi New Win 7! - eBay (item 200587802413 end time Mar-18-11 16:03:18 PDT) Thanks,
One word..................NO!
Look at Staples, Office Depot, Sam's and Costco!
Call and see if they have refurbished models. I know Sam's and Costco do!
+1, too many people got fake Windows licenses etc. No way would I buy a laptop from Ebay.
Buy this instead. At $142 you have some fun. B&H is a reputable company. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=REG&A=details
I have a Toshiba netbook or very small light notebook-not sure which-serving weather station data to weatherunderground and a personal website. It replaced an aging Toshiba Satellite. Always had good luck with Tosh. It was just under 3 bills at bestbuy as I recall.