Consider that I've, in the past, had to lugg crap around for work so I have some idea of the issues. In that case the last thing I would have trimmed is the portable. This was years ago but the fact remains if you have work centered around a tool make sure that tool is always up for the job.
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Originally Posted by Marc G
I just hope that whatever it is that they release, there is some way for me to use it as I would a netbook type device.
Not to burst bubbles but I think that is highly unlikely. Due to the history of tablets I doubt Apple would present us with a laptop like interface.
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I need something small and light that won't add much weight to my already too heavy 10-12LB school bag.
Now I carry or should I say lug around my 4.8LB Powerbook G4. I realize that it seems the 13 inch Macbook Pro would be a good replacement in terms of power, battery, etc. The problem is that it has a larger footprint and only weighs 3/10 of a LB less than my powerbook, not enough to justify it as a replacement when I need to lighten my average load.
Even onces can make a difference. Tou might consider removal of the CD drive to lighten the MBP. You need to look at the overall net gain or loss though. For examplle extra batteries and old power supplies up against the newer stuff. Plus with a more capable laptop you might be able to leave stuff out of the bag.
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Then we have Macbook Air: At almost 2LBs less, it's tempting and it does have enough power to handle just about anything I would do at school. The only problems are larger footprint (which I would forgive), and the relative high cost.
Even though AIR has been improved I just can't reccomend it to anybody yet. Certainly keep an eye on it for future updates that may correct issues with the machine. Or maybe the family will expand with a smaller AIR. In any event it isn't the price but what you get with AIR that is the problem.
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If my iPhone were just a little bigger and I could use it with a blu-tooth keyboard (such as the one I am typing this note on), to take notes and such, I might be happy with it.
The only wrench in those works, is that I need to be able to run some very specific Biblical Research software called Accordance on it, along with some easy way of doing quick and dirty music notation.
What ever you do don't make a decision until after the next iPod release. Tablet or not I'm still hoping for a larger Touch device. The idea being a Touch based Classic replacement or newton like device. Yes I think there is a market for such a device and the rumored tablet. Might not do Bluetooth for you but the idea is sound.
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So now that I have blathered on a bit, I guess my point is that if there isn't something that fits this bill soon, I'll be getting my hands on a dell mini10V or something along those lines. That is not a threat or anything like that. I would prefer to get something from Apple but the Air is just a bit too far out of my price range.
-MG
I guess it depends upon what you consider soon to be. I would try to stretch what you have now into next year or until Apple releases a device that fills your needs. You seem to be focused on small and light, which is fine, but I'd look to lighten else where.
The thing is which will be around longer your books and book bag or the electronics you also put in there. I seldom see people carry their old school books around after leaving school but electronics are another matter. Especially the first year or two after leaving school and transistioning to the work force. What I'm saying is that you need to look near term and not just at current needs. Laptop, Touch device or tablet you will likely want to leverage that stuff after leaving school so make sure they fit your needs for those transitional months.
Comments
What if that tablet took away the need for you to lug around textbooks? That would make your bag lighter right?
That would be nice for students!
I just hope that whatever it is that they release, there is some way for me to use it as I would a netbook type device.
Not to burst bubbles but I think that is highly unlikely. Due to the history of tablets I doubt Apple would present us with a laptop like interface.
I need something small and light that won't add much weight to my already too heavy 10-12LB school bag.
Now I carry or should I say lug around my 4.8LB Powerbook G4. I realize that it seems the 13 inch Macbook Pro would be a good replacement in terms of power, battery, etc. The problem is that it has a larger footprint and only weighs 3/10 of a LB less than my powerbook, not enough to justify it as a replacement when I need to lighten my average load.
Even onces can make a difference. Tou might consider removal of the CD drive to lighten the MBP. You need to look at the overall net gain or loss though. For examplle extra batteries and old power supplies up against the newer stuff. Plus with a more capable laptop you might be able to leave stuff out of the bag.
Then we have Macbook Air: At almost 2LBs less, it's tempting and it does have enough power to handle just about anything I would do at school. The only problems are larger footprint (which I would forgive), and the relative high cost.
Even though AIR has been improved I just can't reccomend it to anybody yet. Certainly keep an eye on it for future updates that may correct issues with the machine. Or maybe the family will expand with a smaller AIR. In any event it isn't the price but what you get with AIR that is the problem.
If my iPhone were just a little bigger and I could use it with a blu-tooth keyboard (such as the one I am typing this note on), to take notes and such, I might be happy with it.
The only wrench in those works, is that I need to be able to run some very specific Biblical Research software called Accordance on it, along with some easy way of doing quick and dirty music notation.
What ever you do don't make a decision until after the next iPod release. Tablet or not I'm still hoping for a larger Touch device. The idea being a Touch based Classic replacement or newton like device. Yes I think there is a market for such a device and the rumored tablet. Might not do Bluetooth for you but the idea is sound.
So now that I have blathered on a bit, I guess my point is that if there isn't something that fits this bill soon, I'll be getting my hands on a dell mini10V or something along those lines. That is not a threat or anything like that. I would prefer to get something from Apple but the Air is just a bit too far out of my price range.
-MG
I guess it depends upon what you consider soon to be. I would try to stretch what you have now into next year or until Apple releases a device that fills your needs. You seem to be focused on small and light, which is fine, but I'd look to lighten else where.
The thing is which will be around longer your books and book bag or the electronics you also put in there. I seldom see people carry their old school books around after leaving school but electronics are another matter. Especially the first year or two after leaving school and transistioning to the work force. What I'm saying is that you need to look near term and not just at current needs. Laptop, Touch device or tablet you will likely want to leverage that stuff after leaving school so make sure they fit your needs for those transitional months.
Dave