The product this morning is from Radio Shack, they have a Gateway 10.1″ Netbook, windows xp home, 1GB ram, 160Gb hard drive for $229.  They say it is a “Pre-Thanksgiving Sale”

Office Depot is advertising a Canon EOS Rebel XS SLP digital camera with a 75-300mm lens for 669.98 in a bundled package.  Looks like SLR’s are coming down in price final.  What’s a SLR digital camera?  The SLR’s are the digital version of the 35mm camera’s 10 years ago with interchangeable lens .  They have been around a long time in a digital form, but they have been expensive.  Many opted for the smaller digital camera’s, but now the price for these are coming down.

Make it a great week and happy thanksgiving.

The purpose of this device is to give the consumer or “road warrior” a compact laptop internet option, while on the move.   It is lightweight, starts fast, and is wireless.  You can check your web- based email (yahoo, gmail, or company webmail), update social network sites, shop, get maps, or read the news.  It is also meant to write letters and do what a full-size laptop or desktop can do, but without the bulk.  The Netbook is NOT designed to store files – its purpose is to access the web.

Have you heard of “Cloud Computing” –  that is what these little laptops do — access your information via web sites.

What You Need To Know About Netbooks?

• They come in 8 to 10 inch sizes.  They do not come with a cd-rom drive.  Think of your “hand-size” when determining which one to buy.  The keyboard is small and comfort should be a consideration.  I recommend that you make an in-person visit to a retailer and see how the NETBOOK actually feels in your hand.
• They come with (up to) a 16GB Solid State Drive or 160GB Hard Drive.  Obviously, the solid state drive has limited storage;  if you plan  to just access the web, then it is a good option with plenty of space.  If you are “road warrior” and you need space for some files, presentations, or music, then you may need more.
• Operating system options include Linux, Windows XP, or now Windows 7 Starter.  If you are looking for a Netbook for this holiday season, I suggest the Windows XP version, with 1GB of RAM since little is known about Windows 7 Starter and its need for resources.  Why not Linux?  Because you probably have no experience using it.  You will be able to surf the web, but the rest of the functions will be new to you.    You already know Windows – stick with what is familiar.

IMPOTANT:   Any files you have saved on the Netbook should be copied onto another PC – a Netbook should not be considered a replacement for a home, office, or larger laptop computer.