Insert Witty Journal Title Here

I've been wanting to buy a netbook, aka a mini laptop, aka lots of other names because no one's really settled on one yet, for a long time now. I'd say even before they really existed. I don't know why it took companies so long to figure out that people would like a small computer to type on that didn't require much. The ones out there have more than I even necessarily needed or wanted. The Internet and web surfing capability is nice, especially for blogging, but is a distraction to actual writing! And I have never used a webcam, so that just seems like so much fluff. I guess the computer industry didn't care too much about writers, but needed blogging to finally compel them to try this market.

I looked at the Eee PC, as it was pretty much the first, best option to come out, but I gave the keyboard a try in Best Buy and found it problematic. Perhaps more experience would help, as well as tweaking any keyboard sensitivity settings may've been available.

I'm still considering the Dell Mini. I've purchased several Dells in the past, and I like that you can customize them pretty well. But the reviews have listed some drawbacks I'm not sure I can get over. Still, it may be the best option.

Dell Mini Pluses:
Linux option
Fuller-size keyboard
Pretty
Good price
Decent battery life

Dell Mini Drawbacks:
The shiny case is prone to fingerprints
It runs hot, because it doesn't have a fan
Glossy screen
The keyboard layout is weird

I'd say Linux is a must, because XP adds to the price, slows the computer down, and takes up a good chunk of the relatively small hard drives on these things. I also want a keyboard I can use. The Dell Mini has larger keys, and I don't care that they got rid of the function key row, but reportedly the shift keys are small and the apostrophe/quote key is in a weird location. But what the frell is up with making glossy screens for these things? The whole point is to make them portable for writing and blogging anywhere. That includes outside! Where the sun frequently is.

I still might give the Dell Mini a try. The keyboard one can perhaps get used to. Fingerprints are a cosmetic thing. And honestly I'd probably more likely use it indoors anywhere, where I can have some control over the angle of the light hitting the glossy screen. But I don't like computers that run hot, especially if they're going to be under my wrists and sitting on my legs. If I could test it out in a store, or impulse buy it (with Linux) at a store, I might do it. But the only way it seems you can buy one is to order from Dell. And the black one takes even longer to ship. So it's something like a 3 week wait. Though given the season, I'd expect it to take longer. How do I know I won't run across something better, or at least as good, before then?

Can anyone out there suggest a netbook they like? Linux, decent keyboard, non-glossy screen, roughly 400$?

I don't even care about battery life all that much, since I can always buy a second battery or plug the thing in.