[Rob van dam]

I dont get it. Whilst i do not own a laptop i have used a handfull of latptops from the old Ti powerbooks to the new macbook pros.I find the bare minimum for comfortable use is 15.4"(i am yet to see the new macbooks.) which provides ample enough screen space to carry on with various tasks.Why do people clamour for 10" latops? Dont you find the eye strain uncomfortable?

Enlighten me on this topic?

[jokell82]

Well my eyesight is pretty good (20/10 in both eyes), so small monitors don't bother me at all. But I have a feeling it's due more to the size and weight of such small computers being perfect for people who travel a lot.

[residentEvil]

i prefer the small size for travel; i'm use to the small screen and don't have any eye troubles. home/personal has been 12" powerbook for a few years and now at work, i traded in my 15" windows machine for a 12" one...much better.

[Dork.]

No, I don't find the eye strain uncomfortable. I like small laptops because they're more portable. I tend to maximize my windows, and only have the window that I'm using front-most. Command-Tilde, Command-Tab, and Expose are my friends.

[production_coordinator]

It's all about portability. I find my 12" iBook to be too big at times. I'm happy with the size, but if Apple could make a smaller laptop, I'd really look at it. Not everyone wants to carry around a large computer bag.

[Doofy]

It's all relative.

Operate one of these...



...without the plug in VGA board (i.e. just using the LCD) for more than about eight hours (your eyes will be out on stalks) and suddenly a 10" laptop screen is like heaven.

[Rob van dam]

I guess you all make valid points.Having a 20" imac i seem to wonder how i could use a 12" machine on the road.If i brought a small laptop it would probably stay in close lid the whole time so thats why i guess i havent felt the need for one yet.

[osiris]

If only Apple made a micro mini with an 8" or 10" screen (with VGA out) weighing in at around 2 lbs... It would be so portable and easy to fit in an attache or backpack. Not everyone needs a portable theatre, but just a computer to do some work. A man on the move...

[TETENAL]

People like small laptops because they are easier to carry around. Isn't that obvious?

[osiris]

Like one of these babies:http://www.kemplar.com/subnotebooks.php

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by Rob van dam

I dont get it. Whilst i do not own a laptop i have used a handfull of latptops from the old Ti powerbooks to the new macbook pros.I find the bare minimum for comfortable use is 15.4"(i am yet to see the new macbooks.) which provides ample enough screen space to carry on with various tasks.Why do people clamour for 10" latops? Dont you find the eye strain uncomfortable?

Enlighten me on this topic?

You like lugging around a large laptop all of the time? I DON'T understand THAT.

Why would you want a laptop that is the same size as a desktop? Why not just use a desktop? Desktop computers are cheaper and more reliable.

Oh, you have bad eyes. I understand. Get some glasses.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by osiris

If only Apple made a micro mini with an 8" or 10" screen (with VGA out) weighing in at around 2 lbs... It would be so portable and easy to fit in an attache or backpack. Not everyone needs a portable theatre, but just a computer to do some work. A man on the move...

Agreed.

Remove the optical drive - I rarely use it anyway. You can reduce a lot of size and weigh that way. Just use a USB or FIREWIRE drive.

The biggest problem I have with tiny portables is keyboard size. Some manufacturer once had an expanding keyboard that was, while in theory, awesome, but it was not very sturdy or usable.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Railroader

The biggest problem I have with tiny portables is keyboard size. Some manufacturer once had an expanding keyboard that was, while in theory, awesome, but it was not very sturdy or usable.

Back in the early 90's, I ditched full-size computers and took to using a Psion 3a for all my activities (back then, there wasn't much day-to-day stuff you could do on a full-size that you couldn't do on a Psion and I'd moved all the music stuff to hardware-based equipment). Used it for about three years.
Got back on a full size keyboard and it took me ages to get up to anything approaching a reasonable speed. To this day, I'm still faster on a mini keyboard.

[Rob van dam]

Originally Posted by Railroader

You like lugging around a large laptop all of the time? I DON'T understand THAT.

Why would you want a laptop that is the same size as a desktop? Why not just use a desktop? Desktop computers are cheaper and more reliable.

Oh, you have bad eyes. I understand. Get some glasses.

actually i used it on a desk and i actually didnt find the 15.4" all that large to carry(considering i only carried it across rooms a couple of times..I guess we all vaying tastes.Plus my eyestrain is caused due to using the computer to much.Not cause of the screensize.

[Scotttheking]

I'd love to get a small laptop.
I'm thinking of replacing my PB with a Lenovo Thinkpad X series for that reason. 3 pounds is something I'd greatly prefer.

--Scott

[hadocon]

A small laptop makes my d1ck look bigger ;-)

[Stratus Fear]

I understand perfectly why some people like small laptops. It makes sense to me. I think the people who prefer slightly larger laptops are willing to compromise between size, and screen real estate+features. That's why I have the 15", but not larger machines. The 15" is still portable enough. Larger ones just get ridiculously heavy.

[Chuckit]

I don't find there to be a big difference between carrying a 10" and carrying a 15" — both are light enough that I don't have to strain myself. The difference in screen size, though, is pretty significant. So I prefer a bigger laptop too.

[production_coordinator]

I've seen people with the 17" PowerMac, and I think that thing is WAY too big to be all that portable.

I guess if you needed to be portable some of the time it would be nice.

A 9"-10" MacBook mini with a slightly smaller keyboard and no optical would be fine. It wouldn't even need firewire. Two USB would be fantastic.

It would be nice if you could also remove the battery and make it even smaller (think three piece "accordion" [monitor, keyboard/computer, battery] where you could take off the battery and it would still look great.

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by Chuckit

I don't find there to be a big difference between carrying a 10" and carrying a 15" — both are light enough that I don't have to strain myself. The difference in screen size, though, is pretty significant. So I prefer a bigger laptop too.

I own a 12" iBook and use my work 15" laptop from time to time... I notice a big difference then traveling. Especially when I have work to do on the airplane. I find I am more mobile with the extra couple of inches.

[Stratus Fear]

Originally Posted by production_coordinator

I own a 12" iBook and use my work 15" laptop from time to time... I notice a big difference then traveling. Especially when I have work to do on the airplane. I find I am more mobile with the extra couple of inches.

Well, even the 15" PowerBook is smaller than some 15" PC laptops

[threestain]

Originally Posted by jokell82

Well my eyesight is pretty good (20/10 in both eyes), so small monitors don't bother me at all. But I have a feeling it's due more to the size and weight of such small computers being perfect for people who travel a lot.

20/10 isn't very good by the way - means you can see at 10 feet what most can see at 20 feet (i.e. half as good as it should be!)

[ink]

Because they fit in a backpack without hassle and their batteries last forever.

I'm soooo glad I bought my 12" Powerbook last fall. I was tempted to wait for an Intel version, and it's a good thing I didn't. My previous laptops include a 12" dual-usb iBook and a 10.5" Vaio.

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by ink

Because they fit in a backpack without hassle and their batteries last forever.

I'm soooo glad I bought my 12" Powerbook last fall. I was tempted to wait for an Intel version, and it's a good thing I didn't. My previous laptops include a 12" dual-usb iBook and a 10.5" Vaio.

I find it funny that people hold out forever for a new version of a computer. I purchased the last version of the iBook the day it came out... and never looked back. I'm all for holding out a little bit if there is a pending bump... but some people are just nuts about that stuff.

[iREZ]

id rather trade my 12" powerbook for a 13" macbook than a 15" macbook pro if both were offered to me. i have a desktop for home use (17" imac spanning to a 20" lcd) when i need ample screen real estate, a portable machine is meant to be portable and i love being able to use it anywhere.

[TheoCryst]

I've had a 15" laptop before, and that thing was a PITA to carry to class every day. I like the 13" form factor of the MacBook a lot though... my iBook (see sig) is just a hair lacking in screen real estate. There's no way in hell you'd be able to get me on one of those 10" super-baby laptops that look like overgrown cell phones. I find non-standard keyboard sizes irritating (largeish hands), and my eyesight isn't spectacular.

[ambush]

my 12" powerbook is the bomb

Tho I'd like to have a brighter screen

[ambush]

Originally Posted by Railroader

Agreed.

Remove the optical drive - I rarely use it anyway. You can reduce a lot of size and weigh that way. Just use a USB or FIREWIRE drive.

[Andy8]

Try carrying around a 17" PB on your shoulder for more than a few hours and you will see why a small lightweight laptop (apple hardware) is a dream to many of us.

[analogika]

My reasoning for getting the 12" Powerbook back then was that the only useful laptop is one I actually have with me anytime I need it.

I've since switched to the 15" Powerbook, and my reasoning turns out to have been dead-on. I don't have this one with me *nearly* as often (i.e. constantly), and it's turned out to be a lot less useful in that regard, even though working on it is much nicer - when I actually happen to have it along.

I'll be switching to a 13" MacBook in fall for that reason, hoping it's close enough to being the ideal cut between the two.

[- - e r i k - -]

I use the 17" PowerBook and it has been traveling with me all around the world (Europe, Asia, Australia). Never had a problem with it's size. They fit well in airline trays too. And as for carrying it around: You weaklings

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by ambush

I like the subnotebook idea. I hardly ever use the CD/DVD drive on my iBook... especially considering I have a tower at home with a much faster drive.

My Dream Sub Notebook:
- 9" or 10" screen 1024x768
- Slightly smaller keyboard
- Trackpad
- iSight
- 2 USB
- VGA out
- Audio out (no speakers needed)
- Airport (g/n)
- Optional battery pack (optional as in I didn't need to carry it with)

Price: $550 (650 with battery).

[milhous]

as the only mac that i have, the only thing i've regretted about the 12" ibook g4 is the resolution of the screen. i wish it could go beyond 1024 x 768, but hey, if we can trully get a resolution independent UI in leopard, then maybe i can get what i want in time.

[Chuckit]

Originally Posted by production_coordinator

I find it funny that people hold out forever for a new version of a computer. I purchased the last version of the iBook the day it came out... and never looked back. I'm all for holding out a little bit if there is a pending bump... but some people are just nuts about that stuff.

I think it comes from chronically buying just before a new revision just comes out. Whenever you want to buy, you become convinced something radically better is just around the corner. (Nosir, never done that before.)

[Gossamer]

Originally Posted by milhous

as the only mac that i have, the only thing i've regretted about the 12" ibook g4 is the resolution of the screen. i wish it could go beyond 1024 x 768, but hey, if we can trully get a resolution independent UI in leopard, then maybe i can get what i want in time.

I agree with you, I have the 14" iBook and the resolution limitation is frustrating. The screen's big enough, but I can't fit more than a web page on there. My iBook wasn't bad to take to class, it weighed less than my physics book, and the 14" screen is better for watching movies in the car, people can see it better.

[Wiskedjak]

fond memories of the Sony Picturebook ...

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by Rob van dam

actually i used it on a desk and i actually didnt find the 15.4" all that large to carry(considering i only carried it across rooms a couple of times..I guess we all vaying tastes.Plus my eyestrain is caused due to using the computer to much.Not cause of the screensize.

Why didn't you just buy a cheaper more powerful desktop computer if you aren't using it as a portable laptop?

We definitely vary in tastes.

You're eyestrain is caused from either needing glasses or an non-ergonomic usage of your computer. Probably from trying to use a laptop as a desktop. Raise the screen on a few books to at least eye level and get a separate keyboard and mouse. That should help you with your eyestrain.

[Rob van dam]

Originally Posted by Railroader

Why didn't you just buy a cheaper more powerful desktop computer if you aren't using it as a portable laptop?

We definitely vary in tastes.

You're eyestrain is caused from either needing glasses or an non-ergonomic usage of your computer. Probably from trying to use a laptop as a desktop. Raise the screen on a few books to at least eye level and get a separate keyboard and mouse. That should help you with your eyestrain.

I have an imac G5 with a 20" screen.Like i stated i have used laptops before but dont own one.I just started this thread becuase i always wondered why people used those small laptops.But nonetheless thank you for the advice

[Eug Wanker]

Cuz large laptops suck (for portability). If I want a big screen, I'll use my 20" iMac, or add an external screen. It's not as if I'm spending 98% of my time in Final Cut HD anyway.

In fact, now that I own a MacBook, I think that laptop is a bit too big too. My 15" Ti was even worse. And a 17"? That's just crazy talk.

P.S. My friend was all gaga over the 17"... until he actually bought one. Now he wonders if he should have just bought the 15", cuz he travels a lot. The 17" is extremely cumbersome.

[jokell82]

Originally Posted by threestain

20/10 isn't very good by the way - means you can see at 10 feet what most can see at 20 feet (i.e. half as good as it should be!)

You should check your research again - it means I can see at 20 feet what most people can see from 10 feet.

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

It is possible to have vision superior to 20/20: the maximum acuity of the human eye without visual aids (such as binoculars) is generally thought to be around 20/10 (6/3).

[JoshuaZ]

Man... I have like 20/15 vision and would live a bigger screen. My 12in PBook is great and all, but I lust after a 15in powerbooks all the time.