Why consider using or purchasing a Netbook style computer for your off grid move? There are many advantages including size, weight, and battery life that make this attractive over other computing choices. There are some down sides too, but with proper planning you can have the best of both computing worlds size and power. At least I think I’ve found a good arrangement.
What got me thinking about my choice was the last 10 or 12 hours I spent with my machine the past day and a half. I upgraded my operating system from the original one I installed two years ago. The newest operating system I use has some really neat features now working, and I’ll go more into that another time.
What is a Netbook?
Typically a netbook was defined as having a footprint of a piece of notebook paper (8.5″ x 11″) . The first ones to show some success and practical use first appeared about two years ago in the late spring. Thats when Asus released the EEE pc 1000 that had two important changes to their previous models, 1) a bigger 10.1″ screen, and 2) the Intel Atom mobile CPU. Since that time, many manufacturers including HP, Dell, Acer and others offer similar Netbooks. The small size is achieved because these machines do not have any kind of optical drive (CD/DVD) built in. Needing those drives is not important now that we have large thumb drive storage, 16 Gigabytes on a 40 dollar key-chain unit. Those thumb drives hold the equivalent of 4 DVDs and work well with Netbooks.
Why Netbook and not desktop or notebook PC?
I think a Netbook is the best choice for lugging around back and forth as you put your off grid plans into motion. They are big enough for many daily computing tasks, yet small and usually about 3.5 pounds to lug around. They will not replace your desktop system for Computer Aided Design (CAD) or for video production, but they will get the job done.
One built in advantage to the Netbook and Notebook PCs is their un-interruptible power supply. That is, they seamlessly work when AC power is added, or removed unexpectedly. Some clever techies out there might be thinking by now, “heck, why bother with a Netbook, why not just use a smart phone like an Iphone or Android?” I have and Android phone and love it. Its great for checking on things in my business network. It, however, is not fun to use for that 400-600 word report or blog post!
What do I use?
Pardon my desktop mess, focus on the computer!
What kind of computer do I use for all my computing needs? Well, first let me preface it with the fact that I only use a handfull of normal office applications, a couple of low CPU special applications, and many hours using my PC as a gateway to other machines. (Read that as no CAD or video production.) Prior to getting my Asus EEE pc 1000, I would lug a 6.5 pound 17″ Dell Inspirion around to the office and customer locations. How could such a little PC meet all my daily needs??
The perfect Dual PC
To have all the office PC goodness, I added a 22″ LCD screen at my office, where most of the work takes place. Then add a normal sized USB keyboard and wireless mouse from Logitec and you have a nice system! Now when I go in the field, or to a client’s location, I have all my files and PC. Only it has a smaller screen and keyboard temporaily! The 1GB RAM and the Atom processor seem to work well for someone who doesn’t mind a second wait once and awhile.
My Asus machine has a 40GB solid state drive and this helps keep it fast and a little bit more rugged than your average notebook. I would not treat it like one of those Panasonic Toughbooks, but there are no moving parts except for its fan! Not everyone can live with a 40 GB machine, but how hard is it to plug in and external USB flash drive, or hard disk? (one caution, however, I’ve had other Netbook users comment on how my machine with the solid state drive (SSD) seems to run a little faster than theirs with a hard disk.)
In summary, a Netbook with a few accessories can give you the best of the portable world, and the big screen office delight with few compromises. It has been two years and I haven’t touched any desktop PC for normal activities at all. If you are having challenges getting Internet at your remote location, the Internet Booster Guide will be helpful.
Power Consumption
Another obvious point is power consumption. A Netbook PC requires less power in general that a desktop PC. I’ve used the Kill-a-Watt monitor to measure my system power as follows:
- Netbook power is 15W when charged up and 25W when charging
- Acer 22″ LCD screen takes about 25W
Your off grid power system can probably run a 35W load for a long time!
Everything has its strong and weak points. I’ve covered some strengths. Do you have a Netbook? What kind? What do you recommend for others in this area?? Tell us below in the comments!
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You are right Marshall. The advantages of a notebook/netbook computer. I’m a retired “propeller-head” specializing in net security and I used to own serveral desktop and tower computers. All of which would draw too much power for reasonable OG living. The best move I made was to buy a few notebooks (one for me and one for the Mrs.). Then I pulled all the hard drives from my boxes and I now have 4 external and swappable drives.
Power usage is minimum and I can take my notebook hiking with me. Many of my blogs are composed sitting by a river, stream, or lake.
Still loving life,
Reboot2009
Yup, I find the netbook with an external 22″ LCD display serves as my ‘office’ computer with a total power of about 34W, and no compromise in screen size! Hiking or running around town, the little netbook is sufficient.