This coming week I have two extra early morning shifts at the gym, plus my Friday morning early shift and afternoon shift. I started thinking about how much money I'd received from my last 3 gym paychecks which I hadn't allocated yet to any of my Extra Monies funds yet (due to the bounced check). Then I thought about how much I'd be getting soon from ChaCha (at least $145).
I made the leap.
I bought a netbook -- at Target -- for $300.00.
It is the ASUS Eee PC 900. It's just over 2lbs in weight and the screen is 8.9" diagonally.
I have books that weigh more than it, and that are thicker than it.
I also bought a usb mouse to use with it, and a carrying case.
Tonight I connected to my home internet network with it and downloaded the ChaCha toolbar and was able to do a couple queries. I will def. have to use the mouse for that though - at least till I get more accustomed to the touch pad.
I also called my dad and grandma on Skype - which came preloaded. I thought this had a built in webcam, but I found out that it doesn't. So, I'll have to see if I can find an inexpensive one -- but that will come later - after I pay back the loan to myself.
So, at this moment I have a loan of $350 that I owe myself. I will be keeping track of what I earn doing ChaCha at the gym, as well as how many hours of extra gym shifts I do beyond the Friday afternoon shifts (which is what I originally signed on for.) I wonder how long it will take me to pay myself back?
---
Oh yes, I must mention the bit of drama in the purchase. My card was initially declined. Imagine my surprise!
The people at the electronics counter graciously let me use their phone to call customer service. Apparentally my trying to make a $350 purchase at Target flagged my account as "unusual activity". I had to answer a bunch of questions and confirm a number of charges from the past few days - then my card was reactivated.
The man on customer service was apologetic, but I told him that I was *thankful* for the flag, even if it was a bit of a hassle and delay. I seriously LOVE how alert WAMU is about their customers credit card usuage. I would SO much rather have my card declined, than to go check my account and see thousands of dollars worth of charges on there that aren't mine - that is SO much more hassle and headache.
I'm a Netbook girl :)
November 10th, 2008 at 01:07 am
November 10th, 2008 at 06:12 am 1226297564
November 10th, 2008 at 12:57 pm 1226321869
November 10th, 2008 at 01:05 pm 1226322344
November 10th, 2008 at 01:25 pm 1226323520
BA,
This is my first foray into non-windows territory - so I am having to get used to something somewhat foreign to me. This keyboard is really going to take some getting used to! I still haven't figured out how to do the My computer thing like in XP.
November 10th, 2008 at 03:53 pm 1226332432
Hmm....
Well, the netbook is designed to be user-friendly. Hopefully, there won't be too much frustration. There are netbooks out there for XP as well. Might cost a bit more, but I know Eee Pee Cee has XP versions floating out there.
If you have any specific questions, I'll be happy to help, but more than likely, you're going to want to find a nice Linux community out there, especially ones that are into Eee Pee Cee's... and that shouldn't be too hard to find, especially when they find out that you're female!
As for the keyboard, yeah... I kind of wish computers makers did more with the thumb keyboard, believe it or not. The rather arcane Sharp Zaurus, from what I hear, executes that perfectly, especially the later ones, but too bad it never gained traction in the States.
November 10th, 2008 at 04:09 pm 1226333377
I mainly just want to be able to transfer my photos off memory cards. But since it comes with built in wireless checking my email will be a nice benefit.
I already had several external hard drives and I pirated my cd/dvd burner player out of my defunct laptop, so I didn't have to worry about buying the external one they offered. They recommend having one in case programs need to be re-installed.
November 10th, 2008 at 06:44 pm 1226342643
I might just have to check into finding a forum with fellow EeePC users. I'm sure there's lots of tricks to learn about it. I really do like it so far, although it did freeze up on me once when I was trying to move a file from my desktop to my FF add on's list. It reboots pretty quickly, so not really too big of a deal.
Wyozozo,
I have to be honest - my reasoning for getting the one I did had more to do with my pocketbook than anything. I do have a 90-day return policy (Target) so if it doesn't work out, I can always change my mind. But so far I don't think that's going to happen.
I don't think XP and Linux are *that* different. Now, the difference between XP and Vista -- UGH! Let's just say I'm glad I don't have to deal with any Vista computers - spending 10 minutes on my dad's Vista laptop trying to help him figure something out was 10 minutes too long!
November 10th, 2008 at 09:16 pm 1226351800
is the keyboard different to a normal one?
November 11th, 2008 at 01:29 am 1226366965
Yes, the keyboard is smaller than a normal keyboard. I think it is what they call a 95% keyboard. That is part of what I'm having to get used to - the keys aren't quite in the same reach spots I'm used to.
November 11th, 2008 at 06:15 am 1226384130