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I'm both a mac and PC user, and only have portable machines. I have had one problem with my Mac in the almost three years I have had it, and it was fixed quickly & easily. I had a Dell laptop from 2005 that the Mac replaced in 2008, but picked up a Dell netbook with some crazy rebates & deals about a year and a half ago for about $100. I have a monitor, wireless keyboard, and wireless mouse I can use with both machines and swap them out at home depending on what I'm working on.
I love the netbook for traveling, especially in the field as space and weight are a concern. As mentioned it has no CD or DVD drive, and I didn't purchase one as I can just use my portable hard drives to transfer anything by using another computer, even my Mac. I figure since I paid so little for my netbook, if it gets broken or lost I've gotten more than my money's worth. They keyboard I use is also great for portability, it is the Microsoft Arc, which is very light and flat, comes in a little case, and is great if I want to work elsewhere.
The reason I have both is the work and research I do is easier to accomplish with both machines. When I'm manipulating and cleaning up images, the Mac is amazing, but for some GIS uses PC is the way to go. I'm constantly using MS Office programs and documents between the two with no problems, but I have easy access to the newest versions due to my University affiliation.
The one really dumb thing on my netbook is the port for the monitor cable doesn't have any holes for the screws to attach, so I only use it on my little stand. I use the same stand for both machines, it doesn't fan capabilities but it keeps it cool. I love having dual screens for working, and my biggest issue is keeping my cats off the table/desk. I know quite a few people who have netbooks and think they are the bee's knees, and they actually stream netflix to watch movies. I had both the netbook and Mac hooked up to my television before I bought a new DVD player & netflix streamed through it fine.
Last thing I thought of, make sure to get a good case when you buy it. If you plan on toting it around, I have found Built NY bags/sleeves to be great, and though they have a high price point I found mine on sale at Staples, and REI, and I've seen them in discount places like Ross & TJ Maxx. I'm a huge fan of The Hoodie as you can slip the cords & such in the pouch and there are no zippers. I did get a great one from our campus store, but that was just because they had a sale, a coupon, it was the last of the older style, and it was VANDALIZED.
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Hybrid Mode
