While I'd generally agree with you about Acer, and Wal-Mart's proclivity for dispensing cheap junk is well understood (at least by me), the Acer Aspire One netbook is actually pretty reasonable, for the price. It's not the most upgradable thing in the world (I did successfully upgrade the RAM in it, but getting to the RAM or the hard drive is nothing short of major surgery), but what laptops are?
It has a small keyboard, the small battery doesn't seem to last long enough, and it's not as fast as my desktop machine... but for $350, the price is right and so is the form factor. I use mine for PSK31, among other things. It's a lot easier to haul around than my old 15" laptop.
Just my $0.02. :-)
73, Robert KC0KNM
On Nov 12, 2008, at 10:51 AM, Clint Bradford wrote:
Just FYI...
"ACER" is a Chinese term, meaning "watch out for compatibility problems with the rest of the world." Research these cheap laptops carefully - you will find horror stories from folks with Acer machines that aren't really trying to do anything extraordinarily out of line.
And, of course, "Wal-Mart" is another foreign term, roughly translated: "We'll sell America anything, 'cause they love this Chinese crap..."
Just my opinion. I may be wrong.
Clint Bradford, K6LCS 909-241-7666
Clint Bradford, K6LCS / KAF3359 909-241-7666 - cell _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb