Which Dell netbook is best to surf the net while in bed?

If I wanted to surf the web or send emails from my bed while sick and confined to bed which of Dell's netbooks would be best? About 2 months ago I received a Vostro 1510 and for a period of time I had the flu, I tried using the 1510 while in bed just to surf the net and send a few emails but it was just too heavy. Are any of Dell's netbooks any good for such?

 

It would be wiser to:

- rest the laptop on a large book
- buy a passive cooling pad
- buy a laptop rest

... instead of buying yet another computer.

 

YES!

Dell's Mini 9 has no fan. It does not require sucking in air from the bottom so suffocating it should be much less painful than on any other machine. Other bonus' are that it's totally silent, and relatively cheap.

Bog is right though, it's much cheaper to just put the laptop on a big hardcover book or something so it can breath.

 

Any netbook, like dell mini would work. But Bog makes a good point

 

I agree with Bog 100% on this.

I have a 1530 and the Mini 9 Netbook...being said I use both in bed.

And, I would prefer to use my 1530 in bed over my Mini 9 netbook. It's just easier. I'd rather take my Mini 9 Netbook for the portability.

Try a breakfast tray with your Vostro, and see if that helps any!


Cin

 

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 and Mini 12 are good choices.

The Mini 10 offers two display options- standard 1024x576 (similar to most netbooks) or you can upgrade to a 1366x768 high-resolution 10.1" for $35. The Mini 12 has a standard 12.1" 1280x800 display, which is the same resolution used on full-sized notebooks up to 15.4".

Both models have the 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520 standard and the 1.6GHz Atom Z530 is optional (and highly recommended). The Mini 10 is only available with a 3-cell battery at the moment, while the Mini 12 has a 3-cell standard and 6-cell optional. If battery life is important, the Mini 12 with 6-cell is the better bet.

The Dell Outlet has NEW Mini 10 models starting at $339. They include:
Windows XP Home
1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530
10.1" 1024x576
1GB RAM (integrated and can't be upgraded)
160GB 5400rpm hard drive
Intel GMA 500 graphics
Dell 1397-G wireless card
1.3mp Webcam
3-cell Battery
Note- the only two color choices in the Outlet are Promise Pink and Jade Green (at the moment).
LINK

For $369, you can get a Mini 12 as follows:
Windows XP Home
1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530
12.1" 1280x800 TrueLife Display
1GB RAM (integrated and can't be upgraded)
40GB 4200rpm hard drive
Intel GMA 500 graphics
Wireless-G
MS Works 9.0
Bluetooth
1.3mp Webcam
6-cell Battery
Obsidian Black, Alpine White end Pretty Pink are available from the Outlet at this price.

I bought a Mini 12 from the Outlet about two weeks ago for my best friend. He uses it for internet and email (he's in a hotel five nights a week). It's no powerhouse, but it performs adequately for his needs. The build quality impressed me, too. With a 6-cell, it lasts over 5 hours on a charge. The best part is the 1280x800 display, much nicer than the 1024x576 or 1024x600 standard on most netbooks.

NOTE- the Mini 10 starts at 2.86lbs and Mini 12 at 2.72lbs. In comparison, the Vostro 1510 has a starting weight of 5.72lbs.

 

Thanks to those who posted comments. So most of you would recommend going no lower than a mini 12 if I did decide to buy another computer to use while in bed, the mini 12 has a similar build quality to my Vostro 1510 which I have been very pleased with since I got it except for some minor wrist pain I experienced while holding it up in bed when I used it while I was sick. I've noticed that Dell now has a Vostro 1520, is the 1510 now obsolete?

 

Which condition of a computer did you buy from Dell's Outlet store? Did you buy a "previously ordered new", "factory recertified" or a "scratch and dent" model?

 

If you want to PM me, I'll forward the name and web site of a client that manufactures a table specifically for using a notebook in bed.

 

He can't PM you..You don't have enough post count (15 posts).


Cin

 

If its not your primary machine, and you won't be using it for very long periods of time, 10inches is probably fine (9 too). 12 inches will be just that much better

 

It wouldn't be my primary machine, I have that Vostro 1510 but to give you a good example my area is under a tornado watch, my cable tv is still on but the Weather Channel is running "Storm Stories" so I'm in the bed with my Vostro 1510 looking at Accuweather checking out weather radars. A smaller or should I say lighter laptop would be nice while I'm doing this. With all the tornado threats we've had this past week and again today possibly affecting my area later tonight I can't believe that the Weather Channel is running repeat episodes of "Storm Stories". Thanks for your post.

 

You're tired, your eyes aren't going to be that great.

I say go for 10 or 12'' netbook.

And get a small board or lap tray or something for it ... it's going to get toasty running on a blanket.

 

Do the netbooks have fans and vent out the side like my Vostro 1510?

 

On the Mini 9 Netbook there is no Fan! The only *air vent* per se is at the *big* removable panel on the bottom of the netbook, and on the right hand side ~ in between the mic/speaker hookups & USB port


Cin

 

Do the mini 10 or 12 have fans and vents like a Vostro 1510? I like the vent on the side on my Vostro 1510. My previous Dell laptop, an Inspiron 1300 did not vent out the side, it vented out the bottom.

 

I'm not sure about the Mini 10, but the Mini 12 doesn't have a fan at all. It has vents on the bottom, but it never gets noticeably warm to the touch (pretty much room temp all the time).