What's your primary internet tool?

[Chuck]

^ I carry a mouse along with my notebook.

Guesstimating in three years tablets will have computing power in the range of ultrabooks.

If so, I'll also carry a mini-keyboard.

[Chuck]

A related topic: the beta Windows 8 releases do not have the Start Button.

I know Microsoft WANTS to enter the mobile market - that influenced the Start Button ban - the Metro interface, but think they could be alienating their base market - corporate desktop users. I'll figure out a way to navigate differently, but seen l-o-n-g threads on the no Start Button topic....companies will upgrade from xp to Win 7, but not Win 7 to Win 8, or even consider Linux. Think Microsoft needs to keep the Start Button a while longer for the less adaptable users.

[diamondlarry]

I have a desktop but the device I use the most is my laptop, which I'm assuming would be the same as the notebook choice in the poll? I also have an optical mouse plugged into the laptop; can't stand laptop touch-pads. As has been mentioned earlier in the thread, mobile devices are ok for when you are on the go but, when I want to do some serious research or Googling, I have to do it on the laptop/desktop.

[Chuck]

^ laptop = notebook

I guess netbook would be treated the same even though it's not as capable as laptops/notebooks.

[Chuck]

A few weeks ago, I saw an ultrabook - an Intel version of the very slim Macbook Air.

Then I realized to get it down to 3 pounds and a half-inch thick - nothing is upgradeable.

They are not quite as sexy as they seemed.

Makes my notebook seem almost like a desktop - can get more RAM, larger hard drive/SSD.

[WriConsult]

Obviously different people have different preferences when it comes to input devices. I demand a physical keyboard, but I don't need the 1/2" tall long-travel keys of a desktop keyboard. As long as the keys have some physicality so I can locate them without looking, and preferably some physical travel, I'm fine.

I hate meeses to pieces. My ongoing wrist problems went AWAY when I got rid of a mouse at my desk at work, and no longer had to constantly move my hand back and forth between the mouse and the keyboard. I now have an IBM keyboard with a built-in TrackPoint stick, and it rules. Trackpoint is my preference, but I can work with touchpads (both Windows and Mac) just fine too. Just don't make me use a non-IBM (Toshiba, HP) pointing stick - IME they are universally awful and require far too much force to use.

Originally Posted by Chuck

Then I realized to get it down to 3 pounds and a half-inch thick - nothing is upgradeable.

No different than a MacBook Air, then. At least officially the SSD memory modules in MacBook Airs is hardwired in. OWC does offer a well-regarded and reasonably priced aftermarket service to upgrade it, however. When my old MacBook dies, I'll probably replace it with an Air.

Windows 7 with an SSD-equipped PC (what I have at work) is finally acceptable in terms of power and sleep management, and boot time. I could consider switching from Mac to Windows when the time comes (Windows is certainly more keyboard-friendly), but when I looked a couple months ago it didn't look like a decent thin-and-light Windows laptop would save me much money vs. a MacBook Air. I haven't looked at the latest UltraBooks though - maybe they're better?

[WriConsult]

Oh wow. I just looked at the Lenovo (my preferred brand) ultrabooks. They do have $729 models, but with a 20th century hard drive which you can't upgrade to SSD. Not exactly MacBook Air competition.

They do have an SSD based model (U300s) but it's $999 for a 128GB model and $1499 for 256GB. Not exactly blowing Apple out of the water. And those prices are with a massive "eCoupon" -- regular prices are $1399 and $1899, respectively.

[deregezen]

Respectively

-Notebook
-Desktop
-Netbook
-Android tablet
-Kindle touch (rarely)

[alvaro84]

Originally Posted by Mendel Leisk

I touch type too, and there is NO WAY I am going to give a desktop keyboard. Laptop keys are too flat, not tactile enough. They'll do in a pinch, but barely.

It's the same for me, and I hate touch pads too - but I never considered it a big deal, I can always use real keyboards and mice - and real displays too. I'd just dock it in my room (I'm not sure it doesn't also mean something inappropriate ), and use the built in KB/touchpad/display on the terrace, and anywhere else.

[xcel]

Hi All:

I have a heck of a time with laptops by comparison to my desktop so my home PC is my primary. On the road I am forced to use the damn things. I have an iPad2 as well and it just cannot do what I want it to do without a few $ apps for simple rotate, crop and resize.

I am using a Motorola Droid RAZR for the time being and its screen is too small for most things. Quick for pics to tweetpic and vids to YouTube but too small to do any real pic and video editing functions without getting a headache.

Wayne