first laptop? Hi, I'm considering getting a laptop (first one). I currently have an ergonomic keyboard (letters are angled on the left and right sides) with my desktop. I'm wondering if this will be a problem for me with a laptop. I basically just want to use Word to write down my thoughts, journaling including on scrapbook pages.I'm also wondering about screen size. Is bigger better? does it make a difference?Would this be a good computer to get, or would you recommend something else?Any and all help is appreciated! first laptop? Hi, I'm considering getting a laptop (first one). I currently have an ergonomic keyboard (letters are angled on the left and right sides) with my desktop. I'm wondering if... » Read More first laptop? Hi, I'm considering getting a laptop (first one). I currently have an ergonomic keyboard (letters are angled on the left and right sides) with my desktop. I'm wondering if this will be a problem for me with a laptop. I basically just want to use Word to write down my thoughts, journaling including on scrapbook pages.I'm also wondering about screen size. Is bigger better? does it make a difference?Would this be a good computer to get, or would you recommend something else?Any and all help is appreciated! « Show Less
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B. Haynes, yes, your info. helped! Thank you so much. I'm not really interested in anything heavier or with faster battery run down or a smaller keyboard, so...good points! Oh, and I don't want to risk having to kick myself later. LOL Money-wise, the rewards points I currently have from my Amazon Visa card should pay for most of it. :-)
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Allison - you have to be a bit closer. Like while you're on your laptop, I use it when I'm checking my email and such. It's not big enough to use as you asked. You don't have to look at it, but need to be fairly close. I love mine! You should get one.
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The keyboard is sturdy enough to work on your lap but depending on the angle that you place it, you may find it difficult to use. Also, it was designed to sit on a surface to give the best ergonomic position for your hands so you might want to consider that as well.
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I actually prefer the black keyboard more than the colored ones.They are less stiff but are still large in comparison to most notebooks.The only other keyboard thats comparable to the black toshiba in terms of feel is the HP Mini series; I like the HP just a tad more, but as a whole, the Toshiba is a much nicer system!
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Standard keys and size of keyboard is size of my "normal" size keyboards. It has the look of "Mac" keyboard" therefore the Fn function keys are different then PC. If you type real fast I have read that this is a disadvantage with this keyboard. I use it with both my iPhone and an older Dell laptop. Comfort is in the eye of beholder but it feels good to me. Keep in mind the inexpensive cost and you could try it and then return if not what you want. Check return policy.
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Sorry this answer is so late - I purchased this computer about a month ago and I really do like the keyboard. I had a dell computer before this one but I think this one is preferable. The layout is similar to a Mac keyboard with square keys with rounded edges and space between the keys. It's also a wider computer and has a number pad on the right which I use often for things in Excel. I think the keys will be less likely to break off than those on my Dell. The only thing I don't like is the fact that there's no optional backlit keyboard. I've had it on previous laptops and it's awesome. But I also paid $1500 for that laptop and only $500 for this one.
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I personally bought the eMachines eM250 (the exact equivalent of the Acer Aspire One D250, just rebranded) from Walmart for $228 by seeing it in the computer cage up in Maine. The EXACT same thing except WITH a bigger harddrive (250gig). Personally I love it, and even though the keys are slightly cramped (89%), I didn't want to deal with the Dell touchpad which is a pain in the butt. I'm a computer guy, and I played with it in a Staples to see if I liked it, but no thanks. Also the Acer/eMachines is a breeze to upgrade the RAM. Just remove a screw, pop out the 1 gig, and put in a 2 gig. So if I may, I would suggest stopping by Walmart to see if you can get lucky like me. Has a cool brushed nickel look to it too (but its plastic). I've put it through the ringer, and it is surpisingly pretty powerful! Here is the Amazon link to it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00323G71S/ref=s9_simi_gw_s6_p147_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=0TVG5SXWRB9HWKSRM88K&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846
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Thanks DSY! My plan is to use an external mouse. I've never been able to get use to any notebook pointer device except ThinkPad's little red pointer. Appreciate the response.Anyone else want to comment?
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On my desk I have a laptop and mouse pad. I use it for school, I am comfortable having a notebook next to my computer for notes. The desk is shallow but long enough I also keep something to hold folders and a cup for pens. Hope this helps!
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Maybe, though you might consider a cheap chrome laptop for student work, if you expect to be writing very much, doing much research. OTOH, if you are likely to use it mostly for reading, calendar, texting, music, it might be a good bet.
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I think it would be better to just buy the whole keyboard to replace your current keyboard in that replacing keys on a laptop is a lot more complicated compared to on a desktop's keyboard. Keep in mind i'm not entirely sure of it myself. :-/ Though I haven't found any issues with the keyboard at the moment.
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I don't use it with a laptop... So just to check it our for you, I took my 15" laptop and tried it. It goes beyond the wide part of the keyboard drawer about 1 and a half inch.. The drawer front drops down a bit below level with the main part of the drawer. But it is possible to use a laptop there. .It is a nice solid desk. I wish it had 2 drawers instead of one. ant it had the option to places the drawer shelf one either side. But it doesn't. I use the desk with a Mac Mini and a 24" screen and use a wireless keyboard. That might be an option. Hope this helps.
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I have had no trouble with my keyboard, and I type a lot. It is best to have the laptop on a flat base while typing. Try putting something flat & sturdy under your laptop or on a desk or table. You may find you'll have no further problem.
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Thank you for that information. Sadly I had to return my MSI U120 as the keyboard was defective. Sam's Club had a Dell mini notebook/netbook for $348 and I just bought it. It's really nice as I already have a Dell Inspirion laptop.
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Thanks for the input. I constantly have to tell my kids they can't play with my $2,000 Mac laptop when I'm not there with them and the price is definitely right on these. Amazing what they manage to put in these little things for the money. I decided to go with the 900 since the smaller keyboard will probably actually be easier for them. Found one with the same hard drive as the 904. I hope they can make it last. I know they will love it as long as they do.
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Graphics on this Laptop are probably too limited. It is a nice, mid-size, LT, but the uses would be more for doing Power Point, Excel, database, email, et al. I do run Visio (for engineering) and it handles it acceptably well. If the games are not too graphically demanding it could work out. I would highly recommend getting the lit keyboard though. I had one, but the one I bought had stock keyboard and the front light from the display keeps the keys in the dark in less than optimum lighting. I had to break out my USB LED. I will probably change the keyboard. I am sorry to not know games to handle specific examples of what might work or not, but that is where you might not get what you want. Graphics on this Laptop are probably too limited. It is a nice, mid-size, LT, but the uses would be more for doing Power Point, Excel, database, email, et al. I do run Visio (for engineering) and it handles it acceptably well. If the games are not too graphically demanding it could work out. I would highly recommend getting the lit keyboard though. I had one, but the one I bought had stock keyboard and the front light from the display keeps the keys in the dark in less than optimum lighting. I had to break out my USB LED. I will probably change the keyboard. I am sorry to not know games to... » Read More Graphics on this Laptop are probably too limited. It is a nice, mid-size, LT, but the uses would be more for doing Power Point, Excel, database, email, et al. I do run Visio (for engineering) and it handles it acceptably well. If the games are not too graphically demanding it could work out. I would highly recommend getting the lit keyboard though. I had one, but the one I bought had stock keyboard and the front light from the display keeps the keys in the dark in less than optimum lighting. I had to break out my USB LED. I will probably change the keyboard. I am sorry to not know games to handle specific examples of what might work or not, but that is where you might not get what you want. « Show Less
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This laptop does _not_ have the full-sized keyboard. I noticed this too... Amazon is listing one or more incorrect images.