New toy - a red netbook

This weekend I bought a new Samsung N220 Plus netbook, allowing me to fulfil my dream of writing on the go (mainly in coffee shops, I expect).

It’s taken me ages to decide which netbook to buy. I knew I wanted a 10.1-inch device that would be big enough not to strain my eyes and small enough to carry around easily. Over the years I’ve sometimes travelled with a full-sized laptop, an experience that impressed upon me me the importance of size and weight in these matters. I also wanted a decent amount of power from my netbook, and although my relationship with my new Samsung is still young, it’s looking good on that score. Reviewers seem consistently contented with it, although some suggest adding a memory card to speed up performance. I’ll wait and see what I want to do on that score.

Since I’m no technology wizard, my decision was largely based on the computer’s look and feel, and I don’t think this should ever be overlooked. As a writer, I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to have keyboard that’s responsive and comfortable to use. I’ve now tried the keyboards of a huge range of 10.1-inch netbooks and I’ve found many of them difficult to use, whether that’s because they’re too cramped or because the keys feel a bit spongy. During my search, I’ve tried the Samsung keyboard again and again, and every time I’ve been impressed by it.

Then there’s the screen. It might seem a bit optimistic given the UK weather, but in my mind’s eye all my planned trips are accompanied by glorious sunshine. In reality, even if it’s dull outside, indoor lighting can play havoc with reflective screens. So a clear, non-reflective screen is important, and that’s what I’ve got with the Samsung N220 Plus.

Lastly, there’s the colour. Compared to many other brands, the choice of red or green for this netbook is quite limited in comparison (I think it may also come in black, but I haven’t seen any of those around). Since I’m a fan of Paul Auster, whose novels often feature a red notebook, that’s the colour I chose. In the end, performance is more important than colour to me, and I like to think that’s where Samsung’s effort has been directed. Time and coffee-fuelled experience will tell.