There has been much written about the boom created by Netbooks and why people are using them. This is mainly because they are small, light, have a keyboard you can type on and are inexpensive. They also accomplish most of the basic computer functions that most of us really need a computer for; web surfing, blogging and email. However, one place that I have noticed the Netbook phenomenon taking off is in the adventure space. With the coming of warm weather, bike tourers are starting off on their journeys. Many of them keep online journals at places like Crazyguyonabike or blogs. A common thread is the use of the Netbook. When you are carrying everything on a bicycle, small size and light weight is vital. And here the small size and light weight of the Netbook shines. With the on-board WiFi, it is also fairly easy to find a place to connect whether it is a library, campground or home of a host. The low price means that if something happens to the Netbook, it is much less traumatic than if it were a $1,300 Mac Book.
In the past few days, I have read at least six cycling journals and all of them post using a Netbook. One can easily imagine that this will also be the case with hikers, vacationers and other travelers that want to keep in touch with the outside world and post to blogs and journals.
Do you use a Netbook? How? Cross-posted at Giving You The Business.