<p>Basically, I am totally out of the loop with computers since I've been sticking with my 17 inch laptop for years. </p>
<p>Since I'll be going to college soon, I was planning to get a light netbook since my laptop is too heavy to lug around everywhere. However, one of my "computer savvy" friends told me about tablets getting windows 8 and access to microsoft office very soon and he recommended that I just hold out for that instead.</p>
<p>But I really don't need to play Angry Birds, listen to music, or need any of the neat things offered on tablets. I just want something that I can use to type up essays and presentations, search things on the internet, and be really light (3lbs?).</p>
<p>On the other hand, my friend said that netbooks are terribly slow and that a combination of a windows 8 tablet + wifi/bluetooth keyboard would be better...</p>
<p>So should I just buy a netbook now or just wait for the new tablet? My budget would be around $500. Thanks!</p>
<p>Either a Transformer (reminds me of the Michael Bay movies…) or the tablet + BT keyboard solution you’ve mentioned are viable.</p>
<p>W8 isn’t due out until late October for the general public, though RTM release was today, I believe. I personally would opt for an ultrabook or netbook, but if you’d be comfortable with a tablet + external keyboard, that’s a solution you might want to look into.</p>
<p>Make sure you try out whatever you’re considering in the store. You have a 17" computer now, with an appropriately sized keyboard. How comfortable will you be with the keyboard on either a netbook or a BT keyboard with a tablet? </p>
<p>Also consider how you will really use this device. Will you still use the laptop for most things, with the tablet just for when you’re out and about? How much memory will you have on either device (both storage and for running applications)? Does your college IT department offer any advice?</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies; sorry about the late response.</p>
<p>@Atemporal
Uh sorry you kinda lost me there… What does RTM stand for exactly? </p>
<p>@CTScoutmom
I’m fine with any keyboard since I can adjust quickly to a smaller/different keyboard easily after a day or two.</p>
<p>And yes, I am planning to use my laptop for most things since it’s still kicking. I’ll just leave my laptop in my room and take the other device with me around the campus. The netbook/tablet is just for me to do assignments on the go without making me cry from the heavy weight. </p>
<p>Not really sure about memory-wise… And I haven’t contacted any colleges since I haven’t been accepted yet…</p>
<p>What do you mean by terrible? Is that related to the size, response, etc? </p>
<p>And if you recommend the tablet, are there any good apps similar to microsoft office? I tried the Polaris Office and I had a bit of a rough time with the powerpoint program…</p>
<p>My favorite part of a laptop, aside from the vastly superior processing capabilities, is simply that it supports itself. You don’t have to come up with goofy ways to keep it upright in different sitting positions. I know they make stands for them and stuff but at the point that you’re carrying around a tripod and leg rest, haven’t you kind of defeated the purpose of a tablet?</p>
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<li>carrying a laptop and all of your books around all day makes you a beefy stud.</li>
</ul>
<p>RTM = Released to Manufacturing. It’s when a software distributor sells licenses and/or the actual product to large OEMs like Dell or HP. So since Windows 8 is now in its RTM stage, new Windows PCs will start showing up with Windows 8.</p>
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<p>I can address this one. Since you’re in a tiny chassis, the depth of key travel on your keyboard won’t be the same as opposed to something like a USB keyboard on a desktop… Netbooks are made with the price-conscious consumer in mind, and in order to meet the 10% profit margin, sacrifices have to be made. Usually with most laptops, that’s the screen, but with netbooks, additional measures sometimes need to be taken. If you were considering getting an ultrabook, you usually don’t have this problem. The only downside is that ultrabooks usually run in to the thousands.</p>
<p>As for office productivity software, most academic institutions offer heavy discounts. For us, you can grab MS Office for either OS for only $10.</p>
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<p>That might not be a good thing if you’re a girl :p</p>
<p>say no to netbooks. good laptops can be had for around the same price. Check slickdeals.net and keep your eye open. My friend bought an ultrabook for $400.</p>