Some netbook questions...

[Smart_Bomb]

I'm thinking about going for a netbook (specifically an EEE PC). Just got some questions:

-When Windows 7 is released, will most netbooks start being manufactured with that OS?

-I like using a mouse when I use laptops. I was thinking about getting a small IR mouse with my netbook. Considering the resolution and screen are so small, would a mouse actually be worth getting or would it be pointless?

-Do I need to get an external CD drive? (I can't imagine a drive being able fit into that small of a machine.)

-Do netbooks tend to get hot easily? Are their fans noisy?

-Will the GMA950 be able to handle older games like Morrowind, Guild Wars, Age of Empires, (maybe even Half-Life 2) etc.?

-For those of you who own a netbook, do you like the experience?

[Bad_Motha]

I always buy a mouse for my laptops, as I do use the built-in pointer when space is in issue, like going to the court-house for Jury Duty, something where space may not allow me to use a mouse. But a good wireless optical or laser mouse is a great option. Go with a good Logitech with the skinny USB receiver. The mouse uses 1x AA battery and also has an on/off switch to storing the mouse away in your laptop bag to further extend battery life. Plus if you're going to do any serious browsing or work while in the office or in a hotel, or even want to play a game, you're gonna want a real mouse.

You don't have to get these, but they're great for laptop users. This is the NANO series of mice from Logitech, the nano feature means the USB receiver is supper compact and thus can be always be left plugged into a USB port on your laptop. The mouse has an on/off switch on bottom of mouse. So even when you can't/don't want to use the mouse, the receiver can be left plugged in and it's business as usual.

Newegg.com doesn't exactly have the best deal on them. I picked up a V450 Nano mouse, at Walmart for around $25-$30 ~ Newegg's price = $42.99

[TangleFoot]

Originally Posted by Smart_Bomb

-When Windows 7 is released, will most netbooks start being manufactured with that OS?

Probably. Linux isn't very popular for some reason.

Originally Posted by Smart_Bomb

-I like using a mouse when I use laptops. I was thinking about getting a small IR mouse with my netbook. Considering the resolution and screen are so small, would a mouse actually be worth getting or would it be pointless?

All the touchpads I've tried require your fingers to be bone-dry at all times, so provided I have enough room I always use a mouse.

Originally Posted by Smart_Bomb

-Do I need to get an external CD drive? (I can't imagine a drive being able fit into that small of a machine.)

Useful, but unnecessary if you have an external storage device. Even Windows can be installed from a USB flash drive these days.

Originally Posted by Smart_Bomb

-Do netbooks tend to get hot easily? Are their fans noisy?

Depends on the model. Some of them don't even have fans.

Originally Posted by Smart_Bomb

-Will the GMA950 be able to handle older games like Morrowind, Guild Wars, Age of Empires, (maybe even Half-Life 2) etc.?

Read this.

Originally Posted by Smart_Bomb

-For those of you who own a netbook, do you like the experience?

I have a pre-Atom Eee PC. Compared to the current crop it's too slow, too small and has abysmal battery life but at the time there were no alternatives available. Naturally, it got really good reviews.

[Fuzz Bucket]

Here's some stuff.

[chaplain_wu]

oh my that logitech nano looks pretty good, just sucks it has no forward/back buttons