4 ms·

I can't imagine anyone buying this and being happy unless they are already intimately familiar with the device ahead of time. Too many limitations, with virtua

I can't imagine anyone buying this and being happy unless they are already intimately familiar with the device ahead of time. Too many limitations, with virtually no big upside functionality or user experience (unlike the iPad that makes up for limitations with some huge upside). As I'd mentioned before I can buy an ASUS Eee PC with an AMD C30 processor for $289 and be able to use the browser of my choice, sync my iPod/iPad/iPhone, play WoW, use Skype, hook it up to my TV in the dorm, use MS Office, Visual Studio, emacs, vim, etc... It just feels like a half-baked implementation. The price point on this needs to be a LOT cheaper. Like $100 or free for a netbook, and make the money up with targeted advertising based on them being locked into Chrome. Otherwise this doesn't seem recommendable.

jonknee 16y ago
It's quite obviously not targeted at you. There are people who use computers who don't even know what Emacs or Visual Studio are. They're also the ones who have major troubles keeping their computers working. Google's working on abstracting away the IT guy. I hope it works.
- PagingCraig 16y ago
  This is true. Why I recommended my sister get a Macbook. If this were out I'd recommend either. Something simple that just works.
- kenjackson 16y ago
  And those people don't know what Google Docs are either. And when they get an Excel document where charts don't render correctly, or comments are screwed up, or pivot tables don't work against their datasource, they'll be POed. Or when all their friends are playing WoW and they realize that this device doesn't play it. Or when they want to Skype with their grandkids they realize, they can't do that. Or when they take the photo editing class and realize that the laptop doesn't run the software so they trot halfway across campus to use the lab that has the software installed. Or when they go to get all their stuff on iTunes and sync their iPhone with it and realize that they still need their old laptop. Or, or, or... You can't drop this computer on any average Joe. The subset of people I could recommend this to is crazy small -- maybe zero given the price point. Make it $0-$100 and I think we have a really interesting device. But at $300 or $20/month, that's a non-starter. And I should note that I used to be the IT guy for my family and friends. I still am, technically. But it's basically a non-issue nowadays. The only question I've gotten in the past couple of months is someone forgot how to download pictures from her camera. Speaking of which, how well does that work with Chrome (seriously asking)?
  - MatthewPhillips 16y ago
    Actually most of those examples are the niche; browsing Facebook and watching YouTube is what "average Joe" does. Chrome is clearly meant to be a "do one thing really well" product, not a catch all computing device.
  - cryptoz 16y ago
    > And those people don't know what Google Docs are either. And when they get an Excel document where charts don't render correctly, or comments are screwed up, or pivot tables don't work against their datasource, they'll be POed. What's wrong with the Office Web Apps? http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/web-apps/ http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/web-apps/ > Or when all their friends are playing WoW and they realize that this device doesn't play it. Nobody expects epic graphics to run on this. Nobody expects that to run on your netbook either (if it does, cool! but that's NOT why you bought a "net"book). > Or when they want to Skype with their grandkids they realize, they can't do that. It has a web cam. Do they have gmail accounts? This is likely intended to be purchased by gmail-using people. Just have them sign in to Gmail. It's not like the Chromebooks don't have cameras or anything. > Or when they take the photo editing class and realize that the laptop doesn't run the software so they trot halfway across campus to use the lab that has the software installed. Photo editing isn't an expected activity for these devices. And, as time goes by, more and more really awesome photo editing web apps will arrive. You won't need to take a class to learn how to edit photos. > The subset of people I could recommend this to is crazy small -- maybe zero given the price point. Please listen to everyone else here; you and your friends are not the target market for this device. We get that you don't like it and your friends won't either. We don't care. I know ~ 20 people who would absolutely love one of these. Our stories are nothing more than useless anecodes. Don't suggest this device is a failure because you alone can't find someone who wants to just use the web. > Speaking of which, how well does that work with Chrome (seriously asking)? Very well. Plug it in, dealy pops up.
    - shinratdr 16y ago
      > What's wrong with the Office Web Apps? The same thing that is wrong with all web apps, they are way, way less functional than their desktop counterparts. Crippled, you might say. Web Word is missing things that I learned in Grade 2, like spacing options. Average users do actually care about this stuff. > Nobody expects epic graphics to run on this. Don't talk to many WoW players, eh? It runs on anything, and they will run it on anything. Most have a netbook they use to play on the go. WoW runs quite well on them with settings turned down. > if it does, cool! but that's NOT why you bought a "net"book. You're going to tell other people why they bought a computer and what they want to use it for? No wonder you have no problem forcing Chrome OS on your friends and family. > It has a web cam. Do they have gmail accounts? Installed userbase matters. You might be able to switch your grandma over to a Google video solution, your friends are just going to laugh, and tell you to get Skype like everyone else. They aren't going to sign up for another service, install, learn and troubleshoot another app just to talk to you. > Photo editing isn't an expected activity for these devices. Um, yes it is. You seem to have a lot of weird preconceptions about netbooks based off the name. They are PRIMARILY used to browse the web, but that is not their only usage at all. People use them for all light duty tasks, and simple photo editing counts. > Please listen to everyone else here; you and your friends are not the target market for this device. That isn't where he was speaking from. I could be wrong but I didn't pick up his intense need for Office & WoW from his comment, he sounded like someone who actually listens to what average users want instead of trying to tell them what they want from the point of view of what is easier for you, which is a trap many techies fall in. > Don't suggest this device is a failure because you alone can't find someone who wants to just use the web. Actually, I'm going to do exactly that. I've encountered tons of users through help desk work and independent consulting. I haven't met a single person that JUST uses their browser. This person doesn't exist in decent numbers, it's why MIDs failed as well.
- geoffw8 16y ago
  Your correct, but I think a LOT of users would be surprised they can't plug their iPhone/iPod in, or maybe use Spotify
  - cryptoz 16y ago
    > can't plug their iPhone/iPod Citation? The devices have USB ports...
    - kenjackson 16y ago
      iTunes
    - aj700 16y ago
      Spotify (0.5) now supports ipods. If the browser is the OS, can't chrome/chromeos do the same trick with a music webapp.
  - Raphael 16y ago
    Get an Android based MP3 player. Syncs itself like a big boy.
- run4yourlives 16y ago
  Yes and those people are buying iPads right now. That's even worse for Google.
fragmede 16y ago
You are not the target market.
noodle 16y ago
sounds pretty similar to the complaints about the ipad.
- kenjackson 16y ago
  Big difference with iPad is that it has a great user experience. It's obvious on first use of the iPad. The iPad is this device that you show anyone and drool forms from the lips. It's sexy as hell. Then you list the limitations and lots of people still say, "I don't care" while others will care. With the ChromeBooks there's no drooling. The limitations hit you like sack of steel. And then you have to explain the upside, which frankly isn't that interesting. Note the difference. With the iPad you have to convince people its a bad idea to buy one. With the ChromeBook you have to convince people its a good idea to buy one.
  - koeselitz 16y ago
    That's a lot of words for an argument that assumes what it's trying to prove.
    - kenjackson 16y ago
      How about this. Read reviews of the cr48 and then read them for the iPad. If you don't sense a difference in how they're perceived at a base level then just consider me a bozo.
      - MatthewPhillips 16y ago
        The cr48 was a free prototype.
  - noodle 16y ago
    but, i do care, and i don't find them to be sexy. i don't have one, and don't plan on buying one. i'm not particularly more interested in a chromebook, but its in the same ballpark as the ipad for me.
stanleydrew 16y ago
" The price point on this needs to be a LOT cheaper. Like $100 or free for a netbook..." But that's exactly what they've done with the monthly hardware/software subscription for businesses and universities. The hardware is free. You just pay $20-$30 permonth.
- watty 16y ago
  I consider myself extremely unlucky with laptops but even mine last 2+ years. The Google notebook for two years would cost $480 - $720! This notebook is heavily reliant on Google Services (unless you hack it) so I was expecting them to go much cheaper and make up the $$ on service usage and ads.
- guywithabike 16y ago
  You pay $20 to $30 a month for three years. That's a minimum of $720. Unless I'm missing something, the subscription is nothing but a flavor of a payday loan. Edit: Looks like I was missing the fact that the subscription includes "service and support", although it's unclear exactly what that entails. Page supposedly isn't a fan of customer support (http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/03/mf_larrypage/all/1 http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/03/mf_larrypage/all/1), which doesn't bode well.
watty 16y ago
I kinda thought the same way before I received a pilot CR48. This machine is perfect for couch surfing and emailing. It's super light, doesn't get hot, instant on, and I rarely plug in the charger. It fails miserably when I want to do any development though.
- georgieporgie 16y ago
  It fails miserably when I want to do any development though. Can you expand on this? I've read that they're 'great' for portable web development, for some value of 'great'.
  - deleted 16y ago
    [deleted]
cryptoz 16y ago
Most people don't want a choice of browser or to worry about syncing different accounts or running WoW on every single computer they buy. Most people want to browse the web without virusus or hassles or intrusive software updates. It's very very clear that this is not meant for full content creation and gaming and a giant desktop experience. This is meant for the web on the go. If you don't want it, that's fine. But are you seriously saying you can't imagine a single living human being wanting this device? Ken, you're being silly here. Clearly, this is something that fits the needs of a huge number of people.
- kenjackson 16y ago
  Let me be clear. I'd love this device for free. Or like I said, even $100 I could see it being a fair price. But when you price at the same price of a netbook that performs really well (the new ASUS Eee Pcs are pretty darn impressive beasts for a $289 machine), with all of its limitations, it just doesn't make sense. This needs to be more like a Kindle. A device you get even if you already have a laptop and an iPad. The price needs to be way lower.
  - cryptoz 16y ago
    sigh Look, it's not about the hardware. What software is that $289 machine going to run? Windows? Right, so you'll be removing viruses for years after people continue to watch seedy porn sites? Sounds like fun. This device is intriguing and useful because of the software; it stays out of your way and keeps you safe. That's worth the price to nearly everyone who isn't a nerd.
    - mestudent 16y ago
      The only reason that machine runs Windows is because people think they want Windows, it is rather ingrained at this point in time. I could see some people using this and being okay but I see tons of others wondering where their microsoft office is, and to be honest a boat load of other problems from the people who malware is already a problem. (I can even see people asking where the internet is or how to get to facebook or google while looking at a chrome browser window). These chromebooks sadly will only satisfy a niche market and this market probably would be served just as well with a similarly specked netbook running linux
ShabbyDoo 16y ago
If I was tasked with selling Chromebooks door-to-door, my primary talking point would be "it just works" and I would point out the high cost of paying someone (GeekSquad, etc.) to perform software services on Windows computers. For people who are stumped by what we on HN consider to be minor annoyances, paying $75+/issue adds up pretty quickly. You are right that, for regular folks, the primary competitor is likely an iPad. "hook it up to my TV in the dorm" The Cr-48 has a VGA output, IIRC. Perhaps future Chromebooks will have HDMI output? "sync my iPod/iPad/iPhone" This is an interesting problem for Google. Apple clearly has no incentive to support the platform. The value proposition for a home user is not strong unless a Chromebook can replace a Windows laptop. Besides photo uploading, what other device integration issues ruin the game? My wife would react negatively if she could not use a scanner. Google's cloud printing scheme is an obvious end-run around direct support of printers. Perhaps they will roll-out a similar scanning scheme?
- deleted 16y ago
  [deleted]
  - ShabbyDoo 16y ago
    I think the Geek Squad charges at least $50 for malware removal. And, your mom would have to take the computer to Best Buy. That her child will do it for free dilutes Google's value proposition :) In all seriousness, Google's proposition to businesses and schools is probably stronger than the offer to individual users. Corps/Schools feel the real cost associated with Windows desktop administration. Unlike individuals where Windows issues feel random, these organizations know the mean time between interventions and can therefore compute their expected annual service cost per Windows desktop.
- 6ren 16y ago
  The acer chromebook has HDMI http://www.google.com/chromebook/chromebooks-acer.html# http://www.google.com/chromebook/chromebooks-acer.html#
Dobbs 16y ago
If they have one in the $100-$200 dollar range I'll be seriously considering buying one for my Mother. All she uses is a web browser and google documents. This would be perfect and would solve my issue of her randomly getting toolbars installed and somehow getting Firefox into a state of uselessness.
fragmede 16y ago
With comparable battery life, it has a huge upside over the iPad: Adobe Flash.
scott_s 16y ago
You skipped right over the fact that you have an iPad. Your iPad can't run WoW, Skype, Office, Visual Studio, Emacs, Vim, etc. And it's crazy popular.
- msbarnett 16y ago
  Because, as he mentioned, it has upside. That whole personal touchy-feely interaction thing that seems to sell people on it in stores, the bulklessness of it that lets you use it as an eReader in bed, it's much lighter than these, the battery life is longer, etc. These Chromebooks might share the iPad's limitations, but they don't seem to make up for it with any strengths that you couldn't get out of a regular netbook.
  - scott_s 16y ago
    I think their strength is "less fiddly."

jonknee 16y ago

It's quite obviously not targeted at you. There are people who use computers who don't even know what Emacs or Visual Studio are. They're also the ones who have major troubles keeping their computers working. Google's working on abstracting away the IT guy. I hope it works.

PagingCraig 16y ago
This is true. Why I recommended my sister get a Macbook. If this were out I'd recommend either. Something simple that just works.
kenjackson 16y ago
And those people don't know what Google Docs are either. And when they get an Excel document where charts don't render correctly, or comments are screwed up, or pivot tables don't work against their datasource, they'll be POed. Or when all their friends are playing WoW and they realize that this device doesn't play it. Or when they want to Skype with their grandkids they realize, they can't do that. Or when they take the photo editing class and realize that the laptop doesn't run the software so they trot halfway across campus to use the lab that has the software installed. Or when they go to get all their stuff on iTunes and sync their iPhone with it and realize that they still need their old laptop. Or, or, or... You can't drop this computer on any average Joe. The subset of people I could recommend this to is crazy small -- maybe zero given the price point. Make it $0-$100 and I think we have a really interesting device. But at $300 or $20/month, that's a non-starter. And I should note that I used to be the IT guy for my family and friends. I still am, technically. But it's basically a non-issue nowadays. The only question I've gotten in the past couple of months is someone forgot how to download pictures from her camera. Speaking of which, how well does that work with Chrome (seriously asking)?
- MatthewPhillips 16y ago
  Actually most of those examples are the niche; browsing Facebook and watching YouTube is what "average Joe" does. Chrome is clearly meant to be a "do one thing really well" product, not a catch all computing device.
- cryptoz 16y ago
  > And those people don't know what Google Docs are either. And when they get an Excel document where charts don't render correctly, or comments are screwed up, or pivot tables don't work against their datasource, they'll be POed. What's wrong with the Office Web Apps? http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/web-apps/ http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/web-apps/ > Or when all their friends are playing WoW and they realize that this device doesn't play it. Nobody expects epic graphics to run on this. Nobody expects that to run on your netbook either (if it does, cool! but that's NOT why you bought a "net"book). > Or when they want to Skype with their grandkids they realize, they can't do that. It has a web cam. Do they have gmail accounts? This is likely intended to be purchased by gmail-using people. Just have them sign in to Gmail. It's not like the Chromebooks don't have cameras or anything. > Or when they take the photo editing class and realize that the laptop doesn't run the software so they trot halfway across campus to use the lab that has the software installed. Photo editing isn't an expected activity for these devices. And, as time goes by, more and more really awesome photo editing web apps will arrive. You won't need to take a class to learn how to edit photos. > The subset of people I could recommend this to is crazy small -- maybe zero given the price point. Please listen to everyone else here; you and your friends are not the target market for this device. We get that you don't like it and your friends won't either. We don't care. I know ~ 20 people who would absolutely love one of these. Our stories are nothing more than useless anecodes. Don't suggest this device is a failure because you alone can't find someone who wants to just use the web. > Speaking of which, how well does that work with Chrome (seriously asking)? Very well. Plug it in, dealy pops up.
  - shinratdr 16y ago
    > What's wrong with the Office Web Apps? The same thing that is wrong with all web apps, they are way, way less functional than their desktop counterparts. Crippled, you might say. Web Word is missing things that I learned in Grade 2, like spacing options. Average users do actually care about this stuff. > Nobody expects epic graphics to run on this. Don't talk to many WoW players, eh? It runs on anything, and they will run it on anything. Most have a netbook they use to play on the go. WoW runs quite well on them with settings turned down. > if it does, cool! but that's NOT why you bought a "net"book. You're going to tell other people why they bought a computer and what they want to use it for? No wonder you have no problem forcing Chrome OS on your friends and family. > It has a web cam. Do they have gmail accounts? Installed userbase matters. You might be able to switch your grandma over to a Google video solution, your friends are just going to laugh, and tell you to get Skype like everyone else. They aren't going to sign up for another service, install, learn and troubleshoot another app just to talk to you. > Photo editing isn't an expected activity for these devices. Um, yes it is. You seem to have a lot of weird preconceptions about netbooks based off the name. They are PRIMARILY used to browse the web, but that is not their only usage at all. People use them for all light duty tasks, and simple photo editing counts. > Please listen to everyone else here; you and your friends are not the target market for this device. That isn't where he was speaking from. I could be wrong but I didn't pick up his intense need for Office & WoW from his comment, he sounded like someone who actually listens to what average users want instead of trying to tell them what they want from the point of view of what is easier for you, which is a trap many techies fall in. > Don't suggest this device is a failure because you alone can't find someone who wants to just use the web. Actually, I'm going to do exactly that. I've encountered tons of users through help desk work and independent consulting. I haven't met a single person that JUST uses their browser. This person doesn't exist in decent numbers, it's why MIDs failed as well.
geoffw8 16y ago
Your correct, but I think a LOT of users would be surprised they can't plug their iPhone/iPod in, or maybe use Spotify
- cryptoz 16y ago
  > can't plug their iPhone/iPod Citation? The devices have USB ports...
  - kenjackson 16y ago
    iTunes
  - aj700 16y ago
    Spotify (0.5) now supports ipods. If the browser is the OS, can't chrome/chromeos do the same trick with a music webapp.
- Raphael 16y ago
  Get an Android based MP3 player. Syncs itself like a big boy.
run4yourlives 16y ago
Yes and those people are buying iPads right now. That's even worse for Google.

fragmede 16y ago

You are not the target market.

noodle 16y ago

sounds pretty similar to the complaints about the ipad.

kenjackson 16y ago
Big difference with iPad is that it has a great user experience. It's obvious on first use of the iPad. The iPad is this device that you show anyone and drool forms from the lips. It's sexy as hell. Then you list the limitations and lots of people still say, "I don't care" while others will care. With the ChromeBooks there's no drooling. The limitations hit you like sack of steel. And then you have to explain the upside, which frankly isn't that interesting. Note the difference. With the iPad you have to convince people its a bad idea to buy one. With the ChromeBook you have to convince people its a good idea to buy one.
- koeselitz 16y ago
  That's a lot of words for an argument that assumes what it's trying to prove.
  - kenjackson 16y ago
    How about this. Read reviews of the cr48 and then read them for the iPad. If you don't sense a difference in how they're perceived at a base level then just consider me a bozo.
    - MatthewPhillips 16y ago
      The cr48 was a free prototype.
- noodle 16y ago
  but, i do care, and i don't find them to be sexy. i don't have one, and don't plan on buying one. i'm not particularly more interested in a chromebook, but its in the same ballpark as the ipad for me.

stanleydrew 16y ago

" The price point on this needs to be a LOT cheaper. Like $100 or free for a netbook..." But that's exactly what they've done with the monthly hardware/software subscription for businesses and universities. The hardware is free. You just pay $20-$30 permonth.

watty 16y ago
I consider myself extremely unlucky with laptops but even mine last 2+ years. The Google notebook for two years would cost $480 - $720! This notebook is heavily reliant on Google Services (unless you hack it) so I was expecting them to go much cheaper and make up the $$ on service usage and ads.
guywithabike 16y ago
You pay $20 to $30 a month for three years. That's a minimum of $720. Unless I'm missing something, the subscription is nothing but a flavor of a payday loan. Edit: Looks like I was missing the fact that the subscription includes "service and support", although it's unclear exactly what that entails. Page supposedly isn't a fan of customer support (http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/03/mf_larrypage/all/1 http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/03/mf_larrypage/all/1), which doesn't bode well.

watty 16y ago

I kinda thought the same way before I received a pilot CR48. This machine is perfect for couch surfing and emailing. It's super light, doesn't get hot, instant on, and I rarely plug in the charger. It fails miserably when I want to do any development though.

georgieporgie 16y ago
It fails miserably when I want to do any development though. Can you expand on this? I've read that they're 'great' for portable web development, for some value of 'great'.
- deleted 16y ago
  [deleted]

cryptoz 16y ago

Most people don't want a choice of browser or to worry about syncing different accounts or running WoW on every single computer they buy. Most people want to browse the web without virusus or hassles or intrusive software updates. It's very very clear that this is not meant for full content creation and gaming and a giant desktop experience. This is meant for the web on the go. If you don't want it, that's fine. But are you seriously saying you can't imagine a single living human being wanting this device? Ken, you're being silly here. Clearly, this is something that fits the needs of a huge number of people.

kenjackson 16y ago
Let me be clear. I'd love this device for free. Or like I said, even $100 I could see it being a fair price. But when you price at the same price of a netbook that performs really well (the new ASUS Eee Pcs are pretty darn impressive beasts for a $289 machine), with all of its limitations, it just doesn't make sense. This needs to be more like a Kindle. A device you get even if you already have a laptop and an iPad. The price needs to be way lower.
- cryptoz 16y ago
  sigh Look, it's not about the hardware. What software is that $289 machine going to run? Windows? Right, so you'll be removing viruses for years after people continue to watch seedy porn sites? Sounds like fun. This device is intriguing and useful because of the software; it stays out of your way and keeps you safe. That's worth the price to nearly everyone who isn't a nerd.
  - mestudent 16y ago
    The only reason that machine runs Windows is because people think they want Windows, it is rather ingrained at this point in time. I could see some people using this and being okay but I see tons of others wondering where their microsoft office is, and to be honest a boat load of other problems from the people who malware is already a problem. (I can even see people asking where the internet is or how to get to facebook or google while looking at a chrome browser window). These chromebooks sadly will only satisfy a niche market and this market probably would be served just as well with a similarly specked netbook running linux

ShabbyDoo 16y ago

If I was tasked with selling Chromebooks door-to-door, my primary talking point would be "it just works" and I would point out the high cost of paying someone (GeekSquad, etc.) to perform software services on Windows computers. For people who are stumped by what we on HN consider to be minor annoyances, paying $75+/issue adds up pretty quickly. You are right that, for regular folks, the primary competitor is likely an iPad. "hook it up to my TV in the dorm" The Cr-48 has a VGA output, IIRC. Perhaps future Chromebooks will have HDMI output? "sync my iPod/iPad/iPhone" This is an interesting problem for Google. Apple clearly has no incentive to support the platform. The value proposition for a home user is not strong unless a Chromebook can replace a Windows laptop. Besides photo uploading, what other device integration issues ruin the game? My wife would react negatively if she could not use a scanner. Google's cloud printing scheme is an obvious end-run around direct support of printers. Perhaps they will roll-out a similar scanning scheme?

deleted 16y ago
[deleted]
- ShabbyDoo 16y ago
  I think the Geek Squad charges at least $50 for malware removal. And, your mom would have to take the computer to Best Buy. That her child will do it for free dilutes Google's value proposition :) In all seriousness, Google's proposition to businesses and schools is probably stronger than the offer to individual users. Corps/Schools feel the real cost associated with Windows desktop administration. Unlike individuals where Windows issues feel random, these organizations know the mean time between interventions and can therefore compute their expected annual service cost per Windows desktop.
6ren 16y ago
The acer chromebook has HDMI http://www.google.com/chromebook/chromebooks-acer.html# http://www.google.com/chromebook/chromebooks-acer.html#

Dobbs 16y ago

If they have one in the $100-$200 dollar range I'll be seriously considering buying one for my Mother. All she uses is a web browser and google documents. This would be perfect and would solve my issue of her randomly getting toolbars installed and somehow getting Firefox into a state of uselessness.

fragmede 16y ago

With comparable battery life, it has a huge upside over the iPad: Adobe Flash.

scott_s 16y ago

You skipped right over the fact that you have an iPad. Your iPad can't run WoW, Skype, Office, Visual Studio, Emacs, Vim, etc. And it's crazy popular.

msbarnett 16y ago
Because, as he mentioned, it has upside. That whole personal touchy-feely interaction thing that seems to sell people on it in stores, the bulklessness of it that lets you use it as an eReader in bed, it's much lighter than these, the battery life is longer, etc. These Chromebooks might share the iPad's limitations, but they don't seem to make up for it with any strengths that you couldn't get out of a regular netbook.
- scott_s 16y ago
  I think their strength is "less fiddly."