small laptops with small keyboards – are they right for you?

Thinking about getting an ultra-small laptop?  Steve’s got some advice about small keyboards!!

Do be careful, everyone, about the small keyboard versions!  Those can slow down your typing 10-20% without you really being aware of it.  Then you're feeling “modern” using that cute computer but somehow aren't getting down as much information . . .

Fortunately, there are larger-sized keyboard models of many of the brands: Acer's 11.6" netbook, and Dell's 10" are both bigger keyboards.  But you have to check carefully, since the very same brands (such as Acer) often have too-small-keyboard versions.

The best bet is to try the keyboard yourself in the store, and don't just ask yourself, "can I type on it?"  Ask yourself, "can I type on it at full speed?"

Steve