I sometimes use a netbook to code (specially in a library), and it works just fine (9"), VIM runs great on it :), and a browser like Chrome really saves a lot of screen, so I check email and everything...
That makes absolutely no sense, since it requires no additional hardware horsepower to power a 12-inch netbook v. a 10-inch netbook. The only difference is power usage from the bigger screen. And the two extra inches more than makes up for the shorter battery life or slightly heavier device from packing in more batteries. It only costs a few more dollars to build a 12-inch v. a 10-inch netbook, and users get a bigger screen with the same performance.
Is coding on a netbook comfortable? What if you wanted to code for more than a few hours? Does the lack of screen space get to you or have you figured out an efficient configuration? (If you have, could you please post a screenshot?)
I already have a MacBook, but I rarely take it out because I rarely do any coding outside my place and lugging the whole thing through the Metro and bus system is not exactly my idea of fun. Having a netbook that I can easily lug around the city might actually encourage me to take my code with me wherever I go.
Of course I don't think you'd enjoy coding on a small laptop (netbook), if you don't follow some recommendations (which I think are good recommendations anyways):
* limit your code to 80 cols
* limit your code to less than 400 loc
Actually on my main laptop I get 34 loc full screen (I try not to use full screen), on my Dell mini 9 I get 31, not bad at all!
That makes absolutely no sense, since it requires no additional hardware horsepower to power a 12-inch netbook v. a 10-inch netbook. The only difference is power usage from the bigger screen. And the two extra inches more than makes up for the shorter battery life or slightly heavier device from packing in more batteries. It only costs a few more dollars to build a 12-inch v. a 10-inch netbook, and users get a bigger screen with the same performance.
Since when Arrington is a hardware specialist? :)