Netbook Surprise

[JohnGalt_ny]

With the size and power of the most recent series of netbooks, I wondered why anybody would spend $700.00 for a P2000 etc. Now I see a possible reason.

I recently bought a Lenovo 10" (1MB and 160GB) and an Acer AspireOne 8.9" (1MB and 120GB). Both have the Atom processor and a card reader installed. Both fit in the outside pocket of my camera bag.

HOWEVER, when I tried to install DPP and Zoom Browser, I got a message saying the screen resolution (maxed out) was insufficient to support the software. That would mean I couldn't shoot RAW (or at least review the RAW shots) which would make the netbook pretty much useless for photography. Luckily, both will run Lightroom2 so I was saved on that score.

Has anyone else run into this on a netbook? Anyone know a workaround?

Aside from the slim possibility of confiscation by TSA, this would be the only thing to stop a photographer from taking a full fledged computer with him/her rather than the P2000.

[Mr. Pickles]

The resolution has always (so far) been the downside of the netbooks, but it isn't a wide spread "problem". Most people don't really care about larger pixel counts on a smaller screen. But apparently some programs do. But since I'm a Lightroom homer, I'm okay with it working and not the other stuff.

I'm not sure why TSA would confiscate it though.

[JohnGalt_ny]

I didn't say TSA would confiscate it but, under a recent Federal Court decision, they can and retain it for investigation with virtually no probable cause.

Doesn't bother me but it is something of which to be aware.

[tleonhar]

I've run into the same thing with my Acre Aspire. All I want to use it for is the remote control function, but like the OP, when I tried to install the Canon softwhere, I got the same error message regarding scree resolution. Checking the resolution, the Acer netbook is maxed out at 1024 X 600. I'm not sure if this odd resolution is what's throwing off the Canon software or what.
Anyway, I'd be quite interested if anyone has either found a workaround for the Canon software or knows of a different utility that will do the remote camera control I want.

[Orgnoi1]

The RAW issue can be bypassed by just using Photoshop to process your raw shots... we have three of the netbooks for travelling (three photographers in the family) and have CS2 installed with no problems at all... they ARE super handy... one of the only drawbacks (minor drawbacks) is to upgrade to the 1.5gb of ram you have to teardown the whole netbook... it wasnt a HUGE deal to me since I work on computers... but its not "consumer friendly" for sure to do the process...

[korman]

Originally Posted by JohnGalt_ny

Aside from the slim possibility of confiscation by TSA, [...]

Don't worry about the TSA, they can confiscate your memory-cards just the same as your laptop if they feel like it. Against this kind of idiocy only an encrypted transfer over the net before getting in contact with those hoodlums or not flying through the USA will help.

Korman

[Stercus Vultus]

Originally Posted by korman

Don't worry about the TSA, they can confiscate your memory-cards just the same as your laptop if they feel like it.

Pure Nineteen-Eighty-Four. And you're telling us not "to worry"?

Against this kind of idiocy only an encrypted transfer over the net before getting in contact with those hoodlums or not flying through the USA will help.

Again: pure Nineteen-Eighty-Four!

[JDArt]

Netbooks really are not designed to replace traditional notebooks--and certainly not desktops. They are, or were originally, designed for working on the Internet and/or doing light office-type work. The distinction will probably be blurrred in the near future, but for now, netbooks are mostly for the net.