Mods, feel free to delete this if you think it's inappropriate.
I'm after a new netbook. I like my Samsung NC10, but it is bigger than I want.
I'm buying one of these:
http://www.norhtec.com/products/gecko/index.html
It's ideal for me as a boat dweller. No moving parts, lightweight and runs off 12v so I can use my solar panels to charge it without messing around with inverters. I've bought lots of Norhtec PCs in the past, and they're very good.
Only thing is, shipping from Thailand is $70. It's a lot considering the laptop is $199.
Does anyone else want one, so we could split delivery costs? I should point out the $199 will just be for a barebones laptop. It won't have a hard disk, or an operating system, or a wireless adaptor. Further tinkering is required, as well as further purchases (storage device, power lead, wireless adaptor/gprs modem, 8 rechargeable AA batteries). They can run Windows XP, but not very well; a Linux distro like Puppy would be best with such a machine. There will also be import duties to pay when it arrives, which I would expect you to pay your share of.
Still, it's a bargain. Think of the possibilities! A computer to take on bike tours, so you can keep up with Retrobike. You could charge it from a dynamo while you ride, and be online at night. A cheap computer to take for a long commute on a train. Fit a GPS reciever, and it could become the most sophisticated satnav available, with an enormous screen. For the eco-twonks amongst us, a computer you can run from PV/wind turbines.
I'm ordering mine on Monday, so if anyone wants one get in touch with me before then. I'll want a non-refundable deposit of £120 to order it, and payment of the balance and postage costs from me to you before I send you yours. But that's all reasonable. It's just because I don't want to be stuck with a shed full of them.
What do you think?
I'm after a new netbook. I like my Samsung NC10, but it is bigger than I want.
I'm buying one of these:
http://www.norhtec.com/products/gecko/index.html
It's ideal for me as a boat dweller. No moving parts, lightweight and runs off 12v so I can use my solar panels to charge it without messing around with inverters. I've bought lots of Norhtec PCs in the past, and they're very good.
Only thing is, shipping from Thailand is $70. It's a lot considering the laptop is $199.
Does anyone else want one, so we could split delivery costs? I should point out the $199 will just be for a barebones laptop. It won't have a hard disk, or an operating system, or a wireless adaptor. Further tinkering is required, as well as further purchases (storage device, power lead, wireless adaptor/gprs modem, 8 rechargeable AA batteries). They can run Windows XP, but not very well; a Linux distro like Puppy would be best with such a machine. There will also be import duties to pay when it arrives, which I would expect you to pay your share of.
Still, it's a bargain. Think of the possibilities! A computer to take on bike tours, so you can keep up with Retrobike. You could charge it from a dynamo while you ride, and be online at night. A cheap computer to take for a long commute on a train. Fit a GPS reciever, and it could become the most sophisticated satnav available, with an enormous screen. For the eco-twonks amongst us, a computer you can run from PV/wind turbines.
I'm ordering mine on Monday, so if anyone wants one get in touch with me before then. I'll want a non-refundable deposit of £120 to order it, and payment of the balance and postage costs from me to you before I send you yours. But that's all reasonable. It's just because I don't want to be stuck with a shed full of them.
What do you think?
