I use Linux: as I get bored, I have tended to move around distros. At one point I was installing gentoo on everything, but have ended up using ubuntu. It is not that pure, but it just works: all the desktops run smoothly and I’ve reached the point where the only windows machine around is the clinical machine (which the hospital IT will not let me touch).

The laptop I have however, is haavy. Netbooks work — even an asus eee can run ubuntu with some work. If I’m going on a holiday or trip with no work duties, it allows viewing of photos and light email and surfing. But writing… no way.

For me, the main issue is the keyboard. I touch type and need feedback:  I use unicomp keyboards because of the feel and the fact the control key is in the right place. ASUS laptops have marginal keyboards, and the eee compounds this by being very small.

So… a netbook is not goind in the bag on work trips. A lenovo R61e is: this was a good machine a few years ago but now is seen as slow. However, the keyboard is brilliant and the machine is bombproof. And they retail in NZ under $900.