Depends on if you have a license for it! Some people think mini notebook computers are slow and sluggish to work with and are only good for running a browser with a single tab, but that’s not true. When you take one in your hands you’ll quickly realize that they’re more than that, much more.

The question I’m facing the most often goes along the line ‘Okay okay, but how fast is it, can I use Word/Excel/Firefox/Photoshop on it’ and I have to go into great lengths citing benchmark results, personal experiences, even stories how I got a website together using one single netbook and nothing else to make them believe that these computers are indeed much more than some people make them out to be.

When you have a copy of Microsoft Word you will have no problem running it and I’m talking from experience. I’ve had my mini notebook for six months now and I’ve got to say that if there is one thing you can do on them it’s word processing. I’m not using Word anymore because I found a piece of software that meets my needs better (Q10), but I used it extensively, especially because it was free.

This Asus 1005HA was sold with a 60 days trial license of Office 2007 and being the curious guy I am, I took the time and tried everything that came with it. Excel works wonderfully too, by the way, I tested it with a spreadsheet that had 45,000 rows and four columns. Doing filters, copying equations through all the way down didn’t take more than 2-3 seconds. It’s not the speed you’d be satisfied with on a desktop computer or a notebook that costs a thousand dollar, but don’t forget a netbook is only $300 or a little more.

The other factor of the final result is always the keyboard. When you have the software and it’s running fabulously, you need a peripheral to input data. It greatly differs on the exact model of the mini notebook computer, not even just one brand. The seashell design from Asus for example is exceptional in this question, 2-3 million keystrokes in 6 months say that you’ll have a netbook made to last if you choose this.

Another one I tried was the HP mini 210, and other minis along the line. They have a similar key design and are easy to operate by even a 6 feet tall male with proportionate hands and fingers.

Any netbook will run Word just fine but I strongly suggest taking a look at the keyboard that comes with them if you want one that fits your particular needs the best. I wouldn’t want you to buy one that doesn’t feel comfortable.

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