netbook vs laptop

Forgive me if this has already been covered here, but a search of the forums did not bring up an answer to my question. I want to try my hand at planetary imaging and will be purchasing a Celestron Neximage camera for that purpose, however my dinasour laptop (266mhz processor) will not be up to the task. If I am going to buy a new computer I think I would rather have a netbook than a laptop for other uses, but Im not sure how well it would work for planetary imaging. I plan on using the computer for image capture only and then doing the processing on my desktop. Any input on this decision by you experienced imagers would be welcome.

Thanks, Steve V.

Steven Vallin said:

Forgive me if this has already been covered here, but a search of the forums did not bring up an answer to my question. I want to try my hand at planetary imaging and will be purchasing a Celestron Neximage camera for that purpose, however my dinasour laptop (266mhz processor) will not be up to the task. If I am going to buy a new computer I think I would rather have a netbook than a laptop for other uses, but Im not sure how well it would work for planetary imaging. I plan on using the computer for image capture only and then doing the processing on my desktop. Any input on this decision by you experienced imagers would be welcome.

Thanks, Steve V.

There's really no strikes against a laptop. Just be sure the one you purchase has a video mode appropriate for the software you are running--some programs won't run on too low a resolution, or may have buttons/windows cut off.

My netbook works fine on capturing (Imaging SOurce DMK 42) and processing (through Registax) my planetary work.

Some software will not load on the laptop because of the screen size limitation, but if you plug an auxiliary monitor it won't be a problem loading. Having loaded the software (with the auxiliary monitor) you may or may not be able to use it. I can use whatever I need for planetary work on my Acer Netbook.

I can also use the Canon asquisition software on my netbook. I have loaded and used Maxim DL 5 on my laptop--but only to practice (read the manual and stuff), and do not know how it will work in an actual imaging session or processing session. I also have and use Photoshop CS 4 on it and it runs fine for me.

I find the Netbook quite adequate for my needs. The screen is smaller, and inconvenient, and the typing is more difficult.....

More sophisticated or experienced users may see lots more shortcomings, but I have not.

Alex


Alex