I've been doing a lot of traveling over the last month installing networking equipment around the Southeast. It's really cumbersome taking many of the things I have to take with me and I'm trying to limit the size and quantity of items packed at this time.

In the coming days I've got several installations to do in as many different cities and don't want to bring along my 17" laptop and associated accessories. I really only need to be able to check e-mail and download an occasional technical manual.

It takes too much time to setup a large laptop and get it online and is just one more thing to have to carry in and out of the facilities along with my tools and various carts, lifts, and ladders. And I'd rather not tear up my 17" laptop since it's my primary computer and necessary for other work I perform. The netbook is a little over 8" and will fit into one of the pockets of my bomber jacket without any problems.

Office Depot has the Acer netbook on sale for $299 which seems like a good deal since they've gotten decent reviews.

Ultralight, ultracompact — weighs less than 2.5 lb!

• 8.9" diagonal widescreen CrystalBrite™ LCD. The compact screen makes this computer easily portable — great for travel. It offers comfortable viewing, whether you're surfing the Web, working with documents or browsing photos.[/*:m:325ridjv]
• Wireless-G cable-free networking. Lets you access wireless networks to surf the Web, exchange email and share files. Also compatible with 802.11b networks. Wired networking is supported, too.[/*:m:325ridjv]
• 160GB hard drive holds thousands of songs, photos and documents.[/*:m:325ridjv]
• Intel Atom processor. Combines performance and efficiency to let you stay connected when you travel.[/*:m:325ridjv]
• Memory card reader for fast, easy photo transfers. Transfer your digital photos, music and other files from 6 types of memory cards.[/*:m:325ridjv]
• Built-in webcam with microphone. Keep in touch with others with video and voice messaging. The netbook also includes built-in stereo speakers and a USB mouse.[/*:m:325ridjv]
• Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition.

[/*:m:325ridjv][/list:u:325ridjv]This has essentially everything I need in a compact computer and will run most of the programs I currently use. However, it won't render video but I wouldn't be rendering video on it anyway. Mainly word processing, billing, e-mail, internet research, and the like.

I have a smart phone that cost me as much as the netbook which will soon need replacing itself. With the netbook a phone that allows internet browsing is unnecessary saving me money. I can tether a generic cell phone to the netbook for network access (as I do now) which means I won't be spending $200 or more on a stinking cell phone.

The reason I make this post is that Office Depot just instituted a no refund policy (after 14 days) even if the one returns everything as it was found in the box with receipt. To get an actual money back refund I cannot open the box. If it turns out to be crap I can only get an exchange and not a cash back refund. I guess the economy has hit OD too or they may be owned and operated by the tribe.

I feel good about having this new 'tool' but input from others that may have one of these would be appreciated greatly.