MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - How does it feel to hold a netbook sideways?

jlg432 · 08-27-2010, 08:53 PM

I have a Acer Aspire D250-1938 Netbook.

This unit came with xp but I also added Linux for Netbook.

My unit did not support software screen rotation as part of it's options but I was made aware of free 3rd party software called Eeerotate. Once installed this allows you to rotate your screen (Visual presentation only) to any of the 4 directions. This really enhances the various pc bound e-reader software. The only issue I have found is that the pointing device gets very sluggish when the screen is facing one of the three other directions other than "Normal". The software stays resident and you can select the desired rotation just by using "Cntrl+Alt+ one of the four direction arrows.

I usually set-up the desired book for reading while in normal mode and then rotate when I am ready to proceed. The direction cluster (arrow keys or page up/dn) can easily be reached by either hand depending on the rotation.

As for the screen hinges - yes you have to be careful, but no more than you would have to if you used the unit on your lap. I believe you have to keep cooling in mind. I noticed on my unit the vet was on the left and back side so I rotate the bottom of the page to be on the rightside of the screen. You will find that most readers will adjust the display to fit the rotated screen giving you more of a reading page.

Again if you were interested in seeing if the concept of a dedicated, backlit color, 10 inch screen (non touch screen) is for you then try the free software and experiment with your Netbook to see if you would prefer this type of a reader over a dedicated monochrome (16 shades grayscale) before committing to one. At least it will give you an idea.

The software again is free and is called Eeerotate.

As for the feel of holding it sideways. The size is not too bad at all. My unit feels sturdy enough and the weight again is more than my Jetbook or Aluratek Libre Pro but a lot lighter than my 15" Compaq Laptop which is very large and heavy. The extended (6 cell Battery compartment makes it more comfortable and easier to hold steady without adding any stress to the unit or your hand. I have found it very good for reading complex PDF docs that have colorful displays of items mixed in with text. The new Adobe PDF reader does a good job with Text Flow. In the normal view the doc went to 2 page view but when rotated it switched to one page view and zoomed in to fill the space.

John

08-27-2010, 08:53 PM	#12
jlg432 Addict Posts: 237 Karma: 15786 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: jetBook, ALP, Pandigital 7"Color(Black+ White), Kyros MID7015a	I have a Acer Aspire D250-1938 Netbook. This unit came with xp but I also added Linux for Netbook. My unit did not support software screen rotation as part of it's options but I was made aware of free 3rd party software called Eeerotate. Once installed this allows you to rotate your screen (Visual presentation only) to any of the 4 directions. This really enhances the various pc bound e-reader software. The only issue I have found is that the pointing device gets very sluggish when the screen is facing one of the three other directions other than "Normal". The software stays resident and you can select the desired rotation just by using "Cntrl+Alt+ one of the four direction arrows. I usually set-up the desired book for reading while in normal mode and then rotate when I am ready to proceed. The direction cluster (arrow keys or page up/dn) can easily be reached by either hand depending on the rotation. As for the screen hinges - yes you have to be careful, but no more than you would have to if you used the unit on your lap. I believe you have to keep cooling in mind. I noticed on my unit the vet was on the left and back side so I rotate the bottom of the page to be on the rightside of the screen. You will find that most readers will adjust the display to fit the rotated screen giving you more of a reading page. Again if you were interested in seeing if the concept of a dedicated, backlit color, 10 inch screen (non touch screen) is for you then try the free software and experiment with your Netbook to see if you would prefer this type of a reader over a dedicated monochrome (16 shades grayscale) before committing to one. At least it will give you an idea. The software again is free and is called Eeerotate. As for the feel of holding it sideways. The size is not too bad at all. My unit feels sturdy enough and the weight again is more than my Jetbook or Aluratek Libre Pro but a lot lighter than my 15" Compaq Laptop which is very large and heavy. The extended (6 cell Battery compartment makes it more comfortable and easier to hold steady without adding any stress to the unit or your hand. I have found it very good for reading complex PDF docs that have colorful displays of items mixed in with text. The new Adobe PDF reader does a good job with Text Flow. In the normal view the doc went to 2 page view but when rotated it switched to one page view and zoomed in to fill the space. John Last edited by jlg432; 08-27-2010 at 09:09 PM.