Me xand My

Netbook

by Douglas McClureand “DOUG-NETBOOK”

The future?

Why use a portable computer?

• your stuff is always with you• a LOT of stuff fits on it• you can do new work on it in your free moments• you can do LOTS of things in class...

Why use a portable computer?

• your stuff is always with you• a LOT of stuff fits on it• you can do new work on it in your free moments• you can do LOTS of things in class...

Why NOT use a portable computer?

• it costs 300-400 euros• it weighs you down (an extra kg or so)• you can waste a lot of time with technical jim-jam• it can complicate your life• you have to make backups• synchronization with your home computer

Some terms, explained

• MP3 file• MP3 player• MP4 player

• iPod• iPad, and other tablet computers

• laptop, notebook• netbook

• podcast• to rip

Stuff you need

• a netbook computer• a portable speaker• a good backpack

• maybe an MP3 player• maybe a cable or two

• a projector or TV (usually installed)

What you can do (with a speaker)

• play any sound• no CDs to lose

• easy access to the right track →• with an MP3 player, sit on the floor with the kiddies

• You do need to “rip” your CDs to MP3 format (Windows Media Player)• Recommended: “tag” your MP3 files with titles, etc. (Mp3tag)

What you can do (with a speaker AND a projector)

• show images

• run programs

• play movies and videos

• use the Internet “live” (get proxy settings from Antonio)

Showing images

• photos, scans, clip art, etc.

• PDF files

• cartoons, comic strips

Running programs in class

• (most programs allow two legal installations)

• dictionaries

• word processors (i.e. Word)• prepare a document and simply show it in class• project text during video or audio (subtitles or song lyrics)• take notes of new lexis during class, on projector screen, and later e-mail them to students

• spreadsheets (i.e. Excel)• use it to make notes after class

• presentations (PowerPoint, ScrapBook)

• self-study CDs from Pearson-Longman books

Playing movies and videos

• using a plug-in DVD drive — complicates your life

• using a copy on your hard disk — gotta “rip” it or download it• first you copy an image to your hard disk (DVD Decrypter)• then you convert it to AVI format (AutoGK)• then, if you want, you rip the subtitles (SubRip)

• downloading YouTube videos (pre-downloaded or “live”)• easy to download (SaveTube.com)

• using podcasts — very easy, but limited selection

Some (very good) alternatives to a netbook

• USB flash drives• handy, portable, reliable• you have to prepare just what you want• limited storage• you still need a computer

• on-line storage (for example, MS Live)• you still need a computer• you need a reliable Internet connection

A last word. Your hard disk WILL crash, so...

Back up!!!

• with a USB hard disk

and/or

• with an on-line backup service (i.e. Carbonite)

Links can be found at:

www.EnglishwithDouglas.com