By Rory Reid, CNET.co.uk
09/06/2008
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/notebooks/0,39050495,62042389,00.htm

So you want a tiny laptop, but you're not sure which one to get? It all seemed so clear in the beginning--you had your mind set on an Eee PC 701 or 900, but then half the laptop manufacturers in the world suddenly went and made copycat machines.

Fear not, puzzled reader, we've seen nearly all these Eee-type machines and we're pretty well-placed to tell you which one might be best for you. We've locked ourselves in a room, gorged ourselves on Red Bull, analysed the pros and cons of each, and can now bring you the fruits of that labor.

Over the following pages you'll find our unique assessment of the Eee PC 701, 900, 901 and 1000, MSI Wind, Acer Aspire One, Packard Bell EasyNote XS20 and HP 2133 Mini-Note and more.

As you can see there's a fair bit of choice. Get stuck in and see if your opinion matches ours. If it doesn't, you're probably wrong.

Packard Bell EasyNote XS20

In at number 10 is the Packard Bell EasyNote XS20. It's based on Via's NanoBook platform, which was designed to offer high portability and decent battery life, and leech some of the Eee's popularity.

Why it's the hotness

The EasyNote XS20--and indeed every laptop based on the NanoBook platform--weighs approximately 0.95kg, so it's ideal manbag fodder. The 7-inch screen is rather rubbish by today's standards, perhaps, but it's the only Netbook we know of that features a DVI digital video output. Combine that with its 80GB hard drive and you have yourself a rather decent media machine.

Why it might suck

The EasyNote XS has two main stumbling points. Firstly, at the time of its launch it cost S$1,298--more than twice as much as an entry-level Eee PC 701. Its second problem is the fact it's so bleeding slow--the VIA C7-M CPU really struggles to run Windows XP, and bizarrely, there isn't a Linux version. We could talk about its tiny keyboard, horrendous postage stamp-sized mouse trackpad, and a host of other problems, but you probably already know about those from reading our Packard Bell EasyNote XS20 feature.

When's it out, and what'll it cost?

Now. S$1,298.

Should I buy it?

The EasyNote XS is good, but there are other machines that are cheaper, faster and easier to use. We really can't recommend it, so let's move on.

HP 2133 Mini-Note

It's hardly surprising that the world's biggest laptop manufacturer has dipped its toes into the mini market. Ask the folks at HP and they'll tell you the 2133 is for the education sector, but we know better--the 2133 way too chic to be the exclusive domain of primary school kids and unwashed university students.

Why it's the hotness

The 2133 Mini-Note is hands-down the best-looking mini laptop on the market. The curved edges and the brushed aluminium lid really separate it from the toy-like Eee PCs and the cheap-looking EasyNote XS20s of this world. We also love the 2133's keyboard, which is 92 percent the size of those you'd find on full-size laptops.

Why it might suck

Having such a large keyboard compromises the laptop in other areas--specifically its mouse trackpad. The main problem is that the selector buttons sit on either side of the trackpad instead of directly below it, and that's hard to get used to. The 2133's biggest problem, however, is its screen. It might have a higher resolution than everything else in this countdown, but its highly reflective finish makes it difficult to see what's going on--regardless of whether you're inside or outside. As if that wasn't enough, the 2133 uses the uber-lame VIA C7-M CPU, which makes the device painfully slow. Ever dreamed you're having a fight and you can barely move your limbs? Using a 2133 is exactly like that.

When's it out, and what'll it cost?

Now. Starts at S$999.

Should I buy it?

Find out more in our full HP 2133 Mini-Note review. If you like shiny, good-looking trinkets and care more about looks than performance, yes. But for the rest of us, there are far better devices on the market. Next!

Via OpenBook

At number 8 we have the OpenBook, which is the follow-up to the poorly received NanoBook. By addressing most of the problems that affected its predecessor, Via hopes this model will attract an even greater number of system integrators, and in turn, a host of new customers.

Why it's the hotness

The OpenBook is an attractive-looking unit, but more importantly, it's also pretty usable. The ridiculous thumbpad mouse from the NanoBook has been dumped in favour of a standard trackpad, its 8.9-inch display runs at a decent 1,024 x 600 pixels, and it packs an 80GB hard drive. Other cool touches have been added, too--like a dual-headed 2-megapixel camera, which lets you take pictures of yourself, or of others directly in front of you--a nice touch for students that want to record lectures. Want more? Well how about optional modules for WiMAX, HSDPA and GPS? Sounds good, no?

Why it might suck

Via's gone to great lengths to make the OpenBook a fantastic machine, but its choice of CPU lets it down yet again. It's chosen to use its own 1.6GHz C7-M chip, which as we've discussed, is slow--especially when paired with Windows Vista. We're also pretty wary of the small keyboard, the equally petite four-cell 2,600mAh battery and the fact that Via has reverted to a D-Sub video output instead of DVI.

When's it out?

June 2008, technically, but it'll take a while longer for system integrators to get one in the shops.

Should I buy it?

If a laptop seller--such as Packard Bell, or reportedly even Sony--grabs itself a batch of OpenBooks, supplies them with Linux, and installs the HSDPA and GPS modules, we could have ourselves a real contender. A fairly slow contender, but one worth checking out--particularly if the price is right.

Asus Eee PC 700/701

At number 7, we have the little chap that sparked the miniature laptop revolution. It drove yet another nail into the already air-tight coffin of Ultra-Mobile PCs and inspired the entire computing world to follow in its diminutive footsteps. Let's see how it stands up against its modern adversaries.

Why it's the hotness

The Eee PC 700 is among the smallest of all Netbooks. It still packs some good features, though. Its 900MHz Intel Pentium M CPU and 512MB of RAM (1GB on the 701) offers enough grunt to run Windows XP or Linux operating systems, the 0.3-megapixel Webcam lets you take self-portraits and video chat with friends, and it's cheap--you can buy one for as little as S$598.

Why it might suck

That 7-inch screen has a pretty rubbish 800 x 480-pixel resolution, which means many Web pages don't fit properly--you have to scroll sideways to read bits that fell off the edges. The keyboard is small, too--unless you have the fingers of a small child (and you should probably give those back), you'll struggle to enter text accurately. The storage on offer isn't great, either. The 700 is available with 2GB, while the 701 gets a maximum of 4GB of solid-state storage, which really isn't a great deal to play with.

When's it out, and what'll it cost?

Now. S$598.

Should I buy it?

Newer mini-laptops make the Eee PC 700 look rather pointless, but its super-low price means it's still a contender. Get this if you're looking for something to tinker with, or if you're looking for a cheap second laptop dedicated to Web browsing and watching movies in bed. Read more in our full Asus Eee PC 701 review.

Elonex Webbook

There we were, writhing in a pile of tiny laptops, when the Netbook gods opened the taps yet again and blessed us with the Elonex Webbook. We'd have probably ignored it, but when we spotted the word "free" in the press release, it promptly made its way to number 6 in our list.

Why it's the hotness

The Webbook is free--sort of. Carphone Warehouse in the UK will give you one--gratis and for nothing--as an incentive to purchase one of its broadband packages. Relatively little is known about the machine, except that it has a 1.6GHz CPU, a 10.2-inch display, a fairly comfortable-looking keyboard and mouse and a Webcam. It'll come in several flavors, including Linux-equipped models with either 2GB of solid-state storage or an 80GB hard drive, or a Windows version with the same 80GB disk.

Why it might suck

Those who take advantage of the "free with broadband" offer will almost certainly be tied into a long-term contract--possibly as long as 18 or 24 months. It's possible to buy the Webbook as a standalone unit without signing up for broadband, and that could be the better option. It's currently available only in the UK and Asian users are out of luck.

When's it out,and what'll it cost?

June 14. Free with a broadband contract or around £350 (S$939.08).

Should I buy it?

We can see the Webbook being a huge hit. It's a decent incentive for buying broadband, provided that the particular broadband package doesn't have a low usage cap or a ludicrous contract period. We'll reserve judgement until we learn more about it, but this could be a real dark horse in the Netbook race.

Asus Eee PC 900

In at number 5 is the Eee PC 900, which is here because it addressed some of the things that annoyed us about the Eee PC 700. It's a fantastic device in its own right, and one that arguably gave rival manufacturers the blueprint for creating a mini laptop.

Why it's the hotness

Asus threw out the 7-inch panel on the 700 series and replaced it with an 8.9-inch screen with a better 1,024 x 600-pixel resolution. This immediately made the 900 series better for browsing the Web, watching movies and generally messing about with. Those unsightly speaker grilles on either side were relocated to the underside of the machine, and the Webcam got a boost to 1.3 megapixels from 0.3 megapixels. More importantly, perhaps, storage was boosted to 20GB for the Linux version, and 12GB for the Windows model. Curiously, it's the only Netbook that can accept gesture inputs via the mouse trackpad.

Why it might suck

The 900 uses the same keyboard as the 700, so it's just as rubbish to type on. It also uses a 900MHz Celeron M CPU, which looks very dated against the faster, more energy-efficient CPUs used in more recent Netbooks. The biggest problem, however, is the price. Both versions of the Eee PC 900 will set you back S$798, which is too expensive in our opinion. Hopefully, however, Asus will drop the price as newer machines--including the Eee PC 901--hit retail.

When's it out, and what'll it cost?

Now. S$798.

Should I buy it?

The Eee PC 900 is definitely superior to its predecessor, as you'll see in our full Asus Eee PC 900 review. It's better for surfing the Web, can store more multimedia files, and its Webcam is slightly better at making you look like an idiot in your MySpace self-portrait. It's by no means the best Netbook, however, which is why Asus went ahead and designed the Eee PC 901.

Acer Aspire One

Acer makes a splash at number 4 in our countdown with the Aspire One, a machine that could turn out to be the Neo of the Netbook world. Acer obviously isn't content with fourth place, though -- its aggressive US$399 price point and massive list of features show it really means business.

Why it's the hotness

This has most checkboxes ticked. Twice. It has a nippy 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, up to 1.5GB of RAM, an 8.9-inch WSVGA screen you can use even outdoors, a great keyboard, plus an optional HDSPA/3G module for true go-anywhere Internet access. Storage starts at 8GB--thanks to a solid-state drive--but can be upgraded to an 80GB unit if you need more storage. Wow.

Why it might suck

This could easily have been the perfect 8.9-inch Netbook, but Acer went ahead and fitted a rubbish mouse system. Again, it's one that has its selector buttons on either side of the trackpad instead of below it. You'll get used to it, but only after you've torn all your hair out. It's also worth noting the standard battery pack is a 2,200mAh unit, which gives only 3 hours of life. Oh, and there's only a one-year warranty.

When's it out, and what'll it cost?

14 June. From US$399.

Should I buy it?

Yes. It's only US$399, but if you do, you should splash out on a six-cell battery to go with it.

Asus Eee PC 901

In at number 3 is the 901: The Eee PC 900 on steroids. It's Asus' attempt to iron out all the problems associated with the 900, and--in light of stiff competition--keep the Eee PC brand at the top of the mini laptop food chain.

Why it's the hotness

The 901 ditches the geriatric 900MHz Intel Celeron M in favor of a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU and 1GB of RAM. That's good news, since the Atom CPU promises to make the 901 faster and more power-efficient than its predecessor. Asus says the machine--on its six-cell battery--should last between 4 and 7 hours. The keyboard's slightly improved, too, which makes typing easier, and you get 802.11n Wi-Fi. There's even word of a WiMAX/3G version.

Why it might suck

Most of the 901's other specs are identical to the 900. It still uses an 8.9-inch screen, which some users--although probably not that many--will find a strain on the eyes. Like the 900, the 901 will come in two flavours. The Windows XP model gets 12GB of solid-state storage, and the Linux version gets 20GB. This makes the 901 a slightly less capable media machine than the 80GB-toting Aspire One.

When's it out, and what'll it cost?

Q3 2008. US$559.

Should I buy it?

You can't really go wrong with an Eee PC 901--not unless Asus messes it up between now and the time it reaches the shops. The exact launch date, by the way, is unconfirmed at present, but if you don't have the patience, get the Aspire One. Or one of the next two candidates.

MSI Wind

We didn't have particularly high hopes for the MSI Wind when we first heard about it--primarily because MSI's laptops have always seemed a bit too average, compared with more established brands. But forget all that, we've damn near fallen in love with the Wind--and for good reason.

Why it's the hotness

The Wind has a 10.2-inch display (an 8.9-inch model is due later in the year) which churns out 1,024 x 600 pixels. Like most of its peers, it's available with either Linux or Windows XP. Both versions use a 1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom CPU--which can be overclocked at the touch of the F8 button. You also get an 80GB hard drive, 802.11b/g wireless, and a 1.3-megapixel Webcam. The Linux version gets 512MB of RAM, while the Windows XP model--costing just S$834.95--gets 1GB.

Why it might suck

There's not much wrong with the Wind. During our time with it, we discovered that its only flaws were its mouse trackpad, which was rather small, and that it has no integrated 3G. Oh, and.. er.. you can't play 3D games on it. Other than that, it's the bomb.

When's it out, and what'll it cost?

June. S$834.95.

Should I buy it?

Yeah. Sell a kidney if you have to. Hell, sell both. It would have been all too easy for MSI to deliver a cheap, nasty Eee knockoff, but the Wind really is something special. Along with the Acer Aspire One and our final contestant, this is a Netbook you should definitely keep an eye on.

Asus Eee PC 1000

Our number one Netbook is one we haven't even seen yet. But when you look at the feature list and take its pedigree into account, you'll understand why. This, ladies and Netbook fans, could turn out to be the Holy Grail of tiny laptops.

Why it's the hotness

The 1000 series' relatively large girth allows it to have a 10.2-inch screen, purportedly running at 1,024 x 600 pixels. Its keyboard--the bane of the Eee PC 700 and 900--is much larger than before and is 92 percent the size of a full size laptop keyboard. Inside, it benefits from a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU and up to 2GB of RAM--making it theoretically the most powerful of all Netbooks.

As you may have guessed, it comes in two versions: The Linux edition gets a 40GB solid-state drive, and the Windows XP model--dubbed the Eee PC 1000H--gets an 80GB mechanical drive. Interestingly, users will also get up to 20GB of Web-based storage--a nice touch, although we're not sure whether there's extra cost associated wtih it. High-definition audio and a battery life of around 7 hours are promised, and there's even a prototype sporting a 3G module. Bring it on.

Why it might suck

The 1000 series is obviously larger and slightly less portable than the 900 and 700 series. It weighs a not unsubstantial 1.33kg, so if your manbag is rather bijou, you may want to consider one of its smaller brethren. The 1000 and 1000H are more expensive than the smaller models. Don't worry though, leaked pricing documents from Taiwan suggest the 1000 will retail for US$625, although it's bound to end up costing significantly more once it goes overseas.

When's it out, and what'll it cost?

Q3 2008. US$625.

Should I buy it?

No. Buy two. The Eee PC 1000 series is probably the most desirable Netbook in the pipeline. Many have argued it's strayed too far from the Eee's core principles of being small and cheap, but if you subscribe to that belief, you're probably also going blind and suffering early symptoms of arthritis from typing on a small, cramped keyboard. Give us 10 inches, or give us death!