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-------------------------------------------------------------- This story was printed from CNET Asia. --------------------------------------------------------------
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Netbooks: Which is right for me?
By Darius Chang
13/03/2009 URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/notebooks/0,39050495,62043457,00.htm The Netbook category is at the cusp of an evolutionary change. While the current crop of machines with Atom N270 processor on the Intel 945 chipset provides adequate power for surfing and basic productivity tasks, it tends to stutter even on a high-bitrate video playback.
ACER AsusAxiooBenQDellFujitsuGatewayHPLenovoLGMSINECPackard BellRaon DigitalSonyToshibaTwinhead
 Acer Aspire OneWhen one thinks of value-for-money laptops, Acer is one of the first to pop to mind. Its first foray into the mini-laptop market is no different, offering a strong feature set while keeping the cost at an affordable level.Possibly a first for any portable, the Acer Aspire One sports a second SDHC memory slot (alongside a 5-in-1 reader) is used to expand the storage capacity. But instead of detecting the SD card as a separate device, the Aspire actually spans the drive such that the external card merges with the main storage. The keyboard is another area to note, as Acer claims to have put one in that is merely 5 percent smaller than a full-sized version. Touch typing is definitely a possibility with this laptop.
Perfect forThough not as feature-rich as the Eee PC 901, the Aspire One is likely to be cheaper. Moreover, with its dual memory card slot, frequent downloaders at wireless hotspots will certainly want to take a closer look at this Aspire.Price (as of Jan 2009): Availability: Now
 Asus Eee PC 701This was the one which started it all. At a time when the cheapest sub-notebook required a budget of over
Perfect forConsidering how cheap this model has become, students on a budget or those who want a laptop companion for a quick trip to a Wi-Fi hotspot will like the Eee PC 701.Price (as of July 2008): Availability: Now
 Asus Eee PC 900/901Realizing that consumers would probably have no issues paying more for a larger display, the Eee PC 900 did away with the huge bezel on the Eee PC 701 and crammed in an 8.9-inch screen. As it retains the exact same chassis and chipset as the 701, forFortunately, the coming of the Intel Atom platform was quickly taken up by Asus and the Eee PC 901 was born. It was everything the Eee PC 900 should have been and more. Other than the faster chip, the chassis was completely reworked and, though it has gained some weight, most of it went into the battery which gave this unit an exceptional uptime. Moreover, several new features were added which elevated the Eee PC 901 to the status of CNET Asia Editors' Choice award winner.
Perfect forThe Eee PC 901 has matured into an exceptional portable for on-the-go computing. Users who frequently work away from the office will appreciate the long battery life as well as the complete feature set of this mini-laptop.Price (as of July 2008): S$698 (US$513.90) with tax (Eee PC 900); S$798 (US$587.53) (Eee PC 901) Availability: Now
 Asus Eee PC 904HDSometimes, a vendor will come up with a design which makes us go "huh?". The Eee PC 904HD is one of them.We suspect the designers have either run out of ideas, or decided since many commented that the main flaw of the 901 is its keyboard, why not put the same 8.9-inch display in the body of the larger Eee PC 1000? After all, the bigger keyboard is much easier to use and the smaller LCD keeps the cost low. However, the huge LCD bezel is back and looks like the original Eee PC 701, only larger. We are not sure if the cost savings and extra battery life will make this model viable. In fact, the latter advantage is also questionable, as the Eee PC 904HD sports a conventional harddisk instead of SSD. We'll know more once this unit hits the streets.
Perfect forLittle is known about the target audience for this model, but we guess this will be for users on a seriously tight budget but still needs a good keyboard for work.Price (as of July 2008): Expected to be £250 (S$676.46) Availability: Now  Asus Eee PC 1000/1000HTake a good idea, make it bigger, and hope that it will turn into something exception. That was probably what Asus had in mind when designing the Eee PC 1000 series.The new series overcomes one of the major problems inherent in the Eee PC 901, which is the keyboard. The Eee PC 1000 series sports one which is actually useable for extended periods. Unfortunately, this comes at a hefty price, figuratively and literally. For one, the larger display and keyboard meant that the Eee PC 1000 no longer puts the P in portability, weighing in at a hefty 1.33kg (1.45kg for the Eee PC 1000H). Another is the price, which is expected to push the supposedly budget line into the realm of entry-level laptops. To counter this, the Eee PC 1000H version does away with expensive SSD and puts in a conventional spinning harddisk instead. Were there too many compromises made? You'll have to decide for yourself.
Perfect forAnyone who demands the portability and usability of an ultraportable but refuses to pay for it. At the same time, this group should also understand the performance limitations of the Atom chipset.Price (as of July 2008): Starts at Availability: Now
 Dell Inspiron Mini 9Though it is a little late to the Netbook market, Dell's first entrant is a worthy contender for two reasons. One, it has one of the cheapest starting price for an Intel Atom sub-notebook, and yet can be configured with all the bells and whistles for those with a larger budget. Two, it has one of the best keyboards on an 8.9-inch Netbook, second only to the HP Mini-Note.Unfortunately, there is one issue which should be pointed out. For some reason, Dell is charging an extra US$25 for the white version of the Netbook in the US. For that same amount you can bump up the RAM to 1GB, add Bluetooth or even install a 1.3-megapixel Webcam to the sub-notebook. Hopefully, this "surcharge" will be waived once the Inspiron Mini hits Asia-Pacific markets.
Perfect forWith one of the most useable keyboards in an 8.9-inch portable as well as an affordable starting price, the Inspiron Mini 9 is an excellent choice for students as well as budget-conscious users.Price (as of July 2008): Starts at Availability: Now
 HP 2133 Mini-NoteWhen we first heard of HP plans to enter the mini-laptop market, we had high hopes. After all, this is a vendor well known for offering machines which are feature-rich, and yet won't break the bank while doing so. Hence, we were looking forward to seeing another price-barrier breaker like the Eee PC 701.Unfortunately, this was not to be. The first inkling that something was amiss was that this ultramobile PC came from the business laptop unit, not the consumer department. So we weren't too shocked when we found out that the mini-note was priced in the S$1,000 (US$736.25) region. But don't get us wrong. This maiden model from the US maker is one sexy machine. The brushed aluminum body, the wonderfully larger keyboard, the scratch-resistance acrylic display all combine to make this mini-laptop one of the most visually desirable notebook in its class. The chassis is so well-designed and attractive that we could have lived with the extra weight and cost because the keyboard was one of the best we've seen on a mini-laptop. If only the Via processor didn't run slower than a grandma after hip surgery. Take our advice, wait for the Intel Atom model (if it ever comes out). But if you must take the plunge now, get the Windows XP or Linux version.
Perfect forIf you can live with the speed, the fantastic keyboard makes this the top choice if you need a sturdy and portable laptop to do your long essay and assignments on the move. Just make sure you either get the extended cell, or stay away from an outlet for no longer than 2 hours.Price (as of July 2008): Starts at Availability: Now
 MSI Wind U100If there was one other sub-notebook which garnered as much interest as the Eee PC, it would have surely be the MSI Wind (we will spare you the puns). In fact, when it blew into Computex 2008 (only one pun, we promise), it was still a newsworthy item despite being announced months ago and is facing stiff competition from the likes of Acer and Asus.However, details of the Wind could not have been broken at a better time (last one, really). The wealth of color options, low price tag and large keyboard combined with a choice of screen sizes (8.9 or 10.1 inches) made this one of the more desirable Netbooks at the show. It might not have any groundbreaking features but, when priced just right, the Wind will simply fly off the shelves (we can't help ourselves).
Perfect forIf you want a laptop you can actually work on without eventually going blind, while unwilling to spring for an Eee PC 1000, then the MSI Wind with its affordable price tag and lighter weight will surely appeal.Price (as of July 2008): Availability: Now
 Packard Bell EasyNote XS20When the EasyNote XS20 first came to visit, we asked: What's with the strange hinge design? Is it there to make carrying the laptop easier (as the hand slips nicely between the screen and body), or for elevating the screen to a more comfortable height? If you answered yes to both, you're right.Frankly, we think Packard Bell chose the wrong time to launch this mini-laptop. At the same moment when the Eee PC 701 was going for S$598 (US$440.28), why would anyone consider this EasyNote when it cost S$1,298 (US$955.66)? Granted, it has a larger 40GB storage and the DVI output is a rarity even among traditional ultraportables. Moreover, its battery life was quite impressive, in its time, and the unit came with Windows XP instead of the free Linux operating system. Otherwise, there are much cheaper and better choices in the market now.
Perfect forUnless you really, really, really (and we stress really) need a DVI output in a small laptop, there are better models available for much less.Price (as of July 2008): Availability: Now
 Twinhead Twinmate E10The Twinmate E10's claim to fame was being one of the first sub-notebooks to sport a 10.2-inch display. It's not exactly cheap, squeezing S$999 (US$735.52) from your pockets before becoming your date, and the AMD Geode processor is no speed demon. In fact, prior experience demonstrated that the Geode chip chokes even while playing flash videos on Youtube. However, with its larger display and keyboard, as long as you treat the Twinmate as nothing more than a word processor or an Internet exploration device, you'll be fine.
Perfect forThough we think you should wait for the MSI Wind or Eee PC 1000, if you really must have a laptop right now which won't spoil your eyesight, then the Twinmate E10 is the main choice at this time.Price (as of July 2008): Availability: Now
 Axioo PicoStop rubbing your eyes. If you find the Axioo Pico looks strikingly similar to the MSI Wind, that's because both have essentially the same design, features and even hardware. Where they are different is in the price. While the MSI Wind is snagging S$859 (US$632.44) from your pockets, the Axioo Pico demands a mere S$699 (US$514.64) for pretty much the same configuration. So unless you hanker for an MSI logo on your Netbook, the Pico provides the same computing experience for much less.
Perfect forWith a generous screen size and Atom processor, the Pico can do more than just emails and surfing. This model should meet the needs of frequent travelers who want productivity tools and entertainment features at their finger tips.Price (as of July 2008): Availability: Now
 Lenovo IdeaPad S9 / S10There are two main ways a late-comer can compete in a hot market. Either price the product below your competitors or put in more features. Lenovo's first Netbooks aim for both.There are two models available, the 8.9-inch IdeaPad S9 and the 10.2-inch IdeaPad S10. The former will only be available through mobile carriers while the latter starts at S$739 (US$544.09), making it one of the more affordable 10.2-inch Netbooks in the market. Add in the fact that the IdeaPad S series is one of the few to include an ExpressCard/34 slot and built-in recovery feature, and we have some serious contenders to the Netbook market.
Perfect forThe IdeaPad S10 has a large enough screen and sufficient power to compete with traditional ultraportables when it comes to working on-the-run. This will fit students and budget executives who just need an inexpensive machine for reading emails and productivity work.The IdeaPad S9 is not available for retail, and will likely be part of a bundle offered by mobile carriers. As such, they will probably be given free or heavily subsidized if the user signs up with a mobile or broadband plan. Price (as of July 2008): Lenovo S10: Availability: Now
 Asus Eee PC S101The Eee PC S101 is the cooler and slimmer version of the Eee PC 1000H. It is equipped with an Atom chipset, 10.2-inch display and solid-state drive. What makes this model really special is its exceptional sleekness, coming in at only 25mm thick with a 1kg heft. This makes the Eee PC 1000H look bloated and heavy in comparison.
Perfect forIf you need a stylish and slim laptop but are unwilling to spring for a MacBook Air, the Eee PC S101 is an alternative that won't break the bank. Great for the stylish crowd as it comes in a choice of three colors.Price (as of July 2008): Availability: Now
 Raon Digital Everun NoteTired of the underpowered processor inside your Netbook? Roan Digital Everun Note claims to be the first mini-laptop to hold a dual-core processor. It also boast of a touchscreen as well, though we were disappointed that it didnt go all the way and become a covertible tablet PC.
Perfect forThough the 7-inch screen and keyboard are a little hard to use, the dual-core performance really shines when hooked up with external input devices and a larger screen. This is great for users who travel often between work stations and have ferquent access to external peripherals.Price (as of July 2008): Availability: Now
 NEC Versa N1100If you are of the retro persuasion, then you'll love the design of NEC's debut Netbook effort. Forget sexy curves, this machine is decked out with traditional square corners. Open it, and the huge bezel and matt-grey interior remind us of first-generation IBM ThinkPads. But what caught our eye is the Japanese maker's claim to exceptional chassis strength. It claims to be able to withstand up to 150kgf on the top cover. The unit also has a multitouch trackpad, which Asus has included in its Netbooks since the Eee PC 901, as well as sleep-and-charge USB ports.
Perfect forTravelers to hostile environments will appreciate the tough chassis. Since this is a Netbook, and hence probably inexpensive, having one stolen isn't as painful on the wallet as losing a full laptop.Price (as of July 2008): Availability: Now
 HP Mini 1000The first consumer Netbook from HP (the Mini-Note was considered a business model), the Mini 1000 takes the best features from its aluminum-clad sibling while upping the screen size. HP's Netbook keyboards are arguably still the best in the business, while the generous 10.2-inch screen makes this model even more suitable for serious work. Best of all, it ditches the slow Vista/VIA processor combo for the XP/Atom chip bundle to provide a snappy performance.
Perfect forFor writers and students who need a decent keyboard for writing long dissertations, the HP Mini 1000 offers one of the best keyboards for Netbooks. Type away!Price: Availability: Now
 BenQ JoyBook Lite U101Possibly the first Netbook to be tested for drops over up to 76cm, the BenQ JoyBook Lite U101 is one tough machine. The top cover is also scratch-resistant, and the Taiwanese company claims that this model is the first Netbook to sport a 16:9 aspect ratio display. Unfortunately, the storage device is not as tough as the chassis because BenQ opted for a magnetic platter instead of an SSD.
Perfect forIf you have butter fingers, and a love for widescreen movies, the JoyBook Lite is the Netbook of choice.Price: Availability: Now
 Dell Inspiron Mini 12The first 12.1-inch Netbook to be announced, the Inspiron Mini 12 takes a serious stab at the traditional ultraportable market with its generous screen size and great keyboard. The fact that the machine is slim and light doesn't hurt, either. However, its Atom processor does not come anywhere near the performance of Core 2 Duo chips in ultraportables and managing user expectations might be an issue.
Perfect forIf you need to do serious productivity work but don't need the performance of a traditional ultraportable, then the Inspiron Mini 12 poses a serious threat to the latter.Price: Availability: Now
 Fujitsu M1010The first Netbook to sport interchangeable snap-on covers, the Fujitsu M1010 also differentiates itself from the competition by having an ExpressCard/34 slot as well as a generous three-year warranty. A pity the screen is so small, though, as the huge bezel could have been removed to fit in a larger 10-inch one. The blocky design is also a surprise considering that LifeBooks are known for slim and sexy designs.
Perfect forIf you are one of those who believe Netbooks should last for years, then the three-year coverage for the M1010 should get your juices flowing. Moreover, the snap-on covers ensure protection for the actual chassis and you can customize the look easily.Price: Availability: Now
 LG X110Though Asus and Dell have already released HSDPA-enabled Netbooks, to get your hands on one requires you to sign up with a mobile broadband plan. The new LG X110 Netbook, on the other hand, comes with a 3.5G radio option that won't require bondage to the powers that be. Unfortunately, this model take a huge hit out of your wallet in the process. But on the flip side, there is a cheaper variant sans HSDPA connectivity which comes at a more pocket-friendly price.
Perfect forIf you need to be constantly connected to the Internet, but loath to sign two years of your life to the telco, then the X110 is the Netbook for you.Price: Availability: Now
 Toshiba NB100The modern traveler's bag is likely to be filled with power adapters. From mobile phone to music players, juicing up your toys on-the-go can be a hassle. Which is why we appreciate the convenience of the sleep-and-charge USB ports on Toshiba's first Netbook. Even while the NB100 is turned off, the USB ports continue to supply power to connected devices. Unfortunately, its tiny keyboard might be a deal breaker for those who may actually need to write long emails or blogs.
Perfect forWhen every kilogram counts, frequent fliers will appreciate the sleep-and-charge USB ports which will reduce the number of power adapters they would otherwise have to carry.Price: Availability: Now
 HP Mini 2140The HP Mini 2140 targets the business crowd with a premium Netbook offering. As such, the pricing for this model is on the high side though, in return, it comes in a stylish metal body. It is also one of the few Netbooks in the market equipped with a full-sized ExpressCard/54 slot.
Perfect forFrequent business travelers will likely appreciate and pay for the hardiness and style of the Mini 2140. Thanks to its generous keyboard, this is also a portable good enough for daily use.Price: Starts at Availability: Now
 Gateway LT1001GAfter a long hiatus from Asia, the Gateway brand is back and Singapore is the first country to get units. The first Netbook from the Taiwanese company (Gateway is a subsidiary of Acer) is an uninspired number with a 8.9-inch screen and Atom chipset. We like the fact that this model has three generous USB ports and a low price, though we suspect we may not get too much uptime with its small three-cell battery.
Perfect forFor the truly budget user looking for a harddisk-based Netbook, this Gateway model is one of the least expensive device you can get. Just don't expect ground-breaking performance or features.Price: Availability: Available now
 Sony Vaio P seriesIf you are looking for a Netbook which is, for want of a better word, sexy, then the Vaio P is it. The slim metal body coupled with a generous keyboard makes this a droolworthy machine for the fashion crowd. However, if you are hoping for performance, you'll be disappointed as this model is stuck with Vista for now. Moreover, the starting price of
Perfect forIf you need a Netbook which turns heads everytime you pull it out, there is no sexier model than the Vaio P series. But due to its performance limitations, we do not suggest this model as your everyday machine.Price: Starts at Availability: Now
 Acer Aspire One AOD150The previous Aspire One was popular not only because of its sleek design, but also because it's one of the cheapest 8.9-inch Netbooks in town. The new version, Aspire One AOD150, bumps up the screen size and sports the latest Atom N280 processor as well. To improve battery life, the unit now comes with a six-cell battery which should provide a decent uptime.However, it's not all a bed of roses for this Netbook. For one, the six-cell battery makes it a little hefty for its size. Another issue we had was with the trackpad which could have been a little more responsive. Nonetheless, the sleek design and affordable price tag will certainly make this model a hit with the Netbook crowd.
Perfect forWith the larger battery and new processor, the Aspire One AOD150 is a good unit for extended trips away from a power source, be it overseas or your local wireless hotspot.Price (as of March 2009): Availability: Now
 Asus Eee PC 1002HAWhen the Eee PC S101 premium Netbook was launched, the exceptionally slim machine was well-designed but simply too expensive. The Eee PC 1002HA bridges the gap for those looking at a cheaper alternative, while eschewing the boring plastic body of its siblings.Like the HP Mini 2140, this model is one of the few Netbooks to come with a brushed aluminum chassis. It also sports a new, more comfortable keyboard design and generous battery life. Though its uptime is not as exceptional as the Eee PC 1000HE, Asus claims the 1002HA can work for up to 5 hours away from a power outlet, on the standard cell. It is also one of the first to sport the new Intel Atom N280 processor.
Perfect forIf you want a distinctive Netbook without the hefty premium, the Eee PC 1002HA will help you stand out of the crowd.Price (as of March 2009): Availability: Now
 Asus Eee PC 1000HEHow different is it from the rest of the Asus 1000 series? Frankly, not much. Granted it has color options, but the beauty of the Asus Eee PC 1000HE lies on the inside.At a price comparable with other 10-inch Netbooks, this model sports the latest Intel N280 processor and a huge battery. Just how huge? While most six-cell batteries are happy with a capacity of 5,200mAh, the Asus 1000HE carries a whopping 6,800mAh. Asus claims this gives an uptime in excess of 9 hours, an impressive feat for a Netbook.
Perfect forFor those who travel frequently across the globe, the generous battery life of this Eee PC will ensure that you can keep working even without access to AC power. The redesigned comfortable keyboard doesn't hurt, either.Price (as of March 2009): Availability: Now
 Dell Inspiron Mini 10In a market swamped with 10-inch Netbooks, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is like middle-aged man going back to school. But, keeping with the analogy, it has seen what the others have to offer and, armed with more experience, knows just how to distinguish itself from the crowd.Learning from the mistakes of others, this Dell has most of the basics right. Comfortable keyboard? Check. High-resolution 10.1-inch screen in 16:9 aspect ratio? Check. Built-in 3.5G/HSDPA connectivity and multitouch trackpad? Double check. But this is not all that the Mini 10 is bringing to the party. Options such as built-in GPS and TV tuner make this one of the most outfitted Netbooks in the market. Our only gripe is that the platform is not based on the new Atom N280 processor/Intel GN40 combo but we suspect this will not be the case for long.
Perfect forFor the gadget geek who wants the Netbook to be all that it can be, the Dell Mini 10 is the James Bond of the Netbook world.Price (as of March 2009): Starts at US$399 Availability: Q2 2009 in Asia
 NEC Versa N1200With so many sleek and aesthetically pleasing Netbooks in the market, it's hard to get excited with the boring, blocky chassis of the NEC Netbook. The fact the the Versa N1200 comes in white doesn't help much, either.But if you can see beyond its lack of looks, this is one tough machine. Capable of withstanding up to 150kg/f pressure, you can pop this in a bag and not worry about it getting crushed. It also comes with a USB sleep-and-charge port which can power USB devices even when the machine is turned off. Unfortunately, be prepared to pay a hefty premium as this is probably one of the more expensive Netbooks in town.
Perfect forFor those who need a Netbook that can survive the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle, the Versa N1200 is one tough number. For frequent travelers, the sleep-and-charge USB port also means one less power adapter to carry around.Price (as of March 2009): Availability: Now |
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