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This story was printed from CNET Asia.
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Are Netbooks losing their charm? Despite a flood of low-cost UMPCs entering the market, with Toshiba and Fujitsu the latest to enter the fray, only two relatively early models managed to hit our top 10 list in October. Perhaps due to the current economic woes, attention seems to have shifted from laptop companions back to full-fledged budget portables.
Note: Results are based on readership as well as data collected from retail outlets (AAAs Com Solution and MC2)
Outlook
Built for the budget crowd, the 14.1-inch Compaq Presario CQ40 is based on the Centrino 2 chipset with Intel's latest integrated graphics processor. The higher-end variant, the CQ45, costs a little more but will net you a discrete video card in the form of an Nvidia GeForce 9200M GS chip.
Outlook
At just under S$1,000, this Acer offers great value with a decent feature set for the basic user. Though it does not have Bluetooth, the Extensa 4620Z does have a generous four USB ports, Wi-Fi radio, built-in Webcam and a DVD writer to satisfy all your surfing and productivity needs.
The good: Secondary SD slot expands primary storage; slim and light form factor; inexpensive.
The bad: Limited 8GB SSD; poor battery life; no Bluetooth.
The bottom line: The Acer Aspire One may not be as feature-packed as the Eee PC 901, but the keyboard is certainly much better and could tip the scales in its favor.
The good: Good connectivity options; reasonable performance for the size.
The bad: Speakers aren't great; no digital video-out.
The bottom line: The Aspire 2920 should suit most people who are on a budget and like to stay portable, but still need a bit of grunt. If it had an HDMI port, it'd almost be the perfect solution.
The good: Strong graphics performance; distinctive HP Imprint design; USB/eSATA combo port; feature-packed with fingerprint sensor and multimedia functionality; Blu-ray combo drive.
The bad: Runs hot; display is not in 16:9 aspect ratio and does not have full-HD resolution option; poor battery life; glossy keyboard and touchpad; no subwoofer.
The bottom line: For portable entertainment on a budget, the HP Pavilion dv5 offers a strong feature suite like a Blu-ray combo drive and fast graphics performance while remaining affordable.
The good: Attractive new "special edition" bronze theme; includes a media remote control and an HDMI port; available dedicated graphics.
The bad: Heavier than it should be; tinny speakers, unimpressive battery life.
The bottom line: The 14-inch HP Pavilion dv2700 Special Edition packs plenty of extra features and a cool new paint job into a slightly too-heavy package with an uninspiring battery.
The good: New aluminum construction looks good, feels solid; giant touchpad; attractive edge-to-edge glass on display; improved integrated graphics; backlit keyboard on some models; thinner than previous version.
The bad: Still no ExpressCard or SD card slot; loses FireWire port; all-clicking touchpad is a bit awkward, at least initially; S$2,088 now gets you a slower CPU than it did before; no matte screen option.
The bottom line: Apple's redesigned 13-inch MacBook is essentially a shrunken version of the more expensive 15-inch Pro line. With its new aluminum body, new trackpad, and Nvidia graphics, it's an even more attractive choice for mainstream laptop buyers than was the plastic model it replaces.
The good: Intel Atom CPU; 10.2-inch screen; keyboard.
The bad: Weight; lack of 3G.
The bottom line: The Eee PC 1000H is a fabulous machine. It precariously straddles the line between Netbook and ultraportable, but it's well-equipped, well-designed and great for those who need a laptop on the move.
The good: High-resolution, high-quality screen; backlit keyboard; dual navigation; eSATA PCMCIA and Express Card; ambient light sensor.
The bad: Lack of dedicated numberpad; mouse software not as configureable as it could be; air vent on left-hand side instead of rear.
The bottom line: The Dell Latitude E is a glimpse into the future of laptops. With high expandability, configureability and a strong design, it should suit most corporate environments.
Click here for a feature comparison table.
