Netbooks

[Linliel]

Hi guys, I'm looking to buy a little netbook for work travel. I'd like it to run Win 7 if possible, since it's the only Windows I can bear using. Other than that it really needs to be not too expensive (so if I lose it I'm not going to cry too much as when I just lost my iPhone) and able to be hooked up easily for powerpoint presentations, ideally have a webcam/mic for Skype and wireless (duh). idk if there are netbooks with SIM card slots for net access but if so, that'd definitely be a huge plus.

I've looked around at a few (Dell, Acer, Toshiba) but it'd be nice to get some personal recommendations.

Thanks

[nitsuj]

I run Win7 and FFXI (for crafting and fishing and other little things) on my Asus 1005HA.

I think it's a great netbook and highly recommend checking it out

[ringthree]

I have the same that nitsuj has. It actually plays WoW much better than FFXI. Get an extra stick of memory when you order it. Also, be positive you are getting the 1005HA, there are several different "1005" and they are rather baseline compared to the HA.

[Linliel]

I don't really want to play any games on it (maybe torchlight), just want something I can take for work travel since I travel a lot and the MacBook Pro is getting too much to lug around

[Delenn]

I'd take a peek at the Asus Eee PC 1001P (review).

It's essentially the spiritual successor to the great 1005HA (despite the lower number), with an awesome matte screen. If I remember correctly, only the 1005HA and 1001P netbooks have screens with over 800 contrast (most are sub 400).

It should be ~$300. Unfortunately, it comes with Windows 7 Starter (a very slimmed down Windows 7). Here are the models from newegg (link).

Hope that helps,

[Isiolia]

I've gotten some of the Asus 1001P models in recently as loaners machine n' such, seem decent. Of the netbooks I've used, I despise the trackpad on them the least...if that's a complement >_>
We got the textured black version of 'em, which I think is preferable to the glossy versions.

Others I've used, um, Acer 10" models (older) were alright. 11" were terrible. Via based HP (pre-Atom vintage) were alright, poor reliability though.

Depending on budget and size/weight requirements though, you might also look at CULV laptops - much better performance for not -that- much more money - but you're not going to get the netbook form factor with 'em either.

[Linliel]

I'd take a peek at the Asus Eee PC 1001P (review).

It's essentially the spiritual successor to the great 1005HA (despite the lower number), with an awesome matte screen. If I remember correctly, only the 1005HA and 1001P netbooks have screens with over 800 contrast (most are sub 400).

It should be ~$300. Unfortunately, it comes with Windows 7 Starter (a very slimmed down Windows 7). Here are the models from newegg (link).

Hope that helps,

Thanks for this info (and everyone else as well!) :D

How slimmed down is this Win 7? What am I missing out on?

[Isiolia]

http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/win...7-starter.aspx has a list.

Probably the only really noticeable thing is the lack of appearance customization, taking into consideration normal netbook use. ASUS does have a utility that lets you change the wallpaper n' stuff though.
'course, there's nothing stopping you from running a full version of 7 on a netbook either.

[Delenn]

Ah, it seems the 3 application limit was removed. It's not as slimmed down as I initially thought. I think Isiolia nailed it on the head with appearance customization, if that's an issue for you.

[Linliel]

Ah, it seems the 3 application limit was removed. It's not as slimmed down as I initially thought. I think Isiolia nailed it on the head with appearance customization, if that's an issue for you.

lol not really... maybe a nice background but other than that I'm fine

Thanks guys! I'll definitely go check those out.

[toonces]

Oh cool, same boat as you after researching and looking, I found the ASUS to be the best deal also, good to see being recommended here too. Picking this one up today .. thanks.

[Caiyuo]

While the topic's still on the table, is the Google Chrome OS at all an option yet or something that won't be practical until somewhere further down the line? Security-wise I'm not sold on the browser itself, but the idea is really interesting and seems like it'd be incredibly speedy for netbooks.

[Buttons]

Chrome looks nice but I still do not want to use it until it's as secure as Firefox. I also own an Asus EeePC 1005 HA-H and I can recommend it to anyone wanting a netbook. Easy to upgrade the ram to 2GB, can be done in a few minutes.
I use Firefox for browsing, play FFXI on it on occasion.

http://buttons-tarutaru.blogspot.com...-netbooks.html

[Isiolia]

While the topic's still on the table, is the Google Chrome OS at all an option yet or something that won't be practical until somewhere further down the line? Security-wise I'm not sold on the browser itself, but the idea is really interesting and seems like it'd be incredibly speedy for netbooks.

It's not out yet, though there are builds of the source floating around.

I've tried it in a virtual machine. Pretty much it's like using the browser with web apps, which is nice enough, but part of the appeal of a netbook is that it -is- a "real" PC versus using slimmed down device like a phone/PSP/iPad/etc.

[Caiyuo]

It's not out yet, though there are builds of the source floating around.

I've tried it in a virtual machine. Pretty much it's like using the browser with web apps, which is nice enough, but part of the appeal of a netbook is that it -is- a "real" PC versus using slimmed down device like a phone/PSP/iPad/etc.

That's true, I haven't ventured into the world of netbooks yet and am kind of fuzzy on the genuine use since they're so fucking tiny. I can only imagine the old-man-isms I'd utter from the smaller screens. I understand the reasoning, though.

[Cesaria]

I bought a Dell recently (based on the highly vital criteria that it was red and cute), apart from the most annoying touchpad known to humanity, it does the jobs I need it to - was limited by the possible choices because I needed one with the facility to hook it up with interactive whiteboard projectors and not all of them have the port to do that.

Surprisingly mine is faster than my (year or so) old laptop - and is perfectly sized to chuck into my handbag when I need to.

[Mabubeezareel]

I picked up this 10.1" Acer netbook last summer, stuck an extra 1GB of memory in it, and absolutely love it. My only gripe with it is the touchpad buttons. As others have mentioned, they're basically terrible - it's one rocker button for both right/left clicks, and you have to exort an uncomfortable amount of force on it to register a click. This seems to be the case with almost all models on the market in the low-end of the price range. Doesn't really bother me that much though, since I just tap the touchpad for mouse clicks anyway. And the included Synaptics touchpad drivers allow a really great amount of customizing gestures and button presses.

I'm running XP Home on it, but plenty of reviewers out there have mentioned that Win7 installs and runs like a charm on it. I use it for a variety of things - some gaming (Diablo 2 runs without a hitch), web browsing, light photo editing, document/spreadsheet editing, music listening, etc.

Not sure if Woot ships internationally or not, but they very commonly have refurbed models available for ~$240 USD. Also, you may want to think about getting an external optical drive if you're not able to network it up with your normal home PC. I have mine connected to my home wireless network, but I ended up picking one up for on-the-go purposes anyway.

[Linliel]

Thanks! That's a really good review, just what I wanted

[Caiyuo]

I bought a Dell recently (based on the highly vital criteria that it was red and cute), apart from the most annoying touchpad known to humanity, it does the jobs I need it to - was limited by the possible choices because I needed one with the facility to hook it up with interactive whiteboard projectors and not all of them have the port to do that.

Surprisingly mine is faster than my (year or so) old laptop - and is perfectly sized to chuck into my handbag when I need to.

Your premiere reasons being the only cause for me considering a netbook. lol I don't really need one, but they're all so shiny and awesome and I kind of love the idea of picking it up and going with me whenever, but my practical side disregards it as silliness. Really tough call.

[Linliel]

Does anyone have any reviews of the Dell Mini 10Vs? I'm tempted to get one and hackintosh it