Netbook. Mini Notebook Reviews

Netbooks are miniature notebooks. The popular netbooks of today are typically coming with 8.9" (1024x600) or 10.2" (1024x768) screens. Both sizes have remarkably crisp-looking displays. The 8.9" units weight about 2.2 lbs and the 10.2" weigh a little under 3lbs. Netbooks come in a variety of colors; white, blue, pink, black are the most popular. The heart of the netbook is the Atom Processor which is Intel's latest mobile CPU, geared for laptops and space-saving PCs. The Atom processor runs at 1.6GHz and is extremely power efficient, making it the perfect choice for netbooks.  The atom processor also runs very cool, reducing the needs for fans, allowing a lighter-weighing, quieter-running, miniature notebook. Most netbooks are equipped with either 2.5" notebook-sized hard drives or the more expensive, smaller, lighter Solid State (SSD) drives. Netbooks usually have either XP Home or some other version of Linux installed such as Ubuntu or Google OS. The linux-based models are usually about $50 cheaper than the XP Home models. One thing all netbooks have in common is wireless connectivity as well as 10/100 lan ports, making it possible to browse the internet, chat with friends or check email while traveling or on the go. At 2 -3lbs, they are small and inconspicuous enough to take anywhere. Netbooks usually come with 1-3 USB ports. The larger units include an external VGA or DVI port. So, now you know what they are and what they do, what netbook should you buy. Here is a summary of each of the popular netbook models: Dell, Acer, ASUS and Intel.

Dell Netbook

The Inspiron Mini 9 is an 8.9" netbook from Dell. It features an 8GB Solid state Drive, Windows XP Home, 512MB of RAM and sells for $349.00 - $449.00 on Dell's website.
For $50 more, you can upgrade to 1GB of RAM and 16GB solid state drive. The advantage to solid state technology is increased battery life. Dell advertises 4 hours of battery life which is typical for netbooks. All in all, this is a pretty nice little machine. I thought it looked a little bit thick and chunky compared to the other models. The keyboard feel is okay, but a little bit mushy. As is the case with all off the 8.9" units, the keyboard is undersized and takes some getting used to typing on the smallish keys. The Dell Netbook comes in two shiny colors: White or Black. The Min 9 Netbook is based on the 1.6 Atom Processor, 8.9", 1024 x 600 Display. Also included on the Dell Netbook are 3-USB ports, Headpone-Speakers-Mic Jacks, SD Card Reader, VGA-Port and one integrated speaker with optional choices of a .3 or 1.3 Megapixel Camera.

Acer Netbook

Acer is heavily involved in the netbook market with it's Aspire One series. The Acer Notebooks come in five very rich colors: Seashell White, Saphire Blue, Rose Pink and Golden Brown.
Acer gives you a variety of choices; Solid State or 2.5" Hard Drives up to 160GBs, 512MB or 1GB, Windows XP home or linux based O.S. All are based on the 1.6 Atom Processor and come with a webcam. The Aspire One Netbooks are the most attractive of the bunch. We found the keyboard to be a little snappier than the Dell. Acer Netbooks include 3-USB Ports, Headphone, Speakers, Mic Lines, SD Card Reader, 10/100 Lan, VGA Port and dual integrated speakers. Price on the Acer netbook ranges from $299 - $499. Acer also advertises a 3 and 6 Cell battery option with 6 hours of battery life on the 6-cell, and 3 hours on the 3-Cell.

ASUS Netbook

ASUS offers netbooks in 7", 8.9 and 10.2" sizes. The number of models and variety of features are too numerous to mention Just a few things that stand-out about Asus Netbooks: Variety; all of the standard features and specs of the Dell and Acer with everything in between and beyond. The Eee PC 8.9" Netbook by Asus is one of the first and most popular netbooks made. Their very latest model is their 3.75G which has some unique enhancements to the models discussed, above. One, the 3.75G Breaks the internet hot-spot barrier by offering you mobile broadband internet access. This means you do not have to be near a wi-fi hotspot to use the internet. Two, the 3.75G also comes with a standard, 6 Cell battery which ASUS says provides up to 7.5 hours of battery life. Like the Dell and Acer, the ASUS 8.9" models weigh about 2.2 lbs.
The Eee PC 1000HA is a 10.2" model offering you a slightly larger keyboard and screen resolution of 1024 x 768. This is the perfect size up over the 8.9" if you desire a slightly larger typing keyboard, and still maintain most of the portability of the smaller units. The Eee PC weights only about .8lbs more at 3lbs. All of the Asus netbooks can be configured the way you want them: Solid State or Hard Disk, Webcams or without, XP or Linux, etc., etc. Available colors are white, red, green and black. With such a large range of features, you would expect the Asus netbooks to come in a very wide price range, and they do: $299 - $799.00.

Intel Classmate PC Netbook

Intel's 8.9" Classmate PC stands above all the rest in overall quality, looks and workmanship. Unlike Dell, Acer and Asus, the Classmate PC has some rugged ability features such as a spill proof keyboard. The Intel Netbook keyboard is snappy and well made. This particular netbook comes in two color choices; gray or blue. The color comes from a well-made and very convenient handle. Unlike all of the other netbooks, the Intel Classmate PC feels like a durable machine, not a plastic-like toy. Unfortunately, the Intel netbook omits the VGA port, and only has 2 USB ports, though they do come standard with a 1.3 Megapixel Camera. The look and design is aimed at students, but it's rugged features will be desirable for anyone interested in a netbook. One word describes the Intel Classmate PC when you get one in your hands; cute.
The Intel 8.9" netbook comes with a 4-cell battery, which gives you about 3 hours and 25 minutes of battery life. It weights a very sturdy and robust 2.2lbs. The Intel Classmate PC can also be found with XP or Linux installed and sells for $449 - $599.00.

Conclusion on Netbook Brands