TOP TEN NETBOOKS REVIEWS

Top 10 Netbooks

Sleek, slim, and plenty of computing time are just a few of the words used to describe the newest, portable computer: the netbook. Deriving its name from “Internet” and “Notebook”, a netbook is also referred to as “mini laptop” or “mini notebook”. There are several advantages and benefits to using netbooks and a clear understanding of what components makes a netbook will help ensure you select the best device for your requirements. One of the most notable features of netbooks is that they are considerably less expensive when compared to full size notebooks. For those who are seeking a budget friendly computing device that will perform many of the tasks found in a full size notebook, a netbook is an excellent choice.

The most definable characteristic of a netbook is its size. Measuring up to 13 inches and weighing between ½ to 4 pounds, netbooks are small versions of laptops. Their size also makes them lightweight which increases their portability. Netbooks can easily fit inside their case and be carried in a briefcase, duffle bag, backpack, or purse. One of the factors that contribute greatly to their small size is the absence of a CD or DVD drive.

Netbooks exchange a CD drive for bigger battery power. The result is a computer that promotes all day computing. Typical notebook users quickly understand that their laptop won’t perform for an extended length of time without an additional battery charge. For journalists, media workers, or college students the need to recharge your laptop every few hours can mean a significant loss of productivity. With netbooks, the longer battery life can enable users to power their computer anywhere between 2 and 9 hours, depending upon the configurations of your computer.

As with other computing devices, netbooks are continually changing and being updated. The features found with each netbook varies and it is important to determine each computer’s specifications before making your purchase. In April 2009 Asus designed the first netbook with an internal CD/DVD drive. Other features that are continually being updated are the keyboard size, screen dimensions, weight, and wi/fi capabilities. These changes make it increasingly more difficult to determine netbooks from notebooks, however the determining factors will always be the weight of the computer and the extended battery use, enabling users to compute for long periods of time.

Here are the top ten netbooks.

1. ASUS Eee PC 1004DN
The Eee PC™ 1004DN is the first netbook to feature an optical disk drive. Most netbooks forfeit the disk drive in order to keep the width and weight of the netbook down. Weighing an approximate 1.45 kg/3.2 lbs the Eee PC™ 1004DN maintains its small weight while containing all of the features of a full size notebook. Another amazing feature found in the Eee PC™ 1004DN is fingerprint security. The fingerprint security enables users to lock the computer with a simple touch of the finger.

• Dimensions- 277mm x 194mm x 27.4-34mm
• Display- 10” wide active matrix LED backlight TFT, WSVGA 1024x600 pixels, 252K colors max
• Weight- 1.45kg with HDD or 3 lbs (with 6-cell battery and ODD)
• Battery- Li-Ion 57.72WHrs - 6 cells, 5200mAh up to 5.9 hours
• Processor- Intel® N280 1.66GHz Processor with 512k L2 Cache FSB 667MHz 2.5W TBP thermal
• Chipset- Intel GN40
ICH9Mb (Integrated GMA 4500M graphics core)
• Main Memory- 1 x SODIMM socket for expansion up to 2GB DDRII DRAM
• Storage- Up to 1.8” PATA 120GB, 4200 RPM
• Communications- Built-in Bluetooth® v2.1 module 802.11n
Support Antenna x 2
• Camera- 1.3 Megapixel Video Camera
• Microphone- Array Mic
• Keyboard- Keyboard: W: 254mm chiclet type
• Audio- Hi-Definition Audio CODEC Built-in high quality stereo speakers


2. ASUS Eee PC S101
The ASUS Eee PC S101 is available in Linux and Windows operating systems. The netbook is available in three colors: Champagne, Granite, and Brown. It weighs approximately 1 kg or 2.2 lbs. Maintaining its lightweight form, the ASUS Eee PC S101 does not contain an internal optical drive.

• Display- 10.2” wide active matrix LED backlit TFT, WSVGA 1024 x 600 252K colors
• CPU- Intel Atom N270
• LAN- Onboard 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Controller
• Wireless Data Network- Bluetooth V2.0 WLAN: 802 11n
• Memory- 1GB (DDR2)
• Dimension- 264 mm (w) x 180.5 mm (d) x 18 – 25mm (h)
• Hybrid Storage-Solid State Drive 16 GB/32GB/64 GB plus 30 GB location free Eee Storage
• Interface- 1x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor) 3 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x LAN RJ-45 2 x audio jacks/Headphone/Mic-in
• Camera- 0.3 M Pixel
• Reader 4-in- 1 MMC, SD, Memory Stick and MS-PRO flash card slot
• Touchpad- Multi touch
• Audio- Hi-definition audio CODEC, Built-in high quality stereo speakers, Digital Array Mic
• Battery- 5.4 hours


3. MSI Wind U120-020US
The MSI Wind U120-020

Part of the U120 series, each netbook features a 10” screen. Wind stands for Wi-Fi Network Device, and you’ll find that the Wind u120-20 will let you surf the Internet effortlessly. An oversized keypad ensures that you won’t have any difficulty typing on your netbook. With 160 GB of hard drive storage you can use your netbook for all of your documents, photos, and favorite tunes. The built in 1.3 M pixel web camera combined with a built in microphone lets you keep in touch with friends, create your own videos, and perform web conferencing tasks. A 6-cell battery gives you 3 hours and 39minutes of work time. All netbooks in the U120 series feature Windows XP, a familiar operating system for many computer users worldwide.

• Computer Hardware Platform- Windows PC
• Processor- Intel Atom 1.6 GHz Processor, 512 KB L2 Cache, 533 MHz Bus speed
• RAM- 1000 MB
• Hard Drive- 160 GB
• Graphics RAM- 256.00 MB
• LCD Native Resolution- 1024 x 600
• Size- 12.5”, 9.05”, 5”
• Weight- 5.25 lbs
• Keyboard- Ergonomic Big Size Keyboard and Touch Pad
• Camera- 1.3 Mega Pixels Webcam
• Audio- Microphone/ High Performance 2 Channel Stereo Speakers
• LAN- 802.11 b/g Wireless LAN
• Bluetooth- featured in the U120-20 model
• Battery- 6 cell 3 hours and 39 minutes


4. ASUS Eee PC 1000HE
The ASUS Eee PC 1000 HE has a whopping 9.5 hours and features the Super Hybrid Engine. The Hybrid Engine enables you to maximize the most use from your battery. If you choose not to fine tune your settings to derive the full 9.5 hours you can still computer all day with 7.5 hours of computing. The Super Hybrid Engine easily lets you configure the power settings to best meet your needs. Using the Intel Atom N280 Processor, the 1000 HE conserves battery life by operating on very minimal wattage. Additionally, the netbook features one touch recovery through the F9 button. By pressing the F9 key you can restore the computer back to factory settings. Wireless and Bluetooth give you ease of computing and allows you to perform all of your tasks easily and efficiently.

Available in a wide range of colors, the Eee PC 1000 HE is perfect for everyone. There is a pastel pink laptop that’s perfect for the woman looking for a netbook with a feminine touch.

• Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows XP
• Display: 10-inch LED-backlit widescreen LCD (1024x600)
• Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280
• Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth V2.0
• Memory: 1GB DDR-2 SODIMM (memory size may be upgraded to 2GB)
• Hybrid Storage: 160GB HDD + 10GB Eee Online Storage Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months. Please register account information for 6 months extension (depends on country)
• Camera: 1.3 Megapixel built in web cam
• Audio: Build-in stereo speakers, high-definition audio CODEC, Digital Array Microphones
• Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC and SD(SDHC) flash card slot
• Input/Output: 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: headphone & mic-in
• Battery: Up to 9.5 hours*, 8700mAh *Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations.
Keyboard- 92% the size of generic keyboard
• Dimensions: 10.47 (W) x 7.53 (D) x 1.12-1.50 (H) inches
• Weight: 3.20 lbs
• Color: Black


5. Acer Aspire One
The Acer Aspire One comes with either Windows XP Home Edition or Linpus™ Linux® Lite version. Color options include sapphire blue, seashell white, golden brown, and coral pink. The 6 cell battery encourages long computing, giving approximately 6 ½ hours of uninterrupted computer working time.
• Wireless- 802.11B
• Weight- 2.95 lbs
• Size- 7.28”/10.2”, 1.31”
• Capacity- 160 GB
• Processor- Intel® Atom™ processor N270
• RAM- 1000 MB
• RAM Type- DDR2 SDRAM
• Display Type- WSBGA with CrystalBrite Technology
• Screen Size- 10.1”
• Resolution- 1024 x 600
• Expansion- 1-SD Card Slot
• Graphics Ram- 256 MB


6. Samsung NC10
The Samsung NC10 delivers great portability with a lightweight computer. Weighing at 5.2 lbs, this 10 inch netbook weighs 2.9 pounds. It has a 6 cell battery and will last for approximately 7 hours.
• Hardware Platform- PC
• Processor-1.6 GHz Intel Core Solo
• System Bus Speed- 533
• RAM: 1000 MB
• RAM Type: DDR2 SDRAM
• Display Type: WSVGA
• Screen Size: 10.2"
• Maximum Resolution: 1024 x 600
• Memory Type: DDR2
• Memory Size: 1GB
• Memory Speed: DDR2 800
• Maximum Memory Supported: 2GB
• Capacity: 160GB
• Hard Drive Speed: 5400 RPM
• Processor Brand: Intel
• Processor Class: Atom
• Processor Type: Single Core
• Processor Speed: 1.60GHz
• Processor Number: N270
• Processor FSB: 533MHz


7. HP Mini 1000
The HP Mini 1000 series includes several netbooks with either an 8.9” or 10.1” screen. You can select from Linux or Windows XP operating systems. With a weight of only 2.25 pounds, the HP Mini 1000 is extremely portable. The keyboard is large, almost the size of a full sized notebook’s keyboard. A wireless G card ensures that you can access the Internet easily. A built in microphone and web camera makes certain that you can easily handle all of your web conferencing needs.

• Processor- Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processor N270 (1.60GHz)
• Display- Choose between 8.9" diagonal WSVGA LED Bright View Widescreen Display (1024 x 600); 8.9" diagonal WSVGA LED Anti-glare Widescreen Display (1024 x 600); and 10.2" diagonal WSVGA HP LED Bright View Infinity Display (1024 x 600)
• Camera- HP Mini Webcam with HP Imprint Finish (Swirl)
• Audio- Microphone
• Memory- Choose between 512MB DDR2 System Memory or 1 GB DDR2 System Memory
• Hard Drive- Choose between 16 GB Solid State Drive Flash Module, 32 GB Solid State Drive Flash Module, and 80 GB 4200RPM Hard Drive
• Graphics-Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Connection- Choose between Wireless G or Wireless G with Bluetooth
• Battery- Choose between 3 or 6 cell lithium polymer battery


8. ASUS Eee PC 901
The ASUS Eee PC 901

With up to eight hours of battery life, and an additional 20G of Eee storage, you’ll find that this netbook is perfect for all day computing.

• Dimensions- 8.86" x 6.90" x 0.89" ~ 1.54"
• Weight- 2.43 lbs (with Battery)
• Operating System- Genuine Windows® XP Home
GNU Linux
• Display- LCD Size: 8.9" Wide; LCD Resolution: 1024 x 600 (WSVGA);
LCD Type: TFT
• Intel- Intel® Atom N270
• Ethernet- 10/100 Mbps / RJ-45
• Wireless- Built-in 802.11b/g/n & Bluetooth 2.0
• Memory- 1GB (DDR2)
• Display Card- Intel UMA
• Storage- SSD 12GB (Genuine Windows® XP Home);SSD 20GB (Linux)
• Camera- 1.3M Pixel webcam
• Audio- Dolby Sound Room Certified (XP only); Stereo speaker; Digital Array Mic
• Storage Cards- SD / MMC (SDHC)
• Battery- 6-Cell Li-ion Battery XP: 8 hrs; LX: 7.2 hrs
• Hybrid Storage- XP: 12GB / 16 GB Solid State Drive; Linux: 20GB Solid State Drive; 20GB Eee Storage


9. Dell Inspiron Mini 12
The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 provides plenty of storage space, long working time, and enables easy wireless access. You can also get an additional 2GB of free storage space online.

• Operating System- Choose between Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic or Ubuntu Linux version 8.04.1
• Processor- Intel® AtomTM Z520 Processor (1.33GHz, 512KB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB); Intel® AtomTM Z530 Processor (1.60GHz, 512KB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB)
• Memory- 1GB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM
• Chipset- Intel® US15W chipset
• Graphics- Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 500
• LCD Display- Glossy 12.1 inch WXGA display (1280X800)
• Audio/Speakers- One external speaker
• Hard drive- Up to 80GB 4200RPM Hard Drive.
• Ports- USB 2.0 (3); Integrated 10/100 LAN (RJ45); 15-pin VGA video connector; Audio jacks (1-line out, 1 mic-in); 3-in-1 Media Card Reader; AC adapter connector

• Battery- Choose between 3-cell 24WHr Li-Ion Battery or 6 cell 48 WHr Li-Ion Battery
• Camera- Standard 1.3MP webcam
• Wireless- 802.11g mini-card
• Bluetooth- Bluetooth® Internal (2.0) mini-card
• Ports- (3) USB 2.0; Integrated 10/100 LAN (RJ45);15-pin VGA video connector; Audio jacks (1-line out, 1 Mic-in); 3-in-1 Media Card Reader;AC adapter connector


10. Asus Eee PC 1002HA
The ASUS Eee PC 1002 HA not only looks sleek, but it also has wonderful features that makes it the perfect netbook choice. F9 recovery ensures that you can easily restore you netbook should anything happen to it. The battery gives you 5 hours of uninterrupted computing, enough to take your netbook with you on the road, to class, or for those special computer tasks away from the desk.

• Dimensions- 264 mm (W) x 181 mm (D) x 27.6 mm (H)
• Weight 1.2 kg
• Operating System- Genuine Windows® XP Home; GNU Linux
• Display- 10" LED Backlight
• CPU- Intel Atom N270 & Intel 945GSE / ICH7-M
• Memory- 1GB (DDR2) is upgradeable

• Wireless- WLAN: 802.11b/g/n
• Bluetooth- Bluetooth V2.0
• Hybrid Storage- 160GB HDD; 10GB Eee Storage
• Camera- 1.3M Pixel
• Audio- Build-in stereo speakers; High-Definition Audio CODEC; Digital Array Mic.
• Storage Cards- 4-in-1 MMC, SD, Memory Stick and MS-PRO flash card slot
• Input/Output- 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor); 3 x USB 2.0 ports; 1 x LAN RJ-45; 2 x audio jacks: Headphone / Mic-in
• Battery- Li-polymer Battery, 5 hrs*


When determining the best netbook for your computing needs, it’s important to determine ahead of time what your exact computing goals and purposes will be. Netbooks were designed to be computers used specifically for accessing the Internet and performing word processing tasks. Today, netbooks have evolved allowing many more uses and benefits. Built in features such as web cams, microphones, Bluetooth, and expandable ports allows users to easily expand the use of their computer.

Finally, when selecting a netbook check for a manufacturers’ warranty as these change between models. Free programs may or may not be included with your netbook so take the time to research each computer carefully and choose the one that offers the programs, memory, and capabilities that you require.