Netbooks

[Bjorne]

Hi!

I was thinking of getting a netbook. I hear that they will release new models soon and it's a good time to get one cheap.

I'm not really good with specs etc when it comes to this kind of PC, so I was just going to check with those of you that have one, which model would be most useful for taking notes, checking the web and maybe watching TV series on (like some TV channels put their stuff up on the web or for download).

I've found three models that seem nice:

HP Compaq Mini 730
- Intel Atom N270 @ 1.6Ghz + GPU: Intel GMA950
- 1GB RAM (upgradeable to 2)
- 80GB hdd (SATA) @ 4200rpm
- Wireless 802.11b/g
- Bluetooth
- Weight: 1.02kg (2.25lbs)
UPDATE: Size: 26.17cm x 16.67cm x 2.52cm = 10.3" x 6.56" x 0.89"

HP 2133 Mini-Note
- VIA C7-M ULV @ 1.6GHz + GPU: VIA Chrome 9
- 2GB RAM
- 120GB hdd @ 5300rpm
- Wireless a/b/g
- Bluetooth + 1 ExpressCard/54
- Weight: 1.27kg (2.8lbs)

* Asus EEE PC 1000H
- Intel Atom N270 + GPU: Intel 945GSE
- 1 GB RAM (upgradeable to 2)
- 160GB hdd
- Wireless b/g/n
- Bluetooth
- Wieght: 1450g (3.20lbs)
Update: Size:26.6 x 19.12 x 2.85 ~ 3.80 cm = 10.5" x 7.53" x 1.12" ~ 1.50"

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The main questions is, I hear the VIA processor isn't as good and that it might underperform but is that changeable if I run a 64bit OS? (I heard the CPU was 64bit).

But the main Q is. The HP is lighter than the ASUS and has a better graphics card, but except for that the ASUS has much more to offer.
Is it wortht he extra specs to get the better PC or should I go with the HP as its smaller and lighter? The ASUS is also about $60 more.

Thanks alot, and excuse me for yet another "what should I buy" post!

[NooNoo]

In broad terms, the longer the battery lasts, the slower the netbook.

If you just want to surf the net and not be connected to power, then the longest battery life is the most important specification.

If you will be downloading (and keeping) a lot of stuff, then the biggest hard drive then becomes important.

The weight is often governed by battery life... batteries are heavy, long life batteries are heavier.

You haven't posted the expected battery life or the OS that will be on the machine... so my comments about the battery might be the decider for you.

[Bjorne]

Thanks for answering

The ASUS ships a 7-9h battery (a test I read said 9 is stated but they maxed out 7.5h) - the others like arround 3.

However, larger battery == heavier and larger PC.

These tests were also done in Windows.

I dont know, I suppose I can use it on the train as its small and work when I go to the university. My MacBook rev 1 isnt all that light Also it hurts my shoulders thats why I want to go as light as I can.

So, what do you think? Is battery *all* that important, for arround €60 I saw the HP can get a 6 cell battery too.

Just to clear. With the Intel N70, the HP I stated is the cheapest on the market (just been price dropped).

I use Linux and Windows in my "normal life", but the laptop will ship with Windows (theres no Linux ones sold here...) I might however very well install Linux to improve the battery.

Thanks!

[NooNoo]

How heavy was your macbook? 1.5kg doesn't seem heavy to me especially as it has the most of everything else.

[Bjorne]

5.2 lb/2.4 kg Wikipedia says, but I have the better version (and added 512MB more memory - though that hardly weights anything), so I have a largerr HDD and the 2 Ghz CPU along with a SuperDrive or whatever they call the DVD burner one.

[Bjorne]

I found this one too, might be a trade-off:

Dell Inspiron Mini 10v
Intel® Atom™-processor N270 (1,60 GHz, 533 MHz, 512 kB cache)
Intel GMA950
1GB RAM
160GB hdd, 5200rpm
weight: "from 1.2 kg" = 2.65lbs (tho another site said about 3 pounds)
size: 25.34 mm (front) / 28 mm (back) = 1.0 " / 1.1"
wide: 261 mm, 10.28"
Deapth: 182.5 mm, 7.19"

BTW theres also a Dell with built-in TV tuner and stuff that costs like €40 more but it has a "Intel® Atom™-processor Z520 (1,33 GHz, 533 MHz)" could that be an option? I think its in the area of the ASUS (the non-v version of the Inspiron).
That version also lets me add €20 (IIRC UPDATE: was €50...) to get a 6 cell battery

[NooNoo]

Only 1gb RAM and the option of 1.33ghz processor is slower than 1.6ghz...

What did the mac book weigh?

[Bjorne]

5.2 lb/2.4 kg Wikipedia says, but I have the better version (and added 512MB more memory - though that hardly weights anything), so I have a largerr HDD and the 2 Ghz CPU along with a SuperDrive or whatever they call the DVD burner one.

(2.4kg stated) is the Macbook's weight

Thanks

[NooNoo]

So the heaviest of the 3 is still 2lb lighter than the macbook.

What is the most important thing for you?
Battery life?
Weight?
Hard drive space?

Just work out what your priorities are and buy the one that works with your priorities.
For me it would be battery life, hard drive space, weight.... I don't spend alot of time carting my laptop about, but when I do, I want it to last a long long time.