Netbook recommendations

[hammer]

Been recently thinking about getting a netbook...any recommendations or advice? Thanks.

 

[riverc0il]

I just recently looked into Netbooks. I am surprised they are catching on so much. There are lots of deals of base level lap tops with full OS's, peripherals, and decent sized screens for only $100-200 more than your lowest level Netbook. I do like how Linux is on so many Netbooks. For the average computer user that just browses the net, it really doesn't matter which OS you use so Linux is a natural choice to keep prices low.

 

[mondeo]

Netbook due to size or cost considerations? With the Atom, you might as well go with a Linux system given that anything that would be significantly better on Windows you don't have the power to do anyways. I'd suggest getting one with an Nvidia Ion chipset, which will do much better with video.

If you're ok with spending a bit more money and going toward the large end of the range, HP has a 12" notebook with a processor that's only a little slower than normal for $600, $625 with dual core. Same form factor, decent performance, and much lower cost than traditional ultralights. There's some other Intel powered lower cost thin & lights coming out as well, but I'm not too familiar with them.

 

[Philpug]

Netbook due to size or cost considerations? With the Atom, you might as well go with a Linux system given that anything that would be significantly better on Windows you don't have the power to do anyways. I'd suggest getting one with an Nvidia Ion chipset, which will do much better with video.

If you're ok with spending a bit more money and going toward the large end of the range, HP has a 12" notebook with a processor that's only a little slower than normal for $600, $625 with dual core. Same form factor, decent performance, and much lower cost than traditional ultralights. There's some other Intel powered lower cost thin & lights coming out as well, but I'm not too familiar with them.

We toyed with getting one for my wife who needs it for her work with http://www.nurturingmindsinafrica.org/ (plug), for a little more, we decided to get a real computer with an actual disc drive.

 

[hammer]

Mainly getting one so that we have a small machine for my wife when she goes on business trips and also to bring along on family vacations. Prime consideration is size. Looking to have a machine for Internet, e-mail, basic word processing, music downloads (iTunes), and picture viewing.

Looks like there are machines out there with 1GB RAM and 160GB hard drives in the $300-$400 range.

 

[Edd]

Looks like there are machines out there with 1GB RAM and 160GB hard drives in the $300-$400 range.

I bought an Asus 1000H series fitting those parameters a few months ago. It came with XP. I only use it on trips but no complaints so far. Good battery life.

 

[Philpug]

I might need 5-6 of these for our shop...any suggestions where to buy them to get the best warranty? These are going to be man handled from time to time.

 

[Paul]

These are going to be man handles from time to time.

 

[Edd]

I might need 5-6 of these for our shop...any suggestions where to buy them to get the best warranty? These are going to be man handled from time to time.

I don't pay good attention to warrenties but I'd guess Best Buy has a decent one.

 

[Paul]

I don't pay good attention to warrenties but I'd guess Best Buy has a decent one.

Yup, their extended plans are pretty good, and not insanely expensive.

 

[Trekchick]

I don't pay good attention to warrenties but I'd guess Best Buy has a decent one.

A little over a year ago, we bought two lap tops from Best buy. One for my mom and one for the motorcycle club.
The one for the CMC is fine(talk about being manhandled) but my mom's was a lemon from day one. (she is very careful with her stuff)
Best buy has had the geek squad "fix it" many times over but will not replace it, even though everything is documented.


A little over a week ago I put a used mac G4 in her hands. She is a Mac convert and has little use for Best Buy at this point.

 

[ERJ-145CA]

I'm typing this on the Acer Aspire One, 160GB HDD, 1.6 Gig RAM. It's actually more powerful than my desktop which is about 5 or 6 years old. So far it's been great, it took a little time to get used to typing on it but it's no problem now. I needed something small to take to work for my layovers because I hate having extra bags. Now I spend too much time surfing the net, listening to music and playing games when I'm at the hotel.