Netbooks – In The Spotlight
Smaller than traditional laptops but larger than handhelds, mini-laptops offer most of the features you get from their bulky ancestors – web browsing, document creation, editing, and email – just slightly scaled down in terms of both size and power. Most appealing of all, they‟re cheap. Mini-laptops range from $299 (for the most bare-bones version of the Asus Eee) up to $1,399 for a fully-loaded Fujitsu LifeBook U810. Though there‟s some category overlap, mini-laptops shouldn‟t be confused with ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs), which more closely resemble handhelds and cost more (prices range from about $700 to $1,500) and the more-powerful ultra-portable PCs, such as Lenovo‟s ThinkPad X300, which sells for a pricey $2,420.
Of course, there are some tradeoffs that come with mini-laptops„ bargain basement prices.
“You‟re not going get a super-powerful processor in there, and usually you‟re limited on storage space,” says Ian Bell, editor in chief of Digital Trends, a consumer-technology analysis site NP-BG1 fit NP-FG1.
In addition, most subnotebooks lack CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives so you won‟t be able to play movies on your computer.
Mini-laptops trace their roots back to the One Laptop Per Child project, a program started by an MIT professor with the goal of providing every child in the developing world with a $100 laptop.KODAK KLIC-5001 Computer manufacturing companies soon took advantage of the commercial opportunity these tiny laptops created. With the 2007 release of the Asus Eee, a surprise hit for Taiwan‟s Asustek, mini-laptops got their jumpstart.
The Eee is so popular, “now everyone is trying to copy them,” says Dan Ackerman, senior editor at CNET.com and Ecsem.net.
A slew of Taiwanese vendors unveiled models at June‟s Computer expo, but rival products from big brands like Dell are on the way, too. Many use Intel‟s power-efficient Atom CPU along with solid-state disk (SSD) drives, for better battery life, boot times, and shock resistance.
1. Asus Eee PC 4G XP
Overview: The popular low-cost Asus Eee PC makes a play for mainstream acceptance, adding Windows XP to create an impressive package for portable Web surfing and basic productivity, making it a near-flawless choice for a highly portable second laptop.
Specs:
- OS: Windows XP canon BP-511
- Processor: 900MHz Intel Celeron M ULV
- RAM installed: 512 MB DDR II SDRAM
- Screen size: 7″
- Weight: 2 lbs.
Price: $399
2. Acer Aspire One
Overview: The Aspire one has the potential to be a very solid mini-notebook at an incredibly competitive price. At $379, this system is cheaper than the Eee PC 4G XP, while offering a powerful Atom processor and a 1024×600 resolution screen.
Specs:
- OS: Linux
- Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270
- RAM installed: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM
- Screen size: 8.9″
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Price: $379
3. Everex Cloudbook CE1200V
Overview: If you‟re the type of user that loves a challenge and doesn‟t mind tweaking Linux applications, the CloudBook is worth a look. However, if you‟re looking for a mini-notebook that‟s ready to use out of the box, you‟ll be better off with the Eee PC.
Specs:
- OS: gOS V2 Rocket
- Processor: 1.2 GHz VIA C7-M
- RAM installed: 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM
- Screen size: 7″
- Weight: 2 lbs.
Price: $399
4. Fujitsu LifeBook U810
Overview: The Fujitsu LifeBook U810 sports most of the functions of a regular laptop, but is about one-third the size. The U810‟s clamshell screen swivels to become a tablet where you can make handwritten notes on a touch screen. Canon Eos 5D battery For those worried about theft, there‟s a biometric fingerprint reader.
Specs:
- OS: Windows Vista Business with Office OneNote 2007
- Processor: 800MHz Intel A110
- RAM installed: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM
- Screen size: 5.6″
- Weight: 1.8 lbs.
Price: $999
5. HP 2133 Mini-Note
Overview: While it‟s bigger and pricier than other mini-notebooks, the HP 2133 Mini-Note offers important features that the others don‟t, including an full-sized keyboard and a design more suited to business users. If you require more from your mini-laptop and don‟t mind paying for it, this one is for you.
Sony Cybershot Dsc-H10 battery Specs:
- OS: Genuine Windows Vista Business or Home Basic 32, FreeDoS, or SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
- Processor: 1.6 Ghz VIA C7-M ULV
- RAM installed: 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM
- Screen size: 8.9″
- Weight: 3.1 lbs.
Price: $749
6. CTL 2go PC
Overview: The CTL 2go PC may not be a stellar performer, but considering its intended users, it doesn‟t have to be. Its rugged design, long battery life, and lightweight chassis all add to this mini-laptop‟s appeal. However, the 2go PC‟s small keyboard and lack of video input make it a better choice for kids than for road warriors.
Specs:
- OS: Windows XP Home or Linux
- Processor: 900MHz Intel Celeron M
- RAM installed: 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM
- Screen size: 9″
- Weight: 3 lbs.
Price: $400
7. DELL E-Series – Coming soon in August
Overview: Formerly known as mini Inspiron, Dell‟s new line of subnotebooks will be named the Dell E Series. Actually there will be 2 models, a 8.9″ model and a 12.1″ one. This line of mini-laptops is targeted for kids and youth in general with purposes such as social networking/entertainment and mobile web/communication.
Specs:
- Display: 8.9″ and 12.1″
- Processor: 1.6 Ghz Intel Diamondville
- HDD: 4/8/16 SSD
- Memory: 512/1024 MB
- Camera: 0.3 Mp
- Wireless: WiFi, BT, WiMax, WWAN
- Battery: 4 cell 35Whr (~5 hr)
- OS: Linux, WinXP
- Personalization: 3-5 colors
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