The Best Netbooks
The Best Netbooks
Laptop Advisor’s Guide To Bite-Sized Laptops You Can Take Anywhere
Last Updated Feb. 12, 2010
By Joel Durham, Jr. It’s hard to say where netbooks got their start, but one of the first popular models was ASUS’ Eee PC. Since that tiny notebook came out in 2007, virtually every major laptop manufacturer has scrambled to make something similar. Early netbooks, which are basically pint-sized laptops that typically weigh less than 4 pounds, ran either a version of Linux or Windows XP (mainly because Windows Vista was too much of a resource hog to run well on such low-powered machines). Today’s typical netbook features 10-inch screen (9 and 11-inch models are available as well) and runs Windows 7 on a low-power processor (commonly an Intel Atom processor). Because they’re meant to be used on the go, they all feature WiFi connectivity and some even work with 3G networks (for a fee, of course).
Netbooks are typically a supplement to a larger laptop or desktop computer – a cheap, ultra-light computer with a keyboard to toss in a backpack and have handy in case something important came up. But because of the extremely low costs, consumers on a very limited budget sometimes turn to them as their primary machines; they’re fine for very basic uses like web browsing and some office tasks, but users might find that the small screens and minimal power are frustrating for anything beyond that. Still, the sheer number of units sold speaks for itself: people want netbooks. Here are a few standout models, current as of February 2010.
ASUS Eee PC 1002HA: The Classic, Updated
A 10-inch display, a 160GB hard drive, and included 10GB of online backup storage highlight this winner from one of the first netbook lines in history. The Eee PC 1002HA runs for about five hours on a single battery charge thanks to SHE (Super Hybrid Engine), which sounds more like a feature of a Prius than a computer, but actually manages power consumption in real time to keep the 1002HA running for as long as possible. With a weight of about 2.6 pounds, this little netbook is easy to carry about and use to connect to the cloud from any Wi-Fi enabled coffee shop or bookstore. You can grab an Eee PC 1002HA for around $400.
Acer Aspire One D250: Pick A Configuration
Acer jumped into the netbook ring a few years ago and never looked back. The Aspire One D250 line features a 10.1-inch displays at a pixel resolution of 1024 x 600, Intel Atom processors as fast as 1.66GHz, and typically 1GB RAM. Outfitted with either Windows XP or Windows 7, the D250 is compatible with all your favorite software. Dolby Headphone technology makes listening to anything a pleasure provided you have a decent headset. Battery life depends on whether you opt for a 3- or 6-cell model (for about up to 3-6, or 5-9, hours of life, respectively), and maximum weight is 2.8 pounds, so a D250 won’t break your back in a backpack. There’s a huge range of D250 models that run from as little as $220 to more than $400, depending on feature set.
MSI Wind U135: Best Software of the Bunch
The MSI Wind U135, from a company known more for its components than its computers, runs around $325. For that, you get a sturdy design, a great keyboard, and more. The 1024×600 backlit LCD screen is bright and friendly. Its standout feature set isn’t its hardware (you’re saddled with a 1-button mouse if you opt for this model), but its software. The U135 comes with Microsoft Works, and, to its credit, a kid-friendly Web browser called Kido’z which makes the Web safe and fun for tots.
The tried-and true Inspiron series is one of Dell’s longest-running lines. It continues to be a popular choice for those looking for an inexpensive laptop with a strong track record. It has all the specs and features to do most of the basic tasks for the casual at-home user or on-the-road blogger, writer or Microsoft Suite-user. The Inspiron comes in dozens of configurations, ranging in size from the new, small-screen 11z model up to the comfy Inspiron 15, and many in between. Like any successful brand, the Inspiron has seen some changes over the years, but continues to be one of Dell’s best-selling, mid-range mainstream laptops. Try the Inspiron 14, running a 2.2 GHz Dual Core processor, 3 GB RAM, 14-inch screen, and 250 GB hard drive for $499.
For those who are looking for an multimedia machine/desktop replacement-type model, the Dell Studio Series could be a good fit. This line offers more RAM and a slightly bigger screen than the Inspiron series, so many of the models are great for multimedia or home entertainment use. The Studio 15, for example, comes with several great media features including a 15.6-inch high-definition LED-backlit screen, an HDMI port for easy connection to an external monitor or TV, a 5.1 channel audio surround sound system with a sub-woofer to really get your tunes bumpin’. It’s also equipped with an ExpressCard/34, which allows you to add other devices such as a TV tuner, as well as an 8-1 media card reader. The model reviewed here comes equipped with an Intel Core 2.13GHz Processor, 4 GB RAM, and a 500 GB hard drive. That’s even enough power for some light photo and graphic work, a deal at $699.
Netbooks are a dime a dozen, but Dell throws some fun, liveliness, and personalization into the mix with their Mini series, available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Weighing in at just over two and a half pounds, the Mini 10 series netbooks are built for portability. They’re not all that powerful (no netbooks are) but they’re perfect for the young student who wants to express his or her individuality and get some homework done on a machine light enough to toss in a backpack and go. The Mini 10v includes a keyboard at almost full laptop size (92 percent of the size of a laptop keyboard). With a sharp screen as well as available GPS and TV Tuner, this machine has great choices for personalization. Get it with the standard netbook guts: a 1.6 GHz Atom processor, a 10.1-inch display, and a 160 MB hard drive for $249. Note: Only the Mini 10 Tuner/GPS, with comes equipped with a choice of either of these features, offers the full Dell warranty. All of the other models require mail-in repairs during the warranty period. 
The Alienware m17x is probably the king of the current crop of portable gaming machines. Even the lower-end configurations can handle most of the CPU-hogging games you’ll throw at it. This machine starts at $1700 with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, or $1800 with a Core i5 or i7—and the price goes way up from there. A typical Core i7 system includes Windows 7 Home Premium x64, a minimum of one ATI Radeon Mobility HD 4870 (CrossFireX configurations, with multiple GPUs, are available), 4GB of DDR3 memory running at 1066MHz, a 250GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gbps hard drive, and a 17” 1440×900 display. You can personalize your M17x by color, by the laser-etched details, and more. Alienware even has an accessory store so you can purchase a mouse (essential for any gaming PC—nobody games with a touchpad), a gamer-grade keyboard, a notebook bag, and more.
Falcon-Northwest is the oldest name in gaming-specific PCs. The company was building computers for gamers before anyone else thought there was a market for such things. As such, you’d expect the best from Falcon—and it’s rare that the company doesn’t deliver. The Fragbook DRX line is incredible in terms of gaming power. Featuring Core i7, desktop-grade CPUs up to 3.3GHz in frequency, 6GB of triple-channel DDR3 memory, Nvidia GeForce GTX 280M graphics, this laptop line is something to be reckoned with and can easily handle anything you throw at it. The downside is, it’ll typically run you more than $4000. You want the best, you have to be prepared to pay for it.
Sometimes, you don’t want to pay $2000, $3000, or more for a desktop-replacement superlaptop. Sometimes, you only want enough gaming prowess to take on the road, but when you get home you’ll pack up your notebook and switch back to your high-performance desktop. That’s when price/performance models come in, such as the iBuyPower Battallion Touch CZ-10. This notebook has enough muscle for gaming with a Core 2 Duo P8700 2.53GHz CPU, 2GB of 1333MHz memory, and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 graphics. It also throws in the world’s first multi-touch display in a gaming notebook–perfect for controlling real-time strategy and mass-multiplayer online (MMO) games. All this comes at a starting price of $999. No, you don’t always need a second mortgage to pay for a gaming laptop.
Starting at $899, the ASUS G60Vx is a 2.13GHz Core 2 Duo P7450-based gaming rig that you don’t have to feel guilty about purchasing. With a 16” display, up to 4GB of DDR3 1066MHz memory, a 320GB 7200RPM hard drive, and Nvidia GeForce GTX 260M graphics, it’ll run today’s games at its native resolution of 1366×768 without compromising a ton of detail. This is also a gaming notebook you can expect to entertain you for a long time: it features a 9-cell battery for maximum battery life, so you can game as you fly across the country even when there’s no outlet nearby. ASUS is known for reliability, and also for packing in a ton of features for the money, so expect big things from this little laptop.
With the arrival of the netbooks onto the market, there has been some disappointment around the overall design and look of these machines. Gateway has managed to create one, however, that brings some new dignity, design-wise, to the netbook genre. The LT provides a very slick looking design and is probably the least ‘toy-like’ of all of the netbooks on the market. Its wide screen and durable and easy-to-use keyboard feel like you are getting closer to the features of a real laptop than the experience many netbooks give that holds them closer to the Leapfrog machines than to real computers. For $299, the Gateway LT2108u offers a 1.6 GHz Atom Pine Trail processor, a 10-inch display, 160 MB hard drive, more than 8 hours of battery life, and a total weight of less than 3 pounds. Standard guts for a netbook, but the selling point here should be the design.
Starting at under $500, the Gateway NV series is the perfect machine for someone on a budget who won’t be using the machine for gaming or for serious software development, but would like a solid, fast machine to use for Microsoft Office tasks, email, and general internet use. With a great high-resolution screen and built-in webcam, this machine is a strong choice for the money and, at just under 7 pounds, not too heavy (at just under 7 lbs). It also offers great durability and a comfortable keyboard. Try the Gateway NV NV5207u with a respectable 2.1 GHz Dual Core processor, 4 GB RAM, 15.5-inch screen, and 320 GB hard drive for $499.
This line of machines features a 17-inch display to view more of your games, movies, videos and photos than you could on Gateway’s more affordable lines. But for the money, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the power and durability of this machine. The P series promises to provide a stable and robust environment for gaming, video editing and software development alike. The wide, clear screen and full keyboard offer a user-friendly workspace for any of your more than photo-editing and internet-surfing activities. The additional hard-drive slot will allow you to double your gaming capacity as well. The base-model Gateway P-7807u FX comes equipped with a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4 GB RAM, a 17-inch screen, NVIDIA GeForce 9800M graphics card, and 320 GB hard drive for $1,099. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a processor upgrade in this line sometime soon.