Which netbook should I get?

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Neeble

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#30704 18-Feb-2009 14:43

Hello, this is my first post on Geekzone.

I am looking at getting a netbook and i think i have narrowed it down to a Toshiba NB100 or an Acer Aspire One.

They both have 1.6GHz Intel Atom, 1gb RAM and a 120gb hard drive.

I think the Toshiba can be upgraded to 2gb of RAM.

Which is the best option? They are both similar price.

Also, what games could they play? I don't want them for playing games and dont expect too much but it would be nice to have something to do when I dont have internet access.

sbiddle

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Biddle Corp

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#196528 18-Feb-2009 15:40

My suggestion would be to read as much as your can online (reviews etc). I've played with probably 6 or so different netbooks now and have read plenty of reviews.

What is very clear is that there is no "perfect" model - there are pros and cons with virtually every device out there. You need to decide whether battery life is a big issue as you can get between 3 - 6 hours life depanding on the model or whether a faster processor is important as their are various speed systems available.

hellonearthisman

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#196532 18-Feb-2009 16:10

http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/12/17/osx-netbook-compatib.html might help, but the Toshiba ones hasn't yeat been tested.

digitaldivide

94 posts

Master Geek

#196533 18-Feb-2009 16:10

I read a review of the following netbooks, and went and got an Acer Aspire One.

A review of the following netbooks is at: http://www.laptopmag.com/mobile-life/10-inch-netbook-faceoff.aspx

Samsung NC10
MSI Wind U100
Lenovo IdeaPad S10
HP Mini 1000
ASUS Eee PC 1000H

and the Acer Aspire One Review is at: http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/acer-aspire-one-10-inch.aspx

I havn't used a Toshiba NB100 but it gets some pretty mixed reviews online (some people luv it, some people really .. really don't like it)

http://apcmag.com/toshiba_nb1000_say_no_to_this_netbook.htm

My friend has a Samung NC10 from overseas and it's a great netbook. Unfortunately Samsung NZ don't sell netbooks locally.

Mattnzl

244 posts

Master Geek

#196552 18-Feb-2009 16:53

Most reviewers bag the Toshiba because it looks dull (it is) and they expected more from Tosh (who have a good history with small laptops eg libretto).

It actually has two features that appeal to me (but you might not care - everythings personal preference).
The lan & monitor port are at the back.
It's supposed to be fanless/silent.

They're obviously having trouble shifting them, as it's one of the cheapest now.

freitasm

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#196556 18-Feb-2009 17:04

Welcome to Geekzone. I think you will find those mini notebooks don't have a video adapter powerful enough for any games other than the casual games you are used to (card games, puzzles, etc). You won't be able to play anytghng like CounterStrike on these machines.

I have a Toshiba NB100 here and wouldn't recommend it due to the keyboard size. I actually would recommend you look into the HP Mini models because the keyboard is excellent.

These links are referral codes

Mprezd

109 posts

Master Geek

#196723 19-Feb-2009 15:35

I have looked at a few of these and the N10J as well. I liked the keyboard and screen on the HP the most. I didn't really like the keyboard and build quality on the Acer and the Tosh just didn't appeal. Plus it is the only one that really gets bagged.

You may want to wait and consider the Asus eee pc 1000HE which I understand is going to have a mac/vaio keyboard layout.

Instead of a netbook I just scored a 2nd hand dell x1 off trademe for around $600. It has a 12.1 screen and is still only 1.1kg with the standard 3 cell battery. Gives me the portability plus a bigger screen/keyboard to work with. However, I bought one to go into my dSLR camera bag so if I need to transfer photos off the camera I can. Or if I go away for 3 or 4 days I can at least move them off the CF (the x1 has a CF reader inbuilt - another good reason to get one) and onto the lappy.

Hope to have it tomorrow and will see how it goes with Windows 7 on it

Neeble

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#196744 19-Feb-2009 17:42

I just bought an Acer, seems to do everything i need.

Thanks for all the replies

BigAlf

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#196897 20-Feb-2009 12:48

In case anyone out there is stil lookin for a netbook - ive also been doin the online research. Was also turned off Toshiba by several bad reviews (e.g. http://apcmag.com/toshiba_nb1000_say_no_to_this_netbook.htm) and ended up goin with eee pc 1000H - mostly because of the good reviews on battery life and keyboard size. I did hear though that ASUS is bringing in the next gen soon (as always) which will have 9.5hours battery life for others that care about that!