Netbooks
Netbooks are one of the hottest sellers in the computer market for 2009. For good reason, they offer lightweight, portability and on the go access to the web. Unlike smart phones, they offer real keyboards for touch typing and their displays are much easier to read.
Battery life is also surprisingly good for such a small device. Most offer battery life times from 3-9 hours which are comparable to larger laptops models.
Internet connectivity is provided by built in 3G on some models and standard WiFi on others. In addition, they offer surprisingly computing power for such a small package with hard drives ranging up to 1.6 GHz processor, 160 Gb hard drives and 1Gb of memory. In short, Netbooks offer flexible and powerful computing power on the go.
The Winner for those on the Go: The Acer Aspire One is the best choice for those wanting a constant 3G internet connection anywhere on the AT&T 3G network. It was also rated one of Consumer Reports best buys for 2009. It has plenty of power to run just about any Windows application and unlike other netbooks at this price, it comes with a FULL version of Windows XP. At $199.00, you won’t find another Netbook this cheap, though it does require that you sign up to qualifying data plans. Acer Aspire One 10.1″- Best Price $199.99
The Winner if you Require Ergonomics and Extended Battery Life: The Asus PC1005h was another Consumer Reports best buys for 2009. It has extreme battery life at 8.5 hrs continuous use , laptop like ergonomics with its larger than average keyboard and excellent pointing device. So if either of these features are important to you, the Asus is the machine to get. Note that the Asus does not have built in 3G or PCMCIA slot so if 3G is in your future, you will need a USB to PCMCIA adaptor. Asus PC1005H 10.1″ - Best price $299.00
The Winner if you prefer a Recognized Nameplate: The Samsung NC10 was the #1 Consumer reports Netbook for 2009 by 1 point over the Acer, though it is also the more expensive. Specs are on par with the other two machines. The weight is right in between the other two and battery life was excellent at 7 hours. Other than that, there was no other outstanding feature or quality on the NC10. That being said, if you prefer to invest your money on a recognized name plate, then the Samsung is for you. Samsung NC10 10.1″ - Best price $329.00
Consumer Reports Netbook Ratings sorted by Price
Acer Aspire One 10.1″- Best Price $199.99
The 10.1″ Acer Aspire One by AT&T is perfect for those looking for true on the go computing. It has built in 3G for internet access throught the AT&T 3G network (same as IPhone). Unlike other netbooks, this machine will give you internet connectivity virtually anywhere since it uses the 3G network, NO need to find the closest Wireless hot spot to get on the internet. This netbook also comes with Windows XP so you get a full Operating System. For such a small device, you get plenty of computing power as it has an Intel Atom 1.6Ghz processor, 160gb hard drive and 1gb of memory. AT&T is offering this device at a subsidized price when you sign up to a data plan contract. This one is highly recommended for those always on the go that require an always available internet connection. Click Here to View this Netbook at AT&T
Aspire One Features:
- Full Windows XP OS, capable of running productivity software like MS Office, Outlook, etc
- Up to 3 hours uninterupted battery life when in use
- Lightweight at 2.2 pounds
- 10.1″ lcd screen
- 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom Processor
- 160 Gb hard drive
- 1 Gb memory
- Built in 3G
Asus PC1005H 10.1″ - Best price $299.00
The 10.1″ Asus Eee PC 1005h was selected as a Consumer Reports best buy for 2009 with its extended 8.5 hours of battery life. The PC 1005
focuses on ergonomics with a larger than average keyboard, an actual touchpad and extended 6.5hr battery life. Weighing in at a mere 3.2 pounds, the Asus offers extreme portability yet comes loaded with features found on larger more expensive laptops like USB Ports, memory card readers and built in web cam. The Asus also comes loaded with traditional XP Home and has plenty plenty of computing power with it’s 1.6GHz, 1GB memory and 160 GB hard drive.
Unlike the AT&T Aspire One though, the Asus has onboard
Wireless-B+G+N and NO on board 3G, so you will need to find wireless hot spots in order to connect. If you have an existing 3G card or plan on getting one, you would have to use a USB to PCMCIA adaptor since the ASUS does not have onboard PCMCIA slot.
Features:
- Full Windows XP OS, capable of running productivity software like MS Office, Outlook, etc
- Up to 8.5 hours uninterupted battery life when in use
- Lightweight at 3.2 pounds
- 10.1″ lcd screen
- 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom Processor
- 160 Gb hard drive
- 1 Gb memory
- Built in B,G,N Wireless
- 3 USB ports
Samsung NC10 10.1″ - Best price $329.00
The Samsung NC10 was selected as another Consumer Reports best buy for 2009. Specs are the same as the other Best Buy rated machines but the Samsung is also the more expensive Unit, probably due to the Samsung name plate. The NC10 is slightly lighter than the Asus but heavier than the Acer. Battery life is excellent on par with the Asus at 7 hours. As with the Asus, if you have an existing 3G card or plan on getting one, you would have to use a USB to PCMCIA adapter since the ASUS does not have onboard PCMCIA slot. Though the Samsung was rated a Best Buy by CR, we see no compelling reason why this machine would be a better choice over the other 2 CR best buys being that there is a slight price premium. If you are more comfortable with a recognized name brand, then this is the machine for you.
Features:
- Full Windows XP OS, capable of running productivity software like MS Office, Outlook, etc
- Up to 7 hours uninterupted battery life when in use
- Lightweight at 2.7 pounds
- 10.1″ lcd screen
- 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom Processor
- 160 Gb hard drive
- 1 Gb memory
- Built in B,G Wireless
- 3 USB ports
