Netbook recommendations?
Dec 22, 2008 | 9:16 am
#32
Join Date: Jun 2008
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The OS and the programs do not care if it is ATOM or VIA. This is a netbook, not a performance machine.
Dec 22, 2008 | 9:34 am
#33
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I bought one of the $99 3G Acer Aspires at Radio Shack last week. It works well and the long-range wireless is very convenient...no need to find a wi-fi hotspot. The keyboard fits my hands much, much better than the small eeePC's.
Note that the $99 price requires a 24-month commitment at $60/month for the ATT 3G service. If you have a cellphone with available data plan it's likely that it's not a good deal, but that did not apply to me.
Note that the $99 price requires a 24-month commitment at $60/month for the ATT 3G service. If you have a cellphone with available data plan it's likely that it's not a good deal, but that did not apply to me.
Cheers.
Dec 22, 2008 | 4:06 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2008
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Dec 22, 2008 | 4:30 pm
#35
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The Acer Aspire One does it very, very nicely. No trouble installing the software and no trouble using it. I spent this morning in the SFO RCC watching my Slingbox Pro HD.
Dec 22, 2008 | 9:08 pm
#38
Join Date: Dec 2004
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But IMO I still think based on the build reputation, Lenovo is the winner.
Dec 22, 2008 | 9:13 pm
#39
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Well, I've spent the entire weekend on an Aspire One. The keyboard is small, yes, but I didn't find it cramped or hard to use (and I have big fat fingers). All a matter of personal preference, I guess, though your suggestion to spend some time with netbooks is a good one.
Dec 22, 2008 | 9:37 pm
#40
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Like I said the NC10 style track pad would make it perfect. Don't really care about a 3rd USB port.
The S10 did feel a bit more sold than the Aspire One but I think all these netbooks are built in the same few factories in China. Have you spent any time with a netbook? I have a few hours with my dad's Aspire One and the keyboard is very cramped. The S10 I saw next to an Aspire One at Fry's has the same size keyboard. Since there is no perfect netbook (yet) you need to decide what's important to you. The big keyboard on the HP Mini makes a BIG difference in usabilty IME (feels so much more natural to type on.) But it crowds out the touchpad so you're stuck with the lackluster button on the side arrangement.
The S10 did feel a bit more sold than the Aspire One but I think all these netbooks are built in the same few factories in China. Have you spent any time with a netbook? I have a few hours with my dad's Aspire One and the keyboard is very cramped. The S10 I saw next to an Aspire One at Fry's has the same size keyboard. Since there is no perfect netbook (yet) you need to decide what's important to you. The big keyboard on the HP Mini makes a BIG difference in usabilty IME (feels so much more natural to type on.) But it crowds out the touchpad so you're stuck with the lackluster button on the side arrangement.
I feel the Acer's quality is also quite bad and the machines does look really flimpsy comapre to the S10/S10e.
I almost gone for the NC10 on Saturday, but I still don't like Samsung.
I know they are prob made by the sam factories, but I think the brand reputation is still quite important. Also the Acer is really old aleady.