It’s time for a “2009 Netbook Review”. I’ve down a few reviews of Netbooks in the last year, and I figured there must be more out there since it’s almost mid-year. It’s funny, google netbooks and get 28 million results. This time last year there were only a few models to even blog about. There’s even a Wikipedia entry about them. Even though this sub-compact laptop segment started as a way to get a mini-notebook under $300, prices now range from $250 – $1,200.
I’ve reviewed the MSI Wind, HP Mini-Note, and Acer Aspire One, so it’s time to take a look at some of the new Netbooks out there this year. Here’s five that I hadn’t seen before.
Asus Eee PC 1000
Asus pretty much created the Netbook segment all on their own, the new Asus Eee PC 1000 is the latest model they offer, coming in at just under $500. It’s about 3 pounds, and it’s a bit bigger than it’s predecessors, but it’s more what people are looking for because it has more keyboard space, battery life, storage, and screen.
Asus claims the 6-cell battery can last up to almost 8 hours. It has 1GB Ram, an Atom processor, and both an 8GB solid state drive (SSD), and a 32GB Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) drive. You also get 1024×600 resolution, bluetooth, wifi, and built-in webcam and microphone. Most ratings I’ve read in Asus Eee 1000 reviews were 3.5 out of 4 stars.
There are quite a few models of Eee 1000, and you can choose from either Windows XP or Linux versions.
[nms:asus eee 1000 -sleeve -case -bag -protector -battery -charger -keyboard -screen -adapter -ram -cup -external -skin -drive -skins -ssd -sdhc -car -fan -ac -mount,5,0,0,smorgas.asus.eee]
Dell Inspiron Mini 9
I’ve pretty much always hated Dell, but it’s no surprise that the big computer manufacturers have come out with their own models of netbooks. The mini 9 is loaded with Ubuntu and carries an Atom processor – like the Asus Eee, but it only has a 4 cell battery (versus the 6 in the Eee). You get built-in wireless and Lan ports, but the bluetooth will cost you $20 extra (well worth it). You get a 16GB Solid State SSD drive for storage, but it does have a 3 in 1 card reader. Most reviews I’ve read have been 2.5 out of 4 stars for the Mini 9, and quite a few say the Webcam sucks.
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Sylvania G Netbook
When I started this review I certainly didn’t think I’d be reviewing a subcompact laptop by Sylvania! The last thing I owned by that company was a 70’s TV. Because this is their first foray into the laptop markets, you won’t see very many reviews of this model online. The ones you will find say the keyboard is too small and missing the right shift key and some of the darker colors look weird.
However, it does have 1GB Ram, an Atom processor, three different SD card slots, and an 80GB hard drive. It is a SATA hard drive (not SSD), but it is more storage than any of the netbooks with SSD’s. It comes with Ubuntu as well. The reviews I was able to find were 2.5 out of 4 and 3 out of 5 stars, making this an ‘average’ netbook.
[nms:sylvania g -tube -clock -tubes -ssd -skin -case -cover -charger -external -protector -power -ram -bag -battery -adapter -screen -keyboard -usb,5,0,0,smorgas.sylvania.g]
Lenovo Ideapad S10
Lenovo is the company that has been manufacturing IBM “Thinkpads” for years, it’s no surprise that this would be called an “Ideapad”. It should be durable as hell too! This one carries an 80GB hard drive, but only 512MB ram standard (ouch!). You do get wifi, lan, AND bluetooth. It may only have 2 USB slots, but it does have an express card slot – something most of the others don’t. It has a 10″ screen, but only a 3-cell battery. Most reviews I’ve read give it 3 out of 4 stars.
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Fujitsu Lifebook U810
The Fujitsu Lifebook is the only ultra-portable that’s also a tablet PC! For that kind of functionality – you will pay about double the price of most netbooks though. It has an atom processor, 1GB ram, bluetooth, LAN, and wifi. You get a 40GB hard drive and 4 cell battery. The biggest con is that the screen is only 5.6″, which works great for a tablet, but is nearly HALF the size of most the popular netbooks on the market. It does have an SD card reader, but only a paltry single USB connection! It has a built-in webcam and mic, but most would say the keyboard is cramped. Most reviews I’ve read give it 3 out of 4 stars.
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Conslusion
There are definitely lots of entries in the netbook segment now, and it’s no surprise that the best one of the lot is from the manufacturer that started this new netbook category – the “Asus Eee 1000”. The others are viable entries, but have some maturing to do. Just make sure that you do your homework before buying, so you can get the one best suited to your needs. That are tons of review and comparison sites out there, but the only ones I really pay any attention to (and would recommend) would be the netbook reviews at test freaks, and also about.com, and c|Net.
