In the market for a netbook

[Krusty]

Cliffs notes question for those who hate reading: Can anybody point me to a netbook with a 10" 1024*600 screen, GMA 500 graphics, upgradeable RAM, and an n270/n280 processor, all for the price of under $400?



Hay guise!

As my computing needs have changed with age, I've discovered that I fit squarely in the $300-$400 netbook category now and am looking for a good option. Unfortunately, I'm finding it a bit difficult to locate the information I need. Here's a quick rundown on my research:

Most netbooks pretty much have the following processors:

CPUs
* n270 1.6Ghz. This is a 2.5W processor that apparently outperforms the lower power z530
* n280 1.66Ghz. This more rare processor is a slightly higher clocked version of the n270
* z520 1.3Ghz. This processor draws less juice and runs slower. It also costs more than the n270
* z530 1.6Ghz. This is a 2.0W processor that runs at the same speed of the n270. It costs more and apprently is not quite as powerful as the n270

Graphics:
* GMA 950. This older technology draws more power and is less feature rich than the GMA 500. But it will play 3d games slightly better (though better than crappy is still crappy)
* GMA 500. This newer technology is more feature rich and comes with some additional bits for hardware accelerated video decoding. It draws less power as well. The only downside is that its 3d performance isn't quite as good as the GMA 950

Screen size:
9" 1024*600
10" 1024*576
10" 1024*600
10" 1366*768
There's a few other screen sizes, but these are the ones I'm interested in

Hard drive:
You can pretty much get a netbook in 2 flavors: 160GB HDD or some small sized (but upgradeable) SSD. You can go to newegg and get a 64GB SSD for like $75 to replace the 4GB-8GB SSD that comes in the netbooks by default.

keyboard size:
The 9" models have some incredibly cramped keyboards. 10" and above is a more comfortable fit

So here's what I'm looking for: Ideally, I want the following:

* 1024*600 or higher resolution. 1024*576 is not acceptable
* 64GB SSD or 160GB HDD (factor in the $75 upgrade for the SSD)
* n270 or n280 processor (makes for a lower cost and higher power system)
* GMA 500 graphics.
* upgradeable RAM
* Price range between $250 and $400 after upgrades.
* Comfortable sized keyboard (9" models have pretty cramped keyboards)

So far, the closest I've been able to find is the Dell mini 9. It's the only laptop I've been able to find so far with a low price and with GMA 500 graphics. By switching to a 10" model, I can get the 160GB hdd standard, so I don't need to spend $75 and upgrade to a 64GB SSD. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a ~$350 10" model that comes with GMA 500 graphics. From what I've seen the Dell mini 10 has them, but the RAM is not upgradeable and the price is much higher. The Sony Viao P series netbooks also have GMA 500, but they're friggin $800.

The only things preventing me from getting the mini 9 at the moment are that I'd prefer a larger keyboard and that I'd like to exhaust my options at getting a 10" netbook with a 160GB drive before spending an equal amount on a 64GB SSD.

Does anybody know of any other netbooks that might fit my criteria?

[Know Nuttin]

I don't believe the GMA500 is out there with the N processor. As you've seen, it's with the Z processor. I believe the GN40 is what you will want with the N processor but I haven't seen that out there yet either.

[meionm]

I liked the way msi wind looks but they are tricky since news seem not to have upgradeable memory. That's based on neweggs reviews.


$75 SSD, sounds like crap SSD. Good 64GB ssd is around 199 otherwise you will buy one of these useless ssds that I had which booted fine but was slow as hell in windows operations. That was in regular notebook. Now that's if we are talking about SSD not those pci express ssd. I don't know how well they work.

I owned asus eee pc and I was surprised how fast that thing was booting.

[Krusty]

I don't believe the GMA500 is out there with the N processor. As you've seen, it's with the Z processor. I believe the GN40 is what you will want with the N processor but I haven't seen that out there yet either.

Yeah, I'm starting to realize that now. Even on the Dell Mini 9, which I thought had GMA 500, has GMA 950.

There's talk of a Dell mini 10v which will debut at a $299 price tag with a 120GB hard drive and might have GMA 500. I think I'll hold off until I find out about that one.


I liked the way msi wind looks but they are tricky since news seem not to have upgradeable memory. That's based on neweggs reviews.


$75 SSD, sounds like crap SSD. Good 64GB ssd is around 199 otherwise you will buy one of these useless ssds that I had which booted fine but was slow as hell in windows operations. That was in regular notebook. Now that's if we are talking about SSD not those pci express ssd. I don't know how well they work.

I owned asus eee pc and I was surprised how fast that thing was booting.

The SSDs I'm talking about are the PCIE cards. I was mistaken there too. 32GB are the ones that run about $80.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820609351

And yes, they run like crap. But that's what you get to use on those systems. That's another reason I'm leaning toward the mini 10v or the eee pc 1000he. Those will both use laptop drives, which should yield better performance.

[bLack0ut]

Yeah, I'm starting to realize that now. Even on the Dell Mini 9, which I thought had GMA 500, has GMA 950.

There's talk of a Dell mini 10v which will debut at a $299 price tag with a 120GB hard drive and might have GMA 500. I think I'll hold off until I find out about that one.




The SSDs I'm talking about are the PCIE cards. I was mistaken there too. 32GB are the ones that run about $80.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820609351

And yes, they run like crap. But that's what you get to use on those systems. That's another reason I'm leaning toward the mini 10v or the eee pc 1000he. Those will both use laptop drives, which should yield better performance.

Disclaimer: I also am going to buy a netbook within the next week-ish.

You should look at the hardware feel as well, specifically the mouse and the keyboard.

I went to Best Buy to get a hands on experience with the laptops they had. Unfortunately, of the ones I was interested in (Wind, AAO, SC10, N10) they only had the EEE 1000HE and the Mini 10. I found the keyboard on the 1000
feeling very solid and easy to type on, whereas the mini10's keyboard was slightly cramped and bent under the pressure of my fingers (I don't type hard, so it felt really cheap). However, the 1000HE trackpad has the most retarded and hard to push mouse buttons, whereas the Mini 10's trackpad had nice, easy to click buttons.

Anyone know how the "hardware" in the other laptops compare to these two?

[Know Nuttin]

they pretty much share all the same (except for the Mini 10). They all use the 945GSE chipset and have GMA950 graphics, save for the N10 which has an available model with the nVidia 9300M. Mini 10 uses the GMA500 but only allows for 1GB RAM (soldered, non upgradable) and uses Z520 CPU (or 530, depends on what you config it with).

Which AAO? the 10" model is much like the 1000HE, uses same CPU (n280), 2GB ram limit, 2.5" SATA HDD. 8.9" model uses N270, 1.5GB limit (1 slot for 1GB, 512mb is soldered on).

MSI Wind and SC10 have N270, 2GB RAM, and 2.5" SATA HDD.

1000HE has the longest lasting battery out of them all, with the SC10 or Mini 10 (6 cell) coming in second.

The 1000HE touchpad keys do loosen over time.
The Wind has the most useless touchpad out of all, imo.

[bLack0ut]

you sure about the 1000he touchpad keys? I tried the display model, which should technically have undergone a lot of use... thee touchpad on it just felt really cheap, like it definitely break sometime in the near future

[darkcow]

My 100he feels solid and the touchpad is great. Especially the multi-touch features it has. Its the best touchpad I've felt on a netbook.

I highly recommend the 1000he. I can play project 64 on it. watch 720p movies. Run starcraft and WC3. Cs 1.6 (supposedly source works with a bit of overclocking). Wolfenstien. along with several other games.

I recommend a 1000he with ddr800 ram so you can overclock.

[Audioaficionado]

My 100he feels solid and the touchpad is great. Especially the multi-touch features it has. Its the best touchpad I've felt on a netbook.

I highly recommend the 1000he. I can play project 64 on it. watch 720p movies. Run starcraft and WC3. Cs 1.6 (supposedly source works with a bit of overclocking). Wolfenstien. along with several other games.

I recommend a 1000he with ddr800 ram so you can overclock.I have a 1000H. How would you OC it?

[Know Nuttin]

I have a 1000H. How would you OC it?

use eeectl and you can adjust the clockspeeds on it. I can get my 1000HA to 2Ghz clean. Check out eeeuser.com to find some ini files for 1000H series.
SetFSB also supports the 1000H/HA now also

[Know Nuttin]

you sure about the 1000he touchpad keys? I tried the display model, which should technically have undergone a lot of use... thee touchpad on it just felt really cheap, like it definitely break sometime in the near future

same as my 1000HA and my bro's 1000H. They loosened over time.

[bLack0ut]

Not to hijack his OP's thread, but I think we're looking for the same thing anyways.

So essentially, to sum up this thread, there is no ideal combination of the n270/n280 chipset with GMA500 (and in fact, the only netbook with GMA500 is the mini 9 which has un-upgradeable 1GB RAM which disqualifies it). Then, of the remaining n270/n280 chipset laptops, the best battery life is the 1000HE, which also has the best keyboard and touchpad (and perhaps over overall construction).

It seems like the 1000HE is the winner, but just to make sure... do any other netbooks have the same quality/feel keyboard and touchpad the 1000HE has? Other than price, is there something the 1000HE lacks?

EDIT: did a ton of reading, and it's become a showdown between the 1000HE and the NC10, depending on a person's price point (and maybe the NC10 SE?).

EDIT2: It seems that the nc10 has a shoddier touchpad (dunno about the SE), so looks like I'll be buying the 1000he.

[meionm]

I don't know, when I owned 1000he the touchpad keys were good but I owned it only for 2 weeks. I didn't like the fan which was always on, no so quiet but not anoying. The video playback was bad in my opinion, I don't know why. I switched back to regular 13 inch notebook.

[Know Nuttin]

Not to hijack his OP's thread, but I think we're looking for the same thing anyways.

So essentially, to sum up this thread, there is no ideal combination of the n270/n280 chipset with GMA500 (and in fact, the only netbook with GMA500 is the mini 9 which has un-upgradeable 1GB RAM which disqualifies it). Then, of the remaining n270/n280 chipset laptops, the best battery life is the 1000HE, which also has the best keyboard and touchpad (and perhaps over overall construction).

It seems like the 1000HE is the winner, but just to make sure... do any other netbooks have the same quality/feel keyboard and touchpad the 1000HE has? Other than price, is there something the 1000HE lacks?

EDIT: did a ton of reading, and it's become a showdown between the 1000HE and the NC10, depending on a person's price point (and maybe the NC10 SE?).

EDIT2: It seems that the nc10 has a shoddier touchpad (dunno about the SE), so looks like I'll be buying the 1000he.

I believe the mini 10 also uses the gma500 and also non-upgradeable ram.

the keyboard might be a turnoff on the 1000he, i found the keys to be too small and hit 2 keys routinely unlike my 1000HA.

[Deanzo]

I picked up an AAO 10" the other day, (down here for what it gives me it was by far the best price, though I liked the 1000he more)

So far I'm happy with it, and they have made it soo easy to upgrade the ram, hdd and even the wi-fi. Unlike what you had to do for the 8.9" model.

Feels very solid, the keyboard is ok, though the touchpad is a little so, so. But then again I've never liked touchpads, so maybe it's fine.

Acer has done a great job at putting on blot, but after you fix that it goes fine.

[Krusty]

My 100he feels solid and the touchpad is great. Especially the multi-touch features it has. Its the best touchpad I've felt on a netbook.

I highly recommend the 1000he. I can play project 64 on it. watch 720p movies. Run starcraft and WC3. Cs 1.6 (supposedly source works with a bit of overclocking). Wolfenstien. along with several other games.

I recommend a 1000he with ddr800 ram so you can overclock.

How does overclocking affect the battery life and overall heating up of the laptop and cpu?

Seeing as I'll be using this either in bed or on the airplane, it might make a little sense to get one of those laptop "cooling pads" to use in bed and get a bit smoother performance with the increased power.

[Know Nuttin]

How does overclocking affect the battery life and overall heating up of the laptop and cpu?

Seeing as I'll be using this either in bed or on the airplane, it might make a little sense to get one of those laptop "cooling pads" to use in bed and get a bit smoother performance with the increased power.

negatively. The only thing with the EEE 1000 series is that they aren't really great for cooling, imo. The MSI Wind runs cooler even at 1.9Ghz than my 1000HA at 1.6Ghz. It really is hard to say by how much as it depends on how much CPU is being used. Memory is also being overclocked as stock is at DDR2-667mhz according to CPU-Z.

[Krusty]

negatively. The only thing with the EEE 1000 series is that they aren't really great for cooling, imo. The MSI Wind runs cooler even at 1.9Ghz than my 1000HA at 1.6Ghz. It really is hard to say by how much as it depends on how much CPU is being used. Memory is also being overclocked as stock is at DDR2-667mhz according to CPU-Z.

Stock for netbooks is 533Mhz. I wouldn't worry much about the RAM putting off too much heat though. The RAM slots tend to be in little vented bays at the bottom of most of these systems, where they really wouldn't dump much extra heat in.

[darkcow]

The 1000he keyboard is by far the best net book keyboard out there. The layout is perfect. and the spacing between the keys sets it above and beyond the competition. I've been using my 1000he constantly for a week now and the touchpad feels solid. I don't see how it could deteriorate over time.

My 1000he runs very cool. I can even run it fan less for extended periods of time using eeePCtool to turn it off.

[Mr.Guvernment]

Another 1000HE lover here, i was iffy about a netbook, mainly screen res, but once i got this thing in my hands, the screen size and res is just fine, the keyboard feels solid and fine for me, i have big hands so the keyboard only being %8 smaller they standard size is a big plus!

going to have to try that overclocking :)

[Know Nuttin]

Stock for netbooks is 533Mhz. I wouldn't worry much about the RAM putting off too much heat though. The RAM slots tend to be in little vented bays at the bottom of most of these systems, where they really wouldn't dump much extra heat in.

CPU-Z shows 667mhz, i'll doublecheck that with hwinfo32 on my 1000HA.

[Mpegger]

Slightly off topic; I'm also in the market for a netbook. Mainly something to easily browse the web with, watch videos/movies and some light gaming (emulators mostly). The 1000HE definitely piques my interest, but some reviews find its ability to playback 720p material abit choppy at times (the reviews weren't 100% clear on how choppy, but most said playback is acceptable with minimal dropped frames). However, they weren't really clear at all about what kind of 720p material they were playing back. MPEG2? AVCHD? Xvid? Other? I have videos in all those formats and I know that not all consume the same amount of processor cycles as one another, depending on both the encoding, playback codec, playback software (ie Zoomplayer, VLC) and of course video hardware. I'm curious to read just what the 1000HE is capable of with various 720p (and 1080p if possible) material if any of you with one would care to comment on this.

And speaking about video performance, would it be wise to wait till Asus comes out with the newer video chipset for better gaming/video performance? Any idea when such a item would be released?

[scrappydog]

I am also considering a netbook. Of the current netbooks, I whittled it down to the Samsung NC10 and EEE 1000HE. I decided to get the NC10 despite not having demoed it because of its keyboard, medium weight, very long battery life, and good set of features. The keyboard and weight were the deciding factors for me.

The EEE 1000HE should meet your criteria except the graphics chipset. A couple things concern me about it. First, it's right shift key is non-standard. Second, it's fairly bulky and heavy for a netbook (good battery life though). On the positive side, it has an awesome set of features at a good price.

The Samsung is also a good option for you... provided you get it on sale. Like the EEE, it does not have your preferred graphics chipset. However, it has a 93% size keyboard (the biggest), standard keyboard layout, easily upgradeable RAM, medium weight, very long battery life, etc. It is a tiny bit slower than the EEE, it does not have wireless-N, and the trackpad has issues.

A good review of the current crop of 10" netbooks was recently published on Laptop Magazine online. Link: http://www.laptopmag.com/mobile-life/10-inch-netbook-faceoff.aspx

In conclusion, the Samsung has a better keyboard than the EEE. The Samsung is also more mobile than the EEE. However, the EEE has the best overall feature set.

BTW, I demoed the HP Mini 1000 and Acer Aspire One. The HP had a much more comfortable keyboard (92% size, standard layout); the Acer was very cramped. Also, the Acer trackpad buttons were really stiff. The HP was ridiculously light. On pure mobile usability, the HP won hands down.

Also, installing the CoreAVC codec could help with sketchy hi-res playback.

[Audioaficionado]

Well I love my Asus Eee 1000H but if the newer Intel video chipsets and dual processor Atoms start costing twice as much, I might as well get a C2D and the best onboard video chip for the same price. Battery life will be comparable (2-3 hrs) unless the new netbooks have a low power mode which downclocks everything so we can still surf and write documents for 8+ hours on battery.

[Know Nuttin]

People should also check out the dell mini 10v. Looks to be pretty decent except it doesn't have the Poulsbo so higher power usage and no h.264 video acceleration. Nice keyboard.

[scrappydog]

...Battery life will be comparable (2-3 hrs) unless the new netbooks have a low power mode which downclocks everything so we can still surf and write documents for 8+ hours on battery.
I think the EEE has a feature that permits the user to select an energy saving mode. The EEE and Samsung both have 6-cell batteries which produce about 6+ hours of normal use. The Samsung also has a "special edition" version of the NC10 with a higher capacity 6-cell battery for extra juice. I don't think any of the current batch get 8+ hours on their batteries.

[darkcow]

I can get 8+ when I underclock my cpu, turn the backlight all the way down etc on my 1000he

[scrappydog]

I can get 8+ when I underclock my cpu, turn the backlight all the way down etc on my 1000he
How functional is it with all this stuff turned down or off?

[SuperMiguel]

i ahve the asus 1000ha and i like it

[Mpegger]

The Dell Mini 10 looks interesting, but I'm abit behind on chip performance knowledge.

The Dell Mini 10 is using a Z520 Atom with a GMA 500. From what I can gather, the Z520 sports HT, and the GMA 500 is supposed to be a better graphics chipset then the GMA950 as it supports hardware acceleration of MPEG2 (more functions then the GMA950), VC-1 and AVC. Seems this combination would be more capable of decoding 720p and 1080p video so I wouldn't have to re-encode 1080p video down to 720p. The Dell Mini 10 also has a upgraded screen sporting a higher resolution.

Opinions?

[dgk]

I'm looking also. The difference between an Asus EPC1000HA and an EPC1000HE is $309 (with $30 rebate) vs $399. For that $90, I can only see that the E has the N280 instead of the N270. Since that's a whole 0.06 difference in clock speed, I guess the RAM bus speed must be more significant. The E claims 667 mhz and I can't find one for the A. Still, for that $90, that's 33% of the cost. Seems not worth it to me. I'm not expecting to blow the socks off of Oblivion on it.

I can't find any specs on shared memory size.

Woot Off underway. I wonder if they'll have a netbook soon. I planned to hit J&R within a hour or two and pick one of these up. Damn Woot for complicating my life.

Edit: I bought the HA; the price difference was too much to overcome. J&R matched the B&H price, which was $10 less, so the HA comes to $299 after rebate.

The HE does have Bluetooth, which isn't a big deal for me. Somewhere I have a cheap BT dongle and I don's use it. But if you have a bluetooth mouse then it frees up a USB slot (if you're using a USB mouse). Also, the HE has wireless N - again, not a deal breaker for me. The HE also has the chicklet keyboard - but the HA I got also has that keyboard so it's a late model HA.

[scrappydog]

Off topic, but the Samsung NC20 (12" netbook) can play 1080p. Expensive though.

Review:
http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-nc20-previewed-hd-capable-over-6hrs-runtime-2832314/

[DBZ]

one have 9 cell and the other have 6 cell which translate into lasting longer before recharge.

So about 4 to 5 lil extra stuffs for the price difference.

[bLack0ut]

The Dell Mini 10 looks interesting, but I'm abit behind on chip performance knowledge.

The Dell Mini 10 is using a Z520 Atom with a GMA 500. From what I can gather, the Z520 sports HT, and the GMA 500 is supposed to be a better graphics chipset then the GMA950 as it supports hardware acceleration of MPEG2 (more functions then the GMA950), VC-1 and AVC. Seems this combination would be more capable of decoding 720p and 1080p video so I wouldn't have to re-encode 1080p video down to 720p. The Dell Mini 10 also has a upgraded screen sporting a higher resolution.

Opinions?

The Mini 10 uses the GMA 950 chipset.

I'm looking also. The difference between an Asus EPC1000HA and an EPC1000HE is $309 (with $30 rebate) vs $399. For that $90, I can only see that the E has the N280 instead of the N270. Since that's a whole 0.06 difference in clock speed, I guess the RAM bus speed must be more significant. The E claims 667 mhz and I can't find one for the A. Still, for that $90, that's 33% of the cost. Seems not worth it to me. I'm not expecting to blow the socks off of Oblivion on it.

I can't find any specs on shared memory size.

Woot Off underway. I wonder if they'll have a netbook soon. I planned to hit J&R within a hour or two and pick one of these up. Damn Woot for complicating my life.

Edit: I bought the HA; the price difference was too much to overcome. J&R matched the B&H price, which was $10 less, so the HA comes to $299 after rebate.

The HE does have Bluetooth, which isn't a big deal for me. Somewhere I have a cheap BT dongle and I don's use it. But if you have a bluetooth mouse then it frees up a USB slot (if you're using a USB mouse). Also, the HE has wireless N - again, not a deal breaker for me. The HE also has the chicklet keyboard - but the HA I got also has that keyboard so it's a late model HA.

I thought the HE keyboard was the improved version of the HA keyboard, but I guess that makes the only difference between the two being battery life, bluetooth, and wireless n (and minor cpu speed). I can't find anywhere to confirm that the current HA's have the same keyboard as the HE, are you sure?

EDIT: Found other sources that confirm this is true. Also, for reference, cheapest HE is $350, cheapest HA is $290.

FWIW, I've tested the Mini 10, Mini 9, and 1000he keyboards, and the HE is much better than the others.

[Mr.Guvernment]

HE can also play 720 video with the n280, faster FSB from 533 to 666 as well keyboard is %92 of a full size one.

[scrappydog]

This is a good point. If you are interested in getting a netbook, demo a few to see what you are comfortable with. For example, I tried the Acer Aspire One and the HP Mini 1000, and the differences in the keyboards made ALL the difference to me (the HP Mini 1000 has a great keyboard, the Acer does not).

[Mpegger]

The Mini 10 uses the GMA 950 chipset.

The Mini 10v uses the GMA 950. The Mini 10 uses the GMA 500, according to Dells own website.

I'd love to demo the 1000HE and Mini 10, but I only know of places to demo to 1000HE. Dunno of any places to demo the Mini 10.

[Know Nuttin]

The Dell Mini 10 looks interesting, but I'm abit behind on chip performance knowledge.

The Dell Mini 10 is using a Z520 Atom with a GMA 500. From what I can gather, the Z520 sports HT, and the GMA 500 is supposed to be a better graphics chipset then the GMA950 as it supports hardware acceleration of MPEG2 (more functions then the GMA950), VC-1 and AVC. Seems this combination would be more capable of decoding 720p and 1080p video so I wouldn't have to re-encode 1080p video down to 720p. The Dell Mini 10 also has a upgraded screen sporting a higher resolution.

Opinions?

All Atom's have hyperthreading. Z series also has VT, the N does not.
The GMA500 has video acceleration, so you can do 720 and 1080p (hence the hdmi on the model with gma500 and not with the gma950). Also has much lower power consumption than the gma950. Combo of z520+gma500 has about half the power consumption of just the gma950 alone, not factoring in the N270.

[scrappydog]

According to Laptop Magazine's review of the Dell Mini 10, it cannot even play 720p without stuttering. Not so sure GMA 500 is such a great feature. Also, the review only tested the 3-cell battery... but the system only lasted 2.5 hrs. Regardless of the power draw, if a 3-cell battery sputters in 2.5 hrs, this is not a good sign either.

Review:
http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/dell-inspiron-mini-10.aspx?page=1

[Know Nuttin]

I think that's a driver issue at this point, it does appear that vc1 (wmv9) is not accelerated by gpu yet.

[scrappydog]

I am able to play 1080p with my Atom 330 using the CoreAVC codec. The right codec can make a difference.

[darkcow]

I am still going to say that the 1000he has the best keyboard of all. Just tested an Acer Aspire and MSI wind. 1000he blows both out of the water. The extra FN key to the right of the up arrow is a great addition and comes in handy.


But in all honesty, if your using your tiny little netbook to play 1080p... You should really be in a different market. I can understand 720p or 1080p playback to a HD screen (In this case I would use a HTPC). But not on this tiny 10" screen. 700MB rips still look great when your sitting normally and not hunched over with your nose touching the screen...

[scrappydog]

I am still going to say that the 1000he has the best keyboard of all. Just tested an Acer Aspire and MSI wind. 1000he blows both out of the water...

I have tried the Acer Aspire One and I agree that its keyboard blows. I haven't tried the other two.

The best 10" netbook keyboard for several reviewers is the Samsung N120, which is 97% normal size. Samsung's trick is to make the chassis about 1/2" wider, but the weight is only 2.8lbs (compared to the 1000HE's 3.2lbs).

I think you're right about 1080p on a 10" netbook. The 1920x1080 resolution of 1080p far exceeds what any of these systems can display.

[darkcow]

The thing about the Samsung is that it doesn't have that cool "chicklet" keyboard design which I love.


All be it, the 1000he's right shift key is a little smaller, but I never use it so I could care less

[Know Nuttin]

I have tried the Acer Aspire One and I agree that its keyboard blows. I haven't tried the other two.

The best 10" netbook keyboard for several reviewers is the Samsung N120, which is 97% normal size. Samsung's trick is to make the chassis about 1/2" wider, but the weight is only 2.8lbs (compared to the 1000HE's 3.2lbs).

I think you're right about 1080p on a 10" netbook. The 1920x1080 resolution of 1080p far exceeds what any of these systems can display.

the problem is that they are using a big keyboard but also big bezel around the screen, which can turn some people off. To many, a netbook isn't only about the weight but the size too.

I really don't see why people dislike the AspireOne US keyboard. It is the same layout as the samsung nc10 (which used it since it came out much later) which everyone loved.

[scrappydog]

I really don't see why people dislike the AspireOne US keyboard. It is the same layout as the samsung nc10 (which used it since it came out much later) which everyone loved.
For me, it was the size. My fingers were squished together. When I demoed it, I also demoed the HP Mini 1000. The HP, which is just a tad smaller than the NC10 keyboard, was much more comfortable than the Acer.

[Mpegger]

But in all honesty, if your using your tiny little netbook to play 1080p... You should really be in a different market. I can understand 720p or 1080p playback to a HD screen (In this case I would use a HTPC). But not on this tiny 10" screen. 700MB rips still look great when your sitting normally and not hunched over with your nose touching the screen...

The problem with this lies in the fact that one has to start with a 1080p rip, and then re-encode down to a smaller file size just to cater for the netbook. I'd like to be able to keep the original files, and simply transfer them to the netbook when I feel like it, with the only time consuming process being the actual transfer, not the hours (day[s]?) worth of re-encoding. These netbooks are coming with 120GB+ hard drives with very minimal software installed. Even before removing the bloatware and unneeded system software, there is still plenty of space left to store a few stripped down BD rips with ease, which is how their stored on my HTPC in the first place.

[Shadowmage]

The problem with this lies in the fact that one has to start with a 1080p rip, and then re-encode down to a smaller file size just to cater for the netbook. I'd like to be able to keep the original files, and simply transfer them to the netbook when I feel like it, with the only time consuming process being the actual transfer, not the hours (day[s]?) worth of re-encoding. These netbooks are coming with 120GB+ hard drives with very minimal software installed. Even before removing the bloatware and unneeded system software, there is still plenty of space left to store a few stripped down BD rips with ease, which is how their stored on my HTPC in the first place.

I think you're SOL on a Netbook then, at least until NV makes an Ion netbook. Why not just get a cheapass older laptop?

[Mpegger]

Older laptops are normally larger then current netbooks, as well as underpowered (if you really go for one priced around current netbooks, you'r looking at something a number of years old), and/or still a higher cost even used then current netbooks. Alot of laptops only a year or two old, also have trouble with 720p video, let alone 1080p.

And yes, I do get regular emails from various online vendors with specials on laptops, which sometimes are very close in price to what netbooks are currently going for (most of the time refurbs...).

But I'm not looking for a laptop. I'm looking for a netbook.

[Know Nuttin]

Older laptops are normally larger then current netbooks, as well as underpowered (if you really go for one priced around current netbooks, you'r looking at something a number of years old), and/or still a higher cost even used then current netbooks. Alot of laptops only a year or two old, also have trouble with 720p video, let alone 1080p.

And yes, I do get regular emails from various online vendors with specials on laptops, which sometimes are very close in price to what netbooks are currently going for (most of the time refurbs...).

But I'm not looking for a laptop. I'm looking for a netbook.

Sounds more like you're looking for notebook power in a netbook form-factor. Netbooks weren't designed for what you want out of it.

[Mpegger]

Sounds more like you're looking for notebook power in a netbook form-factor. Netbooks weren't designed for what you want out of it.

I'm looking for something that can handle HD video, light gaming and web browsing/email and is small compared to a normal sized laptop. Like I said, I don't want to waste time (not to mention space) having to re-encode my collection of HD material (BD, animes, OTA HDTV, etc) just so that it can be played back on a portable device. If that were the case, I'd just re-encode everything I have now and use my Vision:M or Zen X-Fi for that. But again, that's not what I'm looking for.

I don't need the bulk, "horse power", or the hefty price tag of a laptop either, for something that is going to see minimal use. I could easily borrow my sisters laptop for that purpose and avoid the price altogether.

I simply want a very compact system that is to be used just for some simple tasks a few hours a week while I'm away from home, just trying to fall asleep, or to help pass the time with relaxing. I didn't get any of first netbooks released because I knew then that it would not meet my needs, and have since waited this long to finally start seriously looking for one because technology is finally catching up and netbooks are finally getting to the point of being able to playback HD material. Whether the screen resolution is capable of showing the entire resolution of the source material is irrelevant to me as my main concern is not having to re-encode the source material and not having something as big as a laptop.

There are plenty of grossly underpowered devices that can playback HD material simply because of a hardware based decoder built into the unit, so its not about having the power of a laptop (or desktop) in a netbook. Laptop and netbook manfacturers do no include such hardware and rely upon the built in "hardware video acceleration" functions of the video chip along with software to decode HD (and non-HD) video. And again as I stated, the hardware is finally catching up and becoming capable of doing so. Its just that I'm still up in the air about the current technology because reviews seem to go back and fourth, yay or nay, thumbs up or thumbs down, on what the current technology is really capable of when it comes to handling video playback. This seems to stem from no one (even some reviewers) being clear on what the source material is; trying to playback a BD movie from the disc, or trying to play a completely stripped down (no protection, no extra embedded video or audio streams) BD movie from the hard disk; as well as not being clear on what software and codecs are used.

Anyway, what I'm looking for is the power of a portable HD player in a netbook, not the power of a laptop in a netbook.

Sorry for this rant, but I feel like I'm being told to go buy a 360 when I'm asking about a Wii. If I wanted a 360, I'd ask about a 360 and not a Wii. Likewise if I wanted a laptop, I would have bought one ages ago. :beer:

[darkcow]

Basically, the technology that you want is still being tested/manufactured/invented. Intel's new chipset supposedly supports 1080p playback. Nvidia's new chipset looks like it can handle intense 3d games on an iphone type package. Its getting there.

Give it a year or 2 and you will have the performance you want in the size and package you desire.

Right now the best we can offer you is 720p playback in a 10" netbook for ~$350. And even that isn't the best of quality.

[Know Nuttin]

Anyway, what I'm looking for is the power of a portable HD player in a netbook, not the power of a laptop in a netbook.

Sorry for this rant, but I feel like I'm being told to go buy a 360 when I'm asking about a Wii. If I wanted a 360, I'd ask about a 360 and not a Wii. Likewise if I wanted a laptop, I would have bought one ages ago. :beer:

Rant away, don't let me stop you. Point is, you don't want a netbook. That's not what they are designed for. You need to look at other devices, and also consider the fact you're posting in a thread about netbooks.

[Krusty]

D'oh! I just went to click the buy button on an open box newegg 1000HE for $299, only to find that it was already out of stock.

Now I'm sad and disappointed.

[Krusty]

As my second attempt at a killer deal laptop, I was just about to click the buy button on an 8.9" Acer Aspire One A150 laptop. I stopped seconds short of clicking the buy button to double check and confirm that I can upgrade the RAM on that netbook. It turns out the thing has 512MB of RAM soldered on and one extra slot. As the max ram for a netbook is 2GB, this one is capped out at 1.5Gb. Yet another deal breaker on a discount netbook.

[Audioaficionado]

As my second attempt at a killer deal laptop, I was just about to click the buy button on an 8.9" Acer Aspire One A150 laptop. I stopped seconds short of clicking the buy button to double check and confirm that I can upgrade the RAM on that netbook. It turns out the thing has 512MB of RAM soldered on and one extra slot. As the max ram for a netbook is 2GB, this one is capped out at 1.5Gb. Yet another deal breaker on a discount netbook.I figured out what I wanted (10" Asus Eee 1000H) in advance and when I found it in the OCF classifieds for $250, I pounced in an instant. Keep and eye out there as they pop up and usually are a great deal.

[chubchubcullen]

lenovo s12 with ION chipset when it comes out?

[Mr.DLucey]

lenovo s12 with ION chipset when it comes out?

It keeps changing (no big surprise their). First time I looked at it it was June, now it's July so... Only time will tell.