netbooks

[haven]

Let's track developments in the market for "netbook" small laptops.

I think "netbook" refers to laptops with screens measuring 12 inches or smaller, that weigh 3.5 lbs or less, that have built-in WiFi, and that cost less than $600.

The first group of netbooks to reach the market generally have a 9 or 10 inch screen, weigh less than 3lb. and cost $400 to $500, sometimes less.

I'm interested in this type of computer because I think it has potential for use in overland vehicles. The combination of LED backlighting, low power CPU and solid state hard disc should make the computer more reliable in an off-road vehicle, while still being useful for GPS navigation and simple computer use. The smaller dimensions of the netbook help it fit into the crowded cockpit of an overland vehicle, too.

Models available:

The Acer Aspire One, Asus Eee 900, Asus Eee 1000, MSI Wind, Dell Mini 9 and Lenovo IdeaPad all use LED backlighting for their TFT LCD screens. These models use the Intel Atom processor. Most use WIndows XP, and some offer versions of Linux.

Hp Mini-Note uses traditional fluorescent tubes to illuminate the screen. The Mini-Note 2133 uses a VIA processor which is a little slower than the Intel Atom.

One problem with netbooks is the small keyboard. The HP Mini-Note and the Acer Aspire One are generally acknowledged as the models with the most usable keyboards.

Chip Haven

[haven]

HP has announced a new netbook model called the Mini 1000. This marks HP's switch away from the VIA processor. The screen is 10 inches measured diagonally.

The Mini 1000 will be available with Windows XP or a version of Ubuntu Linux developed by HP for this machine. Rumors say the Mini 1000 will have a touch screen interface. Price will be about $400.

Dell also recently announced a new netbook model, the Inspiron Mini 12. The Mini 12 will push the boundaries of the netbook design, with a 12 inch display with resolution of 1280 x 800, a more powerful Atom processor, larger hard disc, and Windows Vista. At $600, it's also more expensive.

Both the HP Mini 1000 and Dell Mini 12 will be available in December.

[haven]

Samsung is releasing a netbook called the NC10. Its features are similar to others already on the market: a 10.1" LED screen with 1,024x600 resolution, an Intel Atom CPU, an 80GB HDD, a 6 cell battery and Windows XP Home. Weight is slightly less than 3 lbs. The keyboard of this model is supposed to have better feel than most netbooks.

One unique feature of the NC10 is a dusting of antibacterial silver coating on the keyboard. I've used socks with antibacterial properties that really does help. Maybe this will become a trend in control surfaces, too.

[Scott Brady]

Nice summary Chip. Are you seeing any trends towards solid state drives, or are the compacts mostly driven by price?

[Travelmore]

After reading this thread I saw this on the news wire. "Packing the latest 1.6-GHz Atom processor and a roomy 80-GB drive, the Wind boasts some legit PC cred."
http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/msi_wind_u100
There are some links to other reviews as well. A thing to watch out for with these is the lack of a optical drive (DVD or CD). You can use an external drive to get set up but the lack of a drive can be a real hassle with many mapping programs that have a CD based key.

One comment on that page mentions that Costco.com has the ASUS also no optical drive and 12 Gig of solid state memory with a two year warranty. It also claims to be shock proof.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...=1&topnav=&s=1

[BKCowGod]

interestingly enough, Target is selling an Asus 7" for $269. With Linux, 8gb solid state, and USB ports you could easily toss a cheap external drive on it and put all of your mapping software on the external. They have a WinXP version for $299, too.

[eugene]

Your calling 12" laptops netbooks as well, so do you want to list all the 12" laptops (Dell LAtitude C/D/E 400 series for example).

[kjp1969]

I assume that any of these could run TopoUSA or Garmin mapping software, and would accept a USB/GPS puck? If so, this sounds like a viable alternative to a full sized GPS, one that would have a whole other life out of the vehicle.

[haven]

The Wall Street Journal ran an article saying HP is talking with cell phone carriers about selling netbooks at a steep discount, in combination with the purchase of a cell phone contract that includes internet services.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122531979090681955.html

If you were planning to buy a 3G modem for the laptop anyway, this could mean a big savings.

Chip Haven

[lowenbrau]

I picked up an Asus Aspire One with XP and a 120GB HD for last week's (failed) trip to AZ. Filled it up with about a dozen seasons of TV, a couple movies and a bunch of music. We watched "the office" and laughed all the way back from the border, took it on the plane and then used the wifi all over Montreal to figure out what to do/eat etc.

I've never felt like I got so much value in a computer. Its tiny enough to take anywhere, fits well in a glovebox and cost me about $400cdn ($300US) all-in including an all in one Epson printer.