mini laptops

[Stuart O]

One of the kids is looking for a one of these new small laptops - they all seem to perform similar - any preference ?? q like to Dell option..

 

[CE230]

I have the Asus EEE and excellent bit of kit that is Linux based as a bonus.

 

[w124coupe]

Hi, if you mean the "netbook" format then, because of all the similarities, the choice comes down to the details.

Do you want Windows XP or Linux? Linux versions surf and (depending on your printer) will print etc and can run one of the non-Windows Office packages.

For the Windows versions, all currently come "standard" with 1GB memory (or less) to meet the Microsoft rules for a low-cost version of Windows XP OEM. A 2GB upgrade (the max currently) can be bought later for about £17 (e.g. play.com) and requires the single SODIMM to be swapped out (some of the machines have a hatch for his, others need the case taking apart. XP runs smoothly and so does MS Office, iPlayer, Slingbox etc with 2GB.

All are based on the Intel Atom platform so performance is very similar. An exception to this is where XP is pre-loaded with lots of "free" software and so runs slowly....

Do you want the keyboard to have a layout similar to larger machines (rather than a different layout that makes adapting difficult (both ways)). The original ASUS machines were built to be small and so some keys are missing or moved around which throws touch typists off!

What battery life versus weight compromise suits the intended use? There are 3 cell machines (about 2.5-3hrs) and 6 cell machines (5-6hrs).

Storage is either SSD (solid state drive(s)) or a standard 2.5inch hard drive. The SSDs have a theoretical speed and power advantage but in practice don't really achieve either yet. Capacities from 8GB to 160GB (growing all the time). Will you store docs on the machine or use it as a "remote" for a desktop or larger laptop on the home network?

Look at Asus, Samsung (my choice), Dell, Lenovo, Acer and choose!

There are now a number being launched with a 3G radio pre installed so they have a SIM slot. Sounds nice to have untethered surfing but I prefer bluetooth connection to my 3G phone so I have one contract and can surf on phone or netbook to suit the intended use at the time.

The guys in the purple shirts have most out on display (PCWorld) but not a good place to buy any more since they ditched their price promise re web competitors and now just match Currys etc (so you pay £30+ extra on these little machines).

Checklist:

Size & build quality (inc how big & heavy is the charger!)
Keyboard acceptability for intended use
Screen quality (all are of similar pixel dimensions)
Battery size & life
Bluetooth or not
WIFI type (some are now draft n)
Storage type and size
OS installed
"Bloatware" installed/type of recovery media supplied (in case of re-install)
3G radio/SIM slot pre-installed (or able to be added after market)
Ease of access for upgrade (WIFI card, memory, storage) just in case
Case or sleeve provided for protection in your bag

Good luck....

 

[fuzzer]

Ive got an ASUS 1000h , no complains and decent sized keyboard/screen and amazing battery life!

Bought mine in toys r us

 

[miro]

Consider getting an Apple and plonking Windows on it. They seem to have a good feel and build.

 

[Sp!ke]

I had a play on one of these the otherday. http://www.oqo.com/intl/

Really sexy bit of kit but not cheap.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

I had a play on one of these the otherday. http://www.oqo.com/intl/

Really sexy bit of kit but not cheap.

Wow, that looks impressive - surprised by the size of that, looks interesting, full docking facility too. Hmmmmm...

Expansys sell a number of versions of it £350 - £1250. They also have some lower spec possibly an older model graded stock (ex-display / returns) for about £200...

 

[ms500]

I've just ordered myself an Asus eee-pc 701SD, 8GB model from Amazon. It was only £150 with free delivery, though they don't always have stock.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001IBHVCA/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

 

[crammy69]

I fancied one of the little Asus Net books to surf the forum whilst on the train from work / in front of the TV but when I told the young lad in Currys this he said that my T-Mobile USB internet dongle would'nt work with Linux. So, for me, would only work at home on the wireless network (and I can use the co. laptop for that).

Having said that, my IT manager bought one for his son to use whilst covering the US election ( he's a reporter for Reuters I think) and he says its been great!.

 

[ms500]

I fancied one of the little Asus Net books to surf the forum whilst on the train from work / in front of the TV but when I told the young lad in Currys this he said that my T-Mobile USB internet dongle would'nt work with Linux. So, for me, would only work at home on the wireless network (and I can use the co. laptop for that).

Having said that, my IT manager bought one for his son to use whilst covering the US election ( he's a reporter for Reuters I think) and he says its been great!.

They can run windows XP just fine, they do sell a version with XP but it's cheaper to just buy a Linux one then install XP yourself.

 

[A210AMG]

We have various Asus ones where I work.

I originaly bought the 7" ones last year, Linux and 4GB solid state.

The latest ones we bought were the 8.9" Atom processor ones, Again linux. We are however about to buy XP licences and I've already sorted some 16Gb SD cards for extra storage.

They are great bits of kit, we use them to test the wireless across site, check the networks, for the technicians to close jobs while out and about.

There are a huge number to choose from, Toshiba are bringing one out soon with a 80gb or 120gb normal drive.

Have to say the build quality, battery life of the latest Asus are great. ooh even the sound with Dolby

 

[crammy69]

The more I hear about them the more I want one, even though strictly speaking I dont need one!!

 

[gaz_l]

I'd been toying with the idea of getting one of the original (7" screen) eee PCs, but supply was limited and the specs were just a little bit on the lean side for me.

But, it so happened that I had a day off just after the eee PC 900 came out, and myself and the Mrs were out shopping in London for the day. Saw one in a shop, they had some in stock, you can guess what happened next. Ch-Ching! And out came the credit card.

It's a very handy little machine. The keyboard is a little poky for my fat engineers fingers, but this won't be a problem for the younger generation. It's no powerhouse (mine has the earlier Celeron processor rather than the Atom, but there doesn't seem to be much difference in the performance tests I've read), however it's perfectly adequate for web browsing, emails and general office applications. Mine is the linux version, which ships with a noddy desktop, but it's not too difficult to unlock that and turn it into a real computer.

I've taken it with me on the last couple of holidays and it slips into the rucksack easily - whereas I'd never bother to take my normal laptop with me. It only weighs a kilo or so so it's not much of an effort to carry. The battery life is adequate rather than exciting but I understand the Atom based ones are better in this respect.

I would say that the build quality on the eee isn't going to give Fujitsu-Siemens any sleepless nights. Or Fisher-Price for that matter. It's cheap, and that comes across when you use it. But cheap in a good way, it's not cheap and nasty. Of all the netbooks I've seen so far, the Acer Aspire One impressed the most in terms of how it seemed to be nailed together, but no idea what they are like to use..

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Still waiting for Baby D's Elonex One to arrive - order in August!!

 

[crockers]

Am I right that if you go the Linux route you can't use itunes but you can if you go the XP route

 

[A-AvantGarde]

The more I hear about them the more I want one, even though strictly speaking I dont need one!!

Me too...

 

[aam]

Various devices based on the Intel Atom are due to be released. There is even going to be a dual core Atom.

For a non-laptop device I like the look of the Asus EeeTop. It looks a bit like an lcd iMac, but it also has a touchscreen and the low power consumption of the Atom.

 

[whizzkid11]

HP also have the small 12" range - HP Compaq 2510p , 2710p.

Some of the range also double up as tablets as well - and offer full PC performance for what is a small, compact and cute laptop.

Price wise i have sold a couple of 2510p at around the £400 mark (BNIB) - they tend to be sold before I can get even them....


The eePC equivalents is the HP Compaq 2133 - which is an 8.9" system, with Linux or Vista OS.