Laptops Want To Buy: NetBook

M

mjp1618

Disciple
Hi All,

I am thinking of buying a NetBook for use at school. These are my requirements, in not-so-strictly decreasing order of importance:-

  • Mobility: the lighter/smaller/slimmer it is, the better.
  • Battery Life: the longer the better.
  • Build Quality: I wouldn't be too surprised if it gets a few knocks and kicks in its lifetime, should be able to withstand that.
  • Features: At least 2 USB ports preferred; Video Out; Kensington Lock Slot.
  • Performance: responsiveness, speed. I don't plan to play Crysis on my NetBook, though.
  • Windows XP (or Windows 7 - but I am not particular about Windows 7).
  • Would prefer if the in-built speakers are good.
  • I have large hands and fingers - some of the NetBooks I have used have keyboards that are quite difficult for me to use. Well designed keyboards preferred. I want to balance this with the requirement no. 1: Mobility.

I plan to use it mainly for MS Office 2007, watching movies, etc.. I don't have a brand preference.

Budget: Maximum of 25k. I would prefer if the price is closer to 20k - or even lower than that - than to 25k.

I am not looking for a "fantastic performer" kind of NetBook - I have a Dell XPS M1530 that is (I think) not yet outdated; I want to buy a NetBook just because I don't like carrying around my notebook (too lazy!). But then, I wouldn't want to wait for 5 minutes to open an Excel file either...

Please give your suggestions, with pros and cons, prices, etc...

Thanks in advance! :)
 
Since all the netbooks use the same motherboard and processor, their performance is very similar.

The only difference in component is the hard disk and RAM used.

In the comparison tests that I have seen on Digit, the hard disks used by Acer are the best.
But in the comparison review that was published in this month's issue (Acer, Lenovo, DELL did not send their products for the comparison test), the Best Performer award went to Asus 1005HA.
This netbook is from the Seashell range from Asus, so it looks pretty good. It weighs 1.27Kg and has a good battery life. But this netbook has the added advantage of having a removable battery which the other netbook in the Seashell range does not have.

It has the best transfer speed for hard disk tests among the netbooks that were included in the test.

According to the magazine, the indicated price was Rs.21.5K
The market price will be much lower.
 
If you prefer to load your own Windows XP or 7, then you can consider Samsung ND10. This is with same specs as the bestselling NC10 from Samsung (though an old model now), but does not come with any OS installed.

On Ebay, you will find it as low as 18K.
 
Bought a black Asus Eee PC 1005HA (Seashell) with 2GB RAM for Rs. 21.4k from ITNet, Kochi.

Still exploring the system, but first impressions are good. Small, light, yet satisfactory performance.

Thanks to all for all your help! :)
 
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