Small laptop/netbook advice please.

[ColinJ]

If you get a 'netbook' it is really a baby laptop in all ways - it's NOT a full powered laptop and if it's your only computer I wouldn't recommend one. When they were first brought out the idea was to have a small cheap PC, and for various reasons I won't go into the maximum specifications were capped to make sure the computer as a whole wasn't that good. If however it's the only option in your pricerange, I too have heard good things about the Samsung NC10 [edit: was it the NC10 or the N130? Can't remember!!]; just make sure you're happy with the screensize. There is however a warning here - I was looking for my laptop about a year back and it seems that while (say) the NC10 is brilliant, another model (still by Samsung) could be absolutely horrible. I also read some reviews for the baby Dell laptop and the reviews were awful (for a normally good brand, this is unusual). So before you commit to buy, see if anyone on 't interwebs has done a review of your particular model (yes, with ALL the funny letters on the end).

Most people's computers are way over-powered anyway unless they do processor or graphics intensive activities like HD video editing or playing action games.

I'm still using a 10 year old PC with onboard sound and graphics and it's fine for most things. It chokes on HD Youtube videos, but everything else I do works okay.

I have a baby Dell laptop (it's a D-430). Yes, it has a crappy mono speaker, no internal webcam and the battery life is poor (just over 2 hours with brightness up and wireless internet on), but it has a clear, bright screen, a really good keyboard and a quality trackpad. I'm quite pleased with it.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

Most people's computers are way over-powered anyway unless they do processor or graphics intensive activities like HD video editing or playing action games.

I'd agree with that, but also don't underestimate how slow a PC can get if the software gets bloated... and it's nice to be slightly future-proof in terms of future demands on the PC. I always have many applications open at the same time, and if I had a netbook I think I'd go nuts. Arch does sound like a person who is less demanding of her computers...

When I was shopping it was clearly for the smallest, lightest laptop I could find (ok, not the smallest, that would cost megabucks), with enough battery to last a 3 hour train-trip regularly. [As an added bonus, not known at the time, it fits in my Brompton's C-bag!].

Another thing that can be worse on a cheaper model is the resolution of the screen.

 

[ColinJ]

I'd agree with that, but also don't underestimate how slow a PC can get if the software gets bloated... and it's nice to be slightly future-proof in terms of future demands on the PC. I always have many applications open at the same time, and if I had a netbook I think I'd go nuts. Arch does sound like a person who is less demanding of her computers...

I went for an extra GB on my Dell D430 and that really helps when switching between applications.

I never got round to upgrading the memory on my desktop PC. It still only has 512 MB and some of that is pinched for the graphics! I must buy some extra memory for that too because I can really notice the difference when I open too many applications at once and switch between them. The hard drive thrashes away and there is a hiccup while data gets saved and loaded.

When I was shopping it was clearly for the smallest, lightest laptop I could find (ok, not the smallest, that would cost megabucks), with enough battery to last a 3 hour train-trip regularly. [As an added bonus, not known at the time, it fits in my Brompton's C-bag!].

Another thing that can be worse on a cheaper model is the resolution of the screen.

I'm not too bothered about my Dell's battery life. When I use trains, I can usually find a power socket if I need one.

If I was on a cycle tour, I'd probably want a netbook with a good battery life. I might even settle for a smartphone in fact.

My Dell has a 1280 x 800 screen which is pretty handy. The netbooks seem to have 1024 x 600 which is a bit cramped by modern standards, but that's the price you pay for portability.

 

[Bromptonaut]

Another happy user of the N130 here. Mainly used for travel, so webbrowsing, e-mail etc and reviewing photographs.

No CD drive and I'm not sure how good it would be for movies with an external; it's not something we've needed to try. In short it's certainly fine as an adjunct to more powerful kit that stays at home but I would need to explore more to be satisifed thast it would be OK as a sole PC.

OTOH it seems difficult to find a small laptop (sub 14") that is fully specified unless it's a pricy business oriented jobby.

 

[MacB]

I need to get Jane either a laptop or netbook and we're currently leaning towards netbook, we will go and try some to see if she gets on with screen and keyboard. She likes to work in front of the TV, don't ask me how/why, but she did all of her degree, and teacher training, work in this manner. Her main work requirements now seem to be e-mail and powerpoint, then she likes to browse as well. The netbook appears right in terms of weight, portability, battery life, etc, but how do they compare to laptops for robustness and longevity?

 

[Arch]

Ok, assuming I decide on, say, a Samsung, whats the best way to buy? Online? Shop? If so, which? Any advantages to goiong to a high street shop over online? Bearing in mind that for me, there aren't actually many high street shops of that sort within easy reach - the big electrical retailers are edge of town. I can only think of Dixons or whatever they are called now, that's within walking distance. Yes, of course I can cycle, but how big a box do these things come in?

Ordering online, I would have it delivered to work, so the same question applies about size of box (I'm assuming it can't be tooooo big!)

Also - most of the ones I've looked at come with Windows 7, but I saw one, an Acer I think, that still had XP, which is what I'm used to. Any pros and cons?

Looking at my bank balance today, I may have a little more to play with - although I'm loathe to spend money just because I have it. Would there be a huge benefit to spending over £300 - bearing in mind that I'm still keen on the small size and portability of a netbook.

I may be thinking about this for a month or so more, so be prepared for hundreds more neurotic questions!

 

[Globalti]

Gti junior got an Acer Aspire 1 a year ago and I have been amazed at how much abuse it's taken.

But it broke down a few weeks ago with just 3 days left on the warranty. Sent it to Acer, very efficient service, got it back a few days later completely rebuilt. If you are thinking about an Acer, try one first because the touch pad and clickers have a rather strange dull action.

 

[potsy]

I got mine from Currys but can't see any reason why you shouldn't get it wherever is cheapest.
Size of box is slightly bigger than a shoe box from memory, still got it somewhere if you need more precise measurement.

I am glad I spent a bit more and got this one (NC10) than the cheaper alternative I originally bought, bearing in mind I hope it will last a few years (2 years old now) have a read of reviews and spec though, make sure it can do all that you need it for.
For instance I'm sure the next model up has a backlit keyboard which I would prefer but may impact on battery life?

 

[ColinJ]

For instance I'm sure the next model up has a backlit keyboard which I would prefer but may impact on battery life?

I like the idea of a backlit keyboard! I had real problems using my Dell at my sister's house because she watches TV in near darkness and I couldn't see what I was doing.

Unless you are always going to use an external mouse, I'd agree with Globalti to check the quality of the trackpad. The one on my Dell is pretty good, but I didn't like the one on my other sister's Medion (ALDI) netbook.

 

[Night Train]

I would suggest that when you think you have found the one you want to buy you visit a few shops to try it out first, Several shops on the basis that they will get fed up with you trying every possible thing you need or want to do with it first to make sure it is right.
Then get it from the cheapest source.

Other considerations may be the colour, I wanted mine in black rather then silver but when it arrived it was only black on the outside, when it is open it is still silver! There is more colour options now.

My laptop is only 13"x10"x1 1/2" but the box it came in was 2' square and 10" deep. In comparison the boxes my desktop came in was the size of a washing machine and a large tv!

Maybe one day notebooks will be tough enough to be sent in a jiffy bag.

 

[gbb]

At the entry level Arch, we have an Acer/eMachines 350. I think it was circa £200. Pros and cons are...
Only 2 hours battery life. Thats ok for us, we only use it on holiday etc...but thats not long if you're away from a powerpoint.
10 inch screen, which of course is normal for netbooks, but i do find i get eyestrain if i use it for any reasonable anount of time. Course, thats probably my eyes thats the problem. TBF, its all quite readable and i'm quite impressed with it for normal surfing etc.
The right/left 'clicker' whatsitsname below the touchpad has a strange 'click' to it. Its probably ok, just sounds a bit clunky.
160gb HD...whats the point ? More than i'll ever need on a netbook.
1ghz Ram...its not noticeably slow or fast, just does the job, no messing, no delay..seems more than good enough for surfing.
Keypads a nice size, more than useable. Function keys are small mind, but how often do you use them ?
Only 2 USB ports..i notice someone mentioned you might want 3 ideally.

Its had 5 months regular use, no issues at all, its done everything we've asked...

I've always noticed...its battery life that jacks up the cost of a laptop/netbook. This is abviously what keeps mine cheap. 2 hours, its not that much bearing in mind that'll shorten as the battery ages and deteriorates.

But all in all, a goof value bit of kit for the money...i dont regret getting it, but then i dont use it as my primary computer.

 

[ASC1951]

I fancy a new small laptop, or netbook, but I'm relatively clueless about what to get.

I've just been through the same process and spent hours trawling through websites like this http://www.techradar...ld-today-699790. There are some surveys that suggest Dell, HP and Acer are significantly less reliable than Samsung, Toshiba and Asus. Eventually I decided I could stretch to a high-ish spec Asus EePC at about £320, but all the shops had run out so I ran out of enthusiasm.

Currys/PCWorlds regularly have refurbished netbooks which look good value. http://www.currys.co...855212-pdt.html A friend of mine bought one and said it was absolutely fine.

If you are thinking of cycle touring with it, it is worth paying for something rugged and with good battery life. IBM Thinkpads used to be built like little battleships but I'm not sure whether they are as good now they are made by Lenovo.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Avoid Lenovo netbooks. Nasty glossy reflective screens and keyboards that wear out fast.

For the uses the OP wants well, if it were me, I'd just slap Ubuntu on the old laptop and give it a new lease of life.

 

[PpPete]

I have an Asus Seashell 1008HA for my travels. Lovely bit of kit in all respects. Was £299 when I got it last year, cheaper now.

 

[Amheirchion]

My tuppence worth.
Windows 7 is a nice bit of kit, and I do like it over XP from the small amount of time I've played with it. My Nan also likes 7 over XP, she was quite surprised how much she liked it after her battles with Vista.

Personally I'm an Asus boy, I've got a dismantled eeepc 701SD in the study (awaiting a new screen), and I'm currently using an eeepc 1005HA that I use for most of my work. I have heard good things about Samsung though, and nearly got one, the only reason I didn't was after reading that the wireless card might not play as nicely with Ubuntu, but that doesn't sound like a consideration for you.

For games, online games through flash sites work nicely with my netbook, and should with most modern systems, but I have no personal experience with other games which would have to be installed with an external CD/DVD drive.
I do know that my 1005HA does struggle to even load some games that I know my laptop (ancient) runs on low settings. So it really depends on what you are playing, your expectations, and what the newer netbooks are like with graphics.