Netbook Guide

The Best Netbook?

Want to know which netbook is the best on the market? Here’s the quick answer:

Top 3 Non ION Based Netbooks That We Recommend

Top 3 ION Based Netbooks That We Recommend

If you want to learn more about ION and non ION netbooks (i.e. the difference between them, and which is more suitable for you), then read the entire post.

Which netbook is the best fit for me?

This is a question that everyone should ask before purchasing a netbook. First lets see what are the available options. I like to categorize netbooks into 2 groups: ION based and non ION based.

ION Based Netbook

ION Base netbook is those that come with Nvidia ION, a GPU that’s paired with Intel’s Atom processor to provide a better multimedia experience on mini notebooks. It helps to offload the graphics computations onto a separate chipset (ION) so the weak netbook processor doesn’t have to carry the processing burden.

Characteristic of ion-based netbook:

• Most of them have a 12-inch display with 1366 x 768 resolution, and HDMI ports for outputting video to the big-screen.
• More expensive compared to non-Ion-based netbook, typically between $450 and $500 or more.
• Capable of gaming and HD video playback.
• Shorter battery life due to the discrete graphic card draining more power from the battery. For example the Asus Eee PC 1201N, one of the best performing ION based netbook, has only 3 hours of battery life. (The next generation ION 2 with Optimus technology will have much longer battery life with even better graphic performance. Netbooks with ION2 is not available on the market yet, but is expected to be released soon).
• Typical Ion based netbook comes with Intel Atom processor, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, Nvidia ION platform, and Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System.

Non ION Based Netbook

Non ION base netbooks are those with Intel integrated graphic chipset. They typically have 10-inch screen and extremely long battery life, but is incapable of playing high-definition video or any other computing task that require high processing power.

Characteristic of non Ion based netbook:

• Majority comes with 10-inch display and 1024 X 600 resolution.
• Cheaper than the ION based netbook, typically below $399 and gets as low as $299.
• Incapable of 3D gaming or HD video playback (Some netbooks in this category have built-in Broadcom Crystal HD Accelerator chipset, which enable them to play HD video smoothly. One example is the Asus Eee PC 1005PR)
• Extremely long battery life (7 hours and up) — Eee PC 1005PE have 10 hours of battery life which is the longest among netbooks.
• Typical non Ion based netbook comes with Intel Atom processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB/250GB HDD, Intel GMA3150 graphics, and Windows 7 Starter operating system.

Which one is better?

Depending on what you plan to do with your netbook, you should pick the category of netbook that can fulfill your need. If you plan to use your netbook to check email, surf the web, and do some document processing tasks on the go, you should go with the non Ion based netbook. Not only they are cheaper and have longer battery life, their smaller size enable you to conveniently carry them along when traveling.

If you plan to get a netbook as a replacement for your laptop, which you will be using for all sorts of computing and multimedia task such as watching movies and playing games, then you need an ION based netbook with 12-inch display.

Other Factors To Consider

After you have decided which category of netbook you are going to get, there are a few more factors to consider. Since most netbooks have almost the same specs, there won’t be much difference in terms of performance. Instead, you should be paying more attention to the following aspects of a netbook:

• Battery life – Standard netbook comes in either 3-cell or 6-cell battery. A 3-cell typically provides around 3 to 4 hours of battery life while the 6 cell can provide up to 10 hours of battery life (though it also depends on whether it’s an Ion or non-Ion based netbook). While a 6-cell battery will cost you more, it’s recommended for travellers since a single charge will last you a whole day of usage, and this is especially useful when you are travelling.
• Keyboard & touchpad design – This is important especially if you are planning to get a 10-inch netbook. Due to its small size, some manufacturers tend to shrink the size of the keyboard and touchpad, making them hard to be used. Netbooks that have the best keyboard and touchpad design are the Toshiba Mini NB305 which really make good use of the available space, and provide a spacious keyboard and touchpad. Rule of thumb – the larger the keyboard and touchpad are, the better.
• Screen Type (glossy vs matte) – Most netbook has glossy screen which makes it difficult to see when you are under the sunlight or in a very bright room due to reflection. A matte display do not have this issue. On the other hand, glossy screen has a higher contrast and brightness because they have a smooth, high-gloss surface; while matte screen have less contrast and brightness. Think about where and how you are going to use your netbook. Glossy will work great for you if the lighting in your room doesn’t create any glare on the screen.

If you are not sure of the screen type and battery life for a netbook model, use our netbook comparison tool to find out!

Top 3 Non ION Based Netbook To Consider

1. Asus Eee PC 1005PE

The Asus Eee PC 1005PE has the longest battery among all netbooks. Keyboard and touchpad is also well-designed. ( Product Details | Customer Reviews )

2. Toshiba Mini NB305

The design of Toshiba NB305 is one of the best among all netbooks. It has a large touchpad, a spacious metal keyboard, and a textured lid that helps to keep fingerprint and smudges away. 8.5 hours of battery life is also one of the best in industry. ( Product Details | Customer Reviews )

3. Asus Eee PC 1001P

The Asus Eee PC 1001P provides the best value for the money. At $299, not only is it cheaper than many other netbooks out there, but it also have a long battery life, and great external design. ( Product Details | Customer Reviews )

(for more non ION based netbook recommendation, see the Top 10 Netbooks section)

Top 3 ION Based Netbook To Consider

1. Asus Eee PC 1201N

The Asus Eee PC 1201N is the only netbook that comes with Intel dual core Atom processor and Nvidia ION platform. It’s said to be the most powerful netbook to date. The only drawback is the short battery life — around 3 to 4 hours of battery life. ( Product Details | Customer Reviews )

2. Lenovo Ideapad S12

Similar to the Eee PC 1201N, this Ion-powered netbook features good graphics performance and a great keyboard, but only around 3 to 4 hours of battery life. ( Product Details )

3. HP Mini 311

The HP Mini 311 is the first ION based netbook to hit the market. Different from the other 2 ION based netbooks that we recommended, the HP Mini 311 has a smaller 11.6-inch display. Graphic performance is similarly good as the previous 2 ION netbooks. ( Product Details | Customer Reviews )