Best Netbook Review

Netbook Deals Of The Week (30 Aug, 2010)

Michael — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:09:21 +0000

To help our readers finding the best netbook deals online, we scout the Internet and release a post with all the best deals we find online every week.

Here’s the netbook deals highlight for the week of August 30, 2010.

1. Toshiba Mini NB255-N245 ($266.48)

Quick specs: Intel N455 Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 10.1-inch display, up to 8.3 hours battery life, Windows 7 Starter (full specs)

Rating: 4 out of 5 >> Read customer reviews

2. Acer Aspire One 532h-2588 ($279.99)

Quick specs: Intel N450 Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 10.1-inch display, up to 8 hours battery life, Windows 7 Starter (full specs)

Rating: 4 out of 5 >> Read customer reviews

3. Acer Aspire One 533-13083 ($286.89)

Quick specs: Intel N455 Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 250GB HDD, 10.1-inch display, up to 8 hours battery life, Windows 7 Starter (full specs)

Rating: 4 out of 5 >> Read customer reviews

4. Gateway LT2320u ($280.66)

Quick specs: Intel N450 Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 10.1-inch display, up to 8 hours battery life, Windows 7 Starter (full specs)

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 >> Read customer reviews

5. Disney Netpal by Asus ($249.00)

Quick specs: Intel N270 Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 8.9-inch display, up to 5 hours battery life, Windows XP Home (full specs)

Rating: 4 out of 5 >> Read customer reviews

Samsung Launches NF Series Netbooks

Michael — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:15:50 +0000

Samsung announces a new series of netbooks called the NF series. There are a 3 models announced under the NF seres: NF110, NF210, and NF310.

Netbooknews.com has a hands-on video for each of the new netbook models:

1. Samsung NF310

The Samsung NF310 is the highest end among all 3 models. It comes with a 10.1-inch 1366 x 768 high-definition matte display, an option of the dual core N550 or single core N455 CPU, up to 2GB DDR3 RAM, 250GB HDD, and 11 hours of battery life (48Wh). It’s expected to be released on October in the US for $399.

2. Samsung NF210

The Samsung NF210 is slightly lower-end with a standard definition display (1024 x 600), and lower quality build material. It has however got a larger capacity battery (66Wh) which promises up to 14.5 hours of battery life. Specs wise, it’s equipped with a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 matte display, an option of the dual core N550 or single core N455 CPU, up to 2GB DDR3 RAM, and 250GB HDD. The NF210 is expected to be released in the US on October for $379.

3. Samsung NF110

This is the most affordable and of course the lowest-end model among the three. It comes with a 10-inch display, an Intel Atom N475 processor, up to 2GB DDR3 RAM, 250GB HDD, and Windows 7 Starter.

Source: Netbooknews.com

Acer Aspire One Happy

Michael — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:33:51 +0000

Macles just revealed another new Aspire One netbook model.. it’s called the Aspire One Happy.. but in fact it’s just an Aspire One D255 (an upcoming model with dual core Atom N550 CPU) with a white chassis and keyboard in combination with a few available bright colors. Here are some pictures of the new design:

Netbook + Internet Stick = Get Connected Anywhere!

Michael — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:15:18 +0000

It’s amazing what you can do with a netbook and Internet stick. Check out the video below by netbooknews.com:

Asus Eee PC 1215N Released And Reviewed

Michael — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:57:52 +0000

The Asus Eee PC 1215 is finally released in the US. It’s currently on sale for $499 at Amazon and comes with the following specs:

Intel Dual Core Atom D525 (1.8GHz)
Nvidia ION 2 graphics with 512mb dedicated video memory
12.1″ WXGA (1366×768) LED screen
2GB DDR3 RAM (2x1GB), 4GB Max
250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System (32 Bit)
HDMI out
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
10/100 LAN
0.3MP Webcam

Several reviews have been published as well for this 12-inch netbook. Overall the 1215N is said to be the best performing Atom-based netbook on the market, thanks to its dual core Atom D525 processor and Nvidia ION 2 graphics. Battery life is around 5 hours and 40 minutes from Laptop Magazine’s battery test (continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi). 3D games at native resolution and low details are quite playable. WoW yields 45 FPS and Left 4 Dead 2 gives low 20 FPS.

Check out full review from these websites: LaptopMag, Notebookreview, CNET, Engadget

Dual Core Atom N550 Powered Netbook Showing Up

Michael — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:16:58 +0000

The next batch of netbooks featuring the new dual core Intel Atom N550 processor starts to show up. The new processor promises better performance for multimedia tasks such as gaming and videos playback. Below are the few upcoming netbook models that will be equipped with the new N550 processor:

1. Acer Aspire One D255

This model of netbook from Acer was sported earlier on a US retailer site HSN.com, but the product page was then taken down. Besides the 1.5GHz Atom N550 with GMA 3150 graphics, the 10.1-inch Aspire One D255 will come with 1GB DDR3 RAM, a 250GB hard drive, a 6-cell battery that lasts “up to 8 hours”, and Windows 7 Starter OS.

2. Asus Eee PC 1015PEM

The ASUS Eee PC 1015PEM is similar to the 1015PE, only to feature a more powerful Atom D550 CPU. Other specs includes: 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 screen, 1GB DDR3 RAM, 250GB HDD, and GMA 3150 graphics. The Eee PC 1015PEM will be available in black, red, pink, and white.

3. Asus Eee PC 1015PN

This model from Asus is similar to the 1015PEM we mentioned just now but will feature the Nvidia ION 2 graphics instead of the GMA 3150. It’s expected to be made available in the US on September.

Source: Engadget, Netbook News

Netbook Deals Of The Week (23 Aug, 2010)

Michael — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:41:14 +0000

To help our readers finding the best netbook deals online, we scout the Internet and release a post with all the best deals we find online every week.

Here’s the netbook deals highlight for the week of August 23, 2010.

1. Asus Eee PC 1005PE-MU27 ($294.99)

Amazon is offering the Asus Eee PC 1005PE-MU27 with Kindle pre-installed for only $294.99. Available color including black, white, blue, and pink.

Quick specs: Intel N450 Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 250GB HDD, 10.1-inch display, up to 11 hours battery life, Windows 7 Starter (full specs)

Rating: 4 out of 5 >> Read customer reviews

2. Acer Aspire One 532h-2588 ($279.45)

Quick specs: Intel N450 Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 10.1-inch display, up to 8 hours battery life, Windows 7 Starter (full specs)

Rating: 4 out of 5 >> Read customer reviews

3. Samsung N150 ($279.99)

Quick specs: Intel N450 Atom Processor, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, 10.1-inch display, up to 7 hours battery life, Windows 7 Starter (full specs)

Rating: 4 out of 5 >> Read customer reviews

4. Asus Eee PC 1201PN-PU17-BK ($438.57)

Quick specs: Intel N450 Atom Processor, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD, 12-inch display, up to 6 hours battery life, Windows 7 Home Premium (full specs)

Rating: 4 out of 5 >> Read customer reviews

ASUS Eee PC 1015PED-PU17

Michael — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:55:56 +0000

The Eee PC 1015PED is the latest 10-inch model from Asus to replace the 1005PE. Compared to its predecessor, the Eee PC 1015PED has better specs, more stylish design, and similarly long battery life (up to 13 hours according to Asus).

While it’s not the most powerful netbook in the market, the Eee PC 1015PED is definitely one of the best rounded netbook that’s worth looking into. Unless you want a netbook for playing high-def movie (check out Aspire One 521 if you want a HD capable netbook), the 1015PED has almost everything you need for a netbook: long battery life, decent performance, ergonomic keyboard and touchpad, matte display that solve reflection problem, and stylish design.

Specification

Intel Atom N475 (1.83GHz)
1GB DDR3 RAM, 1 SODIMM Slot, 2GB Max
Intel GMA 3150 graphics
250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) + 500GB Free Web Storage
0.3MP Webcam
10.1-Inch 1024X600 WSVGA Matte Finish LED Display
802.11 b/g/n; Bluetooth 3.0
Chiclet Keyboard
6 cell battery for up to 13 Hours of Battery Life
Windows 7 Starter Operating System (32 bit)

Overall rating and customer reviews

Natural Beauty â�� Mobility has Evolved The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1015PED-PU Seashell shines as the ideal netbook for the traveler looking for outstanding wireless connectivity and efficient on-the-go performance. Thanks to the exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, you can take this mobile phenom wherever you choose and enjoy up to an incredible 13 hours of unplugged freedom.1 The Eee PC 1015PED-PU is encased in a smooth matte-finished shell that captivates onlookers and features the Intel Atom N475 processor for efficient performance for your everyday tasks. Plus, it boasts outstanding comfort with a chiclet keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, and convenient hot keys â�� granting you quick access to Express Gate, the mini-operating system, and control of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine that instantly optimizes system performance for the task at hand. Throw in a generous 250GB hard drive with 500GB of ASUS WebStorage2 and you get the ability to store, share, and access your important data anytime, anywhere. Key Features Matte finish cover for stylish and smudge-resistant protection (Learn more) Up to 13 hours of battery life1 for all-day, unplugged freedom (Learn more) ASUS Super Hybrid Engine boosts performance and saves battery life (Learn more) Chiclet keyboard and large, multi-touch trackpad for comfortable, intuitive navigation (Learn more) High-speed wireless N and Bluetooth v3.0 for fast Web surfing and enhanced Bluetooth peripheral connectivity (Learn more) ASUS WebStorage2 to easily backup and share your data anywhere you have Internet access (Learn more) 0.3 mp webcam with security lens adds additional protection (Learn more) Express Gate starts up in seconds for quick access to the Internet, music, games, and more Learn More Get up to an Amazing 13 Hours of Battery Life View larger Only ASUS has the innovative ASUS Super Hybrid Engine that gives you ultimate control of your Eee PC 1015PED-PU. With a hot key above the keyboard, you can instantly command the processor to run faster for higher performance or reduce speed to increase battery life. Combining a power-saving display and energy-efficient Intel Atom processor, experience up to 13 hours of battery life.1 Never again will you scramble to find an outlet or wish you had brought a wall charger, the Eee PC 1015PED-PU gives you a reassured peace of mind with mobile power to last nearly all day long. Enhanced Connectivity View larger The Eee PC 1015PED-PU Seashell connects you to your wireless world faster. With up to 160 times faster transfer speeds3 compared to Bluetooth v2.1, the refined capabilities of Bluetooth v3.0 let you transfer data wirelessly to smart phones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices faster. Operating in the 6-9 GHz range rather than the current 2.4 GHz range, it also prevents interference from wireless networks and other devices that use the 2.4 GHz range to keep you connected without interruption. Plus, high-speed wireless N connectivity delivers snappy Web-surfing speeds and faster downloading. As a further convenience, a Plug-and-Play 3-in-1 Flash Card slot (MMC/SD/SDHC) expands your storage capability so you can view and share your digital photos, videos, and external data files instantly. The Eee PC 1015PED-PU also features a 0.3 mp webcam with security lens to give you added protection when not in use. Efficient Display. Robust Protection. View larger The Eee PC 1015PED-PU features an LED-backlit display for ultra-bright yet energy-efficient visual clarity. With its 1024 x 600 resolution, you can coast through most of your favorite Web pages without having to resize your browser or scroll left and right. And with the matte-finish cover you get smooth, smudge-proof protection to withstand your on-the-go lifestyle. Markedly Comfortable. Perfectly Concise. View larger The Eee PC 1015PED-PU Seashell comes with a 92-percent full-sized chiclet keyboard with a spacious palm rest thatâ��s ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue and offer a more comfortable experience during prolonged use. It also features a user-friendly multi-touch trackpad that helps you navigate documents and web pages. With a simple touch of your fingertips, you can effortlessly scroll up and down, and zoom in and out, so that every detail is brought front and center with ease. Even More Storage View larger The Eee PC 1015PED-PU hard drive has been expanded to give you 250GB of storage capacity and comes with an additional 500GB of ASUS WebStorage,2 a free and secure database to store your treasured data. ASUS WebStorage allows you to easily share and safeguard your movies, music, and files, so you can access them anywhere that has an online connection. Quick Recovery with Just One Key View larger The Eee PC 1015PED-PU makes system reinstallation simple with a built-in recovery program that can restore your system to its original factory settings by simply pressing F9 three times during start-up. Coupled with ASUS WebStorage, you can easily back-up your data prior to system recovery to pick up wherever you leave off without a hitch. Eee PC with Windows 7 â�� Life Made Easier Explore the great new features of Windows 7 Starter with the Eee PC 1015PED-PU. Featuring optimized energy-saving features and easy-to-use shortcuts, the Windows operating system is redesigned to give you an enhanced user experience making your everyday tasks simpler than ever before. Plus, Windows 7 has easy networking sharing that helps connect you instantly to Wi-Fi hotspots and networking hubs. Share more with friends and surf the Web better with Windows 7 and the Eee PC 1015PED-PU. Windows 7 Starter makes Eee PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do â�� less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. Customer Warranty â��The Industry's Most Complete Netbook Care Package 1 Year Global Warranty 6 Months Battery Warranty 30-Day Flawless Display Guarantee: If you discover one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel at no cost. Free one-way standard shipping 24/7 technical support What's in the Box Eee PC 1015PED-PU Seashell Travel Sleeve Power Adapter User Manual Warranty Card Recovery DVD / Support CD Specifications Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Starter Display: 10.1-inch LED-Backlit display (1024 x 600) Intel CPU: Intel Atom N475 processor (1.83 GHz) Chipset: Intel GMA 3150 WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz) & Bluetooth V3.0 LAN: 10/100 Mbps/ RJ-45 Memory: 1GB DDR3, 1 x SODIMM (up to 2GB) Hybrid Storage: 250GB hard drive + 500GB ASUS WebStorage2 Camera: 0.3 megapixels Audio: Stereo Speakers Card Reader: 3-in-1 (MMC, SD, SDHC) Input / Output: 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15 pin) , 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 1 x headphone, 1 x mic Battery: 6 cell battery (up to 10 hours1) Dimensions: 10.31 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 0.93 ~ 1.43 (H) inches Weight: 2.76 lbs (with battery) Color: Black, Blue, Red, White Â© 2010 ASUS Computer International. All Rights Reserved. ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer. All specifications are subject to change without notice and features are only in select models. Products may not be available in all markets. Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies. 1 Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. For more information, please visit http://event.asus.com/eeepc/battery/index.htm. The estimated maximum battery life in Windows 7 is measured with MobileMark 2007. 2 ASUS WebStorage is a complimentary trial service for 1 year after registration. Actual storage capacity varies by model. 3 Bluetooth v3.0 transfers files at roughly 480 megabits (60 Megabytes) per second in close proximity, and 100 megabits (12.5 Megabytes) per second at 10 meters. Actual results may vary depending on usage scenarios.

Asus Eee PC 1015PED Review

Michael — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:28:04 +0000

Asus Eee PC 1015PED Overview

As a new model to replace the Eee PC 1005PE, Asus has made a few improvement on the Eee PC 1015PED, which includes:

Processor: Upgrade from the 1.66GHz Intel N450 Atom Processor to 1.83GHz Atom N475
RAM: From DDR2 to DDR3
Design: Seek aluminum cases that just look nicer than most earlier Asus netbooks

At MSRP of $379.99, the Asus Eee PC 1015PED comes with the following specs:

Intel Atom N475 (1.83GHz)
1GB DDR3 RAM, 1 SODIMM Slot, 2GB Max
Intel GMA 3150 graphics
250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) + 500GB Free Web Storage
0.3MP Webcam
10.1-Inch 1024X600 WSVGA Matte Finish LED Display
802.11 b/g/n; Bluetooth 3.0; Chiclet Keyboard
6 cell battery for up to 13 Hours of Battery Life
Windows 7 Starter Operating System (32 bit)
Available colors: Black, Red, White, Blue

Review Summary

Design
The Asus Eee PC 1015PED is one of the most attractive netbooks in terms of appearance. While the chassis design and size are quite similar to the Eee PC 1005PE, it has a soft-to-the-touch aluminum lid that makes it looks more stylish than its predecessor. It’s 1.4″ at it’s thickest point, and weight 2.8 pounds.

The chiclet style keyboard of the Eee PC 1015PED is pretty much the same as its predecessor, the 1005PE. It has a small right shift key which some people might not like, but overall still gives pretty good typing experience. The soft aluminum-coated touchpad is flush with the palmrest and only set off with two silver lines. It’s large enough to be used comfortably with multitouch gestures.

Another design change that’s worth mentioning is that the 1015PED comes with a matte instead of glossy display. This means that you don’t have to worry about reflection anymore when using this netbook outdoor or under bright surrounding.

Performance And Graphics
Performance and graphics are the same as most of the Atom-based, 10-inch netbooks out there. You will not have problem performing tasks like web surfing, chatting through skype, and streaming Hulu/YouTube videos in standard definition, but it certainly cannot handle high-def video playback. If you want a 10-inch netbook that’s capable of playing HD video, go for the AMD-powered Acer Aspire One 521.

Battery Life
Just like its predecessor, the Asus Eee PC 1015PED is one of the 10-inch model with the strongest battery life on the market. There are 2 models of Eee PC 1015PED available — one is the 1015PED-MU17 which comes with 44Whr 6-cell battery; the other one is the 1015PED-PU17 with 63Whr 6-cell battery.

The 1015PED-MU17 last for 5 hours under continuous looping of the same standard-def video at 65 percent brightness; while for the 1015PED-PU17, you can expect around 8 hours.

Conclusion
The Asus Eee PC 1015PED better looking and slightly more powerful than its predecessor, 1005PE. If you are looking for a stylish, long battery life netbook for daily computing tasks (e.g. surfing the web, checking email, and watching standard-def video), the Eee PC 1015PED is definitely one of your best choice. But if you are looking for a more powerful netbook and battery life and appearance are not important to you, then you should check out the Acer Aspire One 521.

Unboxing Video

Android Based Acer Aspire One D255 Hands On

Michael — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:44:22 +0000

Sascha from netbooknews.com got his hands on the Android-based Acer Aspire One D255. Check out his hands-on video review below:

This model of netbook is currently available only in Taiwan.