Showing posts with label intel atom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label intel atom. Show all posts

5/15/2012

Lenovo Ideapad S10 10.2-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home) White Review

Lenovo Ideapad S10 10.2-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home) White
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I originally bought the tiny Asus eee PC for a good friend, basically as an "upgraded thumb drive with a screen" capable of web browsing. Needless to say, with Linux, a 4 gb "drive..." wi-fi, web cam and not much else, it was pretty sad and limited - but at the same time, it clearly showed some potential. But let me be perfectly clear: DON'T buy one of these.... It's basically a quirky toy. I can't tell you about the newer models.
I decided to pick up an Acer Aspire One for myself and overall, I was extremely pleased. With the familiar XP interface and a 160gb drive, a noticeably better web cam and far better performance via the extra 512 memory even running XP. It felt substantial, the monitor was gorgeous, keyboard far better than the baby Asus, battery life was good - but not great. The only rub came when it was time to upgrade the memory. The Aspire One came with one gb on board with the potential to add only an additional 512 memory chip. Still, every bit helps on the small netbooks.
And there's when you find the nightmare. The Aspire One is an absolute NIGHTMARE to upgrade memory OR replace a hard drive. It involves removing the keyboard, the mainboard, numerous levels of wires, screws and connectors. There are "how to videos" on YouTube - but they are not for the faint of heart.
While I could have gone on being generally happy with the Acer, I was really disappointed in the absolutely and uncharacteristically WRONGHEADEDNESS (for Acer especially) of this consumer unfriendly design flaw - especially since there is an easy access door on the bottom that only leads to an empty compartment for a possible future LAN card upgrade which many, if not most, users will never use. Then there was a growing amount of consumer complaints concerning overheating, thermal shutdowns, defective fans and more. Two more of my friends has bought Aspires after seeing and playing with my machine and one friend nearly immediately had thermal problems. Not a good average.
The final "temptation" to switch came when Lenovo managed to release it's S10 model with the 10.2 inch screen earlier than expected. Among the most prominent kudos in almost every review was the absolute EASE OF CONSUMER UPGRADE. One panel on the bottom accesses BOTH your *hard drive and memory slot. You can upgrade *either or both easily in under five minutes. I had the extra half gig in and running with virtually no effort nor silliness and the little extra punch made the already speedy little machine feel even quicker. Definitely worth the time and small price.
The unit feels light but sturdy, much like the Aspire. The monitor is simply spectacular! Bright and crisp!
*Note: Among Lenovo's more interesting features is a "one button restore" feature which enables the user to restore the hard drive back to the original factory computer configuration with all original programs and drivers intact and ready to go should something turn the drive into an unrecoverable basket case. (Of course this is why God invented ACRONIS TRUE IMAGE and made it so easy to use...)
BE WARNED: IF YOU PHYSICALLY REPLACE YOUR EXISTING HARD DRIVE, LENOVO'S MANUAL SAYS THAT THE ONE BUTTON RESTORE FEATURE WILL NO LONGER WORK. So far, I have not been able to get a clear answer as to whether another drive cloned with Acronis WILL work or not as the restore function seems to depend on files already stored on the original drive and not some physical recognition scheme. I can't help but believe that a clone, even one of a different sized hard drive SHOULD be recognized, but I'm not going to risk the restore feature just to experiment right now. I'll just save an identical sized clone drive for down the road.
Strangely - VERY strangely - probably the biggest reason I switched came from the difference in the 10.2 in screen. I'm a newspaper reporter and I frequently have to do photos and graphics modifications on site. You will be absolutely amazed in the jump from 8.9" to 10.2". ESPECIALLY when you are doing something that you have ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS DOING on a netbook... RE: Graphics mods and retouching.
The Keyboard is just about as close to a full sized notebook as you'll come. It's more comfortable and responsive than the Acer which is not bad in it's own right.
So all in all, it's really close. I've had great luck with Acer products over the years, but this time the LENOVO S10 just had a "LITTLE" too much of an extra edge to ignore.
BTW, regardless of which netbook anyone finally decides on, I should share that I was able to find one of the new Total Micro Technologies flat Power Station batteries ([...]) and these things are nothing short of AMAZING! They generally run over $400 each but I was able to find a gentleman who overstocked for a major project and bought two brand new for $99 each. Long story short: They will power the LENOVO with FULL POWER, NORMAL TO HIGH VOLUME, FULL SCREEN BRIGHTNESS, EXTERNAL USB DRIVE AND DVD for WELL OVER SEVEN CONTINUOUS HOURS. Prowl around Amazon and Ebay. You might get lucky!
Hope this helps! Do remember to check out the ACER, ASUS and LENOVO USER FORUMS - especially under TROUBLESHOOTING and KNOWN ISSUES before you take the final plunge. Good luck!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lenovo Ideapad S10 10.2-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home) White

Lenovo Ideapad S10: 10.2"/Atom-N270/1G/160G/XP/10.2"/White

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4/20/2012

Acer Computer AOA110-1722 Aspire One 8.9-Inch Notebook PC Review

Acer Computer AOA110-1722 Aspire One 8.9-Inch Notebook PC
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UPDATE 08/29/2008: Received my new Acer Aspire One today. Wow, one day shipping from J&R rocks! The blue AAO with Win XP looks just like the Linux version: there is the SD "Storage Expansion" slot on the left side and a multi-format card reader on the right, 3 USB ports, etc. It boots up pretty fast and runs the so familiar WIN XP OS. I liked the Linux graphics, but to be honest, as a Windows user, I felt lost. So far, I haven't had any problems with the wireless (knock on wood) that I have experienced when I used the Linux version. Yes, you can hear the fan, as some of the reviewers have mentioned, BUT, it is not nearly as annoying as they claim. I can live with that. The Hard Drive is listed as 120GB, however, it shows up as 105 GB. The windows XP version comes with a 60-day trial of MS Office 2007 and McAfee Security Suite. Curiously, it also comes with InterVideo WinDVD, although, as you are aware, there is no DVD drive. Other programs included are: MS Works, Adober Reader 8, IE, MSN, Windows Media Player, Windows Messenger, Windows Movie Maker, Acer eRecovery Manager. I installed Firefox without a glitch. So far, I am very pleased with the laptop. It's not a $2,000 Sony or Mac, but it's a great value. It does what it is supposed to do. I am glad I returned the Linux and ordered the Windows. It works better for my needs.
UPDATE 8/28/2008: So, Amazon dropped the price on Acer Aspire One with Linux OS. However, the Win XP version continues to be overpriced compared to other online retailers. I've decided to order the blue Win XP machine directly from J&R for $369.99 and will get an additional 15% off via Live Search Cashback (total price after cashback excluding shipping: $314.41). I decided to go back to the familiar XP configuration simply because I believe that learning Linux will involve too much effort to justify the cost. In addition, the Linux version of Acer Aspire One appears to have more wireless bugs than Windows. We'll see how the Win XP netbook performs.
UPDATE 8/25/2008. So far I haven't seen any price reductions by online retailers. I think they are waiting to purge their inventory. Best Buy, however, does have the blue Acer Aspire One with 1gb Ram, 120 gb HD and Win XP Home for $349.99. So far they are the first ones to jump on the Acer price drop bandwagon.
UPDATE 8/20/08. Acer just (4 hrs ago) made the announcement on Market Watch that it will slash the prices for Acer Aspire One to $349 for Win XP and $329 for Linux. I miss my Acer One and will order one again as soon as retailers update their prices. I thought it was a great deal for $379 but for $50 less it's an absolute bargain. I do hope that I won't have anymore wireless problems with this one.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: I had purchased this laptop from J&R in blue with Linux and it was in my hands the very next day. I really liked Acer Aspire One from the moment I pulled it out of the box. It's very compact, light, elegant, boots in no time (20 sec). I am a first-time Linux user and was actually pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to use. I followed the instructions from one of the Amazon reviews here to unlock the full OS and was able to add Skype (Fedora version) without a problem. OpenOffice is very straightforward and easy to use, email setup was a breeze. I plugged it into my cable modem and loved the very fast web page loading times. All in all, it's a great little laptop alternative, the screen is easy to read, the keyboard size is adequate for error-free typing, the trackpad took some getting used to but it was fine within a couple of hours.
Now to the negatives:
-the surface is very prone to fingerprint smudges
-the screen is very glossy and reflective, but the brightness compensated for the fact that I could always see my reflection on the screen
-the left and right mouse buttons are oddly positioned on either side of the keyboard, so that takes some getting used to
-now last but not least - wireless connectivity problems. I've had the Acer Aspire One for over a week and have tried every single approach out there to get the wireless connection on it. the wireless networks would show up on the connection manager, but when I would attempt to connect to a particular network I would get an error message saying connection was terminated. One of the networks I tried to connect to was my own home wireless network which successfully worked for all of my other laptops. I tried the WEP protocol - no success, I changed the router settings to WPA - tried to connect - no success, I changed it to the open network - no success although I am sure my neighbors appreciated the open net access they could steal from me in the interim. I've searched the web for a solution and found out that this wireless problem seems to be an issue for a number of Acer Aspire One users out there. Some were able to fix it by running Live Update on a wired connection (I did it, but it didn't fix the problem), some played with sleep modes, reboots, etc. None of that worked for me. I tried to look up this issue on the Acer website, but their customer support is not very user friendly. So, I gave up, called customer service for an RMA# and am returning the Acer Aspire One today. I wish it had worked as I liked it so much, but it's no use to me without wireless connections and I believe that if I purchase a brand new item, it has to be fully operational straight out of the box. So, goodbye my dear sapphire blue Acer Aspire One, you will be missed, I hope your maker solves the wireless problem and I will buy you again when that happens. I would recommend this product without reservation if only the wireless problem is resolved.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Computer AOA110-1722 Aspire One 8.9-Inch Notebook PC

Weighing in at just over 2 pounds, the Aspire one mobile Internet device is the ideal traveling companion that lets you take the Internet on the road without the heavy load. Good things come in small packages, just like the Acer Aspire one mobile Internet device providing ultra-portable performance to enjoy full Internet browsing, communicate with friends and family and enjoy a variety of entertainment in a small portable design that keeps you connected on-the-go. The Intel Atom Processor combines performance, power and efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while on the go. Enjoy reliable on-line access with 802.11b/g Wireless to explore the Internet and view photos or video clips and listen to music in a comfortable browsing environment on the Acer CrystalBrite display. Linpus Linux Lite lets you surf the Internet, edit documents and photos, read email, and enjoy the webcam to chat online with or take still photos smoothly and reliably right out-of-the-box at a great price. Whether you are a first time user or just want a second computing device to easily check e-mail and surf the Internet, the Aspire one was designed for simplicity with a intuitive desktop design, widescreen display and easy-typing keyboard.8.9diagonal WSVGA (1024 x 600) CrystalBrite TFT LCD DisplayIntegrated 0.3 Crystal Eye Webcam Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Built-in Stereo Speakers Acer InviLink 802.11b/g Wireless 10/100 Ethernet LAN Multi-in-1 Card Reader SD, MMC, RS-MMC, MS, MS Pro, xD 3 x USB 2.0, Headphone/Speaker/Line-Out, Microphone-in, VGA, RJ-45 (LAN) Approximate Unit Dimensions -9.8(W) x 6.7(D) x 1.14(H) Approximate Unit Weight -2.19 Pounds

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ASUS Eee Box EB1012-B0257 Nettop PC - Black Review

ASUS Eee Box EB1012-B0257 Nettop PC - Black
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I bought this last December and use it to surf the internet on our family room TV. It works pretty well. I do not feel that it is underpowered for my needs (browsing, YouTube, watching local videos on my computer, viewing JPEG pictures, etc). I sold my Western Digital TV Live after I bought the EeeBox EB1012.
I put the computer horizontally in my TV console (because it would not fit standing upright with the stand) even though the manual says not to do so. I don't know why the manual shows not to do this... maybe due to lack of ventilation when it is on its side (as another reviewer pointed out)? To help improve air flow I put this on top of 4 "rubber feet". I don't use this much so hopefully the subpar ventilation in my setup won't be a problem.
One complaint I have is the lack of control over the display resolution. I have a problem with "HDMI overscan" where the image is too big for the TV. I have to reduce the resolution from 1920x1080 to the next smaller one which does not totally fit the TV screen. The pre-installed driver had a scale adjustment so I was able to reduce the resolution so it fit my TV perfectly. After running Microsoft update that feature does not work well anymore. There is still an option to scale the desktop but when I click on it another box comes up but only 25% of it is visible -- making it useless as I cannot see all of the controls.
Also, while this comes with 2GB of RAM and supports up to 4GB it isn't easy to add memory yourself. The case is not easy to open and if you break it your warranty might be voided. According to an Asus representative one has to have an authorized service center do it. That's kinda silly to pay so much (shipping + service fee + likely-to-be-inflated RAM price) to upgrade this computer.
I don't use the WiFi since I use a Linksys powerline adapter for faster data rates and a more reliable connection.
I find the ASUS support to be inferior to US companies such as Dell, HP, etc. Their website isn't very helpful, IMHO.
Overall I'm still happy because it fits my needs.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee Box EB1012-B0257 Nettop PC - Black

The EeeBox PC EB1012 is the perfect solution to your daily work and entertainment needs. It gives you an energy efficient computing platform for tasks like viewing media files, surfing the internet and other applications. The EB1012 is powered by the Intel Atom 330 dual core processor, which is built specifically for PCs like the EB1012. And with the accompanying NVIDIA ION graphics processor, the EB1012 treats you to an impressive multimedia performance with a low power consumption of just 40W. Don't let its size fool you, but within the confines of the EeeBox PC EB1012's slim form factor hides a high definition home entertainment center. The EB1012 comes with HDMI connectivity to provide high definition video playback; delivering crisp and clear images to your HDTV or LCD monitor. That visual drama is further complemented by an audio jack with S/PDIF 5.1 channel support that gives you an unparalleled audio experience. Lastly the EeeBox PC EB1012 is designed for convenient connectivity, and comes with a multitude of I/O ports to cater to an assortment of devices.The EB1012 comes with a 1 year parts and labor warranty.It comes with keyboard/mouse/vga port.

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4/11/2012

ASUS Eee PC 1002HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, XP Home) Brushed Aluminized Review

ASUS Eee PC 1002HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, XP Home) Brushed Aluminized
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Fantastic aesthetics; the aluminum construction makes everything else out there look cheap. I have tried most every netbook, I mean literally have purchased them and tried them and this is the one that I carry. I also own the Eee 1000H, which does have a slightly brighter screen, but I gave it to my wife...
The Elantech trackpad is of a multi-touch/multi-gesture design and it just plain works. The mouse button is a single rocker design with short travel and a definite but light click and it oozes quality.
The BIOS includes a "boot booster" function (tied to a itty-bitty hdd partition), which helps the computer to boot significantly faster than any other brand out there (all new ASUS models appear to have this).
The keyboard is large enough to make touch-typing easy and for me the weird right shift button placement is not an issue as I am a left shift person (it is proportional to the rest of the keyboard).
The palm-rest is just big enough to allow most people to actually rest their hands on it when typing, which is much more comfortable than the half-on / half-off method necessary for most netbooks (although the Eee 1000H is even more comfortable).
Battery life is about 3 to 3.25 hours. Not class leading for sure (Samsung wins here) BUT the battery fits flush to the bottom of the computer which keeps the ENTIRE computer nice and thin. Once you look at a couple of netbooks, you'll see why the big barrel shaped batteries they use generally ruin otherwise beautiful aesthetics.
Some people will not like the power cord, SD slot, monitor out, kensington lock slot and ethernet port being on the back as opposed to the sides, but I love it because everything is out of the way (esp if you choose to use an external mouse).
Speakers are very good, but the Eee 900HA and the Eee1000H (Dolby) are better. I use earphones though, so its a non-issue.
Haven't tried the webcam so I can't offer much except to say its there.
The bloatware is within reason and is easily removed. The recovery DVD includes a bootable Norton Ghost recovery image and also includes the individual drivers, which are accessible from windows (if you have an external DVD drive).
I swapped the 160GB 5400RPM Seagate drive for an 80GB Intel X25M SSD drive and i just couldn't be happier. It boots from power switch to ready to use in 40-45 seconds (fully software equipped), runs Office 2007, plays movies stutter free and surfs the Internet all without complaint or issue. I would not recommend to anyone to spend the $500-600 for the Intel SSD drive though. It is faster, but NOT that much faster and the machine felt plenty peppy before.
The charger is of the two cords and a brick design (like everybody else). Fortunately, you can hit the very popular auction site out there and purchase a new ASUS branded wall charger for an Eee 900 (the original 900), which has the exact same specs as the one that comes with this and saves probably 1/2 the space. All for $20-25.
Anyway, I highly recommend this model, it is the best out there right now. Below are my experiences with other models in its class.
The Samsung NC-10 is ok, but nothing special and certainly not (IMO) worth the extensive press it has gotten. It is not user friendly from an upgrade standpoint (i.e. no bottom access to the hdd) and the chrome trim detracts from an otherwise classy finish (I tried the blue model). The recovery software consists of discs, which, DO NOT restore it to its factory configuration. Battery life is crazy long (5 to 6 hours)
The MSI wind is perhaps the PERFECT size, but its horrible construction leaves me bewildered as to why it is so popular. The hinges are so weak that the screen literally shakes as you type. I googled for answers and found that it is a common problem for these machines. I packed mine up after 5 minutes and sent it back. I can't imagine trying to watch a movie on it while bouncing around on an airplane.
The ASUS Eee 900HA is a great machine and even better for my frequent travel than this one (its quite a bit more compact), but the 8.9" screen makes for lots of vertical and horizontal scrolling and the keys are just too small. It is beautiful though and the size vs. features vs. price absolutely beats everything else out there (the 1002HA included). But only if you can live with the small screen and keyboard.
The HP mini 1000 is fantastic in every way, but its storage is too limited when you opt for the built in flash memory and its WAY too slow when you opt for the 4200 rpm 60GB drive. Worse is the fact that they used a legacy PATA (ZIF) connection on the hard drive, which rules out the use of the ultra fast Intel X18M SSD hdd. Very poor thinking on the part of HP. This one could have been the best out there.
The Lenovo S10 is very business like and is built very well. I eagerly anticipated this. It is marred ONLY by its ridiculously loud CPU fan. On top of the fan noise, the computer constantly "throttles" the fan making it sound as if the computer is going to take off at any minute. Again, a google search of the reviews out there revealed that mine was not an isolated case. Shame too, cus this one is ultra nice and has Lenovo's business/professional looks and build quality to go with it.
The Acer Aspire One is a nice netbook. Its deficiency lies mainly in its size/shape and the nightmare it takes to upgrade even the memory. I had the 3-cell 120GB model and found that its size was perfect for carry, but lousy for typing as it was too thick to rest your hands on a flat surface comfortably while typing (forget the palm rest, its almost non-existent). If you can find a good typing position, the keyboard is very nice with great feedback and feel. A complete dis-assembly is required for upgrading either the memory or the hdd (as in it voids the warranty)and if you choose to anyway, you'll find that the memory can only be bumped up to 1.5GB as there is 512MB built in to the machine. The power source is a "brick" design like everyone else, but seems to be larger than the others.
Good luck if you are shopping for a netbook and Happy Holidays.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1002HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, XP Home) Brushed Aluminized

Netbook Eee PC 1002HA offers even more options to users for unique user experiences. Featuring up to 5 hours of battery life, built in high speed connectivity and exclusive 10GB file-encrypted Eee Storage with easy accessibility makes it the ideal traveling companion for outdoor activities. The large 10" display provides comfortable viewing, and a large keyboard makes for easier typing and relaxing usage. Built-in camera ensures users stay in touch with the important ones. User friendly XP pre-loaded. ZBD Guaranteed for best quality LCD. Content includes Eee PC, battery, AC Adapter, Sleeve Case, Manual and Recovery CD.

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4/09/2012

MSI Wind U123-002US 10.2-Inch Red Netbook - 6 Cell Battery Review

MSI Wind U123-002US 10.2-Inch Red Netbook - 6 Cell Battery
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My main computer is a Toshiba Satellite laptop with a 17" screen, and it is a pain (literally) to carry everywhere. So after much research, I decided to buy the MSI Wind U123 (in red). After a few days of using it, I can say that I am pleased with my decision so far. MSI may be a lesser known brand, but they make great little netbooks.
Immediate improvements: The first thing I did was upgrade the memory to 2gb (Crucial Technology CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module). [A word on the memory upgrade... I have heard mixed things as to whether the upgrade voids the warranty. I would suggest contacting MSI if this is a concern for you.] I also upgraded the touchpad drivers to allow for a scroll zone on the right side of the touchpad[...]. That makes it MUCH better.
The Wind did not come with a lot of bloatware, which saved me a lot of time. I have installed a variety of apps on it, including Open Office, iTunes and SPSS. It does not seem to have any trouble streaming video from Hulu or streaming music over the network from my primary computer. But as a grad student, I was most concerned about how well it would handle SPSS, the statistical analysis software I use most often. It is noticeably slower than other computers I've used, but only when running more complicated analyses. That said, it was still much quicker than I had expected.
Downsides: I haven't really noticed anything so far... The previous reviewer commented on the touchpad buttons. I'm not sure that they feel cheap as much as they feel stiff. You have to push pretty hard to get them to click. I'm wondering if that will loosen up with use. Otherwise, I may opt to use a mouse. But all in all, that's not enough to make me take away a star.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MSI Wind U123-002US 10.2-Inch Red Netbook - 6 Cell Battery

Atom N280 1.66G 160GB SATA drive 1GB RAM 6 cells b/g webcam carry bag & Windows XP Home

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3/19/2012

Asrock Intel Dual Core Atom Wireless LAN Barebone ION 330-HT (Black) Review

Asrock Intel Dual Core Atom Wireless LAN Barebone ION 330-HT (Black)
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I purchased this nettop with the intention of using the open-source XBMC software as the hub of my home theater. With one notable exception, this computer has worked very well for that purpose.
Installing XBMC to the hard drive using the 9.10 Live CD went very well - everything installed without a hitch, and connecting the 330HT to my flatscreen using the HDMI output on the back worked beautifully. All the drivers necessary to use this nettop with XBMC were included on the Live CD, including the VDPAU library that allows the GPU to handle hardware video decoding. Playing 1080p blu-ray rips over the gigabit network is flawless and hiccup free, and uses around 5% of the CPU power. The spdif optical output allows me to pass DTS audio tracks directly to my receiver, and I'm loving life.
The drawback:
The 330HT differs from the 330Pro in the inclusion of an infrared receiver and a Windows MCE compatible remote. The infrared receiver is not on the USB bus, and ASRock has been remiss in providing functional Linux drivers for the receiver. This may not be a problem for you if you intend to run a Windows OS on the nettop, but if you want to use the Ubuntu-based XBMC live CD, as I did, you'll find that the current iteration of drivers (version 1.0.1 as of 01/25/2010) provide functionality, but include a number of bugs. First, the receiver will not acknowledge the first command from the remote - it seems to "wake up" in response to a button press (e.g., play, stop, etc.), but not to accept the command. So you're forced to press the button twice to get the nettop to respond. Subsequent button presses, if done soon enough, are usually acknowledged (although it seems to miss a few here and there sometimes). After a few minutes without remote control input, however, the IR receiver seems to go back to "sleep" again.
Even more problematic is the inability of the system to properly initialize (right term?) the IR driver when resuming from a suspend state. You can successfully put the nettop into a suspended state using the remote, and can even wake it out of sleep using the remote, but once awakened using the remote, the IR receiver will not recognize any further remote control input until you restart the system (by plugging in a keyboard, for example, since your remote is now useless).
Many people that have experienced these problems have broken down and purchased a USB IR receiver (the kind Microsoft sells, for example), since the drivers for those receivers are far more polished and problem-free. Doing so negates the whole advantage of the 330HT over the 330 Pro, however, so bear in mind the incremental cost of the only-partially-functional IR receiver when deciding between the two models. You can get the IR-receiver-free ASRock 330Pro (Black) and a USB recevier / remote control combo like this one for about the same price, and guarantee yourself Linux compatibility.
If you want the cleaner look of an integrated IR receiver and plan to use a Microsoft Windows OS, or if you're optimistic about ASRock's development of Linux drivers (I don't know enough about the company to know if they'll respond to consumer demand for improved drivers or not), then go for the 330HT.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Asrock Intel Dual Core Atom Wireless LAN Barebone ION 330-HT (Black)

Asrock ION 330-HT Intel Dual Core Atom 330/ 2DDR2-800/ Nvidia ION/ 320GB/ 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN Black Barebone

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3/17/2012

Lenovo S10-2 10-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery Review

Lenovo S10-2 10-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery
Average Reviews:

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Im gonna start saying that this is such a nice netbook, from the design to the functionality, size and weight.
Some say this has an issue with the fan and claim that is too noisy but thats not true mine is very quiet, doesnt overheats.
keyboard is good not as normal keyboard but you get used too it.
the 6 cell battery is a charm,with low brihtness you can get up to 8 hours.
some key features are 1key recovery,web cam mic,face recognition.
I love lenovo this is my first netbook and im already using it more than my primary laptop (wich is an ideapad y510)its just so easy to get on the web.
It has an quick boot option that puts you on the web or skype or im in less than 30secs, this option is so handy.
overall i recommend this netbook its good on design, price, and performance, i have never had any issue with my other lenovo and this one seems to be good as well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lenovo S10-2 10-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery

Small on the outside. Big on the inside. The IdeaPad™ S10-2 Netbook is just over an inch thin and only 2.65 pounds, but comes packed with features like VeriFace™ Facial Recognition Technology, OneKey™ Rescue System and stereo speakers with Dolby® Headphone™ technology. But the coolest feature of all is the QuickStart button that lets you access your music, pictures, games and the web, even before the Windows loads. So flip open this ultra-small netbook and discover a powerhouse of unique features. Best of all, it\'s from Lenovo, makers of the award-winning ThinkPad.


IdeaPad™ S10-2 Netbook Key Features


Thin and light: Just over an inch thick and only 2.65 pounds.
10.1-inch widescreen, glossy display with LED backlight.
Battery life: Up to 6 hours with 6 cell battery


Get online in seconds with Quick Start \'instant on\' function
OneKey™ Rescue System for easy data recovery & backup
VeriFace™ Facial Recognition for convenient login
Stereo speakers with Dolby® Headphone technology
Multi-touch Touchpad
89% Full Size Keyboard
Integrated web cam for quick and easy video messaging.
3 USB 2.0 ports
4-in-1 card reader
VGA outlet for external monitor

Tiny technology
Display
Mult-touch pad
Stay connected
Eco-smart and Energy Star® compliant

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3/09/2012

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-VU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 8.5 Hour Battery Life Review

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-VU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 8.5 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First day with it but I love it. At first I was going to install my own XP so I didnt have to deal with all the extra's Asus put in XP. But if I did that I would loose the original XP that came with it since they do not give you a full version XP CD but just a recover CD. So I just typed msconfig under START/RUN, went to startup, unchecked all the marks. Then uninstalled all the programs I did not want in the control panel. Wow does it haul now. Zero lag. Feels like I'm using my desktop and I havent even installed the 2GB's of RAM yet. The fit and finish is A+. I LOVE the white as there is NO finger prints. Oh and the recover CD and/or the F9 key does work perfectly as I have tested it. It puts it back as if you just took it out of the box. So you really do not need the external CD drive. Battery life is great. I've been working on the netbook all night with full brightness on and its still at 3 hours left. AMAZING! The keyboard/mouse works great also. I see why this new ASUS model and the one above it is getting high marks. Theres none better.. I've had others.. this is it. I would also like to add and this is a HUGE plus over the glossy screen of the 1005HA-PU1X-BK model, this model has a MATTE screen.. which means no glare!! Others are buying the 1005HA-PU1X-BK but I just cant stand the glossy screen along with the glossy black finger print hungry finish. I will take the lesser option one because just the little things make a huge difference. What good is a laptop if you cant ever go outside in the light because the screen has so much glare. Stick with this one.. its FAST and still does what the other models do.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-VU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 8.5 Hour Battery Life

The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1005HA-V Seashell shines as the ideal mini-notebook for the traveler looking to have it all. Utilizing ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine, the Eee PC 1005HA-V boasts an astounding 8.5 hours of uninterrupted battery life so you can work on important documents and surf the Web longer than ever before. Inspired from the sea shell's contour shape, you will appreciate the attention to detail and eye-catching beauty that makes the Eee PC 1005HA-V a true work of art. Dressed in a sparkling pearlescent "shell" casing that gives it a captivating sheen, the Eee PC 1005HA Seashell is beautiful inside and out. The Eee PC 1005HA-V offers great user comfort and convenience with its 92% scaled keyboard, multi-touch touchpad and instant key (for quick access to touchpad-lock). The 10.1-inch LED-backlit display and sleek chassis will allow you to work or travel in absolute comfort for hours on end. The generous 160GB hard disk drive storage will enable you to easily store and access your important data. Miles ahead of its competition, the Eee PC 1005HA-V provides leading-class performance and superior portability liberating you from wall chargers and bringing you into the future of mobility.


Key Features

Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
Large 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen, ergonomic keyboard and multitouch touchpad for extra comfort and convenience
8.5 hours of unplugged all-day computing with ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine
Easy mobile wireless connectivity via built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n (draft 2.4GHz n)
ASUS Eee Docking utility to enhance the user experience
Built-in webcam and microphone for simple and clear communication
Spacious 160GB* HDD storage for convenient storage on-the-go

Learn More
Stunning Looks with Seashell Design
8.5 Hours of All-Day Computing and Unplugged Freedom
Large LED Backlit Screen for Comfortable Viewing
Ergonomic Keyboard and Multi-touch Touchpad

Flexible Connectivity with Eee PC 1005HA
Built-in Webcam and Microphone and Power Efficient Intel Atom N270 Processor
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
Warranty
1 Year Warranty and Flawless Display Guarantee from ASUS Users can rest easy with the Eee PC 1005HA-V Seashell's 1 year warranty and ASUS\' Zero Bright Dot Flawless Display Guarantee. If the purchaser discovers one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel with no cost to the purchaser.
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1005HA-V Seashell (Black)
Power Adapter
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows XP Home
Display: 10.1-inch 1024x600 LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD (matte screen)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N270
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n)
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 160GB* HDD
Camera: 0.3M Pixels
Audio: Stereo Speakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Built-in Microphone
Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input/Output: 1 x VGA connector, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: Headphone & Mic-in
Battery: 8.5 hours** Li-Ion battery†
Dimensions: 10.31 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 1.02~1.44 (H) inches
Weight: 2.81 lbs (with battery)
Color: Black * Hard drive capacity without operating system.**Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. - All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. - Product may not be exactly as shown in images. † To recharge using the AC power adapter, power plug must be fully pushed into the power socket on the Eee PC until it clicks firmly into place.

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Click here for more information about ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-VU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 8.5 Hour Battery Life

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3/06/2012

ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell 10.1-Inch Pearl Black Netbook - 6 Hour Battery Life Review

ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell 10.1-Inch Pearl Black Netbook - 6 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is my third eee pc. I started with the original 4G with 7" screen. I wanted more storage and a screen that filled the form factor so I then moved up to the 9" 900HA. At the time of the 900HA, I opted for reduced weight over increased size and chose the lighter weight 900HA over the larger but heavier 100x series. I learned my mistake, though, because the more I used the 900HA, the more annoying the typing errors due to the smaller keyboard became. You might not think a diagonal inch could make such a difference, but it does. Since getting the 900HA, I've gotten two 1000HAs for my sons and recommended the 1000HA to my sister and all three of them love them. Still, the increased weight kept me from taking the plunge for a 10" netbook myself, that is, until the 1008HA came along.
As with everything, the 1008HA comes with pluses and minuses.
The biggest plus is the weight: 2lbs 5 oz. compared to 2lbs 7.5 oz for the 900HA and 3lbs 4 oz for the 1000HA (and 3 lbs 5 oz for the latest 1000HA with chicklet keyboard).
Another plus is the Atom N280 processor which, while not a barn burner, is noticeably faster than the N270 in other models.
There is also Bluetooth and 820.11n wireless, but those are of no real interest to me since I don't have an 802.11n router (but perhaps I should start thinking of one!).
The only clear minus for me is the port covers which make it inconvenient to connect things. They would be particularly inconvenient if I wanted to keep the teeny (1/4" extension) USB receiver from a Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Black) plugged in permanently. Unfortunately, Logitech does not make a Bluetooth version of the VX nano.
Then there are two things that are a positive or negative depending on your point of view.
The first is the nonremovable battery. If the battery were to die, it would have to be returned to Asus for service. I tell myself that by the time this happens I would probably be wanting to replace the machine. The reason I view it as a positive and not an outright negative is that the Li-polymer battery, which can be molded however the manufacturer wishes, helps give the 1008HA its reduced weight. Asus will shortly be introducing the 1005HA, which has a replaceable battery but is otherwise identical to the 1008HA. However, 1005HA's weight will be back up in the 3 lb 2 oz range.
The second is the glare screen. It can take some getting used to. I don't have any problems with my appearance, but if I wanted my face for wallpaper, I'd have taken my picture an uploaded it. However, so far I haven't found the adjustment to be difficult. The biggest surprise was that outdoors the glare screen on the 1008HA turned out to be easier to read than the matte screen on my 900HA! The trick was to have the screen facing the sun, but at an angle so that the sun was not reflecting in my eyes. With the back of the screen toward the sun, the 1008HA's screen is unreadable, but the 900HA's screen was no great shakes either.
I won't paint a pretty picture. I spent two days debating whether to keep the 1008HA or return it for what is now a considerably cheaper 1000HA, but I found myself getting used to the glare screen, felt I could easily live with the port covers, and decided to keep the 1008HA because of its reduced weight.


Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell 10.1-Inch Pearl Black Netbook - 6 Hour Battery Life

A mere one inch slim and 2.4 pounds light, the uber-stylish Eee PC 1008HA Seashell is ultra portable and easy to use. Eee PC 1008HA is so light and compact, you can take it anywhere with you. Dressed in a sparkling pearlescent "shell" casing that gives it a captivating sheen, the Eee PC 1008HA Seashell is beautiful inside and out. The Eee PC 1008HA offers great user comfort and convenience with its 92% scaled keyboard, multi-touch touchpad and instant key (for quick access to Wi-Fi and the touchpad lock). Furthermore, its 10.1-inch LED-backlit display in its compact chassis will allow you to work or travel in absolute comfort for hours on end. Its generous and convenient 170GB ASUS Hybrid Storage will enable you to store, share and access your important data anytime, anywhere. Get noticed today with the ultra-slim Eee PC 1008HA Seashell.


Key Features
Elegantly beautiful seashell-inspired design
Ultra portable in a stylish 1 inch slim and 2.4 lbs light shell
Spacious 170GB Hybrid Storage for convenient storage on-the-go
Large 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen & ergonomic keyboard for comfortable usage
Easy mobile wireless connectivity with built-in 802.11n (draft 2.4GHz n) and Bluetooth V2.1
Enjoy 6 hours* of unplugged all-day computing with ASUS Super Hybrid Engine

Learn More
Ultra-Slim, Ultra-Chic
Large LED Backlit Screen for Comfortable Viewing
Ergonomic Keyboard and Multi-touch Touchpad
Flexible Connectivity with Eee PC 1008HA
Super Hybrid Engine for Extended Battery Life
Convenient ASUS Hybrid Storage and Power Efficient Intel® Atom™ N280 Processor
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
It's Better with Windows™
Warranty
Flawless Display Guarantee and 1 Year Warranty from ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell comes with ASUS\'s Zero Bright Dot Flawless Display Guarantee and 1 year of Eee PC warranty. If the purchaser discovers one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel without cost to the purchaser.
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1008HA Seashell (Black)
Travel Sleeve
Power Adapter
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows XP
Display: 10.1-inch 1024x600 LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD (Color-Shine/Glossy Screen Technology)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n) & Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB but memory slot is not easily accessible due to ultra-slim design. ASUS does not recommend end-users to attempt the upgrade themselves.)
Hybrid Storage: 160GB HDD + 10GB Eee Online Storage**
Camera: 1.3M Pixels
Audio: SRS Surround Sound Speakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Digital Array Microphones
Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input/Output: 1 x miniVGA port for external monitor (with external converter for D-sub 15-pin), 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: Headphone & Mic-in
Battery: 6 hours*, slim and eco-friendly Li-Polymer battery†
Dimensions: 10.32 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 1.01 (H) inches
Weight: 2.43 lbs
Color: Black *Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. **Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months. Please register account information for 6 months extension (depend on country) - All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. - Product may not be exactly as shown in images. - Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. † To recharge using the AC power adapter, power plug must be fully pushed into the power socket on the Eee PC until it clicks firmly into place.

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Click here for more information about ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell 10.1-Inch Pearl Black Netbook - 6 Hour Battery Life

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3/04/2012

ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell 10.1-Inch Pearl White Netbook - 6 Hour Battery Life Review

ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell 10.1-Inch Pearl White Netbook - 6 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is my third eee pc. I started with the original 4G with 7" screen. I wanted more storage and a screen that filled the form factor so I then moved up to the 9" 900HA. At the time of the 900HA, I opted for reduced weight over increased size and chose the lighter weight 900HA over the larger but heavier 100x series. I learned my mistake, though, because the more I used the 900HA, the more annoying the typing errors due to the smaller keyboard became. You might not think a diagonal inch could make such a difference, but it does. Since getting the 900HA, I've gotten two 1000HAs for my sons and recommended the 1000HA to my sister and all three of them love them. Still, the increased weight kept me from taking the plunge for a 10" netbook myself, that is, until the 1008HA came along.
As with everything, the 1008HA comes with pluses and minuses.
The biggest plus is the weight: 2lbs 5 oz. compared to 2lbs 7.5 oz for the 900HA and 3lbs 4 oz for the 1000HA (and 3 lbs 5 oz for the latest 1000HA with chicklet keyboard).
Another plus is the Atom N280 processor which, while not a barn burner, is noticeably faster than the N270 in other models.
There is also Bluetooth and 820.11n wireless, but those are of no real interest to me since I don't have an 802.11n router (but perhaps I should start thinking of one!).
The only clear minus for me is the port covers which make it inconvenient to connect things. They would be particularly inconvenient if I wanted to keep the teeny (1/4" extension) USB receiver from a Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Black) plugged in permanently. Unfortunately, Logitech does not make a Bluetooth version of the VX nano.
Then there are two things that are a positive or negative depending on your point of view.
The first is the nonremovable battery. If the battery were to die, it would have to be returned to Asus for service. I tell myself that by the time this happens I would probably be wanting to replace the machine. The reason I view it as a positive and not an outright negative is that the Li-polymer battery, which can be molded however the manufacturer wishes, helps give the 1008HA its reduced weight. Asus will shortly be introducing the 1005HA, which has a replaceable battery but is otherwise identical to the 1008HA. However, 1005HA's weight will be back up in the 3 lb 2 oz range.
The second is the glare screen. It can take some getting used to. I don't have any problems with my appearance, but if I wanted my face for wallpaper, I'd have taken my picture an uploaded it. However, so far I haven't found the adjustment to be difficult. The biggest surprise was that outdoors the glare screen on the 1008HA turned out to be easier to read than the matte screen on my 900HA! The trick was to have the screen facing the sun, but at an angle so that the sun was not reflecting in my eyes. With the back of the screen toward the sun, the 1008HA's screen is unreadable, but the 900HA's screen was no great shakes either.
I won't paint a pretty picture. I spent two days debating whether to keep the 1008HA or return it for what is now a considerably cheaper 1000HA, but I found myself getting used to the glare screen, felt I could easily live with the port covers, and decided to keep the 1008HA because of its reduced weight.


Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell 10.1-Inch Pearl White Netbook - 6 Hour Battery Life

A mere one inch slim and 2.4 pounds light, the uber-stylish Eee PC 1008HA Seashell is ultra portable and easy to use. Eee PC 1008HA is so light and compact, you can take it anywhere with you. Dressed in a sparkling pearlescent "shell" casing that gives it a captivating sheen, the Eee PC 1008HA Seashell is beautiful inside and out. The Eee PC 1008HA offers great user comfort and convenience with its 92% scaled keyboard, multi-touch touchpad and instant key (for quick access to Wi-Fi and the touchpad lock). Furthermore, its 10.1-inch LED-backlit display in its compact chassis will allow you to work or travel in absolute comfort for hours on end. Its generous and convenient 170GB ASUS Hybrid Storage will enable you to store, share and access your important data anytime, anywhere. Get noticed today with the ultra-slim Eee PC 1008HA Seashell.


Key Features
Elegantly beautiful seashell-inspired design
Ultra portable in a stylish 1 inch slim and 2.4 lbs light shell
Spacious 170GB Hybrid Storage for convenient storage on-the-go
Large 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen & ergonomic keyboard for comfortable usage
Easy mobile wireless connectivity with built-in 802.11n (draft 2.4GHz n) and Bluetooth V2.1
Enjoy 6 hours* of unplugged all-day computing with ASUS Super Hybrid Engine

Learn More
Ultra-Slim, Ultra-Chic
Large LED Backlit Screen for Comfortable Viewing
Ergonomic Keyboard and Multi-touch Touchpad
Flexible Connectivity with Eee PC 1008HA
Super Hybrid Engine for Extended Battery Life
Convenient ASUS Hybrid Storage and Power Efficient Intel® Atom™ N280 Processor
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
It's Better with Windows™
Warranty
Flawless Display Guarantee and 1 Year Warranty from ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell comes with ASUS\'s Zero Bright Dot Flawless Display Guarantee and 1 year of Eee PC warranty. If the purchaser discovers one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel without cost to the purchaser.
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1008HA Seashell (White)
Travel Sleeve
Power Adapter
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows XP
Display: 10.1-inch 1024x600 LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD (Color-Shine/Glossy Screen Technology)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n) & Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB but memory slot is not easily accessible due to ultra-slim design. ASUS does not recommend end-users to attempt the upgrade themselves.)
Hybrid Storage: 160GB HDD + 10GB Eee Online Storage**
Camera: 1.3M Pixels
Audio: SRS Surround Sound Speakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Digital Array Microphones
Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input/Output: 1 x miniVGA port for external monitor (with external converter for D-sub 15-pin), 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: Headphone & Mic-in
Battery: 6 hours*, slim and eco-friendly Li-Polymer battery.†
Dimensions: 10.32 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 1.01 (H) inches
Weight: 2.43 lbs
Color: White *Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. **Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months. Please register account information for 6 months extension (depend on country) - All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. - Product may not be exactly as shown in images. - Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. † To recharge using the AC power adapter, power plug must be fully pushed into the power socket on the Eee PC until it clicks firmly into place.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell 10.1-Inch Pearl White Netbook - 6 Hour Battery Life

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2/22/2012

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1920 10.1-Inch Ruby Red Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life Review

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1920 10.1-Inch Ruby Red Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I ordered my Acer Aspire One 10.1 Netbook (AOD150-1165) on Feb 28, 2009 from Amazon. Item shipped on March 2nd and arrived on March 14.
When I ordered only Sapphire Blue color was available but I am happy with Sapphire Blue. It looks very attractive. I would normally order either white or black model but I am glad they were not available :) The only thing I can complain is that it easily gets finger marks so I try not to touch the shiny surfaces.
When you unpack the box and hold it on your hand, you will realise how light this is (especially if you have been lugging a 17" laptop) This is very transportable and ideal for those small airplane tray tables (or your lap)
The 1.6Ghz N270 Intel Atom processor is a single core processor but it is pretty snappy and certainly more than enough for most office type usage. The Netbook ships with Windows XP Home w/SP3 installed instead of Vista so to me it feels as responsive as (or better than) a Core 2 Duo based laptop running Vista.
The unit is rather quiet. The fan or hard disk noise is minimal. The fan does not kick in often during normal use. It might be more active with some heavy CPU/HD activity tasks.
The screen is 1024x600 CrystalBright (shiny) type LCD but very comfortable to read under various light conditions. There is an integrated 0.3M megapixel (640x480) webcam and microphone embedded in the screen frame. Ideal to use a video phone/conferencing software like Skype, etc. BTW, to gain some vertical space on desktop, you might want to set Windows XP taskbar to auto-hide and pop-up when you move the cursor to the edge of the screen.
The keyboard is actually pretty well designed. Unlike some models from competitors, the shift, control, alt, tab, enter, backspace keys are all in the right places. Initially, I found the keys a bit small but after a few days of use, you get used to and avoid hitting two keys. The arrow keys could have been a bit bigger as there is room along the lower right side of the keyboard.
The touchpad on this model is made by Synaptics and is pretty configurable. Like everything else it is a bit small but works acceptably well. It would have been better if it was made wider. Touchpad buttons is another story. They are correctly placed below the touchpad but instead of using two independent buttons the designers chose to use one bar over the two buttons. This made the buttons much harder to press. I would have preferred two independent buttons. I think this is the biggest complaint about the design of this netbook. Nevertheless, the buttons do get softer over time. I have softened the buttons out by pressing both ends of the button bar at the same time repeatedly. I do this a number of times before using the laptop each day. So, it is not that hopeless.
Well, I do try to get myself used to build-in keyboard and mouse but those that are doing extensive work can still attach a regular USB keyboard and a USB mouse. For example, Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 is a perfect match.
Alternatively, you can tap on the touchpad instead of pressing the buttons. The synaptics touchpad is pretty configurable. You can configure a corner of the touchpad for right button and anywhere else would be left button.
The speakers for this netbook is under it. They are pretty loud and sound quality is pretty decent. However, since the speaker openings are underside of the netbook, if you are holding it on a soft surface such as carpet or bed the sound can get muffled as the openings will be blocked. It's not a very good idea to keep it on the soft surfaces for a long time anyway as this will block the fan vents as well and cause the netbook to overheat.
There is 1GB RAM memory on DDR2 SODIMM module installed (mine was made by Samsung). There is no on-board soldered memory (the description on Amazon is incorrect and is referring to older 8.9" model). The memory is easily upgradable to 2GB by replacing the SODIMM module. I upgraded the memory on 10.1" Aspire One to 2GB by installing a "Mushkin 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory - Retail" module (Mushkin part #991618). It works great! Please note that this module has CAS4 (4-4-4-12) timing instead of more common CAS5 (5-5-5-16). In other words, it is slightly faster memory as it has less wait states :)
The hard disk is a Hitachi HTS543216L9A300, 160GB 2.5" 5400rpm, Serial ATA, 8MB Cache disk. It's pretty quiet. I think there is plenty of space for most applications. If you need more you can attach an external USB hard drive or the hard disk itself can be upgraded almost as easily as the RAM memory.
The wireless chip (AR5007EG) is made by Atheros and supports 802.11b/g. The range is decent enough. I had no issues connecting to my home WiFi Access Point, at work or other free public hotspots. I used wifi at Starbucks, Barnes and Noble Bookstore and McDonald's among others (I get free WiFi at these locations since I have AT&T DSL). However, some users are reporting that they have some issues. The Atheros driver installed by default is old (version 7.6.0.260). The latest I have found for the AR5007EG wifi chipset is version 7.6.1.244 (dated 2/25/2009) and I believe might solve issues that some people are experiencing. (As a convenience, I've provided instructions at the bottom of this review for access to updated drivers) The device properties indicate that the WiFi chip is setup for maximum power saving. By the way, just like RAM and HDD, the wireless module is also accessible. Who knows, someone (or Acer) would come up with an replacement module for 802.11n or a Bluetooth+WiFi combo.
There is no build-in bluetooth capability. If you need to interface with Bluetooth devices you will need to buy a USB adapter such as Cirago Bluetooth BTA3210 v2.1 EDR Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter or you can get a combo with a bluetooth mouse such as Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Black) Update: Apparently, Acer Aspire One AOD150 models build for some Asian markets do come with build-in Bluetooth. It's a pity Bluetooth is not included for American version. :(
Like many other early adopters, the laptop arrived with Panasonic Built 5800mAh, 59W battery. It lasts 7-8hrs under normal office type work with Wi-Fi enabled. This is a bigger capacity battery than it would ship normally (4400mAh, also 6-cell) but most everyone got the larger one so far.
There are 3x USB 2.0 ports, 1x 10/100 Ethernet port, 1x VGA external monitor port and a single Multi-format flash memory card reader/writer (again, Amazon's description is incorrect about 2nd SD card slot). There are also a headphone and external microphone jacks and a Kensington style lock slot.
There is also a slot for 3G SIM chip beside the battery. My netbook did have the slot but no 3G hardware in there to accept the SIM card. Presumably some models will be equipped to have 3G wireless capability.
Unlike 8.9" predecessor, this 10.1 model did not come with a case. I picked a Neoprene sleeve from a local store that is designed for an 11" laptop (Sony VAIO 11.1-Inch Neoprene protection case). Please note that with 6-cell battery the width of the netbook is about 8.5". So, most 10" cases with width around 7-8" will either not fit or will require signficant stretching so choose your case accordingly. Actually, I personally use two cases. The neoprene sleeve goes inside a larger 12-13" laptop bag with enough storage pockets for the charger and other cables. When I go out to a cafe, I only take the netbook in sleeve and leave the rest in the car.
The netbook also does not come with system recovery disks. There is a Acer recovery utility pre-installed that will generate your recovery disks for you. You should do this as soon as possible. You never know when you will need them. You will need a USB attached CD/DVD writer and some recordable media (6 CD-Rs for System Recovery + 2 for Apps and Drivers, OR alternatively 2 DVD-R for Recovery + 1 DVD-R for Apps and Drivers). I've purchased a NU Slim USB External SuperMulti Drive DVD Burner ESW860 and worked for me well. It's slim enough to carry along with your netbook and you can watch DVDs if you like. You should be able to use it on any other laptop or desktop computer with USB 2.0 interface. Update: You can also order a set of recover CDs directly from Acer for $20. You need to go to Acer Support Website www.acerpanam.com and click on US on the map and select "eRecovery CD Purchase" link. It will verify the serial number of your netbook first.
Besides Windows XP Home, there is MS Works, a trial version of Microsoft Office 2007, a 30-day version of McAfee anti-virus suite and a couple other trialware installed. These can be uninstalled from Control Panel easily if desired (or needed).
Overall, I am very satisfied with it and highly recommend it. Obviously, I cannot talk about Customer Support/Service as I did not need to use the service. If your aim is to run your usual applications and surf the net with a decent screen size, this is the right one.
------
Update: Updating Atheros AR5007EG WiFi driver:
You can download version 7.6.1.244 (2/25/2009) driver free from Softpedia. Go to drivers.softpedia.com and enter AR5007EG at the top search box. Download the zip file (ar5_ar9_7.6.1.244.zip) and unzip it. Then go to Install_CD sub-folder and run setup.exe. When prompted choose to upgrade the driver. It's simple and painless... If you are still having problems after driver update, change the channel of your AP/Router. There may be high interference from a nearby wifi router/access point. Good luck!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire One AOD150-1920 10.1-Inch Ruby Red Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life

Acer redefines mobile connectivity with the Aspire One, the revolutionary Netbook featuring a 10.1" display and fun,powerful computing features delivering an optimal on-the-go Internet experience. Browse the Internet, check email,share photos, webcam, check sport scores, listen to music and enjoy a variety of entertainment in a small compactdesign that you can take anywhere.

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Click here for more information about Acer Aspire One AOD150-1920 10.1-Inch Ruby Red Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life

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2/06/2012

MSI Wind U100-641US 10-Inch Black Netbook - 3 Cell Battery Review

MSI Wind U100-641US 10-Inch Black Netbook - 3 Cell Battery
Average Reviews:

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I've only had this a week but I've already started using it a lot and have been pleasantly surprised seeing just how far I can push this little rascal!
You can take it anywhere as it's the size of a small book and is very lightweight for a laptop. Traditional notebook laptops are designed to be desktop replacements, so they can end up too big, too heavy, and generally just too *much* for checking your email or editing a Word document in the few minutes you have whilst waiting for the train.
The U100 however, appears to more suitable for moving around frequently and using whenever you get a few moments to spare. It's a great size, any larger than 10" and it would no longer classify as a "netbook" class of laptop, any smaller and the screen would be less practical for serious use. Also, 10" screens have the correct aspect ratio for webpage viewing, you don't get wasted blank space at the sides as I've heard can happen with smaller screens.
It's incredibly portable, surprisingly powerful when overclocked and RAM doubled, good value, nice to type on (80% size keys), and even looks good. It's much more responsive running XP than I had expected, it actually behaves like a desktop PC! Microsoft has clearly removed a lot of their bloatware from XP to give these smaller systems the best chance of running quickly.
It performed well straight out of the box, but I spent a good couple of evenings setting it up *properly.* ie. removing the usual bundled bloatware (came with 3GB of Encarta pre-installed. *shudder*), 30 second trial versions of things you wouldn't use anyway etc.... and now this baby is positively flying along!
So after removing the bloat, installing my own software (Office 2003/2007, MSN, Skype, AVG, Firefox 3, ZoneAlarm, Adobe PDF, heck even Photoshop CS3! Disabled unnessary processes from running in MSCONFIG. After setting everything up just the way nature intended, running PerfectDisk defragmenter and a boot-time defragmentation pass- my U100 was good to go. (well nearly) But there were a couple of things to do first...
On to.... the 1.6GHz Intel Atom PROCESSOR... well, overclocking it to be precise:
It's great as it is out of the box, but you can get it to go 24% faster if you upgrade the BIOS to 1.10B then toggle Turbo mode with Fn + F10 when plugged into the mains. This won't void your warranty as this is an official BIOS update from MSI. Fn + F10 when running on battery *underclocks* it so the processor only runs at 800Mhz and the screen brightness is reduced, prolonging the battery life. I know, it's pretty cool. The light on the power switch shows you which of the 3 power modes is currently in use.
I tested the computer with a freeware utility called "cpuinfo.exe" to see what clock speeds *really* were when it was running at 1) "Eco mode" (green power light) 2) normal power mode (blue power light) and 3) "Turbo mode" (power light goes orange) I found that the CPU of the U100 now happily purrs along at 1984MHz when overclocked -so it's basically increased by exactly 24% as the option states in the BIOS. You can choose between 8%, 16%, or 24%, but from what I've read it's running stable for everyone at 24% (myself included) so you might as well set the overclock to maximum in the BIOS, you can always change it if you need to later.
This 24% increase in speed to just under 2GHz is awesome, especially when all the other Atom processor netbooks use the same processor and can't be overclocked (to the best of my knowledge) so are stuck at 1.6GHz. So the U100 has a clear advantage over its rivals here.
What about the MEMORY?
Comes with 1GB, takes about 20 minutes and only about $40 to double that to its maximum 2GB. You don't void the warranty to do this, and it's dead easy. Take the 9 screws out underneath, pull the bottom half of the case off, just remember there is an on board stick of 1GB DDR2-667MHz RAM, and the expansion slot won't recognise a 2GB module. So you fill the empty slot with 1GB and that's it, memory doubled. I nearly bought a 2GB module by mistake before I read about the onboard memory.
The newer U120 apparently cannot be upgraded from its 1GB of RAM, has the same processor, and has a shorter battery life. You're *much* better off with the U100 if only because you aren't stuck with the 1GB RAM.
What about the HARD DRIVE?
The 160BG hard drive on this tiny 1Kg laptop is very generous- you wouldn't be surprised to get half that capacity on a device such as this. In fact, some versions apparently do ship with an 80BG drive instead. With all my software installed on top of the Windows operating system, I still have 129GB to play with!
The inbuilt card reader works well with my camera's Sony Memory Stick Pro card, and also takes SD cards and probably all the main memory card types.
WIRELESS card:
The built-in wireless card provides outstanding reception and I haven't had any dropped connections since I bought it. It works with all 3 WLAN standards (802.11b/g/n) and naturally works with WEP/WPA wifi encryption.
The 1.3mp WEBCAM is good enough, the SPEAKERS are fine for a small laptop and quite usable, though when I'm at home I plug in my Creative I-Trigue 3300 (my favourite 2.1 system)
Thankfully the TOUCHPAD keys are beneath rather than to the sides of the touchpad which so many other netbooks I've seen have. That's something I would struggle to ever be comfortable with. Although I like the touchpad, I plug in my USB mouse when using it at home as it's easier to use.
PORTS: There are 3 usb ports (two left, one right), VGA port (when connected to my Samsung Syncmaster it can support the large 19" LCD monitor's native 1400 x 900 and looks great!) This is great, bearing in mind the onboard graphics card normally spends its time churning out the U100's 1024 x 600 native resolution instead. It's only when you want to duplicate the video output to an external LCD *as well* as the U100's own screen that it will be forced to display the same 1024 x 600 resolution on the external monitor. This isn't a problem, just an observation. Normally you'd only have one active or the other at any given time.
BLUETOOTH 2.1 is supported. I haven't used it yet but it it's nice to have with all the BT devices around these days.
Very useful row of 8 LEDs shows you Bluetooth, WLAN, sleep, battery, caps, num, scroll lock, and hard drive activity all in the same place.
Criticisms:
Full stop key and comma key are a slightly reduced size, but I'm used to it already. Only took a few days of touch typing to adjust.
Watch out you don't buy the bilingual version in Canada. In London Drugs they sell it with the good old US keyboard, but in Staples they stock a U100 plagued with all sorts of extra keys meant for typing French accents more easily, and most of the keys have everything in French and English, the clutter is annoying. Too bad no one pointed out it's probably no use to anyone outside of Quebec.
It is slightly front heavy due to the battery position, not a problem really, but something to bear in mind when positioning it on your lap for typing.
There's no CD/DVD drive. You don't need one anyway though, just transfer the contents from CDs onto a USB stick in another PC (or over the network) and use them as per usual. Optical drives take up space and use battery power, so not having them is no big loss, even though it seems strange to have a laptop with no CD drive in the 21 Century!
Two other important points:
YOU CAN INSTALL MAC OSX86 (a hacked version of OSX which can run on non-apple hardware. Google for the installer and a how-to guide.) It's a hugely popular mod... so I hear.
You can install Linux on it- this deserves more attention than I just gave it.
(You can have dual boot, or even triple boot systems with Windows, Mac OSX86 and Linux depending on your personal preference and computer literacy)
"Netbooks" are supposed to compromise on power and functionality to increase their portability. Hence they are often thought of as mobile internet access devices incapable of doing anything even moderately groovy...
...but when you have one running at 2GHz, with 2GB of RAM, and 160GB hard drive and all the onboard peripherals you could wish for -it doesn't look like such a compromise after all!
Youtube shows people playing various games on it, so don't think that's not a possibility either!
Warcraft 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cT0KxnDoYM
Need for Speed Underground
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms8SuIzeJM8
F.E.A.R.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWT5_DypySs
I hope my ramblings have been informative! Please leave a comment if you have any thoughts.
I typed all this on my U100 :)

Click Here to see more reviews about: MSI Wind U100-641US 10-Inch Black Netbook - 3 Cell Battery

When you're seeking more power and ease-of-use than a cellphone, with less bulk than a notebook, the answer is blowing in the wind. Actually, it's the Microstar Wind. It's a netbook that incorporates the convenient styling and capabilities of a Windows notebook PC with full 802.11g WiFi wireless. It's the perfect electronic accessory to bring along anywhere. At less than 3 pounds, this notebook is perfect for any lifestyle - indoors or out. The Wind, an acronym for "Wi-Fi Network Device," features a speedy and energy-efficient Intel Atom 1.6GHz Processor to provide longer operation hours and better mobile lifestyle. This notebook, or Netbook is lightweight and ultra-portable, measuring about 7 inches wide by 10.23 inches long, and weighing just 2.6 pounds. Being small doesn't mean ultra-small keyboard, the Wind features an ergonomically designed keyboard that is only 20 percentage smaller than a full sized notebook keyboard, with keys spaced a comfortable 0.68 inches apart. The Wind comes equipped with a 10" backlit LED screen that provides superior color quality and brightness giving you better comfort while reading reports, watching online videos and viewing photos. In addition, the 1024 x 600 screen resolution can fully display web pages, which makes it ideal for Internet browsing. With the 802.11b/g/n wireless built-in, you can enjoy the convenience of accessing the Internet anywhere and video chat with family and friends with the built-in 1.3 Megapixel Webcamera and microphone. With the Wind notebook weighting less than 3 pounds, makes it a great second computer to use at school, work and to take on vacations. The Microstar Wind does what a netbook is supposed to do, provide easy access to the internet, via WiFi in a small, lightweight and inexpensive package. Its 10-inch LED screen offers bright color and contrast. Take a trip with the Wind and enjoy life to the max. 10 WSVGA (1024 x 600) LED Backlit Display

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1/27/2012

eMachines ER1402-05 Desktop (Black) Review

eMachines ER1402-05 Desktop (Black)
Average Reviews:

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Update: After reading other reviews below and trying all the steps mentioned, I am still unable to achieve watchable frame rates in Hulu under Chrome, IE or Hulu Desktop. I have Flash 10.1, July 2010 Nvidia drivers, Aero off, all unneeded programs uninstalled, and haven't installed any software on this box but xbmc. Full screen Hulu video (I've been using Burn Notice to test) is unwatchable. Some other reviewers claim it's fine, though, so maybe your experience will be better than mine. That said, I am still very happy with this box as I never intended to watch flash on it anyway.
Update Sept 1: I've bumped this up to five stars. I broke down and picked up the AverTv Volar USB tuner, and this box is capable of recording and playing back 1080i content via clearQAM in WMC.
First of all, the item definitely does not weigh anywhere near 9lbs. I think that was a mistake in the original press release.
I've had this for two days and so far it's been what I expected for my first nettop. The bloatware wasn't too bad and setup was fast and easy. Keep in mind the wireless mouse needs a USB receiver (included) so you're losing one of those USB ports right off the bat. The hdmi port is also in a pretty bad spot.
I am using this to stream up to 720p (so far) over wireless g/n and xbmc is working great under the original windows install. Boxee, however, dropped frames occasionally in 720p / matroska. 720p was also fine in Windows Media Center, so part of the blame does lie in boxee's internal codec.
If you're looking to stream Hulu on this box, I wouldn't recommend it. I tried with both older versions of Flash and the latest version, and made various tweaks (increased frame buffer in BIOS, aero on/off, etc), and it was not really watchable in any browser I tried. I don't really use Hulu or flash, though, it was just a test; others more knowledgeable may get it to work.
I am using the box with a 42" samsung and a surround sound setup via the optical audio. So far it's fulfilling the needs I had for it, and it runs quiet and fairly cool. Seems like a decent box for the price, and it replaced a hulking old HTPC that was heating up my living room for no good reason. I've given up on tuner cards, but I bet you could get a USB tuner working on this without much trouble.

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eMachines ER1402: The Mini Home Entertainment Center
The redesigned eMachines ER1402-05 "mini-e" Desktop is an amazing slim and compact PC that provides full HD multimedia entertainment as well as everyday productivity. This uniquely configured mini PC looks great in your family room or can snap to the back of your monitor, streamlining your personal space while giving you a home infotainment center that lets you play games, surf the Web, view and edit photos, watch HD movies, and more.
This space-saving PC is the ideal entertainment solution for streaming movies, TV shows, music and other online media.

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1/13/2012

Samsung NC10-14GBK 10.2-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery Review

Samsung NC10-14GBK 10.2-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery
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USER BACKGROUND:
I've been involved with PC's since PC's came into existence. Through the years I've owned a wide range of notebooks from luggables, desktop replacements, to travel companions (currently I own a couple of 12" touch screen tablets and two HP 20" HDX media notebooks used as desktop replacements). I was ready for a new travel notebook and started to follow the evolving "Netbook" category. As in the past, I was faced with a substantial expenditure (several thousand dollars) to get one of the current higher end travel notebooks that would meet my general laptop requirements; a light, relatively powerful, good battery life and compact design. The evolving +/- $500 Netbook category piqued my curiosity and I started to read reviews and study the new product offerings including their upgradability potential, or lack thereof.
INTENDED USE:
In my experience, most air travelers use a laptop similar to myself, web browsing, email, and light office applications (word, excel, etc); or in other words the "Netbook" categories target market.
REQUIREMENTS:
On occasion I take long trips across the country (8 to 10 hour block to block) and I wanted my new purchase to provide a single charge that would last through that day's journey; no spare batteries or AC adapter in tow. A typical trip for me begins at the departure gate and firing up the notebook for a little catch-up computing while waiting for departure. Once airborne and settled in, I pull my notebook out for some on-board work. Upon arriving at my connection stop I either head to a travel lounge or the departure gate and get on-line once again. On the last flight leg, I'll generally pull out my notebook for some additional in-air use before getting to my destination.
My target requirements:
1.Light weight & Compact foot-print
2.Long battery life
3.10" - 12" screen size, 1024x600 minimum resolution and bright
4.Reasonable processing power for intended use
5.Windows XP Pro
6.2 GB of memory and a 320 GB 7200 rpm hard drive
MY NETBOOK SELECTION:
I purchased the "Samsung NC10" and I'M VERY IMPRESSED! I pre-ordered from Amazon.com and received the unit on 11/19/08. I settled on the white version since I'm not a fan of black keyboards which the NC10's blue and black color options sport. With the modifications discussed below, this little machine exceeds my overall expectations and is everything the various reviewers have analyzed and discussed to date. Most reviewers consider the keyboard on the NC10 the best in category, but since I'm not a touch typist that wasn't one of my hot buttons, however the key board is large, solid, and pleasant to use.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
The standard NC10 came closest to my purchase specs for light weight; it's under 3 lbs, long battery life; it seems Samsung's targeted 6 - 8 hours of battery life is doable (I've hit 6+ hours using disk, WiFi and toned down screen brightness). The 10.2" screen is very bright and clear with 1024x600 resolutions; it helps to auto-hide the taskbar to buy a little more screen real estate. The unit is very compact and like most Netbooks its projected area is smaller then an 8.5"x11" sheet of paper and the closed clamshell is 1" thick. The standard unit arrives with XP Home, 1 GB memory and a 160 GB 5400 rpm drive. The NC10 feels solid, build quality (inside and out) are excellent and out of the box the unit was responsive and fairly snappy. I have two WiFi access points in my home and the NC10's WiFi card picked both up with excellent reception and through-put; I also tried my Sprint USB broadband adapter with equally satisfactory results.
THE UPGRADES:
Like most engineering types; "If its not broke, take it apart and fix it anyway". I've read the reviews and knew the memory and hard disk could be easily be upgraded (given a little bit of prior experience and some hardware finesse). I went to my preferred parts supplier, Newegg, and purchased a 2GB stick of RAM for $32 and a 7200 rpm 320 GB disk drive for $100. I also picked-up a nice Netbook carrying case by Caselogic for $12 with my Amazon order. I used Apricon's EZ Upgrade Kit to image the units' standard 160 GB disk and then put it on the shelf as the failsafe backup. It took me about 10 minutes to take the unit apart and upgrade the components. I then prepared a Windows XP Pro DVD slipstreamed with SP3, repartitioned the disk, reinstalled the operating system and all the Samsung drivers and application software. Samsung did an excellent job of putting all the NC10's drivers and application software on their technical support web page. The overall result of these upgrades makes a noticeable improvement in overall performance. I'm very pleased with the final results for this tweaked, travel ready road machine (an example: standard boot time to WiFi connection is about 90 seconds, however I use hibernation on my notebooks and the machine will boot-up to WiFi connected status in 25 seconds).

NETBOOKS FUTURE:
I agree with many of the industry and media experts who have editorialized on the Netbook phenomena. Netbooks will continue to be a significant new growth segment in the overall notebook category. The manufactures have an interesting dilemma however; Netbooks will also continue to cut into sales of the higher margin, costlier tier of their notebook offerings. Feature creep is probably going to be the manufactures biggest marketing challenge; the temptation to seek product differentiation by adding larger screens, faster processors (central & graphics), more IO, etc., all tending to increase price, size, weight, and cut into battery life. If you examine your real world use and expectations you may have the same epiphany I have had; these little Netbooks are excellent solutions vs. the more expensive traditional notebook offerings. With a couple of easy inexpensive tweaks, the "Samsung NC10" is a home run!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung NC10-14GBK 10.2-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery

Small and incredibly functional, the Samsung NC10-14GBK netbook is a stylish alternative larger laptops when you want to stay connected and keep working but need to travel light. Weighing only 2.8 pounds, the NC10 netbook gives you the freedom to do that and more wherever you are. It incorporates a stunning 10.2-inch WSVGA SuperBright anti-glare screen and normal-size, ergonomic notebook-style keyboard that makes it easy to compose long documents on the go. And the NC10's ultra-durable Protect-o-Edge casing can easily withstand the stresses and strains of everyday life, making this netbook the ideal companion for a mobile lifestyle.
Designed especially for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry, which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors to conserve energy and gives you more time away from the wall outlet--up to 6 hours with the included 6-cell battery.

It boasts a range of advanced communications technologies, including an Atheros 54g wireless LAN (802.11b/g) for fast Internet access, a 10/100 Ethernet wired LAN and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR for connecting to peripherals such as your cell phone. It also includes an integrated digital motion camera, so it's easy to stay in touch using video-conferencing or live messaging. Other features include 1 GB or RAM, a 3-in-1 memory card reader, VGA output for external monitors, and three USB ports.

It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop.

Processor The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).

Storage This version of the Samsung NC10 comes with a 160 GB hard disk drive (5400 RPM), which offers enough to room to hold a an extra-large digital audio library of and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

Memory The 1 GB of installed RAM can be expanded to a maximum of 2 GB of RAM,

Input You won't have to make compromises to stay productive with the NC10 netbook. The 93-percent full-size keyboard makes it easy to type no matter where you are.

Screen, Video and Audio The 10.2-inch screen has a WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600) and has a 220nit brightness rating. It also has an anti-glare finish for great viewing angles in all lighting conditions. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 945, which uses shared video memory with the main memory.

This notebook includes an integrated audio card with Microsoft DirectSound compatibility, and it includes two stereo speakers (1.5 watts apiece for a total of 3 watts of power).

Connectivity This Samsung NC10 notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Atheros) that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks--great for surfing at home on the couch or connecting to the Internet at hotspots around town. The Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.0 + EDR) enables you to communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones. It has a multi-in-one card reader that's compatible with three different types of memory cards--Secure Digital (SD), Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), and MultiMediaCard (MMC)--for maximum flexibility. Here's the full list of ports and external connections:

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
Multi-in-one card reader supports SD, SDHC, MMC
1 VGA monitor port
1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
RJ-45 port for 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection

DVD/CD Drive Because of its size, the Samsung NC10 does not come with an integrated optical drive, but optional CD/DVD read/write drives can be connected to the laptop via one of the three USB ports, enabling you to create your music mixes, burn movies to DVD, and more.

What's in the Box This package contains the Samsung NC10 netbook PC, rechargeable 6-cell lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase.


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