HP 2140 Mini-Note - Atom N270 / 1.6 GHz - RAM 2 GB - HDD 160 GB - GMA 950 - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, 802.11 a/b/g/n (draft) - Vista Home Basic - 10.1" Widescreen TFT - camera - Smart Buy Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)From netbooks I owned HTC Shift, Asus eee 1000HA and Asus eee 1002HA. I tried out my friends Acer Aspire 1, HP mini 2133 too. So I know how to compare and from my point of view this is excellent laptop. Yes, I call it laptop. Sony calls it's P-series a laptop too, but I think sony p-series is a toy, and cannot replace my laptop, while hp mini 2140 surely can.
Technically it's like most other netbooks on the market: intel atom n270 1.6 Ghz 533mhz FSB, 1-2GB RAM, 160GB HDD, GMA 950 graphics, Wi-Fi b/g/n(draft), BT 2.0+EDR, 10/100/1000 ethernet. It has some strange resolution, non-standart 1024x576 instead of 1024x600. But I didn't notice much difference because of those 24 pixels. Perhaps it was the only way to keep it inside the same chassis as hp mini 2133. Screen is glossy, it could be also good and bad thing about this model. They made very minor changes from old chassis. One is less noticeable but yet important change is side vent design. Side vent holes were placed vertically in old 2133 and as a result, when you place it on soft surface they can be covered from bottom. In 2140 they placed them horizontally, and it increases the side vent clearance from the floor and it has more space at the bottom and less chances to be covered when placed on soft surface. You better check pictures.
Vista runs fine on it.
I've been searching a lot, read many reviews and ended up with a few models to choose from before buying 2140:
Sony P series
Kohjinsha SX
Asus eee 1000HE
HP mini 2140
Sony was out because of it's style. It's more suitable who those who don't care much about productivity but rather for style and look. Yes it looks perfect, it's glamor but I don't think I'd be able to accomplish my daily tasks on it.
Kohjinsha SX is still my favorite one, but it's price is very high. HP wins with it's price here.
Asus eee 1000HE has new cpu intel atom n280, the only netbook for the moment that can afford it. Unfortunately they placed it all in almost the same chassis as in 1000HA, which looks cheap. All plastic. Because of the same reason I skipped over samsung nc 10 and acer aspire 1.
In 2140 improved screen size with the same chassis as it's predecessor 2133. They moved speakers to the bottom of the screen and made screen bigger, while keeping the chassis same size.
I was a bit confused why they didn't put n280 in it. Perhaps it takes too long in huge companies like HP to do some design changes and implement latest technologies in their products.
I had some doubts about this model. It's predecessor 2133 was very poor in means of heat and power consumption and noise. It was awful. I was afraid that this model will repeat those mistakes. But it uses intel atom n270 instead of VIA in 2133 which has less power consumption. So i decided to give it a try.
After buying this thing I found out that:
BAD THINGS FIRST:
1) It cannot be easily upgraded. In order to charge it with SSD I would probably have to disassemble it. eee solves it much easier. (Update: recently, when upgrading it to SSD I found out that it's not that easy, you just got to be careful when pulling keyboard in order to reach disk drive).
2) Battery is not as long as eee or samsung nc. Extra 6 cell battery looks ugly and makes 2140 non-transportable
3) Screen is a bit too high brightness. You need to adjust brightness from control panel to make it normal. It's fixable.
4) Weight is not very well balanced. Back side is heavier than front
5) Charger is big enough, bigger than eee's charger. It's a brick like in normal laptop.
6) Doesn't include any accessories but charger, CDs and manual. At least one cheap case would be fine, before I buy normal case. All eee have slim case in box.
GOOD THINGS
1) it has the best keyboard in the world. I'm so surprised with it's superior quality and comfort that I think it's even more comfortable for me to type on HP mini 2140 than on desktop keyboard or any other laptop/umpc/netbook keyboards (I tried a lot).
2) excellent design. comparable to sony viao, maybe better but not worse than that. It doesn't look like budget netbook. HP looks like >1000$ model for much less price.
3) It's fully functional laptop. It has normal resolution (1024x576) for 10'' screen. I do not understand how one can put 1280x768 on 8'' screen like sony did. You can't see anything but videos on sony p-series screen.
4) It has express card 54 slot, which many comparable netbooks doesn't have. I will place 3G card in it. I don't like 3G card pulling out of USB port, prefer it to be mostly hidden in express slot.
5) It still weights only ~1.2kg. SSD version maybe even lighter
4) this model is much cooler, quiter and battery lasts longer than on hp mini 2133. With web browsing, wi-fi on you can get up-to 3.5 hours. More intensive applications - 2.5-3 hours. I tried it with the following applications running: SQL developer, Netbeans IDE, Outlook, google chrome with 3-4 tabs open while windows update installing updates in the background and heavy network and HDD IO and it lasted about 2 hours. I think it's OK. Not as much as eee but OK.
5) I read in reviews that some people were complaining about touchpad, and that buttons are not comfortably placed. I didn't notice that. I think they did a good compromise by placing buttons on the left and right sides of the touchpad, while keeping touchpad itself big enough. Buttons are comfortable for me.
6) It's built up very good. Feels like hp mini 2140 is one solid peace of metal and plastic.
6) Ergonomics. Everything seems to be there where you expected it to be. Every inch is used very effectively, no wasted space here, as a result dimension are very good, looks much smaller than eee pc 1000 series.
7) hp drive guide 3d technology, maybe not important for most of the people, but it's good one. Parks HDD headers when it senses movement or falling. Can save data one day, or maybe not :) It depends.
8) Finally!!! HP engineers managed to optimize OS and not overload it with HP software and removed loads of icons from tray and startup programs that used to be in all OS's preinstalled by HP and other vendors. They did a good job this time, and I spent less time optimizing and updating OS.
Being honest I would give this laptop 4.5, since I didn't have such a chance I choosed to give it 5 instead of 4.
***********************************
EDIT: 27 Sep 2009
After half year of use I can say that this netbook is very durable. Yesterday, The child hardly pressed on the lid and on the keyboard while netbook was open and left unattended. As a result lid opened up on 180 degrees though normally lid does not open more than 130 degrees (it's mechanically blocked). There was a crack noise and lid did not close after that. I thought that plastic top was broken but actually only metal frame was damaged. I closed the lid, pressed it hard several times, so that metal frame becomes to it's original state and it is fine now. Lid opens and closes normally, as it was before. Plastic frame did not crack, and lid movement is still solid. No visible evidence of recent operation.

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HP 2140 Mini-Note PC Smartbuy Intel 1.6GHz 10.1" SD2048MB (1D) 160GB 5400abgn (BC)BT 3 cell 1-1-0VHB OR

Click here for more information about HP 2140 Mini-Note - Atom N270 / 1.6 GHz - RAM 2 GB - HDD 160 GB - GMA 950 - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, 802.11 a/b/g/n (draft) - Vista Home Basic - 10.1" Widescreen TFT - camera - Smart Buy

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

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

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Acer Aspire One AOD150-1577 10.1-Inch Diamond Black Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life Review

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!


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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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Toshiba Mini NB305-N410BL 10.1-Inch Royal Blue Netbook - 11 Hours of Battery Life Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been in the market for a netbook for over a year now. I have spent many a hour pouring over reviews online, watching youtube unboxings and reviews, and actually doing a lot of hands on in retail stores with all of the options out there. I am thrilled to say that after only 24 hours with the Toshiba NB305-N410WH, I know that I waited for just the right one.
The reviews for its' predecessor (the NB205) had put that netbook on the top of most professional reviewers list. And, indeed in my own hands on tests, it was right at the top as well. My main concern was the battery that stuck out of the back on that model. I had come close to overlooking this drawback, as I was so pleased with the rest of the model. What kept me from it was a concern I had read from some reviews indicating that sometimes streaming video would skip or get stuck (a universal concern on most netbooks)either due to processor or graphics.
Here is why I LOVE this little fella:
* The battery issue has been totally adressed, and in fact, upgraded. They have redesigned it and no more ugly bulge of battery sticking out of the back. Plus, they now say it has an 11 hour battery. My test of this gave me around 9.5 hours doing very basic surfing and setup. Not quite 11 hours, but am still elated with 9.5 hours. I can now really feel comfortable about leaving the power cable at home for the day. (however, the power cable is actaully fairly small) (Update 1/21/10--In further testing of the battery life, I seem to now be averaging more like 7 hours under heavy usage, meaning video watching and constant use. I am still more than happy with that. Light usage will give you more like the 9.5 hours I mentioned.)
* I'm extremely happy with the performance. Everyone needs to keep in mind that netbooks have never been designed for processor intensive tasks, but this little guy rocks! The new "Pinetrail" Atom N450 platform seems to be a great fit for this netbook. The graphics engine is updated, as well. I have had absolutely no delays in any streaming video on YouTube or Netflix. (I did notice just a bit of stuttering in Hulu only when watching something full screen but this isn't an issue for me.) Surfing is snappy and responsive, just the way that I like it. For anyone that may have been on the fence about getting a netbook because they were concerned it might not perform, hop right off that fence and get the NB305. Seriously, I have a Macbook Pro and Dell laptop and this one has instantly become my "go to" for surfing on the couch or from bed. And, I know this will be the one I now take anywhere out of the house.
* The overall look and feel of the NB305 is truly "best in class". My big gripe with a ton of netbooks out there is their glossy covers-especially the black, but even other color glossy covers are fingerprint magnets. They just always look smudged and feel cheap to me. I got the textured white model and just love it. Even though I am sure it is all plastic, too, it just looks more expensive. The cover totally repels fingerprints and just "feels good". The keyboard and trackpad have received universal love in the previous model and I absolutely agree. The keyboard is extremely easy to type on. No issues at all for me there. The trackpad is truly a selling feature as it is multi-touch. I have this on my Macbook Pro and LOVE it on this netbook. I love being able to do the 2 finger scroll up and side to side. It really makes surfing the web a joy. (I now curse my Dell for not having this.) This model actually reduced it's weight to 2.6 lbs making it super easy to take with you. The bottom does heat up a bit but I never felt uncomfortable having it directly on my lap. (Update 2/20/10: Ok, there have been times when it has been uncomfortable on my lap. Especially if you are blocking the vents, which is easy to do when on your lap. I now just set it on the protective sleeve I bought for it and we're good to go.) This new model has sleeker look than previous models, a little more streamlined in the front. Overall, form factor gets a big A+.So, there are a couple areas for improvement, however, I don't think they are "deal breakers" given the other areas where the NB-305 excels:
1) The speakers are not great. Actually, they're pretty bad compared to my Mac and Dell. This is definitely an area to improve on, but have found this to be true of all the netbooks I have been able to hear. I'm not saying that you can't hear what you are watching, but I will plan on using earbuds for watching video or listening to music.
2) I'm a little bugged that these just come with Windows7 Starter and not Windows7 Home Premium. I feel a little "punked" into having to pay an extra $80 for the upgrade (which was extremely simple and fast, by the way. I was able to do it right online--no need for external optical drive). Some people will be fine with Windows7 Starter as it does allow you to do basic functions, but I ultimatley had to cave in and upgrade. You aren't able to personalize things in Windows7 Starter, which was a minor but grating flaw. (On a side note, I am really liking Windows7 Home Premium. This netbook handles it fine.)
3) I'm kinda concerned that this did not come with any restore cd's. Yes, I realize that this doesn't have a cd/dvd drive, but I guess I just like the comfort of having them if needed. I know that I should back up the system on my own, but I guess I just am not sure what happens if the OS crashes or hard drive has to be replaced. I think there must be new ways to restore, nowadays. I guess I will hopefully never cross that bridge.
4) (Update 2/20/10: It does get quite warm around the vents. This may or may not be an issue for you. I can deal with it.)
Overall, I think you can see that I am obviously extremely happy with this purchase. If you have been waiting to buy a netbook, I would give this one some serious thought. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
(UPDATE 1/19/10: I did upgrade to 2GB of memory and would recommend it. I didn't really need to, but can't resist trying to upgrade my gadgets, and everything is just a little faster and I just watched Heros on Hulu full screen and didn't notice issues that I had before. I didn't even mind the speakers come to think of it--although the speakers are still the only weak link hardware wise. Installing the memory is a snap. You just need a tiny Philips screwdriver to remove one screw from back cover, pop out the old, pop in the new, replace the cover and boot it back up. It was recognized by the netbook with no problems. There is a video on YouTube on doing this to the NB205 model and the process is exactly the same for the NB305. Still very happy.)
(UPDATE 2/20/10: The type of memory that I got was the one that Amazon usually suggests: Crucial Technology CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module.
I also purchased CaseCrown sleeve: CaseCrown Double Memory Foam Netbook Pouch (White Faux Suede) to Carry the Toshiba Mini NB305 10.1-inch Netbook Very happy with that, too. Fits like a glove and makes it super easy to transport the NB305 and feel it is very protected.
Overall, still extremely happy.)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba Mini NB305-N410BL 10.1-Inch Royal Blue Netbook - 11 Hours of Battery Life


Toshiba Mini NB305: Sleeker Design and Improved Battery LifeWith a new sleeker design and up to 11 hours of battery life rating, the affordable, super-compact Toshiba Mini NB305 weighs less than 3 pounds, is small enough to throw in a purse or bag, and offers a brightly colorful 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen. It features a full-size keyboard for comfortable typing and a larger touchpad with Multi-Touch Control, which enables you to navigate documents, web pages and images more easily.
With up to 11 hours of battery life the Toshiba mini NB305 lets you go through an entire day of school, work or errands without worrying about a recharge.

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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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Samsung N150 10.1-Inch Netbook (Blue) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered the Samsung N150 after much research and have not been disappointed. The main reasons for my choice were: 1. Matte screen, which I prefer over the glossy screens of other netbooks I've seen in stores, 2. Battery life, 3. Matte blue finish of cover doesn't show fingerprints, 4. Positive reviews of keyboard, 5. Super-quiet fan. And so far, all of these features have lived up to my hopes. Other nice features: silky smooth operation of lid hinges, and the built-in webcam and microphone.
One downside as noted by a previous reviewer: the initial setup of the hard drive and software takes a LONG time (one hour, more or less). From what I've read, there are other netbooks out there with much shorter setup times. Fortunately, you only have to go through setup once with this netbook. Be patient, and you'll get through it fine. Just don't expect to be doing useful work until the day after your box comes in the mail.
Another negative is that the processor seems relatively slow (compared to desktop PCs or full-size laptops) at some operations like booting, doing data transfer, and unpacking/installing software. This is just because of the processor, which has been optimized for low power usage. And I imagine that other netbooks have the same shortcoming, so it's no particular knock against the N150. It's the price all netbooks pay for being small and power-stingy.
Having said that, once the Samsung gets itself booted and ready to go, it does fine at web browsing, email, word processing, and video watching. I was able to watch a streaming Netflix video with no problems. Speakers are decent, but a battery-powered iPod speaker like an Altec Lansing iM237 plugged into the headphone jack gives a much better and louder sound.
Suggestions:
1. Allow at least one hour for initial setup. Be patient.
2. Either turn off the automatic "Windows Update" in the control panel, or change the frequency of updates from "every day" to "one day per week." The automatic update hogs the processor each time it runs, and you'll be wondering why the netbook is running so slowly every morning.
3. In the Start menu, type "Task Manager" in the search box and put a shortcut for the Task Manager in your Start menu or on your taskbar. Get familiar with the Task Manager because it shows you CPU usage, memory usage, and what processes are running in the background. When the blue "hard disk" light starts flashing and the netbook slows down, the Task Manager will tell you why.
4. In the Start menu, type "gadgets" in the search box, and install the "CPU" gadget on your desktop. The large dial gives a constant readout of CPU usage, and the small dial a readout of RAM usage. Another good tool for monitoring the CPU workload. When the needle is pegged in the red zone (e.g. at startup) you're not going to get much done. Wait til the needle drops out of the red zone before trying to do any other CPU-intensive tasks.
5. Forget the installed McAfee antivirus program and download the free "Microsoft Security Essentials". It's free and it works great. Saved my other laptop from numerous attacks. Also download the free "Malwarebytes" program.
6. Forget the MS Office "trial" software and download the free Open Office, which works just like MS Office and can open MS Office files, and an save in MS Office format. (Open Office also plays better with this netbook than the included MS Works package. I downloaded Open Office and then uninstalled both MS Office and MS Works.)
Some owners have reported that replacing the 1GB RAM stick with 2 GB RAM improves performance. Before going that route, I tried the Windows ReadyBoost feature, which Microsoft says will improve performance in some operations. Exactly which operations is not clear, and when I tried using ReadyBoost with a 4GB USB emory stick, I wasn't able to discern any difference.
All in all, the Samsung is a competent netbook in a nice package. Two thumbs up.
Update: After upgrading to 2 GB RAM and having used this netbook for a couple of weeks, I like it even better. Upgrading the RAM definitely helped performance. And the matte screen is definitely better than the glossies, and the keyboard is much better than my friend's Asus eeePC keyboard. The trackpad is just too small for more than occasional emergency use, though, so I use an iHome mid-size wireless optical mouse, which I love and highly recommend. Being freed from the tiny trackpad and the marginal 1 GB RAM makes this little machine a pleasure to use.
PS--If you do install Microsoft Security Essentials, be sure to follow their instructions for uninstalling other antivirus programs first (in this case, McAfee). I apparently failed to do so, and eventually noticed an oscillation in CPU usage as shown by the Task Manager when the CPU should have been idle. A Google search suggested a conflict between two competing antivirus programs. I went back and uninstalled McAfee by using the "appwiz.cpl" command per instructions on the Microsoft Security Essentials site, and problem solved.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung N150 10.1-Inch Netbook (Blue)

Delivering high style while ensuring you have less to carry whie staying within your budget, the Samsung N150 netbook PC in blue features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display, the latest Intel Atom N450 processor, Windows 7 Starter operating system, and up to 7 hours of battery life. This impressive battery-powered performance is possible because overall power consumption is reduced by the energy efficient LED display, optimized processing performance and Samsung's proprietary Enhanced Battery Life solution.
Great for writing e-mail and getting work done while on the go, it sports a 93 percent full-size keyboard for easy typing as well as a webcam for staying in contact via video chats. With the integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi, you'll be able to connect to the Internet at home or at hotspots throughout town. Other features include a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM, a 3-in-1 memory card reader, and three USB 2.0 ports.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

Key Features


Key Specifications
1.66 GHz Intel Atom N450 processor (512 KB L2 cache, 667 MHz FSB) combines performance and energy efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while mobile.
160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)
1 GB of RAM (DDR2)
Intel GMA 3150 graphics
1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the bezel
Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for ultra-fast connectivity to home and business networks.
Three USB 2.0 ports with one slot that charges your peripherals even if the netbook is in sleep mode.
3-in-1 memory card reader (SD, SDHC, MMC)
Fast Ethernet (10/100) for wired networking.
VGA video output for connecting to an external monitor.
Headphone jack as well as mic input
Kensington lock compatibility
Built-in stereo speakers (1.5 W x 2) with HD Audio and SRS 3D Sound Effect capabilities.
Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do--less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. And Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. A small notebook PC running Windows 7 Home Premium is even easier to use. The new taskbar and advanced navigation features make launching programs, opening files, managing windows, and getting around your PC faster and easier. Personalize your PC to be just the way you want it with helpful gadgets and desktop themes--even turn your desktop into a slideshow of your favorite photos. And you get the best entertainment experience on a PC. With Windows Media Center, you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
Up to 7 hours of battery life from standard 6-cell battery.
Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.4 x 1.37 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 2.73 pounds
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

What's in the Box This package contains the Samsung N150, 6-cell rechargeable battery, AC adapter, power cord, printed user manual

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Caselogic VNA210 10.2-Inch Netbook/iPad Attache (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a well-made but relatively inexpensive bag for a laptop PC. It is so light that I can barely feel its weight, but it still has sufficient padding to protect its contents against bumps during everyday use.
This is NOT the kind of case with zippers that can be pulled further to the left and right sides when you open the bag. In other words, the opening for you to put in and take out things is very small. Does this matter? Yes, if you have a laptop PC that measures diagonally 15.6 to 16 inches. The fit is snug, and because of the narrow opening, putting in and taking out a computer is not that smooth and easy. Although the zippers are plastic, there is a chance of them scraping against the computer's edges. I would not recommend this case if you have concerns about this aspect. If your computer is a netbook, which is about 10 inches diagonal, then this case will be fine.
There is an USB thumb drive pocket in the main compartment, where the computer is stored, but I feel it is not a good location, because it is likely to chafe against the laptop computer. There are two side pockets. I use the larger one to store AC adapter, cord, mouse pad, and mouse.
I deem this bag more suitable for carrying smaller laptops. It is not suitable for 15.6 to 16-inch laptops because of the tight fit.Update (2-4-2011):
Case Logic has another 16-inch case that zipper opens three sides instead of just one. It is called Case Logic VNCi-116 Value 16-Inch Laptop Briefcase. It will easily fit any 16-inch notebook computer. Even my 17.3-inch HP DV7 can be accommodated in the case. You can read my review on its web page on Amazon.com.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Caselogic VNA210 10.2-Inch Netbook/iPad Attache (Black)

Case Logic is obsessed with organization! No matter who you are, what toys, tools or technology you have, where you are, or where you are going, Case Logic is your partner in managing the things that matter to you. We are the "stuff wranglers" that make life easier.With this focus in mind, Caselogic introduces the VNA210 10.2-Inch Laptop Attache. Fits any netbook up to 10.2-Inch, even with extended battery pack. Features a Power Pocket - Streamlined front pocket comfortably fits bulky power cords without deforming the case. Accessory storage pockets for USB, portable mouse or iPod and pens. Front Speed Pocket for cell phone, wallet or keys and detachable shoulder strap. 25 Year limited Warranty!

Get 25% OFF

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