Even though I'm a Mac guy at heart, even I'll admit that I would like to get a netbook this Christmas. Indeed, packed with power and light on the wallet, netbooks make a great gift for the laptop-hungry on a budget. I might even gift one to myself sometime soon!
However, there are so many choices out there, it's frightening. I'll bet that very few people have the time or resources to play with each and every one - so I've put together a list of some of the most popular models along with their performance specs. Use this guide to help make the netbook decision that's right for you!
Note: Many of these netbooks come in different flavors and setup options. I've listed many of the most popular configurations here, but there are most likely many more options than you will see here.
Acer Aspire One
Screen Size: 8.9"
Dimensions: 6.7 x 9.8 x 1.1 inches ; 2.2 pounds
Processor: 1.6 GHz Atom N270
RAM: 1GB
Hard Drive: 160GB
Operating System: Windows XP Home
Battery: 6 cell, 5.5 hr. estimated life
Additional features: 1.3MP camera, 802.11 b/g, SDHC and multi-format card reader
See more netbook deals at Buy.com
Asus eee PC 900
Screen Size: 8.9"
Dimensions: 6.7 x 8.9 x 0.8 inches, 2.2 lbs.
Processor: 900 MHz Intel Mobile CPU
RAM: 1 GB
Hard Drive: 16GB solid state
Operating System: Linux
Battery: 3.5 hours estimated life
Additional features: 1.3MP camera, 802.11 b/g, SD/MMC card slot
See more netbook deals at Buy.com
Asus eee PC 1000
Screen Size: 10.2"
Dimensions: 10.5 × 7.5 × 1.5 inches, 2.93 lbs.
Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom
RAM: 1GB
Hard Drive: 40GB solid state
Operating System: Linux
Battery: 6 cells, up to 8 hours estimated life
Additional features: 1.3 MP camera, 802.11 b/g/n, MMC/SD card slot
See more netbook deals at Buy.com
Dell Inspiron Mini 9
Screen Size: 8.9" glossy
Dimensions: 9.13 x 6.77 x 1.07 inches
Processor: 1.6 GHz Atom
RAM: Up to 1GB
Hard Drive: 8-16GB solid state
Operating System: Ubuntu 8.04 or Windows XP Home
Battery: 4 cells, over 4 hrs estimated life
Additional features: Intel GMA950 graphics, optional camera, 3-in-one card reader, 802.11g, customizable faceplates
See more netbook deals at Buy.com
HP Mini Note (2133-KX869AT)
Screen Size: 8.9"
Dimensions: 10.04 x 6.5 x 1.05 inches, weighs 2.8 lbs
Processor: 1.2 GHz C-7M
RAM: 1GB
Hard Drive: 120GB
Operating System: SUSE Linux Enterprise 10
Battery: 3 cells, up to 2.25 hoursestimated battery life
Additional features: 802.11 a/b/g, optional VGA camera, ExpressCard slot, 92% full-size keyboard
See more netbook deals at Buy.com
HP Mini Note (2133-KX870AT)
Screen Size: 8.9"
Dimensions: 10.04 x 6.5 x 1.05 inches, weighs 2.8 pounds.
Processor: 1.6 GHz C-7M
RAM: 2GB
Hard Drive: 120GB
Operating System: Windows Vista Business
Battery: 6 cells, up to 4.5 hours estimated life
Additional features: 802.11 a/b/g, optional VGA camera, ExpressCard slot, 92% full-size keyboard
See more netbook deals at Buy.com
MSI Wind (U100-420US)
Screen Size: 10"
Dimensions: 10.23 (L) x 7.08 (D) x 1.24 (H) 2.3 Pounds
Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom
RAM: 1 GB
Hard Drive: 120 GB
Operating System: Windows XP Home
Battery: 3 cells, 2.5 hrs. estimated life
Additional features: 802.11 b/g/n, 1.3MP camera, 4-in-one card reader
See more netbook deals at Buy.com
MSI Wind (U100-432US)
Screen Size: 10"
Dimensions: 10.23 (L) x 7.08 (D) x 1.24 (H) 2.6 Pounds
Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom
RAM: 1 GB
Hard Drive: 160 GB
Operating System: Windows XP Home
Battery: 6 cells, 5.5 hrs. estimated life
Additional features: 802.11 b/g/n, 1.3MP camera, 4-in-one card reader, Bluetooth
Comments
Thanks for the comparison, I
Thanks for the comparison, I appreciate it. Personally I prefer the Dell, but so far you can't get an extended capacity battery for it. The Acer Aspire One does have an extended capacity 9 cell battery available though - it lasts for like 9 hours. Here is a link to the one I got: http://www.certifiedbattery.com/notebook-1/acer-9/acer-aspire-one-extend...
Glad you said that you liked
Glad you said that you liked the Dell - cause I just picked one up :) 16GB, Obsidian Black, with Windows (although I might install Ubuntu Netbook Remix on it).
Thanks for the comparison, I
Thanks for the comparison, I appreciate it. Personally I prefer the Dell, but so far you can't get an extended capacity battery for it. The Acer Aspire One does have an extended capacity 9 cell battery available though - it lasts for like 9 hours. Here is a link to the one I got: http://www.certifiedbattery.com/notebook-1/acer-9/acer-aspire-one-extend...
Glad you said that you liked
Glad you said that you liked the Dell - cause I just picked one up :) 16GB, Obsidian Black, with Windows (although I might install Ubuntu Netbook Remix on it).