Let's track developments in the market for "netbook" small laptops.
I think "netbook" refers to laptops with screens measuring 12 inches or smaller, that weigh 3.5 lbs or less, that have built-in WiFi, and that cost less than $600.
The first group of netbooks to reach the market generally have a 9 or 10 inch screen, weigh less than 3lb. and cost $400 to $500, sometimes less.
I'm interested in this type of computer because I think it has potential for use in overland vehicles. The combination of LED backlighting, low power CPU and solid state hard disc should make the computer more reliable in an off-road vehicle, while still being useful for GPS navigation and simple computer use. The smaller dimensions of the netbook help it fit into the crowded cockpit of an overland vehicle, too.
Models available:
The Acer Aspire One, Asus Eee 900, Asus Eee 1000, MSI Wind, Dell Mini 9 and Lenovo IdeaPad all use LED backlighting for their TFT LCD screens. These models use the Intel Atom processor. Most use WIndows XP, and some offer versions of Linux.
Hp Mini-Note uses traditional fluorescent tubes to illuminate the screen. The Mini-Note 2133 uses a VIA processor which is a little slower than the Intel Atom.
One problem with netbooks is the small keyboard. The HP Mini-Note and the Acer Aspire One are generally acknowledged as the models with the most usable keyboards.
Chip Haven
I think "netbook" refers to laptops with screens measuring 12 inches or smaller, that weigh 3.5 lbs or less, that have built-in WiFi, and that cost less than $600.
The first group of netbooks to reach the market generally have a 9 or 10 inch screen, weigh less than 3lb. and cost $400 to $500, sometimes less.
I'm interested in this type of computer because I think it has potential for use in overland vehicles. The combination of LED backlighting, low power CPU and solid state hard disc should make the computer more reliable in an off-road vehicle, while still being useful for GPS navigation and simple computer use. The smaller dimensions of the netbook help it fit into the crowded cockpit of an overland vehicle, too.
Models available:
The Acer Aspire One, Asus Eee 900, Asus Eee 1000, MSI Wind, Dell Mini 9 and Lenovo IdeaPad all use LED backlighting for their TFT LCD screens. These models use the Intel Atom processor. Most use WIndows XP, and some offer versions of Linux.
Hp Mini-Note uses traditional fluorescent tubes to illuminate the screen. The Mini-Note 2133 uses a VIA processor which is a little slower than the Intel Atom.
One problem with netbooks is the small keyboard. The HP Mini-Note and the Acer Aspire One are generally acknowledged as the models with the most usable keyboards.
Chip Haven