Netbook (Mini-laptop) Reviews

Updated: May 22, 2013 08:18
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#1
alaScore 100

ASUS N56VM-RB71

Note: For tessellation to be activated correctly, the setting must be turned on manually

22 expert reviews | 166 user reviews

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#2
alaScore 99

Lenovo 59359554

For those looking for something more than a feature-light ultrabook, the gamer-friendly Lenovo...

3 expert reviews | 18 user reviews

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#3
alaScore 98

Asus Vivotab RT TF600T

The touchscreen's accuracy even with the tiny Windows icons is brilliant

11 expert reviews | 4 user reviews

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#4
alaScore 98

ASUS Eee PC 1015PN

Those seeking to play the game in high detail will require an upper-middle class GPU such as the...

134 expert reviews | 1049 user reviews

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#5
alaScore 97

Acer Aspire M5-481

Acer manages to pack a lot of performance in a small case

14 expert reviews | 78 user reviews

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#6
alaScore 97

Hewlett-Packard XG978UA

The Envy is not much different from a 13 inch Ultrabook (aside from its larger display). The...

154 expert reviews | 1593 user reviews

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#7
alaScore 96

Asus Google Nexus 7

My search for a Nexus 7 case continues. I've been down the cheap path, and then looked at the...

10 expert reviews | 168 user reviews

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#8
alaScore 96

Acer Aspire One AO756

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#9
alaScore 96

Acer Aspire ONE D270

A fast USB 3.0 port would be state-of-the-art

9 expert reviews | 103 user reviews

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#10
alaScore 96

Acer Aspire One AO725

The relatively high case temperatures during high processing loads. This is actually uncommon for...

9 expert reviews | 51 user reviews

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#11
alaScore 95

Toshiba NB550D

The impressive sound quality from the Harman Kardon speakers, the Toshiba ?Sleep? functions and...

41 expert reviews | 26 user reviews

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#12
alaScore 95

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

The experience can be free or worth whatever amount of money you want to invest in it; just as...

70 expert reviews | 352 user reviews

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#13
alaScore 94

Lenovo B575e Notebook

It lies in the hands (well, the mouse-hands) of Internet users whether media content like reviews...

2 expert reviews

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#14
alaScore 94

Acer Aspire ONE AO722

The Aspire E-series featuring AMD Fusion CPUs are the primary competition. Intel -based netbooks...

31 expert reviews | 432 user reviews

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#15
alaScore 94

Sony VAIO E15

A sense of style raises this otherwise median mainstream laptop above the crowd.

8 expert reviews

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#16
alaScore 93

HP Mini 210

The inside is well hidden under an easily removable base

77 expert reviews | 799 user reviews

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#17
alaScore 93

Toshiba NB520-108

As a non-HD variant, it should have gotten a matte and bright TFT

20 expert reviews | 24 user reviews

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#18
alaScore 93

Archos 101 XS WI-FI

The Archos 101 XS is a solid though not exceptional tablet which does benefit from a stock...

10 expert reviews | 38 user reviews

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#19
alaScore 92

Samsung NC10-13P

How long Intel's single-core Atom CPUs have stayed on the market

98 expert reviews | 2146 user reviews

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#20
alaScore 92

MSI Wind

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#21
alaScore 92

Panasonic CF-53JJCA21M

The Panasonic Toughbook S9 offers plenty for business users who demand a design that's light but...

22 expert reviews | 12 user reviews

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#22
alaScore 91

HP MINI 5103

The maximum battery life of over 11 hours in idle mode, the generous island style keyboard, which...

27 expert reviews | 18 user reviews

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#23
alaScore 91

MSI Wind U160

Verdict and Analysis Rs 23,999 is the quoted price, and at the outset we can say that it's a bit...

45 expert reviews | 26 user reviews

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#24
alaScore 91

Samsung NC110

The NC110 is both easy on the eye and comfortable to use. Trim the software, and this netbook...

13 expert reviews | 187 user reviews

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#25
alaScore 91

Acer Aspire One D260

At a price of Rs. 17,999 (MOP) or 19,999 (MRP) the Aspire One D260 feels overpriced. In terms of...

27 expert reviews | 102 user reviews

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Buying Guide

Buying Guide - Netbooks (Mini-laptops)

In response to consumer demands for increased portability and specialization in the laptop sector, the market for Netbooks has emerged virtually overnight. In comparison to their larger cousins, Netbooks are lightweight and low cost, have increased battery endurance, and are designed for users who are primarily interested in a device that is optimized for Internet applications: emailing, web-surfing, and communicating while on the go. If the majority of your computer activity is confined to the Internet, a Netbook will provide you with all the functionality you will need at a fraction of the price of a laptop or desktop computer. Inexpensive and portable netbooks appeal to wide consumers, from businessman who travel often, to kids and home users looking for a small laptop to carry from room to room, to book-laden students who spend long hours on campus.



Contents

Netbook Advantages

Compact & Lightweight: Netbook portability is the most important consideration in luring consumers away from larger computers. As laptops have trended toward bigger and heavier, Netbooks have become the model of choice for business people with heavy travel schedules, students who walk or bike between classes, and even children who cannot lug around a heavy laptop. The smallest Netbooks are the size of a textbook, and even the larger models are still only a fraction of the size and weight of a laptop.

Affordable Price: Netbooks are a bargain compared to larger computers. By focusing on Internet applications, Netbooks eliminate the need for costly add-ons and support features, which brings their price down dramatically. Prices range from $200 to $800, but the majority of models retail for $300 to $450.

Extended Battery Endurance: The reduced amount of hardware means Netbooks are much more energy efficient than laptops and their batteries last much longer, an important convenience for many consumers. Battery life in excess of eight hours is common, and Netbooks are quick to recharge as well.

What to Look for in a Netbook

Screen Display: The reduced screen size is the most immediately notable difference for users new to Netbooks. Screens may range from 8" to 12.1", but most are in the 10-11" range. A 10" netbook usually has resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels (some do 1366 x 768 pixels) and weighs less than 3 pounds whereas 11" and 12" netbooks usually have resolutions of 1280 x 800 and 1366 x 768 respectively and slightly heavier.

CPU Speed: Netbook CPU speeds compare very favorably to laptops, although performance of 2.0GHz is rare. Bargain models typically operate at 1.33GHz, while pricier models offer greater speed, 1.66GHz and higher.

Hard Drive: You'll find two types of hard drives: solid-state drives (SSDs) and spinning hard drives. While SSDs have faster transfer speeds, are more durable, and have longer life spans than their traditional counterparts, But you should pay a premium for these advantages and also SSDs always come with less capacity. Most netbooks are available with spinning hard drives. At the low end are models that feature 160GB hard drives; 250GB is much more common with a rotational speed of 5,400 rpm (and may in fact be considered standard), while more robust platforms offer 320GB and more.

Expansion/Connectivity: Netbooks are increasingly expandable, to allow for more flexibility and adaptability in their uses. Additionally, netbooks usually come with Wi-Fi, card reader, built-in webcam, and USB ports. Some even have extra features such as Bluetooth, 3G, GPS, HDMI Port, etc.

Battery Life: Though the Intel Atom CPU is low power consumption, netbooks aren't known for long battery life. That is partly because vendors typically try to keep costs and weight down by providing a modest 3-cell battery. You have option of 3-cell, 4-cell or 6-cell battery embedded types. The basic battery on most netbooks is a 3-cell battery, and will typically perform for about two and a half hours of standard use when away from a power source. 6-cell upgrades are available that can elevate this to six, eight or 10 hours + at the cost of an extra half pound of weight.

Popular Netbook Brands

Acer has become synonymous with the Netbook market, and their models often lead the class in being small and lightweight with no compromise in speed and memory. The first netbook to market, ASUS has continued to lead this developing category with the longest battery life, exclusive features, innovative technology and world-class design. Sony, with their Vaio brand, has cornered the market on higher-end, more expensive models, while Toshiba has focused on mid-market, 'jack-of-all-trades' platforms.

As the market for Netbooks expands, and consumer demands evolve, newer models are breaking with tradition to offer increased flexibility with only a minor sacrifice in portability and battery life. Several medium-sized models that incorporate additional features (optical disk drive, larger screen, camera/microphone, robust sound & graphics cards, etc.) have recently been introduced. The selection of Netbooks to choose from will soon offer a model that appeals to everyone.

Popular Netbook (Mini-laptop) products

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