I was thinking of getting another computer, but mainly one for using MSN messenger (or something similar) and going on the internet freely wherever I go. So, I started doing some research on miniature and subminiature laptops, however the prices seem a little high for such low specs. I don't really want to use Ebay, but could I find one of these (or a regular small laptop) without an OS? I probably won't get one if its over $200, even without the OS. Also, oddly enough, I don't think I've ever seen a topic on this board about subminiature laptops before. Probably because the specs and low resolution don't justify the price, I assume.:nod:
I would tell you to look for a cheaper used laptop. From what I've heard, these computers are not worth the price. For the stats, they should be maybe $50, but I think it's a case of style over substance.
I kinda like this one. The price is a little steep though. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220441 About the only thing that I can find is the XO, and its ugly as fuck. And it looks like a childrens toy with its awful coloring scheme.
If it's only worth $200 to you, you probably won't be able to do much better than one of the first Eee PC's, and that's *if* you get a good deal. For general usablity, I'd say ~$350 is the sweet spot right now. Assuming we're talking about netbooks, which ones in particular were worth only $50 to you? My used Dell D410 was $70 less than my Aspire One, but only marginally more powerful. My Aspire One also has more hard drive space, a longer battery life, and half the weight. It's totally worth the price to me, considering I have a relatively powerful computer in a very small form-factor.
Well, even still, the one I wanted has a 160 gb HD, and I nowhere NEED that much space. But I don't know, would be nice for backup and portable media viewing on the go. With TONS of space left over. I don't know if I'd want to spend that much on it, though. I'll look for an older EEE pc and see what I can find. EDIT: Seems like the one I linked to is the best deal I can find. Oddly enough, even worse specs ones without OSs are being sold more than the one I linked to on Newegg! Thats crazy. I might get one, but only if I get lots of money in my next paycheck, and I have tons left over. Even though the one I want comes with Windows XP, will it run faster in Ubuntu? I might just keep XP on it, though. I liked XP. :typin:
To be honest for what you're going to want to be using it for (portable net access, basically), you're better off saving some cash and getting one with a solid-state HDD. That way you can throw it in your bag and take it with you wherever without getting too worried about it receiving a knock, and the battery life will be better as well. I saw a sales pitch for one of the first EEEs, I guess about 8 months ago at work, and I was pretty sold. The linux distro looked really well tailored to the hardware, and had lots of cool shit like Terminal Services/RDP support, an apps browser to download new software, and all the expected stuff built in (Open Office, browser, email, wifi, etc etc) and working nicely. But as soon as I got home and started piecing what I wanted together (bit more RAM, bit more storage...) I realised the price just didn't justify it. The newer ones with Atom CPUs look much more capable but if you want capable then you should buy a small laptop. The price/performance ratio will be better and it'll be considerably better to work with ergonomically. Ask yourself what you want from it - if you just want browser and mail on the go then buy the cheapest you can find, it'll work fine.
I think the one I linked to is the best I can do. With the 160 gb HDD, I could use it as a portable movie, picture, and video player, and since they're basically made for wireless networking, I'll get that one. The battery life isn't too bad either. Five hours is like 3 hours more than my moms bigger laptop can handle. I might get a car charger or something for it, too. It all depends on how much my next check will be. Im pretty sure it will be big enough to get one of these without hurting my bank account much.
I fixed that for you! ....okay.... EeePC 701: Original Netbook released last september, got mine in December. Small screen, solid state drive and not bad price, still a good choice, around $249.99 for the 4gb version. MSI Wind: "MacBook Nano" on the cheap, still expensive for a netbook....but one hell of a amazing hackintosh! $500.00 Acer Aspire One: About a million different versions available.....from 8gb ssd's to 160gb hdd's Priced from 290.00 and up...a 160gb hdd qith 1.5 gb ram running xp will run you 377.99 CDN. My current workhorse. EeePC 901/901A/901HDA/1000/1000H/1000HA/S101/ETC Same basic configuration in terms of cpu, only variable here is the storage and screen size, from 9 to 10 inches, and 20gb to 160gb. Anywhere from $399-$599 Intel Atom: Low power processor, runs at 1.6ghz....good for almost everyday tasks. I have been working on 3d AutoCAD drawings using AutoCAD 2009 this past week without any hiccups. Games like Sam and Max (the new ones) to San Andreas run on these platforms with little problems. My advice, go for an Aspire One if you can afford it, or an original EeePC 701... oh and i think there's been a few topics dicussing netbooks around here Ryan
Im going to get the one I linked to on Newegg, I think. I'm gonna use it as a portable HDD that I can back up files to, watch movies, talk to friends, play console emulators, etc. I never thought about it until recently, but I did want a portable emulator machine, but the price of a GP2X isn't really justified for me. $350 might seem a bit high, but considering the specs, I think it will be perfect for what I want to use it for.
They all have absolutely barebones GPUs (wouldn't fancy running anything 3D on them), and either solid state or laptop HDDs. Most of them have comparable real-world battery life when identically spec'd, which isn't surprising, because they're mostly the same components inside.
Eee PC 901 user here. I tried an Aspire One, but the battery was useless and it felt too flimsy. Not much between them performance wise. I got the Linux version but installed XP, and have Ubuntu on an SD card should I need a penguin fix. The preinstalled distro is crap. Internet browising is fine, rarely a lot of scrolling, and Office etc are fine for working. Films play great with MPC+CCCP. Gaming performance is ok, most emulators work no problem, and so do (older) PC games.
901 eee user here. Ditch the standard OS and go for Ubuntu-EEE and EEE control. Yes it pisses over the others. Battery is better.
