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a netbook instead maybe?

G

Gomar

Limp Gawd
Joined
Oct 25, 2007
Messages
315
Reasons NOT to get a laptop, but a netbook instead:
1) I dont want to lug around a 15.6"+; for travel a 10.1" is just fine
2) I dont need 320GB+ HDD, 150GB HDD is fine as I have 2 external HDDs
3) I am not a gamer, nor a video editor, so dont need Core i3-i7
4) a larger laptop is a theft target over a smaller, and easily hidden netbook
5) I could connect a netbook to a 20" monitor; but wont spend $120 for one if using a 15.6"
6) I rarely burn CDs/DVDs so dont need a burner; I have a USB DVD burner if needed

only thing is the slower CPU and less RAM; however, if on netbooks max is 2GB, it should suffice for travel, internet, etc. I could get a desktop as the main clunker for same price as a laptop and get a 1TR HDD, 6GB RAM instead of 500gb, 4gb... oh, and I already would have that 20incher.
 
Unless there are financial constraints, pass on the netbooks in favor of ultraportables or ultrabooks.

1) Nothing wrong with small. I'm a firm believer in laptops being no bigger than my lap's top; for my bony ass, that means no more than 13"-class.
2) So long as space isn't an issue, fine. But spend the extra for an SSD. $100 additional spent on an SSD will make vastly more difference in perceived performance than that same $100 would on a CPU upgrade.
3) I'd still go i3, personally. It's less about performance and more about performance-per-watt. You'll get more done on less battery.
4) Theft deterrence is less about size and more about perceived desirability. If you want to make it less attractive to thieves, take a key to the lid as soon as you buy it and slather it in tacky bumper stickers -- making sure to cover the logo regardless of make.
5) Okay...
6) I've been running my laptops without optical drives for years. Hasn't been a hassle for me in the least.

Never skimp on RAM. You can eat the performance penalty of a slower processor, as most people almost never actually need the power of current-gen CPUs. The instant you start swapping to disk, however, your world effectively ends, and the thing turns into a several-hundred-dollar ball of suck. These days, I wouldn't pay a dime for a laptop without at least 4gb RAM -- preferably 8 as a minimum. And make sure it's running a 64-bit OS, even if it only has 4gb; otherwise, between address space and integrated graphics, you'll get sucked down to about 2.75gb. Too much RAM is never a problem; not enough is always a problem.
 
SSD equiped Ultrabook FTW!

Besides my main rig, I limped along with netbook for a couple years. Didn't want to lug around a full-up laptop. An ultrabook is basically a pricey/thin laptop - will make your wallet cringe a bit, but if you want ultimate portability without giving up what a nice laptop offers, they really fit the bill. Very happy with mine.
 
I agree, get an ultraslim with an SSD, dump the optical drive. The superior keyboard is well worth the upgrade over a crummy netbook.
 
For what you want... look at a refurbished X220? That'd be cheap like most netbooks are. Or a new x230 if it fits in your price range.
 
Unless SSDs drop in price I think an ultrabook is over my budget.
A Netbook is small enough to travel with, no useless optical drive, good HDDs, and
1.66GHZ with an upgrade to 2GB RAM isnt too bad.
 
OrangeWolf said:
For what you want... look at a refurbished X220? That'd be cheap like most netbooks are. Or a new x230 if it fits in your price range.
Click to expand...

^^ this.

Ultrabooks are expensive but also offer half the performance of a lighter laptop. Something like an X220/X230 or Toshiba 935/835 or 930/830 offer the same weight and replaceable battery without proprietary parts. Basically, you get all the niceties of an ultrabook without the headaches of an Ultrabook.

Personally, I wouldn't buy an Ultrabook until it offers something more than "thin." Currently, Ultrabooks aren't much lighter than ultraportables and the 17W ULV chips aren't very good. If you want an Ultrabook it would be wise to wait until Haswell because it's a microarchitecture that was designed with that specific TDP and form factor in mind.

I'd also wait for Clover Trail and Kabini-based netbooks/tablet hybrids.
 
Sounds like he's trying to keep this VERY cheap, in which case I am a big fan of netbooks. If you're planning on using it like most people use tablets, only you'll have a keyboard interface instead, they are a great option. There are some great deals on them now that tablets are taking their market share also, and they usually offer more options such as adding an external monitor.
My biggest problem with them is they usually only support 2gb, and w7 really shines with over 4gb, and I can't go back to XP.
Keeping the initial system purchase low allows more money for SSD and monitor upgrades. Not all of us have great paying jobs and can just afford all the toys we want. We have to sacrifice extras to get the things we really need.
I don't know the specific systems referenced earlier, but there are some very nice full size laptops out there now, for close to netbook money. I am becoming a big Toshiba fan myself for their build quality. THey're a bit plasticy, but they really seem to hold up well, even with abusive owners.
You may be able to find one with the SSD, small form factor, and decent processor, especially with the holiday season coming. Be patient, and keep your options open.
 
Price: $319.95 Free Shipping (USA)
B&H # ACAO7564854 Mfr# NU.SGYAA.005
1.3GHz Intel Pentium 967 Dual-Core
4GB of DDR3 RAM
500GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
11.6" HD CineCrystal LED-Backlit Display

compared to this one:

Intel Atom N2600 1.6GHz Dual-Core / 1GB DDR3 / 320GB HDD
Now:
$219.99

ifcourse the 4gb > 1gb, and a bigger hdd, but both dual core,
and I could install 1gb later, saving $60.
 
I think that Pentium 967 might be worth the upgrade from an Atom, but I guess it really depends on your budget and what you can reasonably afford.

Here's a refurb option for under $300 -- http://outlet.lenovo.com/SEUILibrar....detail?GroupID=445&Code=1038XF5#.UKU5RcXz71A

But since I can tell the X220 and X230 are more machine than you need, keep an eye out for refurb versions of the X120e and X130e from Lenovo. Great little road warriors at 11.6" and built out of sturdy materials with good keyboards. Should be able to find some in the sub $400 range easily.
 
Gomar said:
ACAO7564854
Click to expand...

I have the 1.4GHz Aspire One ($349 sandy bridge celeron AO7562808), and it's a fast netbook (compared to the Atom one I used last year from a friend, damn I would never buy one of those.) Couple of the arrow keys are pretty crappy though.

The B&H price of $319 is $10 less than what it was 5 weeks ago. The only difference as far as I know is 0.1GHz less but has vt-d support (on a netbook lol whatever.) I could not determine if the graphics were different or the same, but it was for mobile web use while traveling, so it didn't matter to us.

edit: one 1.4ghz refurb for $299 amazon.com/dp/B0083PR78C
 
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