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Cheapest netbooks discussion

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  • Omega_1
    Omega_1 Posts: 233 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts
    kevanf1 wrote: »
    I'm curious as to why you say this? These netbooks generally run far quicker and are much more secure if they run Linux rather than one of the Microsoft operating systems. With the Linux versions all the 'drivers' are included for broadband so there shouldn't be any problem. They will also not slow down to a crawl after about 12 months which the Microsoft ones will. The GUI - graphical user interface (window if you like) is highly intuitive on the Linux netbooks but can be enhanced if you wish. Ok, so Linux is different to MS Windows. Accepted, but it does exactly the same job but better, in my oh so very humble opinion.

    I have personally used both MS Windows and Linux side by side for the past 13 years now. Both have their shortcomings and both have their good points. Linux was once difficult for beginners to get to grips with, not any more. In fact, I'd say Linux has been better for newcomers for the last 4 to 5 years.

    At the end of the day I would suggest that people give Linux a try before they succumb to the bad propoganda surrounding the system. That bad stuff is legacy and mostly long gone. It only now gets to be a brain workout if you start to mess around under the skin. So tell me, how many people can succesfully edit the Windows Registry? I suspect 9 out of 10 people would probably end up with an unusable system and have to totally reinstall Windows. Yet, with Linux it is still difficult to do that similar stuff (there isn't a registry like Windows) but at least it is in human readable form and help is always at hand. If you really want to get that technical :)
    A big down-side with Linux is am still unable to purchase a PAYG broadband wi-fi dongle that works on this system (unless have missed an opportunity to do so somewhere ?) XP etc no problem with any of suppliers.
  • Han_naH
    Han_naH Posts: 268 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    I just wanna make two points about Netbooks.

    (1) You thought a netbook was a small laptop? Not quite.
    The keyboard is too small. You will need an external keyboard for long term use. Don't believe anyone contradicting this. It is too small and you hit all the adjacent keys when you didn't want to.

    Laptops are better in this respect (but similar problem).

    PCs with proper keyboards are ideal.

    (2) The chipset should be an Nvidia ION, to play full HD movies and video on websites etc.
    Some time ago, manufacturers noted something along the lines of - "This Atom processor from Intel. It's not a proper processor. Our video playback is choppy and unacceptable".
    So Nvidia created graphics chips to sit alongside the Atom to form an integral "engine", and give you smooth playback.

    Acer include ION chipsets (check) but Samsung are a better brand.

    If you take any electronics website and sort by price, two providers appear at the top every time. Acer and Asus. Not recommended.

  • Has anyone any thoughts on the Samsung N140? It is available on Amazon for £279. I am thinking of buying this but wondered if anyone had any personal experience. Unfortunately it isn't available at Costco as I would have preferred to buy it there to get their 2 year warranty. However, the only one they stocked in my price range was the Toshiba NB200 which has only a 3-cell battery and no Bluetooth.

    I mainly want it to take on holiday - so that I can surf the internet, keep in touch with my son by webcam, etc. At home I will probably use it in the kitchen to look up recipes and perhaps do a bit of word processing. I would probably prefer a matt screen. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
  • This one is £112.25, free delivery, and gets good customer reviews.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/CnmBook-Netbook-Windows-Widescreen-Memory/dp/B001DN8NNY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
  • kwikbreaks
    kwikbreaks Posts: 9,187 Forumite
    edited 3 December 2009 at 11:54AM
    That isn't a netbook - as it is a Windows CE machine it is basically an oversized personal organiser.

    ====

    Strangely the reviews all mention Linux ??? Either the description on Amazon is incorrect or the reviews are attached to the wrong product.

    If it is linux powered then it may well be OK
  • Compaq Mini 110c-1012sa 10.1 inch Netbook (Intel Atom Processor N270, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB SATA HDD, 802.11 B/g, Webcam, Intel GMA950, BT USB Dongle, Windows XP)

    Amazon £199.99, free delivery
    (rrp £279)

    Sorry if this already posted - havent time to read the entire thread - my sister just showed me this - looks ok?
  • Was £269.99 now £199.99 at ARGOS

    http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001801&langId=-1&searchTerms=msi+u100&Submit=GO+%3E

    decent spec, but battery life seems a bit low.
    • Intel Atom N270 processor.
    • 1.6GHz processor speed.
    • 512MB cache.
    • 1GB DDR2 RAM.
    • 160GB SATA hard drive.
    • 10in screen size.
    • Resolution 1024 x 600 pixels.
    • UMA graphics.
    • 1 Ethernet port.
    • Wireless/Wi-Fi enabled - b/g.
    • 3 x USB ports.
    • Media card reader.
    • Bluetooth.
    • Integrated 1.3MP webcam.
    • Windows XP Home operating system installed.
    • 3.5 hours battery life.
    • Size (H)3, (W)26, (D)18.cm.
    • Weight 1.1kg.
    :confused: single forever, not looking. Don't drink, don't smoke. Oh what a Happy Bunny !!!
  • Im assuming that this type of thing is a netbook?
    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260511837760&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

    Opinions on it?
    Is it worth the money? - Im considering getting one for the kids (to do schoolwork, connect to the net via broadband etc - no intensive gaming or anything - just pretty basic use) - does it look worth it - or does anyone have good recommendations for around the same price?
    Thanks
    :rotfl:If it weren't for stress I'd have no energy at all. First rule of acting: Whatever happens, look as if it were intended.;)
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  • I just recently discovered Argos Clearance shop on Ebay. The mini netbook web browser laptop go as low as 139.99. Some are new and some are classed as refurbished, for which you still get a 12 month warranty. There is a big explanation as to what is classed as refurbished, basically they may have been sold and returned, they are then all put through all the checks and sold on as clearance or things that have been taken out of there catalogue. Just thought anyone looking for one for the kids then its worth a look. Lots of other bargains on there to.
    Susiwillo
  • Oneday77
    Oneday77 Posts: 1,242 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Im assuming that this type of thing is a netbook?
    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260511837760&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

    Opinions on it?
    Is it worth the money? - Im considering getting one for the kids (to do schoolwork, connect to the net via broadband etc - no intensive gaming or anything - just pretty basic use) - does it look worth it - or does anyone have good recommendations for around the same price?
    Thanks
    I wouldn't risk it. There is no mention of abrand name. Other than the fact it has a larger than average screen size it is nothing special. Opt for a 10" model from a retailer od Brand you recognise.
    New PV club member. 3.99kW system. Solar Edge with 14 x 285W JA Solar panels. 55° West from south and 35° pitch.
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