Which Netbook - nc10 or nb300

codo

Hi

I have been looking for a netbook for general surfing. After many hours investigating I have narrowed it down to two models. I can get both for approx £229. Can anyone recommend one over the other.

One is the samsung nc10:

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/samsung-nc10-03651493-pdt.html?srcid=369&xtor=AL-1-[Awin]&srcid=369&xtor=AL-1

the other is the Toshiba NB300

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5071481.htm?storeId=10001&referredURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argos.co.uk%2Fstatic%2FProduct%2FpartNumber%2F5071481.htm&jspStoreDir=argos&_%24ja=tsid%3A11674%7Cprd%3A1546795&referrer=COJUN&cmpid=COJUN

Thanks in advance

RussJK

codo wrote: »

One is the samsung nc10:
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/samsung-nc10-03651493-pdt.html?srcid=369&xtor=AL-1-[Awin]&srcid=369&xtor=AL-1

You won't go wrong with the NC10. Although the Toshiba NB300 has a newer CPU and bigger hard drive, it won't be any faster than the NC10, and in fact the hard drive is supposed to be slower on the Toshiba NB300. Only reason to get the NB300 is if you needed the supposed 11hr battery life, otherwise the NC10 is an easy choice.

Does this code work at currys: 5MAY (5% off orders over £199). You can check for other codes here (http://www.topcashback.co.uk/Currys/discountcodes), and Topcashback.co.uk also does 3.5% cashback. So:
£239.97 delivered with 5% off would come to £227.97, and with 3.5% cashback would be ~$220 delivered.

Alternatively, you can get the MSI U230 for $256:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MSI-WIND-U230-NETBOOK-WHITE-REFURB-/360258998549?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&hash=item53e11c1115

The U230 will be much faster. 12" screen with a high resolution (1366x768), twice the memory, faster processor than the NC10 & NB300, bigger hard drive. It comes with an ATI HD3200 graphics card, and I've used it to play 1080p video. I use my U230 netbook more than my laptop strangely. Only drawback is the low battery life, which isn't an issue for me, as I'm rarely away from a power source when using a computer. Even trains have power sources, at least Virgin do.

If you want to save a lot of money, you can get these open box/returns, all with 12 month warranties:

MSI U100 (10", Windows XP home) for £150
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MSI-WIND-U100-10IN-MINI-LAPTOP-WHITE-DEAL-REFURB-/330424146965?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&hash=item4ceed05c15

MSI U130 (10", Windows 7 starter) for £154
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MSI-WIND-U130-10IN-NETBOOK-BLACK-REFURB-/350349480951?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&hash=item519274d3f7

Samsun N130 (predecessor to the NC10) for £180
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SAMSUNG-N130-10-1IN-NETBOOK-SOFT-BLACK-REFURB-/350346280185?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&hash=item519243fcf9

The general performance of 10" laptops are basically the same, as are the specs. There is no great speed difference between the Atom N270 processor and the Atom N450 - its just cheaper for Intel to make the newer N450. The main difference between the Netbooks is the build quality, as well as how the design affects usability. MSI, Samsung, and Asus are all very usable.

JABWootton

Samsung NC10 by a mile

The Samsung NC10 as it has the full version of XP
The Toshiba NB300 has Windows 7 starter which is a cut down version of Windows 7 so you will be very restricted in what you can do

codo

Thank you both. My instinct was to go for the nc10 but I have over investigated this and my brain had gone to mush. It always good to get others advice.