Netbook help.

Rev

Okay, I have a Samsung NC10 which I've had for about three years (or it could be 2, got it when they were first released). And I know there's a whole new generation of atom CPU's available now. The disk on the NC10 seems to be failing so instead of replacing it I'm planning to use that as an excuse to upgrade.

My question being, what to? Having looked around they all seem identical to me, spec wise. I know that's not the case, so what CPU should I be looking for now? They all seem the same besides the CPU's. Some have N2XX some N4XX and some N5XX CPU's. I assume the N5XX are the latest ones?


What makes are good, still Acer and Samsung? Any make to specifically avoid?

Any recommendations are gratefully received. Ideally after something with ION graphics and an 11.6" screen. All my films are already converted to 720p, so would like to be able to play them. But don't want to be paying laptop prices.

Thanks for any advice.

RussJK

The 10" netbooks are still roughly identical in performance to what you had, and I wouldn't pay more than £200 for one. The only difference is when they have a dual core processor (such as in the Samsung N150 Plus at ebuyer).

As 12" is definitely a better buy IMO than a 10". I would suggest this Dell (http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Dell_Inspiron_11z_1003534.html), which has high resolution (better than 720p) and a decent processor. It'll handle 720p no problems, particularly if you use Media Player Classic: Home Cinema, or VLC with Gpu acceleration enabled.

You won't need ION graphics for 720p (you would for 1080p, but only bother if you routinely plan on outputting to a larger screen). Edit: actually this review suggests that the Dell can handle 1080p as well (http://liliputing.com/2010/01/dell-inspiron-11z-review.html)

Alternatively, look at some of the 13.3" models.

Firstly, what are the problems you are having with the hard disk?

Rev

Thanks, will check those out. Had a look at the netbooks in PC worls to get an idea of screen sizes, 13.3" is too big for me. So not looking at any bigger than 11.6". But happy to stick to the 10.1"

I've actually looked at the dell. I can get it for about £180 refurb at MSC (comes with a 12 month warranty). No OS, but I have copies of both XP and Win7 home so I could easily put Win7 on. Only thing putting me off is all reviews say the trackpad is a nightmare.

As for the HDD, i'm getting disk write errors and constant checking of the disk on boot up. But like I said, I've had it for 3 years with very heavy use, so can't complain.

penrhyn

The trackpad is much better on the latest Dell Inspiron minis as they have discrete buttons, although the scroll function can be a bit hit or miss.
I tend to use a mini mouse.

free4440273

I have four/ my latest is the brilliant HP Mini 210 /// great build quality :cool:

Rev

free4440273 wrote: »

I have four/ my latest is the brilliant HP Mini 210 /// great build quality :cool:

Is the Intel Atom N450 dual core?

free4440273

Rev wrote: »

Is the Intel Atom N450 dual core?

my spec is n455/ not dual core/

Rev

free4440273 wrote: »

my spec is n455/ not dual core/

Thanks. If I'm going to upgrade I may as well go dual core. So I'll discount the HP. Thanks for posting though.

Rev

Do the3se look okay?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SAMSUNG-X120-ULTRA-PORTABLE-NETBOOK-REFURB-/330544998196?pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&hash=item4cf6046734

http://www.mcscom.co.uk/product.php?xProd=13657&xSec=98

RussJK

Rev wrote: »

Do the3se look okay?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SAMSUNG-X120-ULTRA-PORTABLE-NETBOOK-REFURB-/330544998196?pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&hash=item4cf6046734

http://www.mcscom.co.uk/product.php?xProd=13657&xSec=98

Samsung is by far the most powerful and will be a lot faster than the Dell. It reviews well except for battery life, check out trustedreviews. It is fine with HD.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/laptops/review/2009/11/11/Samsung-X120--JA01UK----11-6in-CULV-Laptop/p1