Monthly Archives: June 2011

What You Need To Know To Buy Mini Laptop

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Laptops have gotten progressively smaller over the last decade. Technology has gifted us with small but powerful gadgets that can last almost half a day, let you watch HD video, connect to mobile wireless broadband and do a lot more in a compact form-factor. There are big, heavy laptops as well, but they are categorized as desktop replacements, marking their position as stationary. On the other hand, we have the ultra light portable category, which gives us comparable processing power to that of proper, full-size laptops, but with the luxury of portability and enhanced battery life. Finally, we have mini laptops, which are more popularly known as netbooks. These laptops offer less processing power, instead leaning on strong battery life and enhanced portability. If you are looking to buy mini laptop then this guide will help you figure out what you need.

The netbook category is characterized by manufacturers’ use of Intel Atom processors. These are energy-efficient CPUs that offer long battery life at the cost of raw processing power. As a result, netbooks are designed for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, watching videos, editing documents and perfect for business-oriented consumers and students. Running games and processor intensive applications such as PhotoShop are not recommended. The first iteration of Atom processors was slow, but suitable for the abovementioned tasks. However, new processors have come out that are more powerful and can handle more advanced applications. The most prominent of these are the new Atom dual-core processors that are coupled with NVIDIA’s Ion graphics processors for handling Adobe Flash and high-definition videos, along with some light gaming. AMD has also released the Fusion processor that is coupled with a powerful ATI graphics processor.

Moving on from processors, the second deciding factor to buy mini laptop is the screen size. Most laptops in this category feature 10” screens with 1024×600 resolution. There are some models that feature 11.6” screens with higher resolutions, but they are few and are considerably more expensive than their smaller counterparts are. It should be noted that these netbooks do not feature a built-in optical drive, so if you need one you have to factor the cost of an external drive into the cost.

There are many netbook models by computer manufacturers in the market now. One of the most prominent is the Acer Aspire One D260. It is lightweight, highly usable and has great battery life. The sleek design features LED lights that give it a TRON look. This model has a great choice of ports, but sadly lacks HDMI output. It also packs the older, single-core Atom processor, though it has great battery life to balance it out. The Acer Aspire One 533 is a better choice if you want to play HD video and view HD Flash videos. This model also lacks an HDMI port, but features better specifications and the same great battery life.

Dell Mini 10 and HP Mini are also great choices if you are looking to buy mini laptop. Their build qualities are good and have a great finish. Additionally, Dell’s model comes with a high-resolution screen. They carry the older Atom processor though, which is sad. The Samsung NF210 is another great choice; it is light, looks great and has the new dual-core chip. An interesting choice would be the Alienware M11x. It fits the netbook category like a glove but features a proper Core i5 or i7 processor, pushing into the boundaries of the desktop replacement category. It also has a powerful graphics card. However, all this comes at the price of battery life and cost, none of which are too friendly.

You have a lot of choice if you are looking to buy mini laptop. There are many great models to choose from, but you will end up with a light, ultra portable machine that will last longer than you can imagine.

Choosing The Best Mini Notebook

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Mini notebooks have advanced significantly throughout the years. With advancements in computing technologies, quality mini notebook computers have better operating systems, processors, and hard drive space. When you are shopping for the best mini notebook computer you should consider more than just price. While price is most likely at the top of your list of importance, look for some of the most important features to ensure you invest in a computer capable of doing everything you need to do on the go. Understand which features are most important and which notebooks have been rated the best for portability and make the best investment.

Operating System

When you are investing in a netbook computer the device is only as good as the operating system powering it. If you choose a mini notebook computer with a poor operating system it will affect the overall performance of your computer. The most common operating systems used on mini notebooks include: Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows XP. If you want the best mini notebook, choose a device operating off of Windows XP. Netbooks that operate off of Windows XP do not require hardware upgrades to run efficiently.

RAM

Most netbooks only come with 2GB’s of RAM. If you want to maximize the performance of your computer look for mini notebooks with extra room to install extra RAM. Some of the most common complaints of netbook users is that load times and application performance is very slow. When you invest in netbooks with upgrade capabilities you can install 200-pin DDR2 RAM and give your mini notebook a face lift for as little $25.

Hard Drive

If you need a lot of storage you will need to invest in a mini notebook with a standard laptop hard drive. Some manufacturers are offering netbooks with a SSD hard drive because it is far more durable and portable. You will need to weigh the pros and the cons of each type of hard drive to determine which is best for you and your needs.

Screen and Battery Life

The purpose of a mini notebook computer is to bring it with you on the road with you. Because of this, you will want a mini notebook with a great battery life. Several models have improved their battery life in the last few years. The best models, like the Asus 1005HA, will run for over 10 hours in one charge. You will need to compare reliable reviews and expert test sites to see what the battery life of other mini notebooks are.

Screen size and clarity is also very important. Netbooks come in one of two sizes: 9-inches or 10-inches. While this decision may seem clear-cut, you will also need to look for a screen with glare reduction. Most netbooks have high-definition screens and an anti-glare feature. Newer models also have a touch tablet screen that can be very convenient for people on-the-go.

Which Mini Netbooks Are Best For the Price?

It is easy to find a top-of-the-line netbook if you are willing to pay the price you would for a fully stocked laptop. If you do not want to pay that kind of money consider investing in the Acer Aspire One. This mini notebook retails for $349 and operates off of Windows XP. The Aspire One has a 120GB hard drive which is far bigger than most others in the price range.

The Dell Inspiron Mini Notebook is a 9-inch unit featuring Windows XP and 1GB in RAM. One downside of the Inspiron is battery life, which is clocked at approximately 4 hours on a full charge.

Netbooks have continuously risen in their popularity within the last two years. When you are comparing netbooks you will need research netbook reviews for features and specifications. When you reference reliable sources you will find the best mini notebook for your money.

Top 3 Best Mini Computer Models

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A netbook is a small, yet powerful machine that has taken the IT market by storm. Manufacturers from all corners of the globe are vying to make the best mini computer to meet the growing consumer demand. These devices are not suitable for gaming or video editing, but they are capable of performing any other computing task. Listed below are the top 3 choices.

Asus Eee PC 1015PE

Price: $349
HDD: 250GB
Battery Life: 13 Hours

Asus practically invented the netbook market, so it is no surprise that they still hold 1st place for best mini computer. Netbooks are usually a similar size and shape, making it difficult to tell them apart. However, the 1015PE features an upgraded Atom N475 CPU that is a notable upgrade from previous Atom processors.

The 1015PE is a terrific computer in a tiny package. The screen is 10.1 inches wide and the machine weighs slightly over 4.5 pounds. Despite its small size, the screen is large enough to suit most users and the keyboard is quite large. The machine features a digital microphone and integrated webcam for easy video phone calls and conferencing.

The high specs are the best features about the 1015PE. The generous 250GB storage is considered high for netbook standards. In addition, Asus provides a unique web storage system that allows their users to store 500GB of online data for free on the first year. The 6-cell battery lasts for an impressive 13 hours, giving it one of the highest battery lives of any notebook on the market. Users are also able to select a faster processor if they have a larger budget.

Toshiba Mini NB305-N410

Price: $379
HDD: 250GM
Battery: 11 hours

The NB305-N410 is a small computer designed for easy navigation and maximum comfort. The 10.1 inch LED screen has a special feature that allows the computer to use less power and save battery life. The Toshiba NB305-N410 has a distinct advantage over the Asus 1005PE for the quality and size of the keyboard. The Toshiba features a full-sized standard US keyboard, which makes typing much easier compared to other mini computing devices.

The Toshiba uses the N450 processor to make it easier to run large programs. A graphics media accelerator is also added, giving it a distinct gaming advantage over other models. However, this computer is still not suited for heavy gaming.

The 11 hour battery is impressive for a laptop, but it is three hours less than the 1015PE. This machine has the potential to top all other products, if only they could add a few extra hours to their battery life. However, it is still a great device that will get the job done.

HP Mini 5102

Price: $499
HDD: 250GB
Battery Life: 10 hours

At $499, you will need to pay top dollar for this machine. The 5102 features a unique touchscreen that will allow users to sort through applications and menus with their fingers. Aside from the touchscreen however, this computer is the same as any other netbook model.

The keyboard is spill resistant and is one of the most pleasant designs available. The rest of the exterior is also sharp, attractive, and professional. The 10 hour battery life and high price are the two main weak points for the HP 5102, but it is still not a bad option if you want a machine with a touchscreen display.

Conclusion

Ultimately, you will need to decide which computer is best for your needs. Since many specs and designs are similar on netbooks, factors like battery life and HDD size should ultimately affect your decision. Regardless of the brand or model type, the best mini computer should be light, practical, and reliable.