Netbook Review – Acer, Asus Netbook Review

Now that Microsoft’s new OS is in the shops and has garnered good reviews, it’s a good time to pick up a Windows 7 netbook.  This is an option that makes much more sense than buying an XP or Vista based product and then upgrading it. A netbook with Windows 7 costs about $40-$50 on average more than its non Windows 7 compatriot, whereas an upgrade would set you back by at least $100. However if you have an existing netbook that you want to upgrade to Windows 7, you can do the same from amazon:

• Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade available for $119.99 $101.99

• Windows 7 Professional Upgrade available for $199.99 $180.99.

• Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade available for $219.99 $199.99

Let’s take a look at a list of the Windows 7 Netbooks out there.

1. ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005HA-PU17 Netbook

The 1005HA features the sleek Seashell design from ASUS and is quite a solid machine for all its delicate lines. It has a 92% keyboard with a full-sized shift key, making it a pleasure to type on. The 1005HA has an extremely long battery life thanks to the 63Wh 6-cell Lithium Ion battery it packs. The screen is a beauty as well with excellent colors and contrast. This is the real netbook deal and its no surprise that the 1005HA is the most popular netbook model out there.

• 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 Processor
• 1 GB DDR2 RAM (2GB Max)
• 250GB HDD (5400RPM)
• 10.1″ WSVGA 1024×600 LCD Display, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
• Windows 7 Starter, 6 cell Li-Ion (5800mAh), 2.81lbs
• Colours – Black, Blue

The ASUS 1005HA-PU17 is available on amazon for $399 $371.95. Read our full review here.

(The 1005HA-MU17 Windows 7 Starter version retails on amazon for $335.99 and has a less powerful 5200 mAh battery and a N270 Processor)

2. Toshiba Mini NB205 Netbook

Toshiba’s NB205 is a netbook which has run-of-the-mill netbook specifications which it manages to derive more out of performance-wise. It also scores heavily when it comes to the looks department with a rugged, yet beautiful chassis. The keyboard is 92% and one of the best ones out there. The screen is a decent one and the battery life is excellent. The NB205-N230 is a great buy and at $348, one best value-for-money Windows 7 netbooks.

• 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 Processor
• 1 GB DDR2 RAM (2GB Max)
• 250GB HDD (5400RPM)
• 10.1″ WSVGA 1024×600 LED Backlit Display, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
• Windows 7 Starter, 6 cell Li-Ion (5800mAh), 2.93lbs
• Colours – Black, White, Brown, Pink, Blue

The Toshiba Mini NB205 Black Netbook is available on amazon for $348. However the other colored models are a bit pricey, costing from $380-$415 and we can’t find any difference at all with the specs except some models have a 160GB HDD instead of the 250GB one. You can read our full review here.

3. Acer Aspire One AOD250-1633 Netbook

The Aspire AOD250 is one of our favourite netbooks. Acer spoils you for choice with a myriad of color options and a Windows 7 netbook for under $300 (3-cell version). The higher end version features the better performing N280 processor, a 250GB HDD and battery life to match any netbook on the market (at under $350). The AOD250 features a great screen, matched with a sleek design and is one of the lightest netbooks out there. It’s no wonder that Acer, along with ASUS has been eating up most of the market share!

• 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 Processor
• 1 GB DDR2 RAM (2GB Max)
• 250GB HDD (5400RPM)
• 10.1″ WSVGA Crystalbrite 1024×600 LED Display, Acer Invilink Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/Draft-N
• Windows 7 Starter, 6 cell Li-Ion (5800mAh), 2.4lbs
• Colours – Black, Blue, White, Red

The Acer AOD250-1633 is available on amazon for $379$ $344.95. Read our full review here.

A note on the AOD250 – Each differently specced model has a different four digit number for each colour and for each OS. We found three ranges and four to six colors per range (and this is only for Windows 7 netbooks).

The second rung range of AOD250s has the Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor and a slightly less powerful 5200 mAh 6-cell battery with a price range from $329.99 – $339.99: AOD250-1842 (Black)

The third rung of AOD 250s has the Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor and a much less powerful 2200 mAh 3-cell battery with a runtime of about 3 hours. There are six color options though with a price range of $299.99 – $329.99: AOD250-1624 (Black)

4. Samsung N140 Netbook

We’ve very quickly come to regard Samsung as one of the premium netbook-makers and this latest edition – the N140 is in line with our high expectations. The matte-finish antiglare screen is excellent, has vibrant colors and a crisp display. The raised keys and full-sized shift key make this keyboard a joy to type on and the 5900 mAh 6-cell battery lasts upwards of 9 hours. The N140 is no slouch when it comes to design and build quality and compares favourably with netbooks costing upwards of $2000. The glossy lid covers and smooth black interiors make this netbook look very classy. Definitely one of the best models out there.

• 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 Processor
• 1 GB DDR2 RAM
• 250GB HDD (5400RPM)
• 10.1″ 1024×600 LED Backlit Display, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
• Windows 7 Starter, 6 cell Li-Ion (5900mAh), 2.72lbs
• Colours – Blue, Burgundy

The Samsung N140 is available on amazon for $399 $384.99. Read our full review here.

5. HP Mini 110-1125NR Black Netbook

We really appreciate HP netbooks for the simple reason that HP knows that most netbooks have a standard specification and it’s what you do with everything else that makes a difference. Enter a 92% keyboard with raised keys that’s probably the best out there, a great antiglare screen that brings out every pixel of color, great rugged design with a solid build that reminds you of a tank, funky cover designs and speakers that break the netbook norm of tinny sound. The Mini 110 is a winner all the way.

• 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor
• 1 GB DDR2 RAM (Max 2 GB)
• 250GB HDD (5400RPM)
• 10.1″ 1024×600 Antiglare widescree LED Display, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
• Windows 7 Starter, 6 cell Li-Ion (5800mAh), 2.6lbs
• Colours – Black, White, Pink

The HP Mini 110-1125NR is available on amazon for $379.99 $349. The White Mini 110 which features a 250GB HDD instead of 160GB costs $378. Read our full review here.

The 3-cell Li-Ion battery version which lasts about 3 hours instead of 8 is available in the same colors with the Black version at $328 and the others a bit more expensive.

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Filed under: netbook lists