ivy0820 asked:


Dell includes an industry-standard, one-year, parts-and-labor warranty with the system, and the Dell Web site has a robust collection of support tools, including online chat, a Flash-based question widget, and 24-7, toll-free telephone support. Retail stores offer a variety of extended warranty plans with your laptop purchase, but they’re generally expensive and hard to use, so we do not recommend them.

Powered by an Intel Atom N280 processor, Acer Aspire One D150-BK is a reliable laptop ideal for home as well office use. Perfect for executives who need to work while on the move, this laptop from Taiwanese manufacturer Acer seems to be the perfect solution. Its fast and efficient processor is capable of handling multiple programmes at once and ensures that all applications work smoothly. The laptop has a 160GB hard drive and a RAM capacity of 1,024MB. The hard drive offers ample space for all your documents, photos, files, music and media and the space is more than sufficient in case this would be your second laptop.

The Acer netbook has Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition as its operating system, which offers a familiar and intuitive working environment for the user. A comfortable operating system, it will ensure you are able to complete your tasks in less time. The laptop has a WSVGA 10.1 inch display screen with a resolution of 1024×600, which offers sharp and vivid images. The screen offers true-to-life images that are a pleasure to watch. The laptop does not have an optical drive.

Microsoft Corp’s new operating system, Windows 7, will be out in October. The previews are positive so far, so anyone buying a computer Dell Vostro 1500  battery, now should be thinking about upgrading this fall. Yet the NC20 isn’t quite ready for Windows 7. Because the graphics chip eats up part of the NC20’s 1GB of memory, it would need a memory upgrade first, according to Microsoft’s Upgrade Advisor software.

With a unique multi-touch and gesture pad, the Mini 10 netbook, from Dell(Dell 1691P battery), the world’s 2nd largest PC manufacturer, has a 720pixels display edge-to-edge display with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Equipped with an edge-to-edge keyboard, the Mini 10 comes loaded with everything a mobile companion should have and aims to cash in on the current popularity of netbooks. It is easy to navigate and run your fingers on the multi-touch track pad.

Moreover, the track pad is spill resistant and this further protects your gadget and ensures that it lasts long. Its compact and petite size is its highlighting feature that allows is to be carried everywhere and anywhere. A very stylish and compact 10.1 inch display screen and a built-in TV tuner are some its best features. Other useful features include a built-in mobile broadband and a built-in GPS. It also has a built-in 802.11n. Its very special gesture touchpad includes exclusive gestures like Home Screen, Dell Inspiron 6400 battery,Auto-Scroll and My Favorites. Available in popular Design Studio images, the dell Mini 10 has a large colour palette and runs on Intel Atom Z530, which makes it efficient and increase its performance and battery life.

Then Asus, a heretofore unknown PC company, hit upon an idea. Why not take cheap processors, stuff them into some of the small motherboards they had been working on, add a laptop screen and keyboard, and make a mini-laptop? They could stuff in Intel’s cheap new Atom processors and make something that is essentially a peripheral laptop. In a strategy that can be attributed to Pimp My Ride, laptop makers knew that consumers loved laptops so they decided to add a laptop to their laptops. The larger, more expensive laptop would sit quietly in the den while the netbook would scoot around the Internet, while you were on the couch watching TV or in the kitchen making pizza bagels.

Vish J asked:


is a Netbook

A Netbook (InterNET and noteBOOK) is a class of Laptop computer designed for wireless communication and access to the Internet. Netbook is primarily designed for web-browsing and emailing. Netbooks are gaining grounds on their compact design, slimmer looks and sleeker appeal.

Netbook is a Notebook computer with a low-powered x86-compatible processor (compatible with PC standard software), small screen (no larger than 10 inches), small keyboard, equipped with wireless connectivity, lightweight (under three pounds) and generally with no optical disk drive. They sometimes have Solid State Drives (SSDs) instead of Hard Disk Drives, which are lower capacity but have no moving parts and should, in theory, increase battery life and speed. Netbooks can run either Linux or Windows XP.

Why a Netbook

The obvious question is why should anyone buy a device with a smaller screen, slower processor, no optical drive when  you can get a full-featured notebook?

When it comes to a portable computer, the things that matter to most are speed and convenience.A Netbook is more convenient because it is lighter, and it usually has a lightweight operating system. The processor itself isn’t as powerful, but there’s much less processing that needs to be done with Windows XP or Linux in order to be usable.

If we are just looking for a portable computer to take along with us while traveling, to check e-mail, chat on Skype, watch some Youtube videos, take some notes, then a Netbook is what we want. Where as if we’re going to do intensive image editing, multimedia authoring, gaming etc then a Notebook/Laptopi is more suited for our needs.

Don’t confuse these low cost Netbooks with some of the sub-compact full featured Notebooks that are also out there. Sony, Dell and others also offer small lightweight Notebooks that have all the features of a full size computer in a tiny package but at a hefty price of $1400 and up. Some of these have plenty of power and features and up to 9 hours of battery life. These are real computers that are just packed into really small cases.

How does it compares to a regular Notebook

Let’s see the differences between a typical Netbook and a regular Notebook. Features of Dell Mini 9  Netbook  are compared with a regular sized Dell Inspiron Notebook below:

Inspiron Mini 9

Proecessor: Intel Atom Processor N270

Screen: 8.9”

Weight: 5.9lbs.

Battery: 32WHr Battery (4 cell)

Processor speed: 1.6 GHz

Memory: 1GB DDR2, 8GB SSD Memory

OS: Windows XP Home

Options: Camera, Bluetooth

Cost: $299

Inspiron 1525

Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200

Screen: 15.6” Wide Screen, Optional Hi-Res

Weight: 2.28 lbs.

Battery: 6-cell battery

Processor speed: 2 GHz

Memory: 4GB, Disk 320GB

OS: Windows Vista

Options: Camera, Bluetooth, ext Bat, More mem

Cost: $699

Pros compared to a regular Laptop:

- Excellent portability due to small size and light weight

- Good enough for basic computer tasks

- Relatively low cost

Cons compared to a regular Laptop:

- Small screen/lower resolution, small keyboard due to small size

- Limited processing power

- Hardware upgrades can be more challenging

- Due to lower processing capabilities, size and cost, advanced features are less adopted (FireWire, HDMI, etc…)

Which Netbook to buy?

It seems that Initially Netbook category was lead by Asus, Acer, but today computer giants Dell and HP jumped into the race.

According to the PcWorld.com the TOP 10 Netbooks are:

1. Asus EEE PC 1000HE

2. Acer Aspire ONE AOD150

3. Lenovo IdeaPad S10

4. Acer Aspire One (XP-Based)

5. Asus Eee PC 1000 XP

6. HP Mini 2140

7. Asus N10Jc

8. HP Mini 1000

9. Dell Inspiron Mini 9

10. MSI Wind U100

As with any purchase, you have to decide for yourself on what suits you best.

So go ahead explore the world of Netbooks and see if it’s a better choice compared to a Laptop. While the Laptop market is declining in this economy, interestingly the Netbook sales are predicted to be on the rise.

A couple of useful resources:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/154358/top_10_netbooks.html

http://tech.msn.com/products/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=18573429&imageindex=1

Read the original article and more blog posts about tech gadgets and shopping tips

Nicolas Setiono asked:




If compared with other netbook such as MSI Wind U100, for example, Dell Inspiron mini 12 really looks thin. The thick is less than 1 inch, precisely 0.9 inches. In fact, the size of screen and all of the body is about 2 inches more wide than Wind U100.

Yes, Dell Inspiron mini 12 showcase is 12-inch display screen, which is still rare compared with others netbook carried by other brands.

Despite similar body-thin like Apple MacBook Air, Dell Inspiron Mini 12 does feel strong. It feels comfortable. Indeed, Dell Inspiron Mini 12 have more wider size in average compared with others netbook and can causing not being easily inserted in the handbag.

From the completeness of the features, in fact mini-12 not far differents from others netbook by other brands. Like a modern netbook, 802.11g wireless functionality is supported, 12 inch display screen. RAM, for example, are still 1GB, but unfortunately you can not upgrading the RAM.

Display Screen

12-inch display screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, of course, is the specialty of Dell Dell Inspiron Mini 12. Wide screen resolution make the use of the netbook more fun when you surf in the virtual world. Two web pages side by side can be opened and read it with quite comfortably. However, the letters look smaller, less suitable for those who have started to crash because of the vision on the old age.

Views on the screen looks very bright (too bright even on the maximum setting), and horizontal perspectives are good enough. Views can still see quite comfortable with the direction of the side. However, there are good idea to push back the screen so that the rebound effect is not felt, too.

At the top of the LCD screen, as usual, presented with a 1.3 megapixel Webcam.

Keyboard

With a more physical width compared with another netbook, not strange when the keyboard on mini 12 is also more relieved (92 percent of normal keyboard). The distance the button are wide so that makes you comfortable when typing.

Dell includes six function keys which is F11, F12, Home, Del, Insert, End which are placed on the top right side. In addition, there are 10 other function keys (F1 – F10), which also have their own features, such as Bluetooth and contrast. The Fn button is placed on the left side of the bottom..

Under the keyboard panel there are square touchpad which is also quite wide field, complete with left and right click. Touchpad is quite responsive. However, perhaps because of the wide size and the location that fit under the keyboard plus the wide of palmrest, sometimes we do not get the desired response from the touchpad which have quite fibrous surface because the cursor can move suddenly if you have small wrist.

The other different from the other vendors, Dell chose to put a speaker on the top of keyboard panel. Unfortunately, the quality of the sound is less strong despite already set up to maximum volume. However, for a netbook that is used personally and private, may have sufficient volume.

Another panel at a different location is the on / off. key When most vendors of netbook putting it on the right top side, not so with Dell. Dell prefer to put this very small on / off button on the left top side, abreast with speakers panel.

The Body

On the right side appears 3-in-1 card reader, a headphone jack, microphone jack, one USB port, and one LAN port.

The placement of the USB port are on the way back, this make less fun when you use the netbook on the knees (although this is usually not recommended because the netbook radiate enough heat) than if it is on the way forward as in most of other netbook.

On the left side there are two USB ports, VGA-out port, and for security lock (Kensington lock). Two USB ports are located in the middle of the unit, with the initial keyboard.

When you use the netbook the back of the bottom display which is close to the battery felt a bit hot. However, the keyboard and the touchpad are not affected and still comfortable to use. The bottom of the netbook was only slightly warm. Maybe because of the wide surface from this netbook plus the combination of low power processors successfully influence the spread of heat.

Processor

Mini 12 is not using the processor Intel Atom N270 1.6 GHz like the others.

This netbook packaged with the Intel Atom 1.6 GHz clock speed, but in different type, that is, the Z530 (Silverthorne). This processor is designed for the smaller size devices depend with N270, the size of Silverthorne CPU nearly half (13 x 14 mm) and charged a lower consumption (2 watts vs. 2.5 watt owned N270).

Processor is a bit saggy used with Microsoft Vista as the bundle from Dell. Booting takes 1.5 – 2 seconds. The Intel GMA 500 chipset seems less suitable for gaming, including lightweight games. From the benchmark result of 3DMark 2003, the score is only 382 and failed to run 3DMark06.

The Battery

Mini 12 comes with a standard battery pack of Li-Ion 3-cell. Not included in the battery the capacity rating. However, according to Dell, the battery is able to stand up to 3 hours of use.

The claims may be true, but there are conditions that must be fulfilled. Netbook must be set first to lower the performance. This can be done easily arranged through the property of the Windows Power Options (Current Power Plan). If you want to survive your battery, you need to lower the performance by choosing Power Saver mode. However, if you need the performance you can choose High Performance that will drain the battery power more quickly or you can choose Balanced mode to balance the power of the battery and the performance.

Weight

Despite come with 12 inches wide-screen, this Mini 12 was not heavy. By default (plus 3-cell battery), the weight is only 1.268 kg. When the battery removed, the weight will be 1.1 kg.

Dell appears mature enough to prepare this netbook so comfortable and convenient to carry anywhere. For other than mild, the adapter that integrates with the cable was also light and pretty. This adapter looks similar to the phone adapter although quite large. Unfortunately only two legs, so you have to bring converter if you don’t have 2 legs.

The weight of the adapter are 178 grams. If you take all, (netbook + 3-cell battery + adapter + converter), Dell Inspiron Mini 12 was still light enough with a total weight of 1.862 kg.

The advantages Dell Inspire Mini 12 is Wide screen and keyboard; thin physical; SIMcard slot; light

The disadvantages Dell Inspire Mini 12 is Mono speaker; price; SIMcard slot on the back of the battery; minimal LED indicators; RAM can not be upgraded.

Dell Inspiron Mini 12 Specification



Processor: Intel Atom Z5301, 6GHz (Level 2 cache 512KB, 533MHz FSB and support Hyperthreading)

RAM: DDR2 1GB SODIMM (maximum)

Chipset: Intel Poulsbo

Graphics card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500

Sound: Poulsbo Intel High Definition Audio Controller

Harddisk: Samsung 1.8 “HS092HB jubilee ATA-100 3600rpm 80GB

Optical drive: No

Facilities: LAN, Wi-Fi 802.11 g, Bluetooth, 3-in1 card reader, 3 USB Port, 1.3 MP Web Camera, VGA port, 10/100 Ethernet port, michropone jack, headphone jack

Display: 12.1 “WXGA 1280×800 pixels

Operating System: Windows Vista Basic SP1

Battery: Li-Ion 3-cell 26WHr

Dimensions: 29.9 x 22.9 x (2,2-2,4) cm

Weight : (including 3-cell battery): 1, 268 kg

Warranty: 1 year (batteries, spare parts, freight)



This Dell Inspiron Price Range is USD$ 699

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bloom media asked:


One of the most increasingly popular items on the computer market today is laptops; as opposed to their desktop counterparts, laptops offer mobility and great versatility. In today’s ever increasing and demanding world, the ability to take your work with you wherever you go can really simplify your life. With laptops, doing this is easy and actually quite pleasurable.

Laptop computers generally have long last batteries that can be charged up and used for hours on end, without the need to plug in to an outlet. This is a great feature, since many people who use laptops prefer to take them many places that may not have any available power outlets. Some of the best laptops with very long lasting batteries are Acer laptops; if you are in the market for a laptop and are primarily looking for one that will be incredibly portable and feature a durable, long lasting battery, then an Acer laptop just might be right for you.

Acer laptops are among the lightest and most portable available on the market today. They are immensely popular for that reason, and because they come in a wide range of colors and designs. All of the models in Acer’s lineup have state of the art, cutting edge features and stack up quite favorably among the laptops of other major manufacturers. Acer laptops also boast interfaces and systems which are equal to, or even surpassing, those of many desktop PCs. No matter what kind of specifications you may have in mind, you should have no problem finding an Acer laptop that is up to the job.

It can be confusing and even rather difficult trying to figure out what kind of laptop to purchase. One easy to way to narrow down your search is to limit it to only Acer laptops. By doing this, you are immediately guaranteeing that the laptop you end up with will be of quality design and have all of the latest, most technologically savvy features. People who know a lot about laptops tend to favor the Acer brand, because they generally are on the cutting edge of laptop technology. You will find it far easier to make a decision, too, by limiting your search to Acer brand laptops.

There is such a large lineup of Acer laptops that you will then need to decide what kinds of features are absolutely essential to you. One immediate and quite obvious decision to make is whether you want a laptop or a netbook. While a laptop really is basically a desktop PC in miniature, a netbook is a more minimalistic machine; they are primarily used to get online and surf the Internet. For this reason, though, they are incredibly affordable when compared with full blown laptops. If you don’t need fancy word processing programs, for example, and mainly plan to use your laptop for getting online, an Acer netbook might be the right choice for you.

Once you have narrowed down your search to either an Acer laptop or an Acer netbook, you can research the various available models online. Decide how much RAM you will require, and how large a screen and keyboard you would like. After you’ve determined your basic hardware requirements, you can get to the fun stuff: Acer laptops come in a splendid array of colors and some of them even have trendy and interesting designs on them, to make them truly unique.

Titus Hoskins asked:


Netbooks are everywhere, on buses, on trains, on planes… and in the classroom. It seems the little netbook has come out of nowhere to become extremely popular overnight.

But what is a netbook?

Netbooks usually have screens of 10 inches or less, runs Windows or Linux and generally sell for well under $500. As its name indicates, the netbook’s main purpose is to keep its owner conveniently connected to the net – anywhere, anytime.

First introduced by Asustek when it launched the first Eee PC in the fall of 2007. But it was only in the last year when we saw the explosive growth of these so-called mini-laptops. Now we have many computer companies such as HP, Dell, Lenovo… all jumping on this craze for a small portable laptop. So much so, that netbooks now is the fastest growing segment of the laptop industry and is expected to reach 139 million units by 2013.

Why is there a sudden popularity for the small netbook? Perhaps the answer lies mainly in our constant quest for mobility. We want a portable device that will keep us connected to the Internet and yet be small and light enough to be carried around all day. A truly ultra-portable device that keeps us connected with family, friends and the web.

The next question you have to ask: why do netbooks make for great student laptops? If the above reasons aren’t enough, try the following:

Size

Netbooks are small with 10 inch displays or less, which make them ideal for students. Plus, they are usually very lightweight – around 2 or 3 pounds. They are compact enough to tuck into your school bag or backpack, and small enough to carry around all day without developing a hernia.

Portability

As mentioned above because the netbook is so small and compact, it is very portable. A very mobile device that we can use to stay connected to the web and friends. Connectability is one of the main features – you are connected to the web at all times.

Sturdiness

Most netbooks are designed to be sturdy and tough. They can take a few hard knocks and still keep on working. Students are not exactly the most gentle creatures on the planet, so a sturdy tough machine is needed to handle the demands put upon it.

Battery Life

Because of their small size, you will usually get better battery life than with a regular sized laptop. This is important to the student since you may have to go all day without a chance to re-charge the battery. Long lasting battery life makes the netbook the perfect student laptop.

Performance

Although small, these mini-laptops still sports some very impressive specs. Many now come with at least 1 Gig of RAM and Intel Atom processors. There are even some with Solid State Hard Drives which make them more durable and less likely to be damaged. Most use Windows XP – newer models debuting this year with the Nvidia’s Ion platform may have Vista or Windows 7, but still don’t expect the kind of performance you would get from a regular laptop.

Storage

While storage on netbooks is constantly increasing, it is still nowhere near the kind of storage you will find on a regular sized laptop. Usually, most devices have around 30 or 60 Gig hard drives which should be adequate for most student’s needs. Many newer netbooks have 160 Gigs of storage.

Price

Perhaps, the main reason netbooks make the perfect student laptops is the low price. Students are usually on a very limited budget and the low price-tag is a perfect fit. Many perfectly adequate machines are now priced in the $300 to $500 range – while many good ones go for well under $300. Plus, prices are steadily dropping so almost any student can now afford a netbook.

As you can plainly see, the netbook does have many features to make it a perfect student laptop: small size, very portable, excellent connections, very sturdy, long battery life, good performance, adequate storage and most of all, a very affordable price almost any student can take advantage of. Overall, netbooks are well suited for the classroom and the student.