Netbooks and Nettops

So, I've been using a self-built nettop computer for the last week since I broke my mighty 6yr old ThinkPad (sad face).  I've had such a good experience with this Atom 330, 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD machine that I'm considering a netbook as a replacement for my ThinkPad.  Anyone out there have experience in using a sub $300 netbook?  One thing that annoys me is that I cannot find a dual-core netbook.

This article give a clue why you can't find a dual core netbook.  five net books microsoft has crushed

If you google    Raon Everun Note  you will find your dual core netbook.

I hadn't run across the nettop before, may have to get one to play with.

Dave

Chris

Do you have a parts list that you used for the self built  nettop?

Dave

Sure!  Its only 80GB HDD, by the way.  Got all my parts from NewEgg

• Barebones system, miniITX with Atom 330 processor, 1 GB NIC, 1xVGA, 2xPS/2, 1x serial, 1x parallel, 2xUSB 2.0, built-in audio
• RAM, 2GB
• Hard drive, 160GB HDD  3.0gbps SATA, 5400 RPM
  • I'd actually bought a Fujitsu 80GB, but they don't sell the one I bought anymore, I think I got it for like $39.99.  Look for any 2.5" 3.0 gbps SATA drive.  2.5" is important - it won't fit in the barebones case otherwise.  5400 RPM ws fine for me, but you could buy a 7200 RPM 320GB drive for about $60-$70

I used Windows 7 RC on it.  I'll buy an OS for it later (prior to May) - or I'll put Linux on it.  I provided my own monitor, keyboard and mouse.  USB keybaord and mouse both work fine.

I've been having trouble with Firefox performance, mostly on complicated javascript sites, so I've been primarily using Internet Explorer (ick).  I've tried both FireFox 3.0 and 3.5 - no addons yet.

As far as a dual-core netbook, I know of at least one - the Sylvania G. Not a well known one as yet, but it shows up as dual core under Windows.

I would really think about how you are planning to use a netbook. The sub $300 ones that I have looked at so far compromise so much on the keyboard that it is difficult for regular touch typing.

On my G, there is no right shift, ctl or alt and the keys are tiny. I have had to use a modified typing style (cross between two-finger and regular two-handed) and it works ok - I wouldn't type out any big emails or Word documents on it. Very easy to hit the wrong key, etc.

As far as battery life, on mine, I get about 4 hours with using the wireless, installing software, etc. - all  tasks that are more demanding on the processor and battery. Most ones in this price range will give you 3-4 hours. Of course, more notebooks are starting to get this kind of battery life (some even get 6-7 hours of real-world usage).

So, while the small size is great, I think you would be happier with one that costs a little more (> $300) to get a decent keyboard and more battery life (some are getting 8+ hours of real-world usage).

Just my 2 cents.

I've personally considered these, but that is good advice for others.  I would be using my external 19" flat panel and a USB keyboard/mouse most of the time in the office.  At home I'd be doing the same.  If I'm abroad with it, I'm only using it for basic note taking.  I want a wired NIC, though, and I'm having trouble finding one :)

The asus net book I have has a wired nic and wireless http://eeepc.asus.com/global/product900ha.html?n=0 I think it is one of the 900 series with 160 GB hdd 9 hours battery live (about 7 hours) paid for the extended battery time though, compared to the sub $300 machines.

Dave

I have read that notebooks' CPUs are no longer soldered to the mobo; is it true for netbooks? Can you substitute a dual-core Atom for what the mfr ships? Can you find Atom CPUs for sale (newegg doesn't seem to offer them)?

Jesse - thanks, but I don't think so.  The board I bought is soldered in, and I think it saves space if its incorporated into the design and netbooks are really scarce on space.

rsmither, are you using this model of the Sylvania g?  I think I'm going to avoid the VIA processor.  They have always left a bad impression on me when they first started out doing chipsets for motherboards back in the 90s.  Their Intel model seems to have the same issue: single-core.

Dave, are you satisfied with the performance for what you do with that netbook?  I basically just use my netbooks as email and document creation machines.  I do all my heavy lifting on servers.

shipley.c:

Dave, are you satisfied with the performance for what you do with that netbook?

I bought it to be a hot backup to my Lenovo T61 laptop. As I can't afford a couple of days of down time if my laptop fails.  So far I've used it for Open office spread sheet and word processing, and to check web based email.  it has worked fine for that, but the most taxing thing it has done is running the antivirus software and updates.

What I've seen of the asus line seems to be pretty good and it's a line that is picked up by the mom and pop computer stores around here.

Dave

Thanks, I ended up getting a 1005 HA because I couldn't find any 900 HA, so I have a little bit bigger screen for about $30.  I also ponied up for the extra RAM to replace the 1GB with a 2GB.

Shipley,

No, that is not the model I have. I have the Meso model. Mine only came with a 8GB SSD. 2GB are allocated to the system restore, leaving just 6GB for other stuff. Once you install office, anti-virus, and a couple of other (what I consider needed) programs, there is little room left.

To see my model, go to the Toys-R-Us website and look for the Meso.