Mini Notebook Computer Reviews
Mini notebook computers are the latest trend to hit the gizmo market. It has become more of a necessity due to its compact size and the convenience to carry around. Apart from the size, the main factor contributing to its popularity is its low price. We see business travelers to college students, who are proud owners of mini notebook computers. Asus takes the credit of starting the trend of these computers, but now many brands like HP, Dell, Sony, Samsung, Acer, and others have joined the bandwagon.
Buying a computer can be a very daunting task due to the huge variety available, and specially when you have limited knowledge about the features. And it is equally difficult to give reviews, as it is to decide which are the best notebook computers.
Pros and Cons of Mini Notebook Computers
Before I give the reviews on some high rated options available in the market, there are the few things that needs prior consideration. The most important things being, cost, operating system, processor, computer memory, hard drive, battery, screen, keyboard, wireless, etc. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of these computers.
Pros
- They have good battery life, with most of them having a battery support of nearly 5 hours.
- They are highly affordable. Most of them are priced between $300 - $500.
- They have all the standard features available in the conventional laptop computers, like Wi-Fi, web cam, USB port, digital card slot, etc.
- They are easy to carry around, especially if you travel frequently or carry it from home to office and back everyday. It is just about the size of a hard cover book and just weighs about 2-3 pounds.
- They do not come with CD-ROM.
- Small screen can be very tiring for the eyes.
- They have slow video playback, mostly while playing HD video.
- Due to the size, the keys on the keyboard are closely placed, making it difficult for typists with fat fingers to type.
Instead of the reviews, here is an attempt to compare mini notebook computers that are currently popular with regards to some important features. Through this comparison, you can choose the best one that suits you.
| Asus eee PC 1000HE | Samsung NC10-14GB | Acer Aspire One AOD250 | MSI Wind U100-641US | Asus eee PC 1005HA | |
| Processor | 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 | 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 | 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 | 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 | 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280 |
| Memory | 1GB | 1GB | 1GB | 1GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 160GB | 160GB | 160GB | 160GB | 160GB |
| Resolution | 1024x600 | 1024x600 | 1024x600 | 1024x600 | 1024x600 |
| Optical Drive | None | None | None | None | None |
| Webcam | 1.3 Megapixel | 1.3 Megapixel | Acer crystal eye | 1.3 Megapixel | 1.3 Megapixel |
| Screen | 10.1-inch LED | 10.2-inch LED | 10.1-inch LED | 10-inch LED | 10.1-inch LED |
| Graphics | Intel GMA 945 | Intel GMA 950 | Intel GMA 950 | Intel GMA 950 | Intel GMA 950 |
| Battery | 6 cell lithium-ion | 6 cell lithium-ion | 6 cell lithium-ion | 6 cell lithium-ion | 6 cell lithium-ion |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 1.5x10.47x7.53 inches | 1.2x10.27x7.30 inches | 1.0x10.17x8.03 inches | 1.2x10.23x7.08 inches | 1.4x10.2x6.9 inches |
| Operating System | Windows XP Home Edition | Windows XP Home Edition | Windows XP Home Edition | Windows XP Home Edition | Windows XP Home Edition |
Rather than giving reviews for mini notebook computers, which according to me would be opinionated, I decided to give a comparison of some of the best mini notebooks. Apart from these features, the pricing and your budget plays a major role in your decision. With most of the features being similar, the focus would also shift on the overall look, with some brands providing customized skins to attract the customers. But above all, decide whether this computer is for you? Do you travel often? Or are you just attracted by its cute size? The high popularity of mini notebook computers among school students apart from the price, is also its size. A welcome change from bulky desktop computers, that occupied most of the school desks. But school students would not require it for major programmings and the standard features would suffice for them. So before you decide to go for it, ask yourself - does it meet my requirements?
