THE BEST OF THE BEST NETBOOKS
In the Notebook or "Netbook" world, there are a many models competing for the top spot in terms of cost effectiveness, user friendly-ness, appeal, and productiveness. Companies are constantly upgrading their current models to keep up with mainstream consumers, promising better features and functions, faster applications, and greater ability. Some may make it to the top one month, only to find themselves out-sold and out-rated by a newer and better model soonafter. Regardless of the market frenzy over who has the best, consumers still have to come to their own conclusion based on personal preference. Currently, the best or, most preferred, Notebook or "Netbook" in the market today are: the Lenovo Thinkpad T400S, the Acer Aspire One, and the Dell Inspiron Mini 9.
Lenovo Thinkpad T400S
1. Lenovo Thinkpad T400S- as if Lenovo didn't build a thin and light enough Notebook with the T300, they built an even lighter thinkpad with the T400S. Coming in at a mere 3 lbs 14.3 oz, it's new height is only .83".
Some of the features of the T400S include: a built-in web camera, a matte finish screen, wireless bluetooth capability, 2GB DDR3 Ram memory, and 128 GB of storage. From the outside to the inside, the new T400S has been refined for a cleaner look and revamped with more user friendly features compared to it's older models, and starts at around $1499.00. Compared to models past, the design of this model is very subtle but noticeable. Some of the ThinkPad accessories from older models is still compatible with this new model. The keyboard is thinner which Lenovo added additional reinforcements underneath the keyboard to prevent it from flexing. The keyboard is very comfortable to the touch and typing is problem free.
Acer Aspire One
2.Acer Aspire One - The latest Netbook from Acer, offering a compact design starting at only $329, undercutting all its' competitors in the market. The Acer Aspire One is equipped with the Intel Atom Processor with a 120GNB 2.5" 5400RPM Hitachi Hard Drive with an expansion slot. Though it weighs a mere 2lb 5 oz, the construction is solid enough to withstand rough handling. As far as performance goes, this Intel Atom based netbook performs competitively with other models when it comes to normal activities such as Internet browsing, Word Processing and Photo editing. Though build like a budget computer, this compact and cost effective netbook seem to hold its own in today's market. This newer model is still very sleek in appearance with rounded edges and smooth glossy surface like its previous model. The chrome accents adds to the look but the glossy surface can be blinding in a well-lit room. Picture quality in terms of color and brightness is excellent.
Dell Inspiron Mini 9
3. Dell Inspiron Mini 9- This 8.9 inch laptop is Dell's version of a "budget notebook". Powered by an Intel Atom processor, the Inspiron Mini 9 weighs in at just 2.28lbs. Some of its' impressive features include: 4 in-1 media card reader, Wi-Fi, 1.3 Megapixel webcam, 4-cell battery, Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics, and prices at only $434.00. This surprisingly solid netbook is constructed with plastic which seem to resist minor scratches well. While most netbooks require disassembling of complex parts to upgrade the storage drive, the Mini 9 is much easier to upgrade compared to other models.
The high gloss plastic finish on top reveals fingerprints too easily which tarnishes the look of the notebook. The keyboards are a little cramped but with a little practice, one can get use to the keyboard after a few hours of typing. Despite some of the cons, the Mini 9 is still a butget concious, light weight, easy to use, and easy to upgrade piece of equipment that is worth every penny.
