Netbooks continue to be all the rage for consumers who simply want the ability to surf the internet and create and edit basic documents. If you need something small, efficient, inexpensive and fast then a Netbook is a great purchase for work or pleasure on the go. With a ton of new manufacturers getting into the Netbook game since the popularity of the iPhone and now iPad, it can be a confusing process to select the right one. Not anymore. We’ll let you know the Top 3 Netbooks available today so you don’t have to worry about your decision. We have selected our Top 3 based on design, user interface features, memory and battery life.
Asus Eee PC 1015PE
Asus basically invented the Netbook category so it is no wonder they seem to sit a bit further ahead of the pack. Netbooks need to be similar; however the 1015 PE is one of the first to be released with the N475 processor and comes in at a more than reasonable $389. It is heavier than most of its competition at 4.5 lbs but has a 10.1 inch screen and has an integrated webcam and digital microphone that supports high speed wireless networking.
The 1.83 GHz Intel Atom N475 processor comes with 1000MB of RAM and 250GB of hard drive space with is more than adequate for a Netbook. You even get a unique hybrid storage system with their WebStorage feature that gives you 500GB of online data storage free for year one.
The major standout of the 1015 PE is the 6-cell Lithium ion unit that has an impressive 13 hours of battery life which outlasts any other Netbook on the market.
Toshiba Mini NB305-N410
The Toshiba Mini NB305-N410 is extremely similar to the Asus 1015 PE mentioned above and comes in at about $379 retail. It has the same screen and resolution (1024 x 600) and the Intel Atom Processor N450. It comes equipped with the Windows 7 Starter OS and has 1GB of memory and 250GB of hard drive. It offers about 11 hours of battery life and is ENERGY STAR qualified. A big drawback is that it does not have an express slot of smartcard reader slot so multimedia, SD and SDHC cards are not supported.
One huge positive however is the size and quality of the keyboard which makes typing easy and less of a hassle than on other Netbooks.
HP Mini 5102
If you are in business or a student on the go, the HP Mini 5201 is a stellar 10-inch Netbook that will run you just over $400. It comes with an Intel Atom processor N450, 1 GB of memory and the new Windows 7 Starter operating system. What makes the HP Mini standout is that it has a touch screen display akin to the iPad. The touch screen allows you to sort through applications and menus using your finger or if you prefer to use the touchpad you have that option as well. The device weighs in at only 2.64 lbs which makes it lightweight enough for a backpack or satchel.
The Intel Atom N450 processor allows Windows 7 to run smoothly and even expands the battery life drastically from other Netbooks. The six-cell battery will give you up to 10 hours of runtime, which is good, not great, but not too far behind the ASUS and Toshiba.