Top 5 Feature Rich, Low Price Netbooks
Netbooks are a lot cheaper than Notebooks and in the current environment people are gravitating towards low price netbooks while also hoping to get as many features as possible.
Luckily for them, Netbooks are beginning to offer high quality features akin to regular notebooks:
- Windows XP.
- More storage.
- Bigger screen size.
Netbooks also offer some benefits that notebooks simply cannot -
- Much longer battery life.
- Significantly lower Prices.
- Smaller Convenient Size.
Each quarter or so, we see manufacturers trying to beat each other out in terms of netbook upgrades, be it size, hard disk capabilities, HDD add-ons, faster processors and more. Most models are set up using Intel Atom processors, 160 GB hard disk drives and 10″ screens.
In this environment, what sets a netbook apart is bang for the buck – it could be a better resolution screen display, higher memory storage, or longer battery life. All while keeping the price low.
I scoured, sifted and reviewed different netbooks to determine the top 5 low-priced netbooks that don’t compromise quality and performance.
Top 3 Value for Money Netbooks
Joint #1. Acer Aspire One AOD150
Acer proves its worthy of the #1 netbook company spot with the AOD 150 -
- Prices begin at $349.99 as Acer ensures its netbooks are extremely well priced.
- The Aspire One AOD150 comes with a six-cell battery that translates into six hours battery life.
- An Intel Atom N270 Processor, Windows XP Home, 1GB RAM, integrated 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, and a 160GB HDD.
- A 10.1-inch backlit display based on 5th generation LCD fabs.
- AOD150 is available in seashell white, sapphire blue, ruby red and diamond black.
The AOD150 is just all all-around great machine at a very reasonable price. It got one of the best ratings we’ve handed out.
One drawback is that while Asus is upgrade friendly, Aspire does not excel in this area. Upgrading the hard drive might be too difficult a task because the netbook does not separate as easily as other netbooks. Forcing it might run the risk of damaging the netbook’s comonents.
Joint #1. Samsung NC10
The Samsung NC10 is head to head with the Acer Aspire One AOD150. Its just a smashing netbook -
- Weighing 1.33 kg (2.8 pounds), it’s one of the lightest netbooks packed with a 6-cell battery.
- NC10 delivers longer batter performance - up to 7 hours.
- It runs on an Intel Atom N270 processor with an integrated graphics chipset.
- It has 1 GB of system memory, bluetooth and its wifi enabled.
- It boasts a normal-size PC style keyboard for ease of typing.
The price is in the $400 range. Samsung NC10 is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing netbooks. The pearl white model in particular is absolute eye candy. It also comes in pink, blue and black.
3. Asus Eee PC 1000HE
Apart from the usual Asus netbook features of 10″ display size, Intel Atom N280 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, and bluetooth, the Asus Eee PC 1000HE’s updated configuration boasts -
- A battery life of up to 9.5 hours.
- A 92% sized keyboard.
- 802.11n wifi connectivity, and multi-touch keypad.
Price is in the $300-$400 range. The Asus 1000HE is glossy, sleek and upgrade friendly.
You can save few more dollars if you’re willing to compromise on losing the N-capable wireless card and bluetooth module. In that case opt for the Asus Eee PC 1000HA version.
These 3 netbooks set the standard. We’ll include another slightly more expensive netbook, and also a lower priced but not feature rich netbook, to give you an idea of what else is available.
Netbooks that are good, yet not quite as good value for Money
4. ASUS Eee PC 1004DN
This is Asus’ latest model with an integrated optical disk drive. It comes with -
- An Intel Atom N280 processor.
- A 10-inch display.
- 120GB hard disk drive and up to 2GB of RAM.
- It weighs 3.19 pounds and has a six-cell battery giving it a longer battery life.
According to Asus, the 1004DN model also includes a fingerprint reader which allows users to log on and encrypt/decrypt folders using ADSM (Asus data security system) software.
This feature is commonly found in corporate notebooks but now, thanks to the continuing innovation of Asus, it’s available in netbooks. With all the beefed up features, this netbook does come in at a higher price point of $500-$600.
5. Lenovo Ideapad S10
What separates Lenovo Ideapad S10 from other netbooks is its expresscard slot on the side for an external WWAN card. Perfect for the mobile professionals who are always on the road. The price starts at $350 and the specifications include -
- The standard Intel Atom N270 processor.
- 1 GB RAM with 160 GB hard disk.
- WiFi and bluetooth enabled, upgrade ready with a compact-sized keyboard.
Form-wise, it’s a beauty on the outside but the 3-cell battery is not something to be excited about. Its the classic example of a netbook that matches our top 3 on price, and misses on features.
ASUS Eee PC 1004DN definitely has some higher end features. However, the higher price makes it a bit too expensive and that leaves us with our twin winners – the Samsung NC10 and the Acer Aspire One AOD150. You will definitely love owning one of these.
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