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March 31 2009
Netbooks Moving Forward
Netbooks were aimed at anyone looking for a low-cost device to access the internet and carry out basic computing tasks.
The frustration factor resulting from their small screens and keyboards was offset by long battery life and the fact that they could be slipped easily them into a small bag or large pocket. In fact, it was possible to carry one around all day and literally forget you had it.
As their popularity increased, more vendors entered the category, each with its own interpretation of what a netbook should be.
Some decided larger screens were needed, while others added beefed-up storage and better processors.
As a result, the line between netbook and notebook has blurred.
Indeed, for growing numbers of mobile workers, a netbook can perform all the functions that previously required a fully fledged notebook PC.
Now electronics newcomer Kogan has changed the game rules again by launching a sub-$500 10in netbook targeted squarely at the growing number of people using cloud computing services.
Expect to see more action in the category in coming months.
Asus Eee PC 1000HE
AS the company that started the netbook craze, Asus has maintained interest in the category by constantly introducing new models.
The latest, the Eee PC 1000HE, equipped with a 10in backlit WSVGA LED screen, is built around Intel’s latest low-power Atom N280 processor, which is designed for mobile devices.
The larger screen means the keyboard can also be a little bigger: 92 per cent of the size of a conventional notebook. This makes the 1000HE easy to type on, but the case’s tendency to flex while being used can be off-putting.
ASUS has incorporated a so-called Super Hybrid Engine that offers a choice between performance and power-optimisation modes.
The first is for computationally intensive tasks, while the other maximises battery life.
Asus claims the unit’s battery will last for up to 9.5 hours.
However, after using the review unit for a range of tasks such as word processing and internet access, the battery gave out at about five hours—still pretty impressive for a portable computer.
Storage is provided on a 160GB hard drive and Asus also offers 10GB of online cloud storage for files.
Access to the outside world is via a 802.11n WiFi connection or Bluetooth.
There is also an inbuilt 1.3 megapixel camera for video calls and a microphone for audio.
The Windows XP-powered review unit had enough processing grunt to cope with daily computing needs.
Being able to easily switch between screen resolutions (800 by 600, 1024 by 600 and 1024 by 768), depending on what you’re viewing, is also handy.
Overall the 1000HE is a solid performer that could become many people’s main mobile computing device.
Features: Impressive battery life, uses latest Intel Atom processor, 160GB hard drive
Price: $899
Rating: 7/10
Lenovo S10
LENOVO might not have been the first company to enter the netbook category, but its IdeaPad S10 is a solid offering in a very crowded space.
Incorporating Intel’s N270 Atom processor and 1GB of RAM, the Windows XP-powered unit offers reasonable performance.
You won’t be able to play heavy-duty games, but spreadsheets, documents, email and web access are all easily handled.
Lenovo has included a 160GB hard drive, which puts it at the top end of netbook storage offerings.
It’s difficult to understand why you would want to store that volume of data on what is expected to be a secondary computing device, but the option is there.
The S10’s keyboard feels solid and responsive to the touch.
Its size means accurate typing is not difficult and the frustration that often occurs with smaller netbooks has been removed. The touchpad is responsive and accurate.
The 10.2in screen is bright and clear, reducing the likelihood of eyestrain and allowing the unit to be used for long periods without wishing you could plug in an external monitor. The 1024 by 600 resolution is great for viewing documents and web content.
Wireless connection options include 802.11b/g WiFi and Bluetooth.
There’s also an ethernet port, so the unit can be easily connected to a corporate network.
One downside is the three-cell battery, which gives relatively limited time away from the powerpoint.
The review unit managed a little more than two hours before needing to be recharged.
Netbooks are notorious for lousy sound reproduction, but the S10’s small stereo speakers do a better job than most.
Located at the front of the unit, they make a fair job of playing music or voice recordings, but if you’re planning on enjoying some high-quality audio it’s better to connect a pair of headphones.
Features: Good Keyboard, solid case design, ethernet connection
Price: $699
Rating: 7.5/10
Kogan Agora
KOGAN has built its reputation on delivering electronic gear at rock-bottom prices, and its foray into the netbook space is no exception.
The Agora is the first 10.1in netbook to retail for less than $500.
A Pro version, with an extra 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth dongle and six-cell battery, is also available for $539.
At those prices you’d expect a cheap-looking unit, but the Agora has a case and styling that makes it look as though you’ve paid a lot more.
Under the hood of the base model is an Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB RAM and a 160GB hard drive.
The unit runs the Ubuntu Linux-based gOS operating system.
For reasons of cost, no other operating systems are offered, but the Kogan tech guys are adamant Windows XP and Windows 7 will run just fine.
The Agora’s tech specs are nothing remarkable, but its performance is impressive when accessing the internet or undertaking common office tasks.
The gOS operating system has been tweaked to make it extra friendly for Google’s plethora of online services and it’s expected this is what most purchasers will be using.
The units will ship with Skype, a Firefox web browser and OpenOffice. Overall, the operating system interface is clean and simple, which should encourage those previously put off by the thought of using a Linux-based machine.
The keyboard is sturdy with a good tactile finish and large enough to use without getting hand cramps.
Kogan has also included a 1.3-megapixel webcam and stereo speakers. The larger-than-average trackpad also works well, and accurate clicking is easy.
Essentially, the Agora is exactly what a netbook should be: small, light, cheap and powerful enough to handle basic computing tasks.
If you’re in the market for a netbook, this is hard to pass by.
Features: Cheap, open source OS, sturdy body
Price: $499
Rating: 8.5/10
CONCLUSION
WITH the netbook category evolving faster than the global financial crisis, it’s a matter of deciding exactly what you need and then finding a model to match.
The Eee PC 1000HE is a solid performer, but Lenovo’s build puts the IdeaPad S10 in front.
However, for sheer value for money and impressive performance, the Kogan Agora comes out on top in this bunch.
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