A netbook retains certain laptop features like Internet connectivity and basic mobile computing.  It fits the needs of a travel-hungry computer user just as well as it fits in a small luggage.  More importantly, most netbooks come at prices below $400, which can easily fit anyone’s budget.

With netbooks dominating the mobile PC market despite the worldwide economic downturn, computer manufacturers have started venturing into creating faster and bigger capacity small thinking machines.

Aside from the absence of an optical drive, a prevalent disadvantage of a netbook is its lack of storage space.  It is understandable that netbooks’ disk space is only a fraction of laptops and notebooks since bulky data download and large file storage are usually done not on the run.  The general public would rather have cheap but very portable PCs that contain the essentials rather than bring expensive laptops that serve as desktop replacement or gaming machines or graphic editors.

Below are five must have netbooks that we think have topped the small thinking machine category in 2009.

5. Dell Inspiron Mini 10

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 is one of the netbooks that fall in the upper price range of more than $500.  It may be priced higher than the other dell laptops but the extra hardware explains the additional cost – it comes with a TV antenna and tuner that allows its users to watch shows while traveling.

The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 comes with a Z-series Intel Atom processor, which features a chipset that supports better video playback.  This netbook is run by an Intel Atom Z530 processor clocked at 1.6 GHz.  This processing power is supported by an installed memory of 1 GB DDR-800.

Weighing 3.4 lbs, the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 has dimensions of 10.3 inches x 7.2 inches x 2 inches.  Despite its size, this netbook has a small and light layout that makes it stylish.  The Dell Inspiron has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, higher than most netbooks’ 1024 x 600 pixels.

4. Acer Aspire One AO751h

While most netbooks have 10.1 inches of display, the Acer Aspire One AO751h is bigger by an inch-and-a-half at 11.6 inches.  This beefs up the resolution size to 1366 x 768 pixels, which is slightly larger than its competition. It is also a bit more expensive than other netbooks in the market.  The Acer Aspire One AO751h has full dimensions of 11.2 inches x 8.5 inches x 1.3 inches. It weighs 3.6 lbs.

Due its larger size, the Acer Aspire One AO751h features more media slots than other netbooks at three.

The Acer Aspire One AO751h is powered by an Intel Atom Z520 processor that runs at a speed of 1.3 GHz.  It is  backed by 1 GB of DDR2-667 SDRAM.

3. Asus Eee PC 1005HA

The Asus Eee PC 1005HA can pass off as the twin of the slightly older Asus Eee PC 1008HA.  The Asus Eee PC 1005HA contains almost the same technical specs, namely: a processor of Intel Atom N280 clocking 1.6 GHz, a memory of 1 GB of DDR2-800, a display size of 10.1 inches and a maximum resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels.  Both also have the capacity to store 160 GB of digital files.

The difference comes in size and price.  The Asus Eee PC 1005HA is slightly bigger at dimensions of 10.3 inches x 7 inches x 1.5 inches.  The reason for this is the location of the VGA port – the older Eee PC has it on a space-saving dongle while this version has it grafted on the side.  This is why the Asus Eee PC 1005HA is designed to be slightly bigger than the Asus Eee PC 1008HA, and why it’s cheaper too.

The Asus Eee PC 1005HA comes with a Bluetooth, 802.11n, a three-cell battery, and two USB ports.

2. Asus Eee PC 1008HA

Like its predecessors, the Asus Eee PC 1008HA comes in a sleek, stylish and fairly solid design.  It is powered by an Intel Atom N280 that clocks at 1.6 GHz and is supported by 1 GB of DDR2-800 SDRAM.

With a display measuring 10.1 inches, the Asus Eee PC 1008HA offers a maximum resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels.  The Asus Eee PC 1008HA weighs just around 2.9 lbs, thanks to its sleek dimension of 10.3 inches x 7 inches x 1.1 inches.

However, unlike its small-capacity ancestors, the Asus Eee PC 1008HA comes with a higher disk space of 160 GB, which is more than enough for storage for typical office files as well as a moderate amount of multimedia files.

The Asus Eee PC 1008HA also comes with a Bluetooth, 802.11n, and a three-cell battery that has a life of four hours. This makes it ideal for people who frequently  travel with their mobile PCs.

1. HP Mini 5101

The HP Mini 5101 is a netbook that almost feels like a laptop to most users. Aside from being powered by an Intel Atom N280 that clocks at 1.6 GHz, this netbook’s 1 GB DDR2-800 SDRAM support could be upgraded to 2 GB, giving it a faster performance when switching between applications.  That speed is relatively good for a netbook, and is actually not that much different from a laptop in that aspect.  Other netbooks offer only 1 GB of memory.

Another feature that makes the HP Mini 5101 comparable to a laptop are its layout and design.  It has a sleek aluminum-magnesium alloy frame with a box measure of 10.3 inches x 7.1 inches x 1.5 inches.  With a weight of 3.6 lbs., the HP Mini 5101 also offers a near-full size keyboard, and neatly positioned mouse buttons.

The HP Mini 5101 comes with a 10.1-inch anti-glare display and a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution.  It has a storage space of 160 GB.  All these features and its similarities to a laptop are what makes the HP Mini 5101 number 1 in our list.

Related posts:

1. Top 5 Netbooks of 2009

The laptop has to have fast processing speed and it has to allow for intense multitasking. Graphics capability doesn’t have to be at a gaming or video editing level. Ensuring that your laptop has sufficient connectivity features saves you from a lot of hassle later on. As a rule, a business laptop should have Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth and there should be a minimum of 3 USB ports.

Here are the laptops that would be perfect for those with a limited budget. These may not have all the features the user could possibly desire but they possess everything your business requires at a price that’s less than $1,500.

5. HP ProBook 4510s (FM848UT)

The HP ProBook 4510s has a 15.6-inch widescreen, a glossy finish, and a box-like frame. It appears to target users who have small businesses due to its security software. While storing log-on information, the HP Protect Tools have encryption that prevents anyone from tinkering with your hard drive. We like it because it is lightweight and possesses a bright screen and high resolution. We like the feel of the keyboard and it has a numeric keypad that might not be a big deal to most but it’s a huge treat for people in business. It has numerous features that include four USB ports, a 5-in-1 card reader, a dual-layer DVD burner, and a 2-megapixel webcam. The laptop has a 250GB, 5,400-rpm hard drive, which the business user would surely appreciate.

4. Toshiba Satellite A305D-S6831

The Toshiba Satellite A305D-S6831 is very versatile and any businessperson who has serious computing requirements will be glad to have this device. The 15.4-inch widescreen TruBrite high-def display allows for an easy time when working with spreadsheets or when multitasking. The 2.2 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-64 dual-core processor and 250 GB storage capacity are ideal for most tasks. Furthermore, if you are a champion of green technology, you would be glad to know that Toshiba has restricted the use of mercury, lead, and other hazardous materials in making this. We like that it’s stylish without being gaudy. Chatting, backing up data, participating in conferences, and sharing data are just a few of the tasks that are made easier with this laptop. It also has face-recognition software for added security.

3. Dell Inspiron 1525

When it comes to business, you would want to keep things simple but powerful. That’s what Dell Inspiron 1525 offers. Its keyboard is above average, its design is elegant, and it has superior securityfeatures. It may be quite bulky and is not meant for gaming or watching videos since the sound it produces isn’t of the highest quality. But when you look into what it can offer to a business, it is impressive. Working on various applications is a breeze and typing on it is surprisingly comfortable. Features are generous. There is no obvious scrimping here but its battery life is strictly average.

2. Fujitsu LifeBook E8410

The  Fujitsu Lifebook E8410 appears to have been designed solely for the business user. Emphasis was on connectivity, judging by the quality and number of ports and slots it has. Performance is comparable to other business laptops. It has security features that are estimable. Its design is seemingly inspired by the corporate world. Its built appears solid enough to withstand daily use. It’s also actually quite light despite its midsize level. The fact that it doesn’t have any external media controls is a downside. If you’re obsessed with security, then we recommend this for you. It has a fingerprint reader, a smart card slot, and an internal Trusted Platform Module. It has a configuration that’s enviable and some might choose it merely for that advantage.

1. Lenovo Thinkpad T400

Lenovo’s Thinkpad T400 is sturdy and has a long battery life, practical features, and tasteful design. Performance is topnotch. The laptop is capable of simultaneously opening several applications quickly and its 14.1-inch screen is sufficient for multitasking. It has a resolution of 1440 by 900 pixels that’s acceptable for business users. We can say nothing bad about the keyboard. Typing for long periods is tolerable and a person on the go would be ecstatic with the shortcut keys. It has all the essential features and new security features to boot. The three USB slots are located strategically. Users would be smart to use the ThinkVantage application suite, which makes various resources readily accessible. The purpose of the suite is for unmatched efficiency. If you’re running low on battery and want to stretch the power as long as possible, the laptop has a Battery Stretch feature that allows you to do so. An awesome feature that we love is the Active Protection System, which protects the hard drive when there’s vibration or when you’ve accidentally dropped it. With this laptop, we believe Lenovo found an ideal blend of practicality, manageability, and portability. With its reasonable price and incredible features, it’s almost a steal.

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An entrepreneur or a chief executive has unique requirements that have to be filled to be able to run the business successfully and to ensure that nothing is left to chance.This individual has to have the best that technology has to offer that includes, among other things, wireless mobility, a trusty platform and the availability of a complete range of business solutions.

 
Many business laptops provide these basic necessities; however, commonly missed out is durability, a necessary trait that many laptops should have a high degree of but don’t. Tugging along your laptop or your notebook as you hop on last-minute flights, wrap up work inside a speeding taxi or lead conferences hundreds of miles away takes a toll. An average laptop can only take so much. The more you travel, the greater the abuse is on your portable workstation. Fortunately, HP saw this need and came up with the HP Elitebook 8530w — the laptop that willingly rises to the challenge and delivers with aplomb.

Toughness is HP Elitebook 8530w’s middle name. This laptop is encased in HP’s proprietary “DuraCase” cover – a magnesium alloy claimed to be 18 times stronger than plastic. The surface is covered with HP’s “DuraFinish,” a scratch resistant material. What is also amazing about the Elitebook 8530w is that it possesses the power of a workstation enabling it to deliver outstanding performance despite its compact size.

Pros:

The HP Elitebook 8530w is a powerful and durable workstation in the guise of a laptop. It is full-featured and its tough shell means all your important files and information are kept from harm’s way. It even has a suite of security tools available to provide business-level protection. Another plus is the host of powerful video card options allowing for a great gaming and high definition media experience.

Cons:

This laptop boasts to have stability, durability, and excellent features. A laptop of this stature could only come with a pricey tag. This model is also quite heavy (agbout 2.86 kg) for a mobile PC. Some users noted that the internal speaker leaves much to be desired and the touchpad area is small.

Conclusion:

If you can look beyond the price and weight issues, you will realize that this is one outstanding business laptop. Notebookreview.com in its review, calls it “One of the most full-featured and rugged 15.4″ workstation notebooks.” Ciao.co.uk says “This laptop doesn’t disappoint.” To us, the HP Elitebook 8530w is highly recommended.

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1. HP 550 – Review
2. Lenovo Thinkpad SL – Review

Have you been planning to get your hands on a laptop computer all this time but just do not know what to buy? At any point, only because you want a laptop so badly, you can just choose the first laptop you see the moment you step in a computer store. While that can happen, it is always best to put some serious thought before you make a laptop purchase, not to mention, getting the best out of that well-earned cash you got right there.

Nowadays, laptop computers have grown so much popularity that a recent survey showed that there are more and more people who now owns a laptop than desktop computers. So, since you’ve found this page, allow me to introduce you to HP laptops.

For starters, HP holds a rich history of innovation which is among the most respected brands in today’s computing industry. Hewlett Packard we know as HP today was founded by two Stanford graduates William (Bill) Hewlett and David (Dave) Packard who earned their degrees in electrical engineering in 1935 and went on to establish HP as a business in 1947 and named the company after their initials with an investment of $538.

HP laptops are highly customizable, ergonomically designed, and conveniently upgradeable – these are only but a few of its key features, that make most buyers enticed in purchasing these laptops. Over time, HP has diversified into delivering custom made laptop ranges to suit customer needs and tastes. While these laptops are built to last longer, they remain reasonably priced. Aside from HP’s focus to mobility, HP has also made an impressive reputation by delivering the most powerful laptops and tablet computers, powerful enough it can out perform regular desktop computers. The reliability and efficiency of HP’s after-sale support is something that its competitors have continuously struggled to match.

So the question is: what is the best laptop for you? Making sure that you have considered all the potential options and styles that would best work for you is the ultimate key on which laptop best fits you.

In making an HP laptop computer your choice, you can rest assured, that you’re not only getting your money’s worth, you are also getting the best possible product that can be custom ordered to fit your needs. You can prepare to be satisfied if not totally impressed.

Take a look at the HP Envy 15 as a good example of HP magic.

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This highly portable design weighs around 5 and a half pounds and possesses a high definition and easy viewable/Bright View 15.4 inch screen.

Further going, although the battery lifetime reaches up to around 180 minutes only, the laptop is a fast charging one with a battery that is able to reach up to 90% within less than two hours.

In terms of connectivity, the HP 550 possesses main features including: wireless integration and Bluetooth (not integrated but can be added).

For less than R 6000, you can now purchase the HP 550 which is the one of the cheapest practical small business laptops available widely at many channel distributors and local point sellers too.

For both the heavy users and light users who rarely type for long periods of time, the HP 550 possesses a practical keyboard does not often pose a problem. The laptops’ touchpad is also highly accurate with a simple interface. Further going, the laptop’s scroll bar is also a positive practical feature it possesses.

All in all, the performance of the HP 550 is considered to be much better than many of its similarly priced competitors that are much slower dual-core netbooks. Moreover, the HP 550’s operating volume for most uses is around 34 DB which is considered a moderate noise level. When using the laptops for programs such as the word processor (like MS Word), spreadsheet (like MS Excel), simple internet browser, or a picture editor (like Adobe), the fan is likely to emit no noise at all.

In conclusion, the HP 550 is considered a very cheap laptop. It is useful for many tasks and can adequately meet the needs of its small business to light users. Although it is low priced, the upgrading option is available along with many expansionary options.

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