What is a mini notebook computer?

Mini notebook computers are easily identified by their screen size. Usually anything under 13” is called a subnotebook, and under 10” used to be a netbook but lines are getting blurred, since manufacturers moved to bigger screen sizes on the minies. Asus started the hzpe with the 700 series netbook, which had a 7” screen and a 600 mhz cpu. All it knew was browsing the net and perhaps some instant messaging, but nothing more really. Nowadays these little beasts boast 1.66 ghz cpu, 2 gigabytes of memory and a 12 inches screen.

Why do you need one?

I’m being perfectly honest here, you probably don’t. But if you are on the move for any reason including commute, work trips, lots of plane flights, I would really consider one the since cost is low and the benefit can be well worth the money spent. I love how I don’t even notice if it’s in my backpack or not. I love that I can lay on my back, put it on my belly and watch my favorite series without running out of breath. I love how it runs for 6.5 on a single charge. I love how I’m able to write these articles on the subway without the numb leg after half an hour. Basically there are so many pros to it I can’t really start to describe. I used to smoke and I could hold it in one hand while holding the cigarette in another while watching a movie, it’s so light. Since I’ve quit I just walk around the house without ever thinking about where I left the charger.

Which is the best netbook?

My point of view is rather biased here, because I’ve had the good luck to be able to put my hands on an Asus eee 1005ha-m three months ago, and I’ve never regretted buying it for $400. It’s been my main computer for these months and it has never failed me once did everything it was supposed to do and more and I mean playing HD movies here. It has the old n270 cpu, which runs at 1.6ghz, a gigabyte ddr, 160GB hard drive and an integrated intel video card that is no good for anything the last few years gaming industry happened to put out. Diablo II and openTTD runs just fine though and it has helped me pass some boring time so I can’t have a bad word. In my opinion this version of the asus eee series with its 8 hours battery and matte screen is one of the better of the similar mini notebook computer choices. The keyboard is fantastic, I have no other words for it and I just love the screen too, the faster 1005HA-H version comes with n280 running at 1.66 ghz with a 10 hours battery, but the screen itself is glossy and the whole unit is a little bit more expensive. I would recommend that too, but the glossy screen has put me off from buying. I won’t conclude that this is the best netbook out there, but pretty much as good as it comes and looking back I’ve only wished a few times the screen was bigger, but 12” would have been no help either. I’m planning to buy a new screen so that I will be able to do some webdesign as I admit 10” is just too small for that.
Another interesting choice comes from the stables of Lenovo, and is called the S12. There are three different kinds of it actually, so you will have to keep your eyes open, when picking the one you need. Latest version sports nvidia’s new Ion platform, which means the usage of intel atom as the main processor backed up by a 9300m video chip, which is everything but weak. You can literally go on and play wow on your nedbook that costs 500 bucks and lasts for 6 hours, isn’t that just great. This one, as the name implies, has a stunningly huge 12” screen and has better resolution than most of the 15.6” laptops. Thanks to the extra help from nvidia’s video solution you will be able to watch 1080p HD movies seamlessly, and though the screen is not big enough for that, the laptop has an HDMI output so you can hook it up with your HD TV in no time and watch the movies there.

I am not saying these are the best mini notebooks you can buy with money, but they pretty much of the better breed. If you need the mobility, you want one of these period.

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