| Laptops and Notebooks Reviews |
 | ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Fine Ebony
I LOVE this thing! -- 2009-01-05
Just recieved my Eee 1000HA this morning, and I was completely in love with it almost right out of the box! I bought this to replace my old Dell Latitude CPi, and I must say that the Eee PC will see more use. I found that the stiffness of the mouse buttons were about the same as those on the Dell, and while a bit firm, were not at all difficult to use. The placement of the right shift key does take some getting used to, but on the whole, I find this keyboard easier to use than the one on the Dell. I have small hands, so the Eee's keyboard is perfectly sized for me.
The few issues I've had with the laptop thus far are with the touchpad itself. It works fine for traditional use, but as far as the commands go, it's not especially responsive. I have no problem with the "zoom out" command, but scrolling is spotty at best and I find it extremely difficult to get it to zoom in. However, these are minor issues for me since I've become accustomed to using the arrow keys to scroll on laptops and usually just click on the icons to zoom in and out.
All in all, this laptop is a great product and I would most definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quality netbook.
Connectivity Issues -- 2009-01-03
I recently purchased the 1000HA as an upgrade for my EEE900. I like the quickness of start up and the keyboard doesn't bother me like some folks but I still can't get it to connect to my wireless system. I have gone online to ASUS Support and managed after about an hour to reach the server when it wasn't busy and pulled down a list of possible fixes. None work. I called and am on a waiting list for a call back from ASUS. I guess I have to sit next to my phone for 2 days (according to ASUS) until they call me. Really disappointed by that. What is the point of a netbook if you can't get connected wirelessly? If I can't fix it soon I'll have to send it back. Shame that for eveything else seems okay so far. I suppose this could be my last ASUS.
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 | Acer Aspire One 8.9-inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) White
Powerful and versatile -- 2009-01-06
Pros: After 2 weeks of use, I find this an excellent, powerful, easy-to-use, well-designed product; touch-typing even with big fingers; nice screen, large HD, long-lasting battery
Cons: No built-in Bluetooth; set-up instructions are non-existent (not a big problem, but a lapse); customer service appears difficult to obtain in a timely way (I have not had to contact customer service, but the Acer website does not inspire confidence).
Summary: I came to this computer after trying the Dell Mini 9, a nice if underpowered computer, but one (as I discovered) with software and hardware problems (I had 3 units replaced in the course of 3 months -- flakey power switch, burned-out mother board, HD corrupted by Windows Update). Though Dell makes some nice notebooks, that is not one of them. I use the Acer as a secondary notebook but can do serious work on it, including with hi-end graphics software. I do not mind the touch pad which bothers many b/c I mainly use a Bluetooth USB mouse.
Amazing features for a 2-lb computer! -- 2009-01-06
I've been a Dell user for a number of years, but I'm having a great deal of fun with this model. It's a snap to set up and use, and has Windows XP (I hate Vista).
As a frequent photographer, I appreciate the card slots. It reads SD picture cards, and probably several other types as well. It will be even better while traveling - no need to bring a card reader or connect cables!
The machine is just OK at finding wireless networks, but once connected, surfs the net fine. The 6 cell battery lasts about 5 hours on a full charge.
The shiny exterior can look smudged and can get dinged pretty easily, plus I can do without the orange hinges, but that doesn't dampen my enthusiasm for the Aspire-highly recommended.
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 | Acer Aspire One 8.9-inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Sapphire Blue
Powerful and versatile -- 2009-01-06
Pros: After 2 weeks of use, I find this an excellent, powerful, easy-to-use, well-designed product; touch-typing even with big fingers; nice screen, large HD, long-lasting battery
Cons: No built-in Bluetooth; set-up instructions are non-existent (not a big problem, but a lapse); customer service appears difficult to obtain in a timely way (I have not had to contact customer service, but the Acer website does not inspire confidence).
Summary: I came to this computer after trying the Dell Mini 9, a nice if underpowered computer, but one (as I discovered) with software and hardware problems (I had 3 units replaced in the course of 3 months -- flakey power switch, burned-out mother board, HD corrupted by Windows Update). Though Dell makes some nice notebooks, that is not one of them. I use the Acer as a secondary notebook but can do serious work on it, including with hi-end graphics software. I do not mind the touch pad which bothers many b/c I mainly use a Bluetooth USB mouse.
Amazing features for a 2-lb computer! -- 2009-01-06
I've been a Dell user for a number of years, but I'm having a great deal of fun with this model. It's a snap to set up and use, and has Windows XP (I hate Vista).
As a frequent photographer, I appreciate the card slots. It reads SD picture cards, and probably several other types as well. It will be even better while traveling - no need to bring a card reader or connect cables!
The machine is just OK at finding wireless networks, but once connected, surfs the net fine. The 6 cell battery lasts about 5 hours on a full charge.
The shiny exterior can look smudged and can get dinged pretty easily, plus I can do without the orange hinges, but that doesn't dampen my enthusiasm for the Aspire-highly recommended.
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 | ASUS Eee PC 900HA 8.9-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home) Black
So far I love it!!! -- 2009-01-04
Just got mine today. I wasn't expecting such great quality. This thing is built extremely well. It's rock solid. Nothing cheap feeling about it. I installed the 2GB of memory without any hastle. For the price I am really shocked at what you get. Way to go Asus. The keys are half sized of standard sized keys. But what do you expect? Do you want a mini sized laptop or do you not? Yeah a 10' screen version will have standard sized keys but it will also be a larger laptop. I wanted something as small as I could get. And this is it! 5 stars from me.
So far so great! -- 2008-12-31
This is a first review, based on using the computer for 24 hours, so it will be brief and right to the point.
Tis a brilliant product, beautifully designed, loaded with plenty of ports (USB, audio-video, VGA)and extremely useful controls for power and other features. Sharp and clear screen. It even comes with a very nice little carrying case that is light and might even pass TSA muster. It runs cool and fast, and with its original 1 gig of ram I had no problem running several programs at the same time. But even better, with the 2 gig module I added it simply flies -- remove four screws, just pop the 1 gig out and pop the new one in. I did do the F2-F10 routine with the Bios to get My Computer to recognize the added memory (I'm running XP), but for all I know it would have been recognized without doing that. Oh, and so far its wireless works perfectly with my very quirky and irritating Verizon FIOS router.
I'm off on a long trip tomorrow and will get a better feel for how it actually handles business apps. The keyboard is a tad tight and, like others, I've had to pay some close attention to hitting the space bar which would benefit from being elevated a fraction of an inch.
I travel an enormous amount, and often have to bring along cameras and other devices which weigh down my backpack. Having such a small and elegant machine with a huge hard drive and good power takes about 4 pounds off my load and gives me a computer I can use on an airplane tray in coach.
As they say, stay tuned....
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 | Acer Aspire One 8.9-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Black
Powerful and versatile -- 2009-01-06
Pros: After 2 weeks of use, I find this an excellent, powerful, easy-to-use, well-designed product; touch-typing even with big fingers; nice screen, large HD, long-lasting battery
Cons: No built-in Bluetooth; set-up instructions are non-existent (not a big problem, but a lapse); customer service appears difficult to obtain in a timely way (I have not had to contact customer service, but the Acer website does not inspire confidence).
Summary: I came to this computer after trying the Dell Mini 9, a nice if underpowered computer, but one (as I discovered) with software and hardware problems (I had 3 units replaced in the course of 3 months -- flakey power switch, burned-out mother board, HD corrupted by Windows Update). Though Dell makes some nice notebooks, that is not one of them. I use the Acer as a secondary notebook but can do serious work on it, including with hi-end graphics software. I do not mind the touch pad which bothers many b/c I mainly use a Bluetooth USB mouse.
Amazing features for a 2-lb computer! -- 2009-01-06
I've been a Dell user for a number of years, but I'm having a great deal of fun with this model. It's a snap to set up and use, and has Windows XP (I hate Vista).
As a frequent photographer, I appreciate the card slots. It reads SD picture cards, and probably several other types as well. It will be even better while traveling - no need to bring a card reader or connect cables!
The machine is just OK at finding wireless networks, but once connected, surfs the net fine. The 6 cell battery lasts about 5 hours on a full charge.
The shiny exterior can look smudged and can get dinged pretty easily, plus I can do without the orange hinges, but that doesn't dampen my enthusiasm for the Aspire-highly recommended.
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 | Samsung NC10-14GB 10.2-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 6 Cell Battery, XP Home) Blue
Great Product -- 2009-01-04
I had been in the market for a mini netbook for some time. I had tried the ASUS 7inch which was much too small and had a very awkward keyboard.
Later, I purchased a Everex StepNote from TigerDirect, off Lease. Fortunately at that time, I purchased a replaement warranty. When the computer crashed 3 months later, TigerDirect sent me a gift card for the amount of the purchase price of the Everex (499.99) and I turned right around and ordered this item from Amazon.
I can't really say anything bad about it. It is so quiet you don't even realize it is on. The keyboard and characters are all where they are supposed to be. I turned it on this morning and it's 5:56 pm and the "low battery" indicator just clicked on. I stays cool. Light weight and easy to carry, love the blue color. However, with the blue color, fingerprints abound. I'm also thinking of buying one for my mother.
The only thing I did was add MicroSoft Works 9 and a laser mouse, specifically, VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse. You can pick it up here on Amazon as well.
Great machine, battery life -- 2009-01-03
After buying and returning three Asus 1000HA units, I purchased the Samsung NC10. I purchased my first and only NC10 unit a few weeks ago - it's definitely been a great netbook choice. The problems I had with the 1000HA (crackly speakers, loose housing around battery) do not exist with the NC10. Features I especially like about the NC10:
Battery life - I have reached as much as 9 hours and 20 minutes when fully charged (9 is an extreme, more routinely I get about 7 hours and 30 minutes)
Lightweight - ultra portable
Slim profile (fits easily in my tote)
Sturdy build, great overall feel
Bluetooth - though I still don't know what I'd use it for
Easy memory upgrade (did it myself)
Keyboard a great size/layout
For those who have the NC10 and are experiencing jerky video play, try this: create a new user (mine is called "movies") that you'll use only for watching videos. Disable as much programming as you can on that user profile. I did this on my NC10 and now I can watch hulu.com without any problems. If try to watch videos with my other user account, I experience the jerkiness. I also figured out how to share the c drive of my desktop PC on my home network so not having an internal disc drive on the netbook is no longer a problem.
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 | Apple MacBook MB466LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Slot Loading SuperDrive)
I love my Mac! -- 2009-01-03
My husband bought me this Mac for Christmas and I am absolutely in love with it. I have been a life long windows users. Well, never again. I just can't see myself going back. This laptop is super fast. I feel like it can anticipate what my next move is going to be and it gets started on it right away. The start up on this thing is so fast. The programs open and close like a breeze. The laptop itself feels really solid. I love the look much better than the white one. The built in camera is good. I like the backgrounds you can add to your pictures. The trackpad is great once you get used to it. You really have to learn all of the finger motions or it's just going to waste. The screen is beautiful. I know some people complain about the glare. I don't see this as a problem for myself because I am generally indoors when I am using it. Right now I am sitting by a window and I can see a bit of a reflection but it's on the black part surrounding the screen. The screen does get fingerprints on it. I never see them when the laptop is on, only when it's sleeping or off. I just clean it every few days with the Apple cloth they give you. I like the little details like the battery indicator on the side. The iPhoto is great. I am completely organized with my photos now. I do wish that iOffice had came with it. I will have to order it separately for school. I am glad my husband went with the upgraded model with the extra RAM and memory. I believe I will be using this laptop for a long time. No regrets on switching to a Mac!
Review: satisfied -- 2008-12-28
As a first time Apple Mac user, I have come to like the Macbook very well. A few minor flaws apart (which all laptops have), the Macbook is a solid purchase. I see many sore complaints in other user reviews, but if a lack of Firewire port or a display with whites/blacks not being as good is a problem for you, then this one's not for you. However, if you do not need a Firewire (I don't, my WD external HDD works on USB 2) and you get to decide the lighting conditions for use, then there aren't many other flaws. Don't let some biased 2 star ratings turn you away from the Mac - those ratings are by people who hate the new Macs just because of a lack of Firewire port or so.
Upgrading RAM/HDD is childishly easy - I did not even have to watch those online videos to learn how. The only precaution you should take (as I did) is to take care of static before touching the Macbook.
If you require ocassional Windows applications, get VMWare Fusion or Parallels - I'm personally on VMware and it works flawlessly with Windows XP. 2GB is not enough memory for Mac and Vista to work together, so if you plan to use Vista with VMWare/Parallels, buy more memory (Crucial is a worthy choice).
Pros:
Unibody design, Mac OS X, multi touch trackpad
Cons:
Display glare (solved by not having a light directed AT you and your screen), minor Mac OS X problems common to any switcher, bottom gets hot after a few minutes of usage (because of the aluminium body)
If you need the stability and 'just works' attitude of a Mac, this is the perfect purchase for you. Minor inconveniences can be expected with any laptop, but much more with Mac competitors (I'm sure I can point out much more flaws with a similarly priced Sony/Dell/Lenovo).
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 | ASUS Eee PC 904HA 8.9-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Fine Ebony
Awesome fully functional mini laptop!!! -- 2009-01-03
This computer is amazing! All of my favorite programs from my desktop perform perfectly on this computer. This Netbook has almost a five hour battery life and with the fast startups you can turn it off when finished and save the battery. The eee pc has a full version of xp and I run mcaffee antivirus and have found no software issues whatsoever. The mousepad even has advanced gestures for scolling, working the browser and zooming. The only thing that takes some getting used to for people that use a 20inch+ display is the text is kind of small but for a second computer or for trips this is the perfect travel companion(with built in wireless). Buy it you won't regret it! Look areound-one of the fastest netbooks for the cheapest price with low consumption atom processor.
Nice little package -- 2009-01-02
After looking at several netbooks and compairing them , found that all had different pros and cons. I purchased the Asus Eee PC 904HA /Atom N270 , with the 6 cell battery , because reviews claimed long running power on single charge , those reviews were dead on ,so much easier to turn on this netbook ,within 8-10 secs up and running surfing the web. This model was also expandable to 2 gb ram others were 1.5 gb ...why? Weighs in at about 3 pounds, which is heavier than the competition...but built solid , power management is a kick ...machine cuts down power consumption when max power is not needed. Shuts down in 5-6 secs. overall I am very pleased and some what surprised that at the price this little unit was as well built inside as it was outside,nice design .
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 | Acer Aspire One 8.9-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Pink
The Best Christmas Present Ever!!! -- 2009-01-03
My husband thought the best thing about Christmas this year was that I cried when I ripped off the wrapping paper on this present. This netbook is perfect for me.
Besides the obvious, that hello it's PINK, it fits perfectly in my purse ( yeah, no bulky laptop bag needed now) and with the 6 cell battery lets me be mobile for over five hours. With my previous Acer laptop officially becoming geriatric what I needed was a notebook that was small enough to be easily mobile to Starbucks, Panera, the park, ect. while allowing me to do all my writing, cruise the internet, read e-books, and play the silly but addictive web games I'm always buried in. This works great and with a SD card reader and loads of USB ports I can put all my pics and music on it. I don't miss having a dvd drive, I can only remember using it on my old laptop three times so it was pretty pointless for me and their easy enough to get my hands on if I really needed one. And you can't argue with the price.
I recommend turning off the pinch zoom feature for the touch pad, but other that I've had no troubles with the new touch pad set up ( the left and right click buttons are on the sides, not the traditional bottom placement). I hook this up to my pink palm centro with its unlimited data plan and I can play or work anywhere! I highly recommend it.
don't buy computers at Amazon -- 2009-01-03
DON'T BUY IT AT AMAZON. Amazon not only charge me $8 shipping cost for returning, but also CHARGE ME $65.50 RESTOCKING FEE(15% from original price) despite the fact that the computer is totally in the original condition. $65 IS A LOT OF MONEY. I didn't know it otherwise I would never bought it at Amazon. As far as I know, other online computer sellers would not charge you such a high restocking fee.
I bought a laptop at a local Staples, they accepted the computer and refunded me full money for a computer of the same price.
I would never buy any electronic at Amazon again.
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 | MSI Wind U100-432US 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel Atom Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Black
Get this! -- 2009-01-04
Finally, there is a real computer that you will actually WANT to take with you! With a big hard drive, 1 gig of RAM, wireless, bluetooth, and webcam, the Wind has a more powerful combination of features than most competing netbooks. The 10 inch screen lets you see the entire width of a web page without scrolling left to right. It is big and bright enough that "mature" users can see it. There is a built in magnifier if you need extra help. The keyboard is big enough that you can type comfortably, even if you have big hands. Spend the extra money and get the 6-cell battery. The bigger battery sticks out a little from the bottom of the unit, which tilts the screen slightly, improving the viewing angle. The Wind is light and really does easily fit into a backpack, briefcase, or even a large coat pocket. I take it to work even on the days I ride my bike. Although though the Wind is not the most powerful computer on the market, we have run Excel macros, VBA, Quickbooks, etc. with no problem. We have also had no problems connecting printers, routers, external hard drives, optical drives, etc. This computer is an EXCELLENT VALUE and an excellent secondary computer. Your friends who spent big bucks on the Sony UX, OQO, or other UMPCs will be so jealous!
Amazon's 15% restocking fee: $65. don't buy electronic stuffs at Amazon! -- 2009-01-03
DON'T BUY IT AT AMAZON. Amazon not only charge me $8 shipping cost for returning, but also CHARGE ME $65.50 RESTOCKING FEE(15% from original price) despite the fact that the computer is totally in the original condition. $65 IS A LOT OF MONEY. I didn't know it otherwise I would never bought it at Amazon. As far as I know, other online computer sellers would not charge you such a high restocking fee.
I bought a laptop at a local Staples, they accepted the computer and refunded me full money for a computer of the same price.
I would never buy any electronic at Amazon again.
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