Author Topic: Netbook suggestions (Read 5940 times)

iMav · « **on:** Fri, 19 August 2011, 21:35:50 »

In the market for a new netbook. Would prefer a 10.1" screen with 1366x768 resolution. Used to have an HP 2140 HD that I quite liked. Is there a similar current equivalent?

HDD and ram must be upgradeable (probably put a fast SSD or hybrid drive in it and want to it to take at least 4GB of ram). Reasonsble out-of-the-box Linux support for things such as wireless, sound, video, etc.

Anyone have personal experience with a fairly recent model that fits the bill?

(I can read specs myself, looking for real world experience)

litster · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 19 August 2011, 21:52:07 »

I would spend another $200 for a real computer unless you really need the portability. AMD fusion based laptops would be good option as well.

iMav · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 19 August 2011, 21:55:13 »

I have several "real" laptops. I have specific use cases for a netbook with these specs...

SmallFry · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 19 August 2011, 21:59:56 »

In my looking at netbooks (my parents wont let me buy one) I have found that the ASUS EeePC netbooks are the best for Linux, Windows, as well as OS X with Hackintosh Compatibility Chart. The way I was looking for netbooks was off of what was Hackintosh compatible. Make sure to tell us what you get. :smile:

digitalleftovers · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 19 August 2011, 23:13:00 »

Hey,

I was just shopping for a lenovo, and was very interested in the Thinkpad X series. They are 11.6" and have the new AMD fusion mobile processors. Configured and shipped, you can get one for just over 400. The cheaper one doesn't have the traditional thinkpad keyboard, but the new island version instead. The higher end models (X220, X1) sound more like what you are looking for. I ended up going with the thinkpad edge because I needed the optical drive. I haven't tried one though =(.

Here is a link

sordna · « **Reply #5 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 01:07:45 »

Quote from: iMav;402002

HDD and ram must be upgradeable (probably put a fast SSD or hybrid drive in it and want to it to take at least 4GB of ram). Reasonsble out-of-the-box Linux support for things such as wireless, sound, video, etc.

If you will only run linux on it, 2GB is plenty, unless you run several VMs on the netbook. It's amazing how lean Linux is with memory compared with Windows.

microsoft windows · « **Reply #6 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 07:19:18 »

I've heard good things about the eee-PC's from Asus. I know somebody who was able to get over 20 hours of battery life out of his with Linux.

iMav · « **Reply #7 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 09:11:04 »

Quote from: sordna;402069

If you will only run linux on it, 2GB is plenty, unless you run several VMs on the netbook. It's amazing how lean Linux is with memory compared with Windows.

As I mentioned above, I have specific use cases for my specified specs. Not looking for alternate configuration suggestions.

The Solutor · « **Reply #8 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 11:59:46 »

Although defining it "netbook" is a bit offensive, nothing can be compared to a thinkpad x120 (and its keyboard).

The Solutor · « **Reply #9 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 13:12:33 »

Quote from: ripster;402300

The Solutor - do you OWN a X120e?

I had an X100e and later the Edge 11 (the European cousin of the X120) But looks like iMav is in the US so I suggest the X120e (cpu slightly less powerfull, GPU with doubled pwer, better battery lasting)

The DM1z is surely a good second choice if one can't afford a thinkpad.

woody · « **Reply #10 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 13:19:59 »

Quote from: ripster;402300

Lenovo always charges more for their stuff while they coast on IBM's reputation.

QFT.

Quote

that CTRL key placement (which I guess is BIOS swappable)

Some models I checked once in a store had BIOS option to swap Fn and CTRL. Still idiotic placement.

The Solutor · « **Reply #11 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 13:25:45 »

Quote from: ripster;402323

It also looks fugly.

Hahaha the thinkpads design were designed in Italy by Richard Sapper who has more than a dozen of elements shown on Moma

The same who designed the Artemide lamp and the Brionvega Radio TS502

The Dm1z is designed by nobody, and has just the standard ugly Taiwanese netbook look...

The Solutor · « **Reply #12 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 13:32:30 »

Quote from: woody;402328

QFT.

Just the usual Ripster BS.

The actual thinkpads arent just on par with the IBM ones, are better, and for the record are still designed in the former IBM research center, by the same ex IBM people.

Quote

Some models I checked once in a store had BIOS option to swap Fn and CTRL. Still idiotic placement.

What's idiotic in providing a choice.

Most of the hardcore thinkpad users wants the FN key on the traditional place, some other people like it on the right of the control button.

What's wrong in pleasing both ?

woody · « **Reply #13 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 13:38:26 »

@Solutor: Dude, you're beyond repair.

The Solutor · « **Reply #14 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 13:48:48 »

Quote from: ripster;402339

Radio?

Radio, you can find it in any design book, and in the houses of the poeople who understand the design.

Quote

Anyway, I think iMav is more interested in Real World feedback.

Then the opinion of a guru can help. :party:

The Solutor · « **Reply #15 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 13:51:38 »

Quote from: woody;402340

@Solutor: Dude, you're beyond repair.

Wannabe Troll...

You can safely remove the wannabe part

keyboardlover · « **Reply #16 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 13:52:15 »

Can't go wrong with the Thinkpad X220. I'm loving mine.

The Solutor · « **Reply #17 on:** Sat, 20 August 2011, 13:55:10 »

Quote from: keyboardlover;402353

Can't go wrong with the Thinkpad X220. I'm loving mine.

Yeah, he can't, but the 220 is not exactly a cheap netbook. The x120 is not a netbook too, but at least it's close enough.

iMav · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 13 September 2011, 15:36:17 »

Quote from: ripster;415644

Any luck?

I noticed you bought a Mac Mini but not exactly a Netbook.

Haven't made a decision yet. The mini purchase was separate from this purchase decision.

Still looking for feedback and waiting for some new releases.

yjhuoh · « **Reply #19 on:** Tue, 13 September 2011, 16:22:00 »

what is your budget? have you considered one of those last gen macbook airs that apple has on clearance for $750? should complement your mac mini well.

iMav · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 13 September 2011, 21:07:55 »

Quote from: yjhuoh;415688

what is your budget? have you considered one of those last gen macbook airs that apple has on clearance for $750? should complement your mac mini well.

I owned a last gen 11.6" MBA. The battery life was complete crap.

I don't really have a price constraint. Just want to meet (or exceed) my requirements.

Oqsy · « **Reply #21 on:** Tue, 13 September 2011, 22:24:00 »

I'm watching this thread and stealing suggestions for a netbook purchase.

I'm actually in the market for one for my wife. She has a GW laptop that won't stop overheating. I've taken it apart, all fans work, and the copper heatsink has been thoroughly cleaned and had silver paste reapplied. It is a matter of time before it goes tits-up. I've already copied everything to network storage, and will likely just set her up to work from that with her new system, which makes a netbook more applicable.

One additional request above and beyond iMav's list, none of the glossy screened crap. Who can see the monitor through all that glare??

csm725 · « **Reply #22 on:** Tue, 13 September 2011, 23:14:09 »

x120e - matte, 11.6", dual core APU with iGPU > intel's. ~$500-600

sordna · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 14 September 2011, 09:45:42 »

Quote from: Oqsy;415835

One additional request above and beyond iMav's list, none of the glossy screened crap. Who can see the monitor through all that glare??

Completely agree, glossy screens are terrible. However there's one macbook, one of the 13" ones that has a glossy screen BUT also has an anti-reflective coating similar to what's used in eyeglasses. So it's glossy but the reflections are mostly absorbed except for a purple-ish hue. That's actually not bad, does anyone know of other net/notebook screens like that?

iMav · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 15 September 2011, 09:11:33 »

I think I may just sacrifice my desire for a 10" HD screen, go with a 11.6", and pick up the lenovo/thinkpad.

The Solutor · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 15 September 2011, 13:58:35 »

Quote from: iMav;416477

I think I may just sacrifice my desire for a 10" HD screen, go with a 11.6", and pick up the lenovo/thinkpad.

No one will kill you because the AMD APU ?

csm725 · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 15 September 2011, 14:53:01 »

I love my Lenovo x120e, it just has some odd glitches like BSOD when you put it to sleep, odd battery life management utility, and it also overheats pretty badly.

Lanx · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 15 September 2011, 19:35:54 »

Quote from: csm725;416732

I love my Lenovo x120e, it just has some odd glitches like BSOD when you put it to sleep, odd battery life management utility, and it also overheats pretty badly.

lol are you sarcastically diss'in the laptop? cuz random BSOD/battery mgmt and overheating makes a laptop into a paperweight.

iMav · « **Reply #28 on:** Thu, 15 September 2011, 23:20:55 »

Quote from: The Solutor;416700

No one will kill you because the AMD APU ?

Consider it competitive research.

dorkvader · « **Reply #29 on:** Fri, 16 September 2011, 00:40:50 »

Lenovos are pretty much all a pain to repair. I'd highly recommend getting a Fujitsu.

Their T580 looks good, though I've not tried it personally. You'll also have to order a spare RAM chip, as it comes with a 2 GB stick plus "empty slot"

It has a core i3 or i5

It is also tablet convertible, if you're into that.

10" screen.
http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=T580

If you want to move up in size, the T731 is really incredible, and an absolute joy to repair, work on, take apart, etc. Everything in laid out nicely, and wonderfully. It also has a "full size" hard drive. It's 12" screen, though.

Make sure your Lenovo is not one of the many with the 1.8" HDD.

iMav · « **Reply #30 on:** Fri, 16 September 2011, 01:19:26 »

An HP mini 210 series with upgraded screen and CPU comes pretty darned close to my requirements... Including a 1366x768 10.1" screen.

csm725 · « **Reply #31 on:** Fri, 16 September 2011, 01:35:46 »

Quote from: Lanx;416863

lol are you sarcastically diss'in the laptop? cuz random BSOD/battery mgmt and overheating makes a laptop into a paperweight.

No... a fresh Windows install fixes everything, Lenovo's included utilities are the best in the biz, and the laptop overheats a little on my lap, nothing compared to other laptops.

Lanx · « **Reply #32 on:** Fri, 16 September 2011, 02:46:11 »

man i saw a few 249 to 599 amd 1ghz dual cores from 10 to 15inches at walmart, yea i know walmart, there's no other stores in amish land. too bad most of these come with a built in dvd drive tho, that'd save even more weight, chicklet keys suck tho.

iMav · « **Reply #33 on:** Mon, 27 February 2012, 16:55:01 »

Quote from: csm725;415847

x120e - matte, 11.6", dual core APU with iGPU > intel's. ~$500-600

Quote from: iMav;416477

I think I may just sacrifice my desire for a 10" HD screen, go with a 11.6", and pick up the lenovo/thinkpad.

Quote from: csm725;416732

I love my Lenovo x120e, it just has some odd glitches like BSOD when you put it to sleep, odd battery life management utility, and it also overheats pretty badly.

Just received my x120e today. Threw in 16GB of ram and a 128GB SSD. Will be installing my linux distro of choice shortly.

sordna · « **Reply #34 on:** Mon, 27 February 2012, 17:02:56 »

Congrats! But I'm curious, what do you need that much RAM for? It's extremely rare when my ubuntu box exceeds 2GB of RAM usage, I almost regret putting 4GB in there instead of 2 :-)

iMav · « **Reply #35 on:** Mon, 27 February 2012, 17:04:47 »

Quote from: sordna;528476

Congrats! But I'm curious, what do you need that much RAM for? It's extremely rare when my ubuntu box exceeds 2GB of RAM usage, I almost regret putting 4GB in there instead of 2 :-)

Had the ram lying around. (was originally destined for another laptop, but ended up not using it)

The Solutor · « **Reply #36 on:** Mon, 27 February 2012, 18:00:51 »

Quote from: dorkvader;416994

Lenovos are pretty much all a pain to repair.

basically the truth is just in the opposite direction.

The real strength of any Thinkpad is the availability of spare parts, including stickers, tiny screws and odd components.

The availability of the technical documents and even the training videos that explain everything about the part replacement or notbooks upgrades.

No other brand offer this. No matter if european, american or asian.

News:

Author Topic: Netbook suggestions (Read 5940 times)

woody

woody