Netbook Reviews : Best Price : Best Buy

Product Description

The Inspiron Mini 12 allows you to stay connected to your world virtually wherever you go. Inspiron Mini 12’s small, incredibly light design lets you travel light while keeping up with your blog, video chat, instant messenger and email so that you never lose touch with your family and friends. The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 was developed from the ground up to be the perfect companion, keeping you connected while on-the-go. The Inspiron Mini 12 allows you to find, use and share your digital world, even while away from home. Whether you use a mobile phone with a web browser, a computer outside your home, or share files and folders with a friend; you will have the ability to access files and devices in your home from anywhere with Internet access. The Inspiron Mini 12 is designed to keep you connected to your favorite entertainment. When you are on the go, you can still have access to email, shopping and more. A bright 12.1 inch glossy display is designed to be able to present web sites without a lot of left-right scrolling, and the keyboard is large and easy to navigate.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2098 in Personal Computers
• Color: Alpine White
• Brand: Dell
• Model: IM12-2869
• Dimensions: .92″ h x 9.02″ w x 11.77″ l, 2.72 pounds

Features

• 1.33 GHz Intel Atom Z520 Processor
• 1GB DDR2 RAM
• 80GB Hard Drive
• Windows XP Home, 3 Hour Lithium Ion Battery
• 12.1-Inch Glossy LED Display (1280×800), 1.3mp Web Cam

Customer Reviews

Dell Mini 12 defies “netbook” classification and emerges as a star
PROS: big, vivid screen; nearly full-sized keyboard AND trackpad; very slim and light despite the 12.1″ screen; works great with XP

CONS: glossy case is print-prone; some shrunken buttons on keyboard; 3-cell battery life is low, need the 6-cell; RAM not upgradeable
—————-

Are you looking for a light, slim laptop that mimics the Macbook Air at a fraction of the price? Then the Dell Mini 12 would be a great choice for you!

I wanted the readable/usable screen size of 12.1 (10 might be the sweet spot for some people, but not for me — see for yourself firsthand) with a good keyboard, large trackpad, and light weight. Another important consideration was battery life of at least 5+ hrs (more on that later).

The Dell Mini 12 hits all of those points. The 12.1″ screen causes some debate about its classification as a “netbook,” but its Atom processor and low price definitely puts it in netbook territory. The screen is lovely, with true colors, no blotches or dead pixels, and decent viewing angles. The Atom processor (mine is 1.6 GHZ) is more than capable for basic web surfing, light typing, and reading PDFs in a Windows XP environment. And the price (I got it for under $400 at the brand name’s Outlet store) is superb, if you shop around.

The one featured on Amazon is decent, though it has the slightly slower chip; however, most online reviews downplay the effect of this clock speed decrease. Realize that it has 1GB of RAM, which is suitable for basic netbook applications on XP. But no expandability exists with this current setup — that may be a downer for those looking to soup up their netbook into performance ranges of a normal laptop or desktop.

Another knock against the Amazon one — it comes with only the 3-cell battery. That’s good for 2-3 hrs with some serious power conservation (Bluetooth off, screen brightness at maximum low), but the 6-cell gives you 5-6hrs easy. It adds a little bulk to the rear end, but this baby’s back is still appealing and makes it easier to hold, if you know what I mean…

Another unexpected but appealing feature to the Dell Mini 12: it is completely fanless. Somehow it manages to stay cool to the touch! Over time, I have found the silence and relative coolness to be big pluses.

In the end, the key thing for me is usability. I found the 12.1″ screen to be kind to my eyes and the trackpad/keyboard combo to be virtually normal-sized. The engineers at Dell were still able to package the Mini 12 into a ridiculously slim, light case. The closest competitor here would be the Samsung NC20, which is chunkier, louder, warmer, and more expensive, albeit with a much bigger hard drive and RAM expandability. For my purposes, the Dell Mini 12 is perfect. It just might be the same for you.

A good netbook appliance
I purchased my cherry red Dell mini 12 a few weeks back directly from Dell. (it was a “scratch and dent” model) I was looking for a inexpensive, small, light and quiet laptop to surf the web/ watch some online videos and on occasion travel with. I also wanted to try out the Linux OS. The Dell Mini 12 fit those requirements. It is easy to set up and I have had no issues with the Linux OS or the software that came with it. There was a sizable amount of “upgrades” that I downloaded (over 250mb!) when I first connected online, but if you have a broadband connection it’s no big deal. I’ve watched videos on Hulu and Youtube and they work fine. I’ve opened MS office files with the open office package and that works good too. The big plus here is the 12″ screen with the 1280 X 800 resolution. You can see an entire web page with that resolution without scrolling (something you can’t have with the smaller 9″ and 10″ models). I also have the 6 cell battery which I can use for 4-5 hours on a charge. However, it does add some extra depth to the unit which is important when buying a slip cover or bag. I purchased a Mini 12 sleeve for my dell mini and it is a tight fit with the 6 cell battery.
Now there are some issues you should be aware of before you purchase the Dell Mini 12. First off if your into the Linux stuff this unit has “custom” hardware and “closed” software that only work with the dell mini 12 version of Umbuntu so if your thinking “I’ll just upgrade to the latest greatest” you will be sorely disappointed (check out conical’s support pages). If Dell/Intel/conical plan on updating these custom closed drivers so you can upgrade to Umbuntu 9.04 they have not made any official announcement to that effect that I can find. You also should not expect Dell to give you much help with the Linux OS. They will send you to online web support sites. This unit has no fan so in order for it not to get overheated you have things like a slow hardrive and no memory expansion. The speaker output is really poor so plan on using it with head phones. The keyboard not being full size takes a litle getting used to and If I was a fast touch typist a big issue, but I’m not so it works for me. In short, what you have with the Mini 12 is an appliance like your stove or fridge. Buy it, turn it on, configure the settings, it works (hopefully!) but don’t go looking to MacGyver this thing into your next video editor! Just plan on buying the next model when it comes out in a year of so.

Dell Mini 12 is the Best Netbook as of this writing.
I spent about 35 hours a week trying to find the right Netbook. It is SO hard, since there are so many and they are so very similar. I did try an HP Netbook, which had a good keyboard and good speakers, but the screen was just too small.

After talking to the guys at a Laptop Repair Carlsbad they told me about the Dell Mini 12, and they said that I can get it for less than Dell sells it for, if I buy it from Amazon.com

The Mini 12 came in the mail a few days later, and I was very happy with it, once I disabled most of the startup items using msconfig

It was easy to connect to my wireless network, and I love the large screen. The speakers are the only low point for this device, so I usually in some external speakers. This Netbook is VERY Lightweight, runs most applications fast, and runs cool and very quite, with is no fan. It does have video output, but does not run every resolution, just a few of the more common ones.

Highs
- Very Light
- Large LCD for a Netbook
- Runs cool and quite
- Fast Enough for me

Lows
- Speakers are not LOUD

The Verdict
- Why live with a smaller screen if you don’t have to?

Mark

SPECIAL NOTE ON THE ADDITIONAL DELL MINI 12s THAT I BOUGHT AFTER THE FIRST ONE … SOME OF THESE ARE FACTORY REFURBS BEING SOLD AS NEW. THEY HAVE SCRATCHES ON THE BOTTOM. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS THE FAULT OF DELL OR AMAZON, BUT IT IS A BIT TACKY.

Product Description

The ultra portable Asus Eee PC 1008HA Seashell weighs only 2.4 lbs and measures a mere one inch thin. Within its slick shell it packs the latest ATOM CPU from Intel, the N280, which offers a 667MHz FSB, the fastest in its class. With a 6-hour battery, built-in WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth, as well as a 1.3MP webcam and Digital Array Mic, the 1008HA allows you to stay connected wherever you go and do so comfortably. Its 92%-scaled ergonomic keyboard and Multi-Touch touchpad make it a breeze to type and navigate through content. But the feature that truly captures most attention is its innovative design. Inspired by one of nature’s most beautiful creations, the seashell, the 1008HA’s slick curves and smooth lines offer contemporary style and effortless sophistication. To protect your investment, ASUS also includes a sleeve case with the 1008HA, perfect for carrying your 1008HA while out and about.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #737 in Personal Computers
• Color: Pearl White
• Brand: Asus
• Model: 1008HA-PU1X-WT
• Dimensions: 1.01″ h x 7.01″ w x 10.31″ l, 2.40 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Solo 1.66 GHz
• Memory: 1000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 160GB
• Processors: 1
• Native resolution: 10.1
• Display size: 10.1

Features

• Intel Atom N280 Processor 1.66GHz
• 1GB DDR2 RAM, 2GB Max* (*Eee PC 1008HA model has no Memory Bay Door due to ultra slim design)
• 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
• Windows XP Home Operating System, 6 Hour Battery
• Intel UMA, 10.1-inch WSVGA 1024×600 Screen

Customer Reviews

The New Must Have Netbook?!?!?!
The New Must Have Netbook?!?!?!

This is my second Eee as I also own the Asus 1000HE. While I love the 1000HE, I was really looking forward to the 1008HA because of the slimmer design and full size right shift key. After a couple of days with the device, here are my thoughts:

Pros:

- It has a full size right shift key!!! Touch typist will appreciate this over the tiny, misplaced right shift key on the 1000HE.
- The 1008HA feels much lighter than the 1000HE. When people would pick up my 1000HE, they would be surprised by how heavy it is. The 1008HA feels great.
- Even in a slim package, the 1008HA still has all of the features you want in a Netbook: wireless N, Bluetooth, N280 processor, SDHC card slot, and decent battery life.
- I’m getting over 4 hours of battery life so far. Not bad for a 3 cell battery!!!
- It includes a slim VGA port but it includes a standard VGA adapter that is tucked away under the device.
- The 1008HA is a beautiful piece of equipment. I know this isn’t a technical benefit but it doesn’t hurt. The 1000HE is “husky” in comparison.

Cons:

- Having only 2 USB ports kinda sucks since I sometimes need to connect my phone, retractable mouse, and USB storage drive.
- As another reviewer mentioned, if you need to keep a wireless receiver plugged in for your non-bluetooh devices, the port covers will annoy you. Perhaps you can remove one of the covers?
- I prefer two separate mouse buttons instead of the rocker button. I don’t know why they switched to the rocker.
- The memory, hard drive, and battery are not user replaceable. I read that you can have these replaced at an Asus service center though. I find that 1GB of ram is fine for XP.
- Windows 7 doesn’t work yet because of video issues. I read on an Eee forum that there’s an auto login workaround if that interests you.
- It doesn’t have the legendary battery life of the 1000HE but 4 hours isn’t bad for a device this small.

Conclusion:

Whether you buy the 1008HA over the 1000HE, or the upcoming 1005HA (which is basically a 1000HE with more battery life and a full size right shift key), it comes down to this- are you willing to sacrifice battery life, a usb port, and additional cost to get a lighter, slimmer device. I like the 1008HA and highly recommend it to anyone that will appreciate this compromise. For those that prefer function over form, the 1000HE or the upcoming 1005HA should fit the bill. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the Eee 100X series netbooks. They continue to offer all of the features at the best prices. Don’t get those cheaper, crippled netbooks. You’ll kick yourself.

UPDATE (6/30):

After using the 1008HA for a few weeks, I decided that battery life is more important than size and weight. With a fully charged 1000HE, you rarely have to look at the remaining power. You simply will not use it all before running out. While I like the 1008HA, I have the give the edge to the 1000HE. I plan to pick up the 1005HA when it ships. I suspect it will be the king of them all.

What a great machine!
This is my third eee pc. I started with the original 4G with 7″ screen. I wanted more storage and a screen that filled the form factor so I then moved up to the 9″ 900HA. At the time of the 900HA, I opted for reduced weight over increased size and chose the lighter weight 900HA over the larger but heavier 100x series. I learned my mistake, though, because the more I used the 900HA, the more annoying the typing errors due to the smaller keyboard became. You might not think a diagonal inch could make such a difference, but it does. Since getting the 900HA, I’ve gotten two 1000HAs for my sons and recommended the 1000HA to my sister and all three of them love them. Still, the increased weight kept me from taking the plunge for a 10″ netbook myself, that is, until the 1008HA came along.

As with everything, the 1008HA comes with pluses and minuses.

The biggest plus is the weight: 2lbs 5 oz. compared to 2lbs 7.5 oz for the 900HA and 3lbs 4 oz for the 1000HA (and 3 lbs 5 oz for the latest 1000HA with chicklet keyboard).

Another plus is the Atom N280 processor which, while not a barn burner, is noticeably faster than the N270 in other models.

There is also Bluetooth and 820.11n wireless, but those are of no real interest to me since I don’t have an 802.11n router (but perhaps I should start thinking of one!).

The only clear minus for me is the port covers which make it inconvenient to connect things. They would be particularly inconvenient if I wanted to keep the teeny (1/4″ extension) USB receiver from a Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Black) plugged in permanently. Unfortunately, Logitech does not make a Bluetooth version of the VX nano.

Then there are two things that are a positive or negative depending on your point of view.

The first is the nonremovable battery. If the battery were to die, it would have to be returned to Asus for service. I tell myself that by the time this happens I would probably be wanting to replace the machine. The reason I view it as a positive and not an outright negative is that the Li-polymer battery, which can be molded however the manufacturer wishes, helps give the 1008HA its reduced weight. Asus will shortly be introducing the 1005HA, which has a replaceable battery but is otherwise identical to the 1008HA. However, 1005HA’s weight will be back up in the 3 lb 2 oz range.

The second is the glare screen. It can take some getting used to. I don’t have any problems with my appearance, but if I wanted my face for wallpaper, I’d have taken my picture an uploaded it. However, so far I haven’t found the adjustment to be difficult. The biggest surprise was that outdoors the glare screen on the 1008HA turned out to be easier to read than the matte screen on my 900HA! The trick was to have the screen facing the sun, but at an angle so that the sun was not reflecting in my eyes. With the back of the screen toward the sun, the 1008HA’s screen is unreadable, but the 900HA’s screen was no great shakes either.

I won’t paint a pretty picture. I spent two days debating whether to keep the 1008HA or return it for what is now a considerably cheaper 1000HA, but I found myself getting used to the glare screen, felt I could easily live with the port covers, and decided to keep the 1008HA because of its reduced weight.