Mobile Computing News

2009: The Year of the Netbook

Since the Asus Eee PC 701 came onto the scene back in late 2007 and launched an entirely new genre, netbooks have taken the computer world by storm. After witnessing tremendous success in 2008, 2009 has already been proclaimed by many as the year of the netbook, with sales estimates as high as 35 million units for the year; increasing to 139 million projected netbook sales in 2013.

What began as one model by Asus, the Eee PC, has literally exploded into a gigantic selection with almost every major computer manufacturer trying to get in on the action. Whilst the netbook model for success, which includes a low price, very compact size, and internet capability, remains unchanged, the selection and variety of netbooks has ballooned. With over 10 different varieties of Eee PC available, not to mention netbooks from Dell, Samsung, MSI, Lenovo, Acer, HP, Toshiba and more, choosing the right netbook in the saturated market is more difficult than ever. Fortunately, our staff has taken it upon ourselves to provide you with all the information you need in order to make the right decision and thoroughly enjoy your netbook experience.

Eee PC: Huge Variety and still the dominant Force

Despite being challenged by every other major computer manufacturer, the Asus Eee PC has managed to hold its own, and the product range definitely remains the predominant force in netbook market. The Eee PC ranges from the original very low cost and low memory Eee PC 700 series, to the slightly larger and more powerful Eee PC 900, ending with the larger 10 inch display Eee PC 1000 line-up. The entire selection is also crowned with the luxurious and high-end Asus Eee PC S101.

In addition to its low price and small size, the Eee PC is also famous and attractive for running Linux, as well as using the smaller, more lightweight and efficient solid state drive SSD storage system. Asus continues this trend as both its 900 and 1000 range are available with Linux operating systems and SSD storage. Whilst some other netbook manufacturers offer Linux machines, such as the Acer Aspire One, none can touch the assortment offered by Asus with its Asus Eee PC 901 20G Linux, Eee PC 1000 40G Linux and Eee PC 900D 16G Linux, just to name a few. As far as Linux enthusiasts are concerned, as well as those who prefer the lighter weight of SSDs, the Eee PC continues to offer the best and largest variety of options.

In terms of diversity in its appearance and size, the Eee PC range really cannot be touched. However, in terms of performance, most Eee PCs offer the same and static specifications. For instance, the Asus Eee PC S101 happens to be one of the most stylish and sleekest netbooks we have seen, yet its specifications are nearly identical to the Asus Eee PC 1000H with its 1GB of RAM and Intel Atom processor. In fact these specifications remain constant in all other Eee PC models, although some actually make use of the slower Intel Celeron M processor and lower RAM. The greatest fluctuation among the models is in terms of storage capacity, with the Eee PC 1000H boasting a 160GB HDD, while the S101 boasts a maximum SSD of 64GB and some models, such as the Eee PC 701 4G Surf, sport only 4GB of storage.

Eee PC: A Continuous Innovator

If there is one more way to characterise the Eee PC product line, then it would be its incessant expansion. Apparently excited consumers can expect three new Eee PC models on the horizon, namely, the very sleek looking Eee PC 1002HA, and the Eee PC T91 and T101H with rotating touch screens. Clearly Asus is never content to rest on its laurels and continues its drive for excellence by manufacturing more and more unique Eee PCs.

Acer: Asus’ Formidable Taiwanese Competition

Even though Asus has been grabbing most of the headlines with its Eee PC, the other computer manufacturers have not been idly standing by. Acer was one of the first manufacturers to challenge the Eee PC’s dominance with its own netbook, the Acer Aspire One, back in July of 2008. Moreover, the stylish looking Aspire One has seen some of the best success against the Eee PC of any other model, actually managing to outsell it in Q3 with 2.15 million sales, compared to the Eee PC’s 1.7 million.

Just like the Eee PC, the Aspire One is available for very inexpensive prices, is compact, comes in both Windows and Linux varieties, and also gives users the choice between SSD and HDD. The Aspire One series also includes a reduced 95% sized keyboard, to make it more compact, as well 3G and WiFi compatibility. In terms of battery time, however, most reports indicate the Aspire One trails behind most Eee PCs. Finally, the 8.9 inch display Aspire One series did not offer much variation in terms of size, until the recent launch of its 10.1 inch £299 Aspire model, which also optionally offers WiMax connectivity.

Dell Inspiron Mini: Get one Free with Vodafone Broadband

Dell also quickly entered the netbook fray, first with its Dell Inspiron Mini 9 model, and then more recently with its Dell Inspiron Mini 12 netbook. The Inspiron 9 plays to all the strength’s of a netbook with its low price of under £300, 3G and WiFi connectivity, as well as its light 1kg weight and extra long lasting 4 hour battery. The Inspiron 9’s design is also very sleek and it is available in a variety of colours as well.

If you are not overly impressed with anything so far, imagine getting the Inspiron 9 for free if you sign up for Vodafone mobile broadband. Usually you are restricted to getting a free mobile phone, or maybe smartphone, when signing up for plans, however, Vodafone’s 24 month mobile broadband plan will actually give you your own Dell Inspiron Mini 9 computer for free. Surprisingly enough, the 24 month plan’s tariffs are not too ridiculous either and are priced at £25 per month for 1GB of monthly mobile broadband, and 30 per month for 3GB of monthly mobile broadband, respectively. Together with getting the first three months for free, this works out as a great bargain for anyone who can make the commitment and is looking for a mobile computer right away.

Samsung NC10: Excels at the Basics

If there is one thing that defines netbooks, it is perhaps excelling at basic things, such as size, weight, and price; rather than pushing the limit with better graphics cards, faster processors, larger RAM and more unique features. The Samsung NC10 fits into this mould perfectly, as a netbook that does not notably distinguish itself except for its low price, reliable features, great battery time and compact size. Indeed, the Samsung NC10 lives up to a netbook’s main purpose, namely to go online conveniently, cheaply and for longer, without offering much else. The NC10’s main claims to fame are its long lasting battery, second only to Asus’ Eee PC models, and its brilliantly designed keyboard, which Samsung claims is 93% the size of a regular keyboard. Its performance specifications are identical to most other netbooks, with its Intel Atom processor and 1GB RAM, and its appearance is nothing to write home about either. Nevertheless, the 10.2 inch display netbook performs its task of being mobile and going online remarkably, making it perfect for anyone looking for a reliable, zero-flash model.

Netbooks: Not just a Trend

Many users can’t imagine why netbooks, with their poor performance specifications and small low resolution displays are so popular. They cannot imagine having a personal computer that is unable to play DVDs or run the latest processor intensive applications and games. However, these people are missing two important points; firstly, a netbook does not have to be your only computer, instead it can actually be more of a secondary or complementary computer. Secondly, a netbook is only designed to perform basic tasks and go online, a purpose at which it excels. Add its portability, low price, 3G connectivity and compact size into the equation, and the netbook is the ideal low cost tool for getting online. Think of a netbook almost as a smartphone, something with which to write email, go online, and communicate with, but not a replacement for a full blown computer. This analogy is not so misplaced either, especially considering how portable many netbooks have become, and that many are less expensive than most smartphones on the market today.