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NETbooks! Everywhere !

My wife has the Acer Aspire with 1.5GB RAM and the 120GB drive. It came with XP, but I blew that away and loaded Ubuntu 8.04 with the "netbook remix" that optimizes the gui for the smaller res screen. It's a nice little machine, and does all she needs; iPod, video, internet, e-mail.
 
gkarris said:
Link?

HP MiniNotes start at $499 and they are already for sale. I've seen them at MicroCenter...
Click to expand...

Try this:

http://www.amazon.com/2133-KR922UT-...3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1225069808&sr=8-3

Granted: The $299 machine probably would not run OSX, but I was not suggesting this machine as a Mac replacement . . . . just meant to quote the low price I had seen for a NetBook.

Note: Further down the same Amazon.com page there is an Acer NetBook for $327, just a little over the $299 number.

Regards,
L
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
lugesm said:
My point: These things are popping up like weeds after a Spring Rain.
Click to expand...

I think they are only going to become more popular. I though they were gimmicky at first since they were initially slow with keyboards that are just too small. Plus a lack of a DVD drive? Pffft...

Can't pry me off my netbook now. It would be intersting to see what Apple comes up with but I'm almost scared to see the price (looks at the Air). ;)
 
phobic99 said:
I think they are only going to become more popular. I though they were gimmicky at first since they were initially slow with keyboards that are just too small. Plus a lack of a DVD drive? Pffft...

Can't pry me off my netbook now. It would be intersting to see what Apple comes up with but I'm almost scared to see the price (looks at the Air). ;)
Click to expand...

Lack of a DVD drive isn't a problem for my wife. I've got a Mythbuntu machine recording all her TV shows that she streams over wifi to the 'book, and then movies she wants to watch on it are converted to Quicktime via Handbrake. Better battery life than a spinning disk anyway. It works fine, for what it is.

Check out the Ubuntu Netbook Remix:

UbuntuEee8041.png


Runs faster than XP on the same box, at least it feels like it.
 
btw, I'd recommend staying away the HP, due to the Via CPU, which has been benching much slower than similar speed Atom procs.
 
polaris20 said:
Check out the Ubuntu Netbook Remix:

[snip]

Runs faster than XP on the same box, at least it feels like it.
Click to expand...

Netbook remix is really pretty -- I like what they've done with it so far, and Maximus is really nice for netbooks also. As for the speed, I'm actually slightly surprised -- usually people report XP feeling slightly faster on similar hardware than Ubuntu 8.x. But if you like it, keep rocking it. :)

Oh, also as far as netbooks not having DVDs, surprisingly, there actually is one with an internal tray-loader now. I have no idea how they crammed all these features into this hardware, but they did, somehow:

http://www.slashgear.com/kohjinsha-sx3-touchscreen-netbook-unboxings-review-0813597/

It's quite expensive, and I think you're right -- mostly the DVD is unnecessary. But somehow, they did it.
 
phobic99 said:
I'd figure most people that get these laptops aren't doing anything too performance heavy anyway. Considering Apple still sells notebooks with only 1GB, Leopard must run good enough. Several netbooks do support up to 2GB however.

Regardless, I've backed out on buying a new macbook twice today simply because my netbook runs OS X as good as it does. Decisions, decisions.
Click to expand...

The Atom Processor does not support more than 1GB of ram. Future revisions of the processor will though. The netbooks that support more than 1GB ram are using the much less powerefficient celeron M processor.

Benchmarks show that a 900Mhz Celeron M processor has more power than a 1,6Ghz atom cpu btw.
 
Has anybody seen the acer one advert here in the UK? It's a (very badly) ported American advert, and at the end, the voiceover girl proudly advises us to check out...

Acer dot SEE oh dot you kay

I lol'd. Never heard that before.
 
polaris20 said:
btw, I'd recommend staying away the HP, due to the Via CPU, which has been benching much slower than similar speed Atom procs.
Click to expand...

The newer VIA Nano blazes the Intel Atom.

It happens to also use less power at idle, but far more power at peak (maximum) load. However, I don't see myself doing any intensive tasks on a netbook anyway, just internet and typing out articles for journals, so the processor would be just sitting there most of the time anyway. Also, because the VIA Nano is faster, it spends less time at peak load, and more time sitting idle.

Anyway, I feel that the VIA Nano does have a lot of advantages, one being 30-50% faster when performing intensive tasks.
 
kenned said:
The Atom Processor does not support more than 1GB of ram. Future revisions of the processor will though. The netbooks that support more than 1GB ram are using the much less powerefficient celeron M processor.

Benchmarks show that a 900Mhz Celeron M processor has more power than a 1,6Ghz atom cpu btw.
Click to expand...

That can't be true, because my boss's Asus Eee 1000H has 2GB of RAM with the Atom 1.6Ghz.
 
Abstract said:
The newer VIA Nano blazes the Intel Atom.

It happens to also use less power at idle, but far more power at peak (maximum) load. However, I don't see myself doing any intensive tasks on a netbook anyway, just internet and typing out articles for journals, so the processor would be just sitting there most of the time anyway. Also, because the VIA Nano is faster, it spends less time at peak load, and more time sitting idle.

Anyway, I feel that the VIA Nano does have a lot of advantages, one being 30-50% faster when performing intensive tasks.
Click to expand...

That may be, but the HP MiniNote with the C7 1.6Ghz sucks. I don't think the proc you're referring to is the same as HP uses in the MiniNote. I'm not up on Via though, so I could be wrong.

Via equipped HP:
http://browse.geekbench.ca/geekbench2/view/83265

MSI Wind:
http://browse.geekbench.ca/geekbench2/view/84058

Granted these are synthetic benchmarks, but that's a damn big difference.
 
The netbooks are indeed popping up everywhere. I don't have one but a few of my college classmates have them. It's a little weird seeing them in class and in the library.
 
I thought about getting one of these, but I don't really like the idea (personally) of running OS X on a PC laptop with potential issues. I decided to pick up a used iBook G4 for my casual OS Xing away from home.

So far I am really happy. Brings me back to the old days, and I still have a full featured OS that is fast enough for web browsing while listening to music, or watching videos. I also collect older Apple hardware, so it is fitting for me :D .

image.php
 
like I have said time and time again

IF Apple were to release a netbook again it would not have OSX.

So enjoy your macbook or cross your fingers and hope for the 12" to come back.
 
I would so love to help design an apple netbook. (i know i am dreaming)
Especially as at present, I like many others do not find anything I want from
apples current laptop line.

I actually wrote a post on another forum about this subject you can see here

http://www.phpbbserver.com/byke/viewtopic.php?p=2041&mforum=byke#2041

I personally really believe that apple are not on the ball of current consumer
trends or needs and need a shake up.
 
840quadra said:
Would love to see it, but I am not going to create a login for that forum just to do so.

image.php
Click to expand...

my mistake ...
here is a copy and paste of the article.













If I worked for apple ..... I would love to try and help design a cheap apple netbook.

1. OSX Mobile.
Since apple doesn't like "Cheap" I would suggest a light version of OSX (aka a OSX Mobile) based on a similar style of the iphone software.
Or just a few key apps from OSX.
Such as :

Safari
iChat
iTunes
Avi viewer
Email
Calendar
Skype

Obviously at some point some hackers could find a way to install a full
version of OSX etc, but this hackers market is unnoticeable compared
to the normal retail cliental markets.

2. Size and price.
It should sell for a similar price as many other luxury notebooks, such as
599 USD. Screen Size would be around 12". The shape doesnt need it to
be the slimmest, but more so the most stable. So a boxy style case that
is no thicker than 1" will be fine.

3. Concept.
Based on a cheap version of the Macbook crossed with dells latest cheap
netbook :::: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4665

4. Plastic Lid.
To help keep costs down and to get better wifi signals.
I highly doubt an alloy lower case would be cost effective ... but it would be nice. Forged alloy?

5. Shape.
A similar shape but slightly smaller than a macbook 13.3".
Obviously no dvd player.

6. Trackpad
similar in size to that of the MB Air ... but a cheaper version in terms of quality or function.

7. TV / External Monitor Out
Not wanted.
this is a netbook, designed for traveling and basic use.

8. SD Reader
Again, remove this and help keep costs down.

9. Ports
As few as possible.
2 usb and 1 firewire? ... and 1 headphones + 1 RJ45.

10. Harddrive size
Cheap 60gb HD ..... NOT SSD

11. power consumption.
Under clock it!
Many of us want a laptop that doesnt get warm ..... and if we could trade
off a generic intel 1.6 to a 1.2 ghz and no stupid fan noises we all would
be happier.

12. Battery
3 cell cheapo battery with the possibility of upgrading to a 6 cell battery.
The battery should slide into the laptop like a digital camera battery.

13. Ram
cheap and simple, maybe even hardwired into the system.
Such as a 2gb ddr2 style ram hard wired onto the motherboard.

14. Weight.
No heavier than 1.5kg

15. Screen :
12.1" Matt
Not gloss, no silly glass on the front etc .....

16. Kensigton lock?
No !
its a cheapo laptop.
If you dont want it to get pinched take it with you.
I am sure kensigton charge a royalty fee, even if its tiny ... every coin
adds up.

17. Backlite keyboard.
yes!
But a cheap version with no sensor ... just a function button that turns it on or off. And since its just 2 led's it shouldn't cost too much.

18. Onboard speaker and Mic.
No and No.
Obviously it would be nice to have both, but I want this to be bare
bone as possible in terms of cost, and to put the other allocated
funds into higher quality basic prices. Obviously the headphone port
on the side should support iphone style headphones with the built in mic.
Click to expand...
 
Avon B7 said:
In my line of work and being on the road a fair bit, I could make good use of one of these.

The MacBook without firewire made me abandon my planned purchase. A NetBook could go a long way to me putting my toe into Hackintosh land without blowing the bank.

If that proved successful I'd be better prepared for when Apple updates the current MacBooks. If they come minus firewire I'll probably be getting a PC laptop and slapping OSX onto it.
Click to expand...
Although I have a iMac and white MacBook, i have purchased a MSI Wind Netbook and for the price its just "FANTASTIC" I am running the new Google browser Chrome, and all the years I have been using computers i have never seen pages load so fast, this little netbook eats my two Apple machines for speed. and i thought the iMac was fast.
 
byke said:
my mistake ...
here is a copy and paste of the article.
Click to expand...

Thanks!

Here's how I'd asses the claims.

1. OSX Mobile.
Since apple doesn't like "Cheap" I would suggest a light version of OSX (aka a OSX Mobile) based on a similar style of the iphone software.
Or just a few key apps from OSX.
Such as :

Safari
iChat
iTunes
Avi viewer
Email
Calendar
Skype

Obviously at some point some hackers could find a way to install a full
version of OSX etc, but this hackers market is unnoticeable compared
to the normal retail cliental markets.
Click to expand...
Highly Likely.

2. Size and price.
It should sell for a similar price as many other luxury notebooks, such as
599 USD. Screen Size would be around 12". The shape doesnt need it to
be the slimmest, but more so the most stable. So a boxy style case that
is no thicker than 1" will be fine.
Click to expand...
The shape would be thin and light. In keeping with the current design aesthetic of Apple.

3. Concept.
Based on a cheap version of the Macbook crossed with dells latest cheap
netbook :::: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4665
Click to expand...
Apple would want to “re-invent” the NetBook. I think they would try and make it look as different to any current product on the market as they could.

8. SD Reader
Again, remove this and help keep costs down.
Click to expand...
Apple's never put an SD slot in any Notebook they have sold, so I somehow doubt they'd start.

9. Ports
As few as possible.
2 usb and 1 firewire? ... and 1 headphones + 1 RJ45.
Click to expand...
That's 3x too many. Ethernet, Firewire and extra USB would all go. They would sell a USB -> Ethernet dongle. An Apple NetBook would be wireless N + Bluetooth 2.1 EDR. In short, built for wireless connectivity.


11. power consumption.
Under clock it!
Many of us want a laptop that doesnt get warm ..... and if we could trade
off a generic intel 1.6 to a 1.2 ghz and no stupid fan noises we all would
be happier.
Click to expand...
Apple own a chip company, a very sophisticated chip company. They may not go the Intel route. The may be able to get way better performance for less power than any other NetBook on the market. This is where Apple's strengths could come into play…

12. Battery
3 cell cheapo battery with the possibility of upgrading to a 6 cell battery.
The battery should slide into the laptop like a digital camera battery.
Click to expand...
Slide in and out! You can whistle for that. An Apple NetBook would only have a removable battery if they were forced to by legislation.

13. Ram
cheap and simple, maybe even hardwired into the system.
Such as a 2gb ddr2 style ram hard wired onto the motherboard.
Click to expand...
Very accurate. The Air already has its memory hard wired.

15. Screen :
12.1" Matt
Not gloss, no silly glass on the front etc .....
Click to expand...
Very unlikely. Apple's customers love glossy screens and they will keep telling us how much we love glossy until the day we all believe it.


17. Backlite keyboard.
yes!
But a cheap version with no sensor ... just a function button that turns it on or off. And since its just 2 led's it shouldn't cost too much.
Click to expand...
This is an area they probably wouldn't skimp on. Having a function button would be deemed inelegant and non-essential.


18. Onboard speaker and Mic.
No and No.
Obviously it would be nice to have both, but I want this to be bare
bone as possible in terms of cost, and to put the other allocated
funds into higher quality basic prices. Obviously the headphone port
on the side should support iphone style headphones with the built in mic.
Click to expand...
Completely disagree. Both should be in.
 
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