Netbooks
New HP Mini 210 offers screwless access to upgradeable parts
Jan 17th
There may be other great things about the new HP Mini 210, but there’s one feature I think is definitely worth talking about. Netbooked has posted a hands-on video with the unit which reveals that the bottom cover can be removed without a screwdriver.
I don’t know how many times I’ve cursed laptop manufacturers over the years as I search for one more screw to release something I need to remove. a screw-free casing certainly sounds like a good idea to me.
Of course, over time the clips which hold the cover on could degrade and lose their effectiveness – but that will probably be long after you throw your netbook in a recycle bin.
Check out the video after the break!
Gateway LT2102H unboxing and first look!
Jan 11th
Wondering why it’s been so quiet the last couple of days? Too much drinking to help me cope with all the news out of CES?
No! I’ve been wringing my hands waiting for Futureshop to finally deliver my Gateway LT2101H – the one I discovered on their site more than a week ago. Do to a backorder and inattentive CSR, I ended up having to wait four extra days – but it’s here now!
Take the jump, and have a look at the pics! Read the rest of this entry »
Site runs down netbook playability for 100 popular games
Jan 8th
Want to know if a certain FPS will run on your netbook before you spend the time to download multiple gigs of data? The crew at GamingBolt have tried out a massive list of 100 games on various systems – including an MSI Wind netbook.
Its specs are pretty standard netbook fare – Atom N270 CPU, 1GB DDR2 memory, and GMA950 graphics (128MB shared) – and it should provide a good reference point for the rest of us.
The list is broken down by categories (shooter, RPG, strategy, vehicle, etc.) and each system received a n FPS rating on every game. Here’s how the scale works:
- Smooth = Average 35+ FPS
- Playable = Average 24-34 FPS
- Unplayable = Average 0-23 FPS
GamingBolt also specifies what settings they ran each game at on the netbook, which gives you a good starting point if you plan on trying out a particular title.
Somewhat surprisingly, less than a dozen titles were rated unplayable on the Wind – and there are some quality games listed!
Asus 1201NL is a single-core version of 1201N, not much cheaper
Jan 8th
Are you considering picking up an Asus 1201N with its beefy dual core Atom 330 processor? Maybe you’re a little concerned about battery life, though. That 330, after all, is intended for use in nettops, not netbooks.
You’re in luck! Asus has unveiled the Eee PC 1201NL at CES. The system is essentially the same as the 1201N, but it has an Atom 270 processor under the hood. That means you’ll get better battery life – and you’ll also be giving up a bit of straight-up CPU performance. The CPU switch should put the 1201NL in line with other Ion netbooks like the HP Mini 311 and Samsung N510.
Now, here’s the rub. Brad Linder spoke with an Asus rep and was told the retail price for the 1201NL would be around $20 or $30 less than the 1201N.
If we look at the results of Laptop Magazine’s Ion shootout and base the 1201NL’s battery life on the HP or Samsung, you’re gaining 1 hour, giving up about 200 points in PC Mark, and saving $25.
Is that a compelling combo to you? I think I’d rather just stick with the original 1201N, especially since there’s no waiting – Amazon has it in stock for $484
via Liliputing