Whats the point of the intel atom/netbooks?

[ilkhan]

Originally posted by: IntelUser2000

The whole point of the Netbooks is bringing "cheap" to ultraportable sized computers. New ultraportables that feature latest ULV processors go for $1500+.

This is the answer. Cheap + new vs Cheap + old. These things have a warranty, they have current gen ram, current gen screens, and the components are new, not tired, scuffed and worn pieces.

I got used to the 8.9" screen, to the point where looking at a 13.3" screen made me go "wow, thats big". :/

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

I want to get one just to use it as an portable media player. They're cheaper and can do so much more than an Archos.

 

[Modular]

A bit OT, but I'm looking forward to the Atom paired with the 9400M chipset to get some reviews. It looks like it could be the smallest media server ever.

 

[Marty502]

I've got an Aspire One and it's incredibly usefull.

If you live all day at your mancave then it's worthless, but if you're constantly going out, working in different places and you need something that won't break your back and your wallet...
Even with the battery charger you don't feel you're carrying it around.

My girlfriend has a Compaq V3000 notebook, and while it is much faster, she still prefers my netbook. It's even better for her than for me, she being a paltry 120 pounds and 5"6.

The Atom chip is fast enough for most tasks. I'd just wish it had a decent IGP! The Intel IGP is bad even for IGP standards.

 

[richierich1212]

Yeah can't wait for newer chipsets to come out.

I've used the Dell Mini 9 and Lenovo S10. I like em both, but the earlier version of the S10's battery life sucked for a netbook. Plus with it having a regular 2.5" harddrive it got really warm. The Mini 9 is a great netbook but the keyboard can piss you off with its stupid layout and key size.

Now I'm back to my trusty Dell 700m 12.1". It's over 4 years old now with Pentium M 725 1.6GHz processor, crappy 4200RPM 40GB HD, and only 512MB of RAM. But Windows 7 runs nicely on it, only after installing 4 drivers and basically finding a work around for the video chipset (855GM!!! BLAH!) since Intel refuses to release Vista drivers (it'll initally run @ 1024 x 768 res, native res is 1280 x 800. It now looks great!). And it still gets 4 hours of battery life with the 8-cell battery. Undervolted, even more. Plus it has a bigger shift key (lmao) and optical drive. Weight and size is not that bad.

I get the urge to upgrade the harddrive and memory everyday. But finding a deal on DDR notebook memory is tough, 1GB goes for $30+ and the PATA harddrives are expensive too.
And then what happens if the screen goes bad since it's an older system? That's another $150 or so.

So when choosing between a netbook and an older ultra portable notebook you really have to weigh the pros and cons. As previously mentioned, netbooks are new and built with newer components so they are easier to upgrade now. If I had to choose a netbook now I'd get the Asus 1000HE. Decent sized harddrive, 10" screen, and lots of battery life, 6 hours+.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: apoppin
i am not so sure if this belongs in CPU, but is is my own question .. and what i am trying to decide now .. i need a notebook so i can monitor my webcans at home while i am at work .. that is all i need .. plus being able to handle internet and Office07 applications

i need decent battery life .. and to tether my notebook with my cellphone for total freedom

How slow is that 1.6Ghz Atom?
- are these notebooks really glorified Blackberries?

i have come to the conclusion if you are coming from a blackberry or iphone, a netbook is awesome

However, if you like anything like a full-sized KB or do not have great eyesight that can focus on a tiny screen, then they are irritating crap

i am SO glad i got a desktop replacement in a Compaq CQ60 - 15.4" WS 13x7 BrightView HD display which is great for Excel and Photoshop; 2.0 GHZ Athlon X2, a GeForce 8200 M [where Nvidia supports it with real driver releases] and 2 GB RAM [and 4GB Ready Boost for Vista32]. i work on it now 100% of time and *only* use my Tri-Fire Desktop PC for gaming and benching.

it is portable, so i can take it on the road [with an extra battery], play light 3D games - and a 5400 RPM 250GB HD is decent - since i removed all the Crap that HP installed on it .. all for around $500 .. 1/2 that price in a netbook would buy me daily *frustration*
--if you cannot carry 5 lbs or so, then a netbook toy may be for you [but what is really the difference with getting a blackberry?]
:roll:

i will get one when they are the size of a credit card and you can still use a virtual Full-size KB and virtual screen or 3D display
- until then you can keep your FAD toys

 

[Nemesis 1]

At this point in time I would say thats a fare question. But Look next generation ahead and I think you will see the purpose. Right now its a little wek on cpu/gpu . Next gen. be exciting. Good stuff coming.

 

[taltamir]

AAAAH! Zombie thread! run or it will get your brains!

Nemesis... FAIR questions not FARE questions.

I may be a tad late on this but I've been looking for a v small portable laptop\netbook for a while. I wanted to use it for a number of things. i.e. music\media, connecting to a citrix server(work related). when I looked at them the best netbook was the nc10 for close to 300 GBP but I managed to find a second hand 4200 for 100 GBP. Even although it is an old laptop it does everything I want it to do plus more with only a slight increase in weight(extra battery) but it is worth it for the keyboard + 12 inch screen. Until the netbooks can match an old laptoop for functionality then I'll stick with my old ultra portable. The fact that they are throttled by microsoft due to ram restrictions speaks volumes and until the bespoke versions of windows 7 comes out I feel they will be be stuck behind the times

Was there a question here or did you just res the thread to let us know you agree that a used laptop is better than a new netbook? (which is correct)

 

[aldamon]

OP would be really confused by me. I still love my EEE 701 (Celeron 900, 7.1" screen) and use it every day and it's a godsend when traveling since it fits in a tiny pocket in my bag. My wife loves it, too. So compact and convenient.

When we're not typing/surfing on it, we have it hooked up to our home theater system to play music off the file server. We also take it into the bedroom to play XVIDs on our LCD TV. Fits in a tiny space next to the TV.

Just put in a new screaming fast mini PCI-E SSD actually and it's been fun getting it working with all of the BIOS/OS quirks.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

A bit off-topic, but when can we expect to see netbooks with better IGPs (i.e., not for gaming, but more efficient than the current 945 chipset). Then I would definitely check them out.

 

[aigomorla]

the point of any netbook is so you can sit on the thrown in the morning and view anandtech at the same time!

:X

 

[aldamon]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
A bit off-topic, but when can we expect to see netbooks with better IGPs (i.e., not for gaming, but more efficient than the current 945 chipset). Then I would definitely check them out.

If it's not vaporware, when NVIDIA ION is used.