Gigabyte Booktop M1022 netbook reviewed

The Gigabyte Booktop M1022 is a 10-inch netbook with a twist. It comes with a docking station that allows you to connect a keyboard and monitor. The idea being that you can use it as a desktop at home and then take it out of its dock when on the move. Slashgear has posted the first proper review we’ve seen of the Booktop and their impressions were favourable.

They questioned whether you would want to use a system based on the N270 Atom processor as a desktop, but for light use it probably would be fine, with the added bonus of using full-sized peripherals. Whilst the Booktop does come at a premium to its peers, they found that the build quality and battery life were one step above its rivals.

The Booktop reviewed came with a 1.6GHz N270 Atom processor, 1GB RAM and a 160GB (5400RPM) HDD. Other features include Wi-Fi (b/g), Bluetooth 2.1, three USB ports, a 1.3MP webcam, Expresscard slot and 6-cell battery.

Key Gigabyte Booktop M1022 review points:

• Build quality is very good, both of the netbook and of its docking cradle. Even the hinges were sturdy and firm. The M1022 netbook can be opened to nearly 180 degrees.
• The netbook sits upright in the dock. The netbook can be controlled with the lid closed as it has power and battery buttons on the front panel of the dock.
• The dock contains no extra ports that the netbook doesn’t offer, which is a shame.
• Keyboard is well put together, including a right shift key in the right place. Flex is not a problem.
• The touchpad has buttons on either side of it, which is not to some people’s preference.
• The glossy screen isn’t as reflective as other netbooks. The display was reasonably crisp.
• The M1022’s ExpressCard slot is still accessible even while the netbook it docked, which means you can continue using a 3G data card plugged in there.
• The Booktop M1022 scored low 800s in the Geekbench performance test. Pretty much the same as most other N270-based netbooks.
• Battery life lasted around five house of casual use, less than the 7 hours quoted by the company.