Acer Aspire One 531 reviewed by T3

The best way to think of the Acer Aspire One 531 is a slimmer version of the Aspire One D250 netbook. In almost every other way the specifications are identical, apart from slightly less battery life. T3 has reviewed the 531 and, overall, finds that it’s a worthy upgrade to the 8.9-inch Aspire One.

The model that T3 reviewed came with a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) display, powered by a 1.66GHz N280 Atom CPUs. It comes with 1GB RAM (2GB supported) and a 160GB hard-disk drive. The keyboard is 89-percent the size of a standard keyboard whilst its touchpad will support multi-touch. Other features include three USB ports, WiFi (b/g only), Bluetooth 2.0 and a 0.3MP webcam.

The Aspire One 531 certainly looks very attractive. It’s half way between a fashion item, such as the Asus S101, and a regular netbook, and it looks like a good deal. Check out the key points from the review after the break. Read more

MSI Wind U123 taken through its paces

Following on from the recent unboxing, Portable Monkey has put up a MSI Wind U123 review. Overall impressions on the 10-inch netbook were positive including very good keyboard and screen. However, they felt it was let down by a number of smaller factors including tinny sound from the speakers, no scrolling capability on the touchpad and low microphone volume.

One of the big disappointments, though, was that the RAM/HDD cannot be upgraded without voiding the warranty. Apparently whilst the bottom part of the case can be easily removed, MSI have placed a “void if tampered with” sticker to make sure you don’t upgrade the parts yourself.

The white MSI U123 comes with a 10-inch (1024 x 600) display powered by a 1.66Ghz N280 Intel Atom CPU and 945GSE chipset. Graphics are served by Intel’s GMA950. Other features include Wi-Fi (b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.0, 1.3MP webcam and a 5-in-1 card reader (the US SKU comes with a 4-in 1 reader). It also comes with a 6-cell battery (5200 mAh) as standard. The unit weighs less than 1.4kg (2.98lbs) including the 6-cell battery. Check out the key points of the review after the break. Read more

OCZ Neutrino DIY netbook reviewed – let down by battery life

The 10.1-inch OCZ Neutrino netbook is a dream for tech enthusiasts as it has been designed to allow customers to source their own components. For the Neutrino this means sourcing RAM (up to 2GB), a hard-drive (SSD/HDD up to 250GB) and operating system. As well as keeping costs low, it allows you to build a netbook to your own specifications. It is a shame they haven’t provided access to the CPU which is available on OCZs larger notebooks.

Laptop Mag has taken the Neutrino through its paces and felt that whilst the overall platform was inexpensive it was still let down by a poor touchpad and short battery life. However, the latter is likely to be a short-term issue as a 6-cell battery is due in May. The ‘core’ specifications include a 10.1-inch (1024 x 600) LED backlit display powered by a 1.6GHz N270 Atom CPU and 945GSE Intel chipset. It comes with a 4-cell 2200mAh battery, 1.3MP webcam and WiFi (b/g only).

We have attached the key points of the review after the break. What we would point out is to take the performance statistics with a pinch of salt, the results may differ depending on the hardware installed. The OCZ Neutrino costs $269 in the US, we don’t have confirmation of UK/European pricing at this time. Read more

HP Mini 2140 reviewed – worth the premium

Despite the fact that the HP Mini 2140 is targeted towards business users and comes at a premium price point, it is still one of the most well regarded netbooks in the market today. Following a video overview of the netbook last week, Lilputing has now posted a thorough review of the Mini 2140.

Overall impressions were positive, with the premium price point going towards a solid aluminium and magnesium alloy case, an accelerometer, a spill resistant keyboard, an ExpressCard slot, and a decent 3-cell battery. There is also another version of the Mini 2140 due in April that offers a higher-resolution (1366 x 768) screen. The revised Mini 2140 is one that we can’t wait to see in person as it’ll be the first 10-inch model with a HD screen. We have also attached a jkOnTheRun video review of the HP Mini 2140 after the break if you’re interested in HP’s little marvel. Read more

Samsung N110 netbook announced & reviewed

Samsung has unveiled yet another 10-inch netbook this morning, following the unveiling of the NC310. This time, Samsung is looking to build upon the success of its best-selling NC10, by announcing its third 10-inch netbook called the Samsung N110. The N110 has improved on its predecessor in a number of areas including an expanded touchpad and a higher capacity 6-cell 5900 mAh battery (versus 5200 mAh in the NC10) that should give over seven hours of battery life. The design is also slightly different with a glossy lid with red border. Read more

TrustedReviews underwhelmed by Acer Aspire One D150

TrustedReviews have reviewed the 10-inch Acer Aspire One D150. Despite the price and specifications being in line with its peer group (Samsung NC10, Asus 1000HE, MSI Wind), they found that the overall execution didn’t match up both in terms of design and ergonomics. Other models offer better battery life and ergonomics, especially in terms of their keyboards.

One of the main issues they had was that the keyboard was no different to its 8.9-inch cousin, not good enough for a 10-inch model. However on the positive side, they felt the screen was one of the best they had seen in a 10-inch netbook. Full list of key points after the break. Read more

ASUS Eee 1002HA reviewed – takes positives from S101 and 1000H

GadgetMix has posted a detailed review of the Asus Eee 1002HA. Overall impressions were positive with the machine taking all of the plus points from the Asus S101 and Asus 1000H. Think of it as a regular hard-disk drive version of the S101, taking all of its styling cues too. Read more

Electronista takes the Dell Mini 10 through its paces

Electronista has released a thorough review of the Dell Mini 10. Overall they found the netbook very enjoyable to use on a day-to-day basis, but as with Laptop Mag’s thoughts, they found that other netbooks offer more for the money, namely Asus’ Eee PC 1000HE. The Asus provides better battery life and more power under the hood for the same price. However, an upcoming six-cell battery, sharper display (1366 x 768 resolution as opposed to 1024×576) due in April and 2GB RAM could change the overall proposition depending on pricing.

Key points from the review:

Not as thin and light given the size. At 2.86 pounds in weight and 1.25 inches at its thickest point, the Mini 10 is heavy enough to feel more like a notebook.

Flush glass display is bright and colourful.

The HDMI video output provides an edge over other netbooks where VGA is offered. However, unfortunately limitations on the CPU mean that HD video at 720p is not an option, diminishing the value of the HDMI output.

No upgrade available on 1GB RAM. The RAM is soldered on to a board inside the system rather than put into one or more RAM slots. A 2GB version is on the way.

Mini 10’s keyboard is arguably the highlight of the system. The full trackpad area is a positive development for Dell netbooks.

Specifications don’t differ to most other netbooks on the market: 1GB of RAM, an Intel Atom processor, and a 160GB hard drive.

Mini 10’s small 3-cell battery lasted 2.5 hours.

First Dell Inspiron Mini 10 review emerges

Laptop Mag has posted their review of Dell’s upcoming Mini 10 netbook. Overall while they thought it was a competent offering, they believe other netbooks offer better value for money. The main criticisms came in the form of an awkward touchpad design and no six-cell battery offered at launch. Whilst the Dell Mini 10 is the thinnest and lightest in its class, both the Samsung NC10 and Asus 1000HA offer better battery life for less money.

Key points from review:
• CPU performance was fairly standard (1.6-GHz Intel Atom Z530 CPU) although a 720p WMV video gave the Mini 10 some trouble.
• The 10.1-inch display resolution of 1024×576 is less than standard for this size (typically 1024×600). This results in two less lines of text on Web pages.
• The Mini 10 keyboard was larger than that of the Mini 12. They keyboard itself was relatively comfortable offering good, springy feedback.
• Touchpad buttons quite small and hard to use.
• The included three-cell battery lasted 2hrs 45 minutes.

Laptop Mag’s review sample had a configured cost of $449, however Dell is currently offering the base configuration on pre-order for $299, a saving of $50. The base configuration includes a 1.33GHz Z520 Atom CPU, 10.1-inch (1024×576) display, 160GB HDD, 1GB RAM, 1.3MP webcam, 3-cell battery and Windows XP Home SP3.

First Samsung NC20 review appears

The Samsung NC10 has been one of the most popular and critically acclaimed netbooks on the market to date. The Samsung NC20 is its elder brother, featuring a 12.1-inch (1280 x 800) screen as opposed to the 10″ screen found in the NC10. The first review of the Samsung NC20 has appeared over at Laptap Mag, just over a week before its March 16 launch in the US. The NC20 will be the first netbook to support the 1.6GHz VIA Nano CPU, as opposed to the Intel Atom, but performance was found to be on par if not slightly better than Intels offering.

Laptop Mag’s overall verdict was four stars and found that the NC20 blurred the line between netbooks and notebooks. However, they found that the larger screen size gives a comfortable computing experience with a solid keyboard, which some users may be willing to pay extra for. It’s worth mentioning that the review is based on a Korean unit, with the main difference being that it comes with a lower capacity battery than the one shipping in the US version.

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