Notebooks are, compared to personal computers, a difficult thing to buy. PC enthusiasts tend to love customizing their rigs to achieve high performance for a low cost, but tweaking laptop hardware is typically a lot trickier and more expensive. This means that it's often easier to find a pre-built laptop that meets your specifications in order to minimize the amount of tweaking you have to do after purchase. Here, we've created a master list of the various types of laptops available in order to help you narrow down your options. Each type of notebook offers certain advantages, and this list is designed to help you maximize your power and performance while reducing the overall cost as much as possible.Best Netbook:
Netbooks have made quite a splash in the notebook market because of their portability, long battery life, and most of all, low prices. They are essentially scaled-down, inexpensive notebooks that offer basic functionality such as internet browsing, chatting, note taking, and even multimedia. While not capable of playing some video or most games, the best netbooks are adequate for day-to-day use. They’re also the perfect second computer for a person who has a powerful PC but also wants a small, portable laptop to travel with. Since a netbook's main selling point is its attractive price and small size, this list of the best netbook computers will focus on netbooks that offer the best of these traits.
Lenovo Thinkpad X230
It's fast, it's sleek, it's powerful, and it's the right price. The X230 by Lenovo in their award-winning Thinkpad series keeps in mind all the great things you want out of a laptop and stuffs it into a 12.5" form-factor chassis. As long as the price is your preference, this bad boy is the last netbook you'll need for a long time. Read Full Review »
Asus Eee PC X101-EU17-BK 10.1" LED Netbook - Intel Atom N435 1.33 GHz
ASUS's Eee PC line is the very foundation of what we see netbooks as, and they've taken everything back to basics with their X101 line of netbooks, featuring MeeGO. While it's light in device hardware department, it makes up for it in versatility, ease of use, and price. Read Full Review »
Lenovo Ideapad S206
While it doesn't feature powerful Core i7 technology or huge amounts of RAM, this philosophy remains that for some people you don't need the whole farm just to milk a cow - and in this case you don't need to shell out top money for top of the line hardware when all you're doing is minor-level tasks. This makes the Lenovo Ideapad S206 an excellent choice when you want a balance in price and capability without sacrificing Windows. Read Full Review »
HP Pavilion DM1Z Laptop
HP's Pavilion is by far a more common name among the market of laptops, but the dm1z is surely a powerful contender in the netbook market, thanks to its low-cost AMD processing and very low price-point. With dual-core AMD technology, up to 8 GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD, this snappy netbook is a sure-fire way to get whatever job you need done on the go. Read Full Review »
SAGER NP61 Netbook by Xotic
While it may break the bank on your next bill, the Xotic-built SAGER NP61 is bar-none one of the most powerful devices, let alone netbooks, out there. Featuring powerful NVIDIA dedicated graphics, Core i7 processing, 16GB of RAM, and so much more, this is one of those netbooks that's just plain amazing, if you can foot the bill. Read Full Review »
Best Linux Netbook:
While Windows has always been the go-to Operating System for every-day users of laptops, PCs, and more, it has always had a huge caveat even with the most efficient of netbooks: performance. Windows is just a very heavy Operating System, and often netbooks just get by on the system requirements. Linux, on the other hand, is an extremely compact Operating System, thanks to its years of development and recent distros of the OS, notably by Ubuntu, being designed specifically for the Netbook environment. As a result, many users are beginning to opt for Linux on their next netbook, meaning some research should be done to ensure you pick the right hardware for the best compatibility and performance, as not all netbooks come with Linux-friendly drivers. However, a push in the right direction, along with some elbow grease, is sure to give you the best possible scenario for your Netbook needs.
Acer Aspire One AO725-0899 11.6-Inch Netbook
The Aspire One 726 is a powerhouse in the world of netbooks with its huge RAM capacity, large screen, powerful integrated graphics, and more, this is perhaps one of the most powerful Linux-compatible netbooks out there. While its a bit off the beaten path with AMD, it certainly is a good bang for the buck. Read Full Review »
HP (Hewlett-Packard) Mini 110-4250nr 10.1" Black Netbook
While the Eee PC may have the namesake for being the originator of the netbook, the HP series of mini and business netbooks have always sought to impress, and the 110-4250nr is no different. Featuring a beefy processor, excellent form and lightweight feature, the 110-4250nr is an excellent choice for your Linux netbook needs. Read Full Review »
Asus Eee PC X101-EU17-BK 10.1" LED Netbook - Intel Atom N435 1.33 GHz
While it didn't get the Ubuntu seal of approval, that's probably because the device comes shipped with Nokia's exclusive Meego Linux-based Operating System. Along with a powerful Atom processor, 8GB SSD (with dropbox storage) and 10.1" HD screen, this netbook is sleek, compact, and ready for wherever you go. Read Full Review »
Acer Aspire One 722 Netbook Computer
While it doesn't have the beefiest process or an HD screen, the Acer Aspire One 722 features a powerful AMD integrated graphics feature on top of complete Linux compatibility thanks to partnerships with major Linux developer Ubuntu. In the end its a great budget range netbook for whatever your office or minor personal needs may be. Read Full Review »
Dell Latitude 2120
While it lacks a bit in RAM and has no HD display, the Dell Latitude 2120 is a great entry-level choice for not only netbook lovers, but those looking to throw in the big guns and bash it with Ubuntu, DSL, or any one of your favorite Distros. With the Intel Atom dual-core processor, 10.1" LED display with anti-glare, and anti-microbial keyboard, the Latitude 2120 is your go-to netbook for on the go Linux love. Read Full Review »
Best Performance Netbook:
Netbooks, always just under 13" in screen size, have never really been seen as the go-to choice for getting the work done. While most see them as best for browsing the web or handling small files, some of the latest netbooks that have come out of the woodwork have continued to amaze and impress, now featuring powerful dual-core processing, more RAM, and more powerful integrated graphics. As a result, even the tiny, sub 13" netbooks can pack a surprising punch with getting even the most processor intensive work done without a hitch.
Origin EON11-S Netbook
The EON11-S by Origin is perhaps the best netbook out there in terms of not only performance, but versatility. The Origin team holds a promise to offer the very best to their customers and if you want something in your next netbook, they'll get it in there somehow - so long as you can afford it! Read Full Review »
Lenovo Thinkpad X230
Between the mind-boggling large 12.5" IPS display, Core i7, 8GB of RAM, and USB 3.0, it's hard to say just what makes the Thinkpad X230 a class of its own. Incomparable to almost any other netbook on the market, this sub-13" ultra-netbook just can't be beat in any specification by any manufacturer on the market except those that will go custom build with you. Read Full Review »
HP Pavilion DM1Z Laptop
HP's Pavilion is by far a more common name among the market of laptops, but the dm1z is surely a powerful contender in the netbook market, thanks to its low-cost AMD processing that doesn't skimp on stats, SSD option, and very low price-point. With dual-core AMD technology, up to 8 GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD, this snappy netbook is a sure-fire way to get your work done with speed and ease. Read Full Review »
ASUS Lamborghini VX6-PU17 12.1-Inch Eee PC Netbook
The limited-edition VX6 is designed with Lamborghini at heart, and it goes to show this powerful netbook is not only built performance in mind on the outside, but the inside too. Featuring powerful Intel Atom technology, integrated graphics, a hot 12.1" HD anti-glare display, NVIDIA ION graphics, and a sexy design, you can't go wrong with this one-of-a-kind netbook. Read Full Review »
Acer Aspire One AO725-0899 11.6-Inch Netbook
With a crisp 11.6" HD screen, 1.3GHZ Dual-core AMD processor, 4GB of RAM and powerful AMD integrated graphics, this netbook is a surefire way to get your productivity done in a very effective and quick manner. This ASUS Aspire One 725 is a great choice for those with productivity and mobility in mind. Read Full Review »
- Glenn K
- 1/7/2009
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Computers, regardless of form factor (desktop, notebook, netbook), are highly usage-intention dependent tools. Therefore wise purchase decisions are likewise usage dependant. Donn Lee’s comments of Sold State Drive (SSD) for rough handling and large user community to get over the rough spots (all computers have) are excellent examples. As owner of a... Read More tablet PC, Windows XP Pro, 1.5 GB RAM for 3 years, the 1.6 Atom processor’s speed is no stranger. Neither is a small (today’s standard) hard drive (80 GB). A choice of the HP Mini for Best of seems short sighted unless the goal is limited use extreme portability. 16 GB (SSD) and Windows XP is a severely limited use format. Most professional reviews read so far lean toward these features on today’s netbooks: 1 GB RAM, 160 GB hard drive, 10 inch screen, good battery life and good keyboard feel; the latter two represent instances where bigger is likely better for netbooks. The HP keyboard is reviewed as one of the best, as is Samsung’s. For me, the Samsung NC 10 160 GB hard drive version should have been the Best of based on the aforementioned upgrades suggested in many professional reviews. The Samsung NC 10 is stock with them; has the longest battery life, well praised keyboard, 10 inch screen, 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB RAM. Lastly, it has high praise among professional reviewers. Admittedly, hands on seems to require ownership, since to date (1/7/09) they do not seem to be available in brick and mortar stores. My Samsung NC 10 is on its way from Amazon plus 2 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SODIMM RAM card ($26).Netbook use: inexpensive business level alternate computer with sufficient power (RAM), storage capacity, speed, flexibility and ease of use (keyboard) to not be thought of twice either at a desk or on the go; my vote; Samsung NC 10 list $500, street $480. (Use a wireless keyboard and mouse at your desk. The Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard and MX Revolution mouse are worth their sale prices.) Minimize
- Captain Obvious
- 11/19/2008
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This site appears to be treating Microsoft Windows as a feature. In fact it makes the difference in the number one and two slots.This is wrong. Windows is not a feature, the Linux models provide better value for money. Full stop.
- Donn Lee
- 11/19/2008
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I spent 2 months reading about all these netbook models. I decided on the EEE PC 901 because: 1) I wanted the smallest sized umpc with Atom processor & 1024 pixel wide screen, 2) I wanted solid state drives because my laptop hard disks have failed me due to shock/vibration, 3) I wanted the largest end-user community for sharing fixes/hacks/tricks/accessories... Read More (eeeuser.com is very useful for this), 4) because the eee line has the largest user base, I found the ubuntu/linux support to be very strong. The EEE-specific ISO of ubuntu 8.04.1 is called ubuntu-eee and very well tailored to the EEE 901 (and 1000). Minimize