More cheap Netbooks

My What is a Netbook posting briefly mentioned some low end models both because those are the ones that interest me and because that's where I think the future of Netbooks lie. While many Netbooks sell for over $500, it's debatable whether any laptop computer priced over $500 can be considered a Netbook.

Brad Linder at Liliputing just compiled a list of low end Netbooks called 13 netbooks for $399 or less.

One thing missing from his brief descriptions is whether the screens have a matt or glossy finish. To me this is a big deal, I much prefer matt.

One minor nit to pick. The cheapest Acer Aspire One with Windows XP is $350 at Newegg. Brad links to it at Amazon which charges $379.

Anyone buying a Netbook has a big initial decision, Linux or Windows XP? My thoughts on that soon.

See a summary of all my Defensive Computing postings.

[Mr. Dee]

I just don't see these form factors at the top of my list. Netbooks look like something that will give you a cataract. I want good decent screen on the go. Not something I have to make significant trade offs for.

[mhinnewyork]

Fair enough. The small size of the screen and keyboard will limit their uses. But, if you think of them as second machines rather than primary, it opens up new uses. Also, the small size and cheap price will, I think, take Netbooks where other laptops haven't been. We'll see. Time will tell. [insert favorite cliche here] Michael Horowitz

[golowu2]

So, we have a small screen,a not-so-bad keyboard,bluetooth,wifi, sometimes a touchscreen, media connections,when lucky a massive harddisk,etcetc.
I think we have a nice way to get a wireless media in our house: any music,image or vid, we are able to get this the cheapest way, for say, a US$300,=?
Probably almost no-one never uses the desktop anymore, 'cause a laptop is so much easier, 'xept for data-,music,image-, etcbackup.
One can even talk to it and let it play the right tune.And put a password on it. . .

[Vegaman_Dan]

I've had to use the Dell Mini, the Eee PC, and even a Fujitsu model in the last month and they all vary slightly in size, but it's the keyboard that is the killer. All have the same basic video resoltuion and that's all tiny to start with. I could live with that, but some models have keyboards that simply are not usable or cause cramps.

A Netbook could be used to take quick notes or email, but it comes down to how long you plan to use it at any given time. 2-10 min, then that's fine. More than that and you really will want a bigger machine.

[mhinnewyork]

There are tricks that can played to increase the text size on the screen. In a browser, control-plus sign ups the font and F11 removes the chrome at the top. Nothing can help the keyboard, but you can, at times, connect a real keyboard. Perhaps we'll see new mid-size keyboards being marketed for use with Netbooks. There are folding keyboards for use with PDAs. Michael Horowitz

[gggg sssss]

yOU COULD BUY A REAL DELL FOR THAT. wHAT IS THE POINT?

[nenslo]

@gggg sssss:
Have you ever heard of the phrase "horses for courses"? If this doesn't meet your requirements as a user then don't buy it. But considering that millions of these machines have been sold all over the world, I would assume the 'point' (other than being just beyond your grasp) is, yes they're cheap but also they're designed as a secondary or tertiary machine, something to quickly look at the internet or send an email without having to carry a heavy notebook or pay for a light but incredibly expensive machine. No one has ever said netbooks would replace peoples' main computers/laptops.

Oh and congratulations on working out how to use the caps lock.

[JayeD]

I have glaucoma & have strong prescription glasses I have had to wear from age 3, (Details: farsighted&astigmatism) .
I thought netbooks would be too small for my eyes too, but I have had a great experience with the ASUS 1000 series, the10 inch LED backlit screen provides excellent resolution, no eye strain yet, & the keyboard is fine for me, I am not a touch typist though.
I just bought a little ASUS 901 with the 8.9" screen to try, the resolution is the same & the screen is LED, excellent, but the keyboard on the 901 has tiny keys, is not as easy to use & see the keys as the 10" series, so that may be an issue, but plugging in a USB full size keyboard at my office is easy solution.
I think the 10 inch screen is more comfortable, but I am very pleased & impressed with the bright clarity of the 8.9 LED on these ASUS netbooks...(I also gabed a 10.2 inch ASUS N10...not much difference in useage from the 10 Inch).
I need the XP or Vista to use with my Sprint wireless adapter, otherwise I would grab a cheaper Linuz based model.