Get an Acer Aspire One Netbook for $199.97

Originally $350, the Aspire One can be yours for just $199.97.

(Credit: CompUSA)

These will sell out quickly, so let's dive right in: CompUSA has the Acer Aspire One AOA150-1786 Netbook for $199.97. Its shipping runs a very reasonable $1.99.

Because this is a refurbished unit, the warranty expires after 90 days. That's not a deal-breaker to me, as the only mechanical part in the thing is the hard drive.

The last time I posted an Aspire One Netbook, it was a Linux-powered model with a 16GB solid-state drive--for $239. For 40 bucks less, the AOA150-1786 features Windows XP and a 120GB hard drive.

It also comes with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, an 8.9-inch LCD, a Webcam, 802.11b/g, and a three-cell battery. In other words, it's a full-featured PC, but one that measures just 9.8 inches by 6.7 inches by 1.1 inches and weighs a scant 2.3 pounds.

I own a nearly identical model, the AOA150-1570, which I chronicled in the Netbook Diaries. In a nutshell: Its battery life is pretty crummy, and I don't like the small track pad or its button placement.

Of course, most Netbooks that have three-cell batteries have crummy battery life. I like the Aspire One a lot, more than I ever thought I would. It's a great little travel companion, especially if your needs are minimal (e-mail, Web browsing, word processing, and so on). At $202 out the door, this model is almost impossible to beat.

Want to make your Netbook more like a notebook? I recently wrote an article on that subject.

[rickbroida]

One thing I should note: The price on this was $219.97 when I first started writing it up, but then it magically dropped to $199.97. I don't know how long that will last -- but probably not long!

[DetJMunch]

Does it have a regular VGA output? I can hook it up to any monitor, right?

[rickbroida]

Yes and yes.

[DetJMunch]

Rick, your post says 1GB of RAM but Compusa only lists 512mb.

Also, can you get a spare battery or is the battery non replaceable?

[rickbroida]

You're right...but CompUSA's little feature graphic is incorrect, I believe. Check the specs below and you'll see it says 1GB in two other places. I don't know of any Aspire One models that have 512MB -- not even the ones with Linux. I'm 99.9% sure this has 1GB.

[DetJMunch]

Thanks. And what about the battery, can you bring a spare for a long plane ride?

I already picked one up, I have been waiting for a $200 XP netbook for a while.

Thanks!

[rickbroida]

The battery is definitely replaceable. I'd consider a 6-cell, which you should be able to pick up for as low as $50.

[Corey340]

First, I own several Aspire One (AA1) models so I speak from experience. The Linux supplied AA1 did in fact ship with 512Mb of ram so since this machine is a refurbished unit, it is possible that the extra 512Mb memory module is not included (the initial 512Mb is built-on to the main board).

As for the trackpad buttons, after you use it for a while, you will find that the button placement is optimal. Since it is so small, you tend to hold it by the sides, you won't have to move your left hand to click a center placed button (I have the MSI wind as well so conventional button placement is a problem with small machines).

The bottom line is that you can get a real, truly portable computer for half the price of an iPhone. Buy it, get yourself a bluetooth dongle for another $10, a skype account for $3/month, cut your cell phone minutes to the minimum and the savings from your cell phone minutes will make the computer FREE in about a year.

[shelstad]

Thanks but no thanks -- I'll wait for a smartbook this fall.

[rickbroida]

Okay, I'll bite: What's a smartbook? :)

[SleepyInKC]

"Smartbook" is the brand-spanking-new buzzword for devices that look like netbooks but run a smartphone OS like Google Android and use an ARM processor instead of an Intel Atom. They're only in the concept/prototype stage at the moment.

[rufustel]

Just amazing, a small, very decent computer (in its class) for less than the cost of an iPod classic ...

[mountain_racer]

Sold out, but they still have one in blue!

http://www.compusa.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4348755&sku=S445-89001&srkey=S445-89001

[DetJMunch]

I got one! Now, I need to get an extra battery. I want to make sure it is compatible. Any suggestions on a reputable place?