With its attractive deep-red finish and roomy 10-inch screen, this Asus Netbook is a tough bargain to beat.
Update (10:55 a.m. PT): Sorry, folks, looks like the Netbook's already sold out. Stay tuned for a new deal later today! (In the meantime, the two backup deals below are still good.)
When it comes to super bargains, I have to confess I rarely think of Best Buy. But the store's been rocking some pretty solid deals of late.
For example, today only (and while supplies last), Best Buy has the 10-inch Asus Eee PC 1005HAB Netbook for $229.99. That's not including sales tax or shipping (the latter will run you $11.50).
This isn't your average, boring, black Netbook: the sale model has a stylish "deep red" lid and wrist rest.
Other than that, however, the specs are pretty standard: Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, and the aforementioned 10.1-inch screen. The OS: Windows XP Home, not Windows 7.
That's the only real bummer here. On the plus side, you get 802.11n Wi-Fi and a full one-year warranty (you'd expect a Netbook at this price point to be a refurb, but this one's brand new).
The 1005HAB weighs 2.4 pounds and measures 1.4 inches thick. Asus claims a runtime of nearly 4 hours from its three-cell battery.
That sounds about right: CNET reviewed this model with a six-cell battery, and it lasted nearly 7 hours on the grueling battery-drain test. Verdict: four stars for the Asus and an Editors' Choice award.
Needless to say, if you're in the market for a Netbook, here's a top-rated model for a bottom-basement price.
Backup deal: Today only, you can get IObit Security 360 Pro absolutely free. This antimalware suite normally sells for $29.95. Interestingly, the always-free, non-Pro version earned a five-star rating from CNET.
Backup deal No. 2: Newegg has the Energizer AP1500 iPhone case/charger for just $19.99 (plus $1.99 shipping). I reviewed the AP1500 back in July, when it sold for $80. At this price it's a steal--and a perfect gift.
This 10-inch Netbook is loaded, and it sells for a mere $239.99 (with coupon).
(Credit: Mwave)I'll cop to posting a lot of Netbook deals these days, but that's only because the deals just keep getting better. Witness Mwave's latest: a refurbished Asus Eee PC 1005HAB 10-inch Netbook for $239.99 shipped.
(Don't be alarmed when you see $249.99 on the product page. You need to apply coupon code FALLSVG09 to get the lower price.)
This midnight-blue Eee PC sports a 10-inch screen (which I consider the minimum for computing comfort) and the usual core-spec suspects: a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, and Windows XP Home.
The Eee also features a Webcam, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and a multitouch touch pad, so it's actually a bit ahead of the curve, spec-wise. Only the three-cell battery disappoints, though Asus promises better than 4 hours of runtime.
Because this is a refurb, the warranty tops out at 90 days. (Also, take note of Mwave's return policy: the Eee can't be returned for a refund, only exchanged for a replacement if it's defective.)
Consequently, you might actually be better off with last week's $279.99 Acer Aspire One, which is new and has an 11.6-inch screen.
Still, not everybody who wants a Netbook wants a Netbook that big, and $40 saved is $40 saved. (How profound am I this morning!) I just think it's remarkable how much further your Netbook dollar goes than it did just six months ago.
(Credit:
Asus)
Are you looking for a lightweight, ultraportable PC that's easy on the wallet? Mwave.com has the Asus Eee PC 900 20G for $294 (after a $65 mail-in rebate). Ground shipping will run you about $11.
In case you're not familiar with the Eee PC, it's one of the new breed of "Netbooks" that have become incomprehensibly popular in recent months. I say that because I'm not a fan--I prefer a full-size screen and keyboard, and enough processing power to do more than just check e-mail and cruise the Web.
That said, people seem to really love these little guys, and the Eee PC 900 has earned high marks from CNET and users alike. This model features an 8.9-inch screen, 20GB solid-state drive, 1.3-megapixel Webcam, and Linux operating system--all wrapped in a 2.2-pound package measuring just 8.9 inches by 6.5 inches by 0.9 inch. Travel-friendly it is.
The rebate deal (PDF) runs through the end of October, so you've got plenty of time to research the Eee before buying. I'll admit this is a very attractive price point, but I'd still be more inclined to pay $400-500 on a full-fledged notebook. Agree? Disagree? Inquiring cheapskates wanna know.
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