Small, Simple, Effective

Team CHIP | 24 February 2010

A netbook is cheap and convenient enough to get your work done, no matter where you are By CHIP Test Center

The popularity of netbooks has grown immensely ever since their introduction in 2008. While these devices commonly use Intel Atom CPUs and have 8- to 10-inch screens, this has changed significantly in the past year. Now, netbooks come in various sizes and with different capabilities.

Currently, you can get netbooks with screen sizes ranging from 10 to about 12.1 inches. They can have more powerful processors and screens of various sizes. The most important and noticeable improvement since last year is the tremendously increased battery life that today's models offer.

Still, the most common set of specifications will include a 10-inch screen, an Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive and is close to 1 kg in weight. In comparison, the first netbook by Asus had a 7-inch screen and shipped pre-loaded with Linux. Such small screens lost favor in the market, and Windows XP became the mainstay, helping netbooks gain popularity.

The level of acceptance people have shown towards netbooks has been justified for many reasons. They are not only affordable, but they are easy to carry and can run all the basic applications needed for day-do-day computing. Be it for emails, Internet surfing, chatting, video calls and even VoIP, netbooks do a lot of things easily. Now that more powerful hardware is being used, more can be expected from these little gadgets.

All of this illustrates that the term netbook doesn’t seem to have a clear cut definition yet, because despite the standard practice of using Atom processors, there are companies that offer similar-sized alternatives. Other common factors are the result of Microsoft's Windows XP licensing limitations, which have little hold these days. Also, extra features like HDMI ports and high-resolution screens serve to blur the line between netbooks and ultraportable laptops even further. You can get devices called netbooks which have none of the usual characteristics, or Atom-based ultraportables which should be called netbooks but aren't, because of a perceived low-performance tag. In this comparison we’ve included machines that weigh less than 1.5 Kg, have screen sizes under 12 inches, and cost less than Rs 30,000.

personal take

Netbooks are no longer just tiny portable computers that are super-convenient to carry and that let you stay connected on the move. Today, some are almost as laptops. A good example would be the MSI Wind U210. This one not only offers features that are uncommon to most netbooks, but is more powerful than most others while staying almost as light as them. At Rs 23,500, you get Wi-Fi n, Bluetooth, an HDMI port, a 12.1-inch screen, better graphics, and an attractive design. However, as far as the battery life is concerned, there are much better options available.

As a matter of fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if netbooks soon start offering battery life as good as some mobile phones do. Asus, for a start, is already offering something along these lines. The Asus Eee PC 1101 HA runs for 10 hours 47 minutes, and can keep you occupied even on your intercontinental flights. Another good example is the Samsung NP-N310, which is the only netbook in this comparison which comes with Windows 7 preloaded as its operating system. This one too has great battery life: 7 hours 26 mins. It also has a uniquely rugged body and a sporty design. It will surely be useful to students and others who can't always avoid rough operating conditions, though its price might not appeal to them.

If cost is the only criterion, then the Champion Fashion 1080 is the best option. At Rs 13,500, you get a very basic netbook which is an acceptable compromise between cost, functionality and build quality.

I’d also like to highlight an interesting concept that Zenith has used in its Z-Book Dock. At Rs 20,000, this innovative product not only offers a smart design and all netbook features, but also has a dual personality. Using the included docking station, you can use it as a cheap, basic desktop with a large monitor and comfortable keyboard and mouse. No other product offers this feature!

All in all, netbooks aren't all the same at all today, and serve many different kinds of needs and purposes.

Dushyant Khilnani

dushyant.khilnani@chip.in

With a well-deserved spot at the top of our charts, the hardware, features and performance of the MSI Wind U120 play equally important roles in making this netbook the winner. This one is based on the ATI RS690 chipset and is powered by an AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 processor. Other hardware meets the common expectations. Considering the specs, it’s an ideal pick for people who want something more powerful than usual in a netbook form factor. This netbook also has an HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi N and Bluetooth. There are two USB ports and a VGA output, a memory card reader, a 12.1-inch screen with a 1.3 megapixel webcam and the per-loaded Windows XP Home.

It's mainly due to the chipset and processor that the U210 performs so well. But although it runs mainstream applications better than most Atom-based machines, its battery life doesn’t impress us at 3 hours 40 minutes. The Wind U210 is ruggedly built and at 1.4 Kg, isn’t too heavy either. While the design is quite plain, the all-white theme still makes it stylish. Ergonomically, it’s one of the most comfortable to use.

Verdict: It's a netbook with the hardware of an ultra portable laptop.

For: Great performance and features, and good value for money.

Against: Battery life could be better.

If you’re looking for a budget portable computer, here’s one choice. The Champion Fashion 1080 is a standard netbook with all the common features.

At Rs 13,500, you get a 1.21 kg netbook which performs as well as any other based on the common minimum hardware spec. This means it has an Intel Atom N270 processor, 1 GB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, a 10-inch screen and ordinary connectivity options. There's nothing apart from its price to talk about; this netbook simply does everything that others in its class do. However, with a run time of merely 2 hours, the Fashion 1080 loses out somewhat. It has 3 USB and a VGA port, a card reader, a webcam and audio jacks. Finally, it ships pre-loaded with Linux, so if you want Windows, you’ll have to buy and install it separately.

Our sample had a rose-pink glossy body with a white keyboard and base. Overall, it’s decent to look at, but don’t expect the style and slickness that others bring. Even the build quality and ergonomics are above average. All in all, since it does its job at its price, and that makes it the best value award winner.

Verdict: Looking for the cheapest possible netbook? Grab this one.

For: Super-affordable.

Against: Consider the battery life before buying.