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Hopefully this will be a new trend: higher powered netbooks
Your typical netbook is very portable but has an underpowered Intel Atom CPU,
1GB of memory, and a cramped 1024x600 screen. Prices range from $200 to $600 or more.
But things might be changing, example: the new Gateway LT3114u selling at $399
AMD Athlon 64 1.2MHz CPU
ATI Radeon® X1270 Graphics
11.6" screen - resolution up to 1366x768 resolution (wide screen)
2GB memory
250GB SATA hard drive
weight: 3 pounds
Windows Vista Basic (32bit)
full-size keyboard
When I see these I just think "For an extra hundred I could get a higher powered laptop with a much larger viewing area." But then again they are marketing to people wanting the ultra-portable; not tightwads like me that go for most bang for buck.
No, they don't have a choice. If you read the article you will see mention that MS does not allow OEM XP on any system with more than 1gb RAM. MS is on crack, not Gateway.
We have been looking at netbooks for after we retire and are traveling. The lighter, the better, within reason.
I have a 15.4inch right now and its too big for me.
I've been eying the netbooks but have been cautious about getting one because a)I can't handle an 8inch screen with a micro keyboard; and b)I've heard not-so-great things about the atom...
So...that being said, the above Gateway looks pretty good.
In terms of memory it matches my current and I'm sure I could add 2gb of RAM if push came to shove. The hard drive is about 90GB bigger than the one I have now. Its certainly smaller, but not too small (which is great).
My only concern is the processor. The one above is an AMD Athlon 64 1.2MHz which I would assume is a step down from my processor @ ~1.7. I currently do quite a bit of work in Photoshop, Google Sketchup, Kerkythea Rendering System as well as the typical computer stuff.
Do you think the netbook could handle it?
The trouble with netbooks is CPU and graphics performance and a screen resolution at 1024x600 which, IMO, is just too limited.
Now there are a few slightly bigger (11.6 inch) "almost" netbooks:
This one (from Acer) has a faster CPU with a good screen size and 1366x768 resolution. On the downside, the Intel graphics performance will be below that of the Gateway LT3114u's ATI Radeon.
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