2009 Review of Netbooks (Page 3 of 4)

Quick Impression: Samsung did a good job entering the netbook market, if not on the little on the expensive side. Samsung's NC series has been compared on many instances with the MSI wind, which it resembles. Their new GO series wins them some points with a new, sleek design, but its still on the expensive side.

Price Range: $350-$500

Availability: Samsung seems to be more set in keeping their buyers on the more expensive side of things. For instance, on Amazon they offer only the 6 cell battery, which means that you'd have to shell out the extra $50-100 that can add on to the price.

Design and Screen: Some of the Samsung laptops feature a bulkier feel (the N-10 series) while the newer Samsung GO N-310s have a rounded and molded look to them (as pictured). I think this makes them look less professional but some people might like the seamless feel this gives. The screen is on par with just about all of the others--same resolution, without the anti-glare stuff. Notice that there is a big SAMSUNG across the back of the computer, which is a little lame.

Ease of Use: This is one of the first computers to have Bluetooth, if there is anything you have that needs it. (Keep in mind that you are paying for it, though.) Otherwise, I did notice that they did the same thing with the page up and page down buttons that the Acer did, which I like.

For a more in-depth information see our Bright Hub review.

Quick Impression: The MSI Wind seems to have made most of its business in other markets besides the US. Its offerings to US stores seem far more limited and not up to par with price comparison of the other companies. They generally just seem a bit behind the others. So while their product may be solid, it doesn't have the most stellar reputation.

Price Range: $250-$400

Availability: Seems to run the full gamut for most things. It's hard to keep saying the same thing. Just noticing that, for some reason, the same specs are more expensive on an MSI than on almost any others- at least on the Amazon listing. Hopping over to Newegg, however, and they've got the standard low-end version for $289, which is pretty good. I never have seen these in stores in the US, though.

Design and Screen: The design of the Wind is nothing spectacular. It is plain but solid without much significant to note.

Ease of Use: The keyboard on this one looks similar to the Acer Aspire One's, which is a disadvantage since the raised keys still make it a bit more difficult for those of us with larger fingers. Also, the track pad is a decent size but it lacks the multi-touch the Acer and Asus have.

For more impressions on the MSI Wind look here and here.

Quick Impression: I didn't like the look and feel of the Toshiba Mini at all. The keyboard really put me off and it felt a little clunkier than many of the others, but this may be because they only offer it in the 6 cell battery form. Also, the price was a little heftier. But I'll admit those are finicky things to point out. The specs are about right for the price but no lower model offered. However, poking around the reviews shows that many people love this netbook, so it’s worth taking a look into.

Price: $349-$399

Availability: There is a limited number of models out, all of which are going to cost a little more since they have the 6-cell battery and Bluetooth capability. But, hey, those are pluses.

Design and Screen: Toshiba did a good job getting a little creative with their design, even if I didn't like it much. The power button is in the center of a round cylinder-like build underneath the screen. They also moved around some of the slots, putting the SD reader in the front. The screen looks alright, but it didn't seem as bright as some of the others.

Ease of Use: I hate the keyboard. It has small spread out keys that stick up from the base. Otherwise it seems to function well… and it has Bluetooth.

For some more check out this review.