Netbook or Notebook?

[Hitterman]

Hi there,

I wanted to buy a Laptop but I am a bit confused in all the brands. I have to gift it to my friend and I wanted the following features in it:
♦ Music and Movies compatible
♦ Good performance on Internet browsing
♦ Game compatibility for small games.

My budget is Rs 25,000 (Incl. taxes). I think it is equal to $500.

Preferred brands are :
Dell
HP/Compaq
Toshiba
Acer

Also please tell me what I should buy, Notebook or Netbook.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MattW]

If you get a powerful netbook, you will be dissatisfied. Because you'll have spent a lot of money on it and gotten something that is a poor mix of two things. A small laptop that doesn't have an optical drive, but with a shorter battery life through trying to be more powerful.

So if you are going for netbook, go for the absolute bottom you can live with (so look at screen/keyboard size), because if you try to get a netbook to do more than internet, word processing and music, you aren't someone who should get a netbook.

Because you list movies, getting a full sized notebook is a better idea. Make sure you get one with a proper graphics card, you'll regret not doing that, even if you say you don't want to play games.

By getting that, you'll probably take yourself over your budget.

It leaves you with a simple choice, buy a cheap netbook and forget about anything advanced, or go over your budget to get a notebook that will do more than you need.

Because if you compromise and get a powerful netbook, or a weak notebook, you'll regret it.

Can't give you any direct suggestions because I don't know what's available over there. I'd also avoid HP/Compaq.

 

[MacWorld]

What he said^

I would recommend a notebook,
2.0Ghz dual core plus
2GB ram plus
250GB Hard Drive plus
Nvidia Graphics
Choose Dell or Compaq/HP

 

[Neo95]

Um guys he specifically gave Rs 25000.Because giving anything above that in India results in gift tax.

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

Get a BenQ Joybook U101 for around 22k. I'm not sure about its durability, but it has a sweet deal. You get a free external DVD Writer along with it. It has a 6cell battery, 1.3 MP webcam, 10" screen, and a very good keyboard.

 

[angryangy]

Not to disagree with anyone, but maybe to elaborate on what has already been said;

Netbooks are heavily scaled down machines. They are designed primarily for internet, word processing and communication. They are very light, cheap and have excellent battery life. However, to achieve this combination, the processor is very limited and they tend to lack things like hard disks and dvd drives. The screen size is usually around 10" and not great for video or games even if you manage to get one that has reasonable power.

Ultraportables are a more performance oriented compromise, not so limited in function like a netbook, but you pay a lot more to get all the high technology squeezed in without weight exceeding 2 kg. You might still struggle to get one with a dvd drive. A lot of ultraportables have a fairly standard 13" screen, so more than any other, the compromise is high price.

The next size are often called thin-and-lights, but you could just as easily call it the MacBook size. They generally weigh around 2 kg or less and often are among the prettiest, if you like to show off. Probably the feature of these ones is that they have bigger screens and keyboards than the lighter types; the latter is a considerable luxury, if you've ever used a netbook. They are still not really gaming computers, but they are more functional and not too heavy to be carried in a backpack.

Then comes the midrange size, your standard grey laptop with no great strengths or weaknesses. The weight is usually well under 3 kg, but because they are allowed a bit more space, you get better value and 15" screens, 200 GB hard drives and fast processors are more common. These computers will typically include the components needed to run games and multimedia fluently. If you don't need to carry your computer all the time, this is probably the better option.

The largest class are called desktop replacements. These dinosaurs are routinely over 3 kg, pack desktop sized screens, full size keyboards and desktop level hardware. They are the envy of high-end desktop systems, but it's usually better value to get a regular PC.

If gaming is a fairly high priority, it might be difficult to find a laptop that meets your requirements, aside from games such as Civ or Starcraft. A peripheral such as the Asus XG Station might allow you to shop exclusively for laptops that have poor 3d acceleration. Similarly, it's worth remembering that often RAM and hard drives can be replaced or upgraded. An ideal saving might be a computer wher you can add to these at a later stage.

A site I recommend a lot is Notebookcheck
They have a number of ways to categorise the models they have reviewed, so you can fine tune your ideas to a smaller selection of models. Another helpful site is Notebook Review

There are also a great number of notable computer hardware review sites, such as CNet. Techtree is one of the better Indian sites I am familiar with.

 

[sohum]

You're going to have a tough time getting an internationally branded notebook for Rs. 25,000, and even if you did, it'd be an extremely low-end machine.

As Matt suggested, if your budget is absolutely tied to Rs. 25,000, you should go with a Netbook.

 

[Abhas]

This is a Quote I recently got through mail..

HP MINI NOTEBOOK 2133(FH490AA) (SILVER BLACK) RS. 21000.00 + 4% TAX

HP Mini Note 2133 / Via C7 M ULV Processor (1.2 Ghz, 800 MHz FSB, 128 KB L2 Cache) /8.9" XGA Display ,Scratch Resistant treatment on Acrylic panel Cover / VGA Camera / 1024 MB DDR 2 667MHz / 160 GB SATA HDD @ 5400rpm/ Via Chrome 9 up to 128 MB shared Graphic /Integrated Wireless 802.11a/b/g & Bluetooth v2.0/ Ethernet 10/100/1000 / Touchpad & Spill Proof Keyboard/ 3 cell Li-Ion Batt/ WinVista Home Basic /1Year Warranty /1.19 Kg/ Carry Bag


LENOVO LAPTOP S10 4231 54Q (RED) RS. 22500.00 + 4% TAX

Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz) / 1 GB DDR2/ 160 GB/ 10.2” WSVGA TFT {Glossy}/1.3 MP Web Camera/ Media Card Reader Lan/Bluetooth/ Modem/XP Home / Wifi/ One year warranty./
6 Cell Battery / Carry Bag / Weight: 1.6kg


LENOVO LAPTOP S10 4231 53Q (BLUE) RS. 22500.00 + 4% TAX

Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz) / 1 GB DDR2/ 160 GB/ 10.2” WSVGA TFT {Glossy}/1.3 MP Web Camera/ Media Card Reader Lan/Bluetooth/ Modem/XP Home / Wifi/ One year warranty./
6 Cell Battery / Carry Bag / Weight: 1.6kg


HP MINI 1109TU (BLACK) RS. 21000.00 + 4% TAX

Intel Atom N270 Processor - (1.60GHz) /1GB DDR2 SD RAM / 80GB HDD / 10.2" WSVGA TFT / WI-FI / Bluetooth /INTEL Graphics Media / WEB CAM / XP HOME / 1 year warranty/ Weight: 1.1Kg / (Without Carry Bag)


BENQ U101 ( BLACK & BLUE) RS. 23500.00 + 4% TAX

Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz) / 1 GB DDR2/ 160 GB/ 10.1” WXGA 1024 * 576 LED BACKLIT/1.3 MP Web Camera/ Media Card Reader / Lan/Bluetooth/ Modem/XP Home / Wifi/ One year warranty./ 6 Cell Battery / Weight 1.1Kg/ USB PORT : 3 NOS/ Carry Bag / EXTERNAL SLIM USB DVD WRITER


INSPIRON MINI 12 (BLACK) RS. 29000.00 + 4% TAX

INTEL Atom Z530(1.6Ghz) / 1 GB / 80 GB/ /1.3 Mega Pixel Web Camera/ Microphone / BLUETOOTH / 12.1” Wide (WXGA) Screen/ 5 in 1 media card reader/ Wi-Fi / XP Home Edition/ ONSITE WARRANTY / (Without Carry Bag)


VGN-P13GH/Q/W (POCKET PC) - ( BACK TO BACK ON ORDER) (COLOR: BLACK) RS. 49,990.00 TAX PAID

INTEL ATOM PROCESSOR Z520(1.33GGHZ) , 60 GB HDD, 2 GB DDR2 RAM, INTEL MEDIA, GRAPHICS ACC 500, BLUETOOTH, WEB CAM, 8”WIDE (UWXGA, TFT COLOUR DISPLAY), VISTA HOME BASIC, 3 HRS, 594 GRAMS, WI-FI, 1 YR. INTL WARRANTY


VGN-P15G/Q/W/R/G (POCKET PC) - ( BACK TO BACK ON ORDER) (COLOR: BLACK) RS. 64,990.00 TAX PAID

INTEL ATOM PROCESSOR Z530(1.60GGHZ) , 64GB (FLASH MEMORY), 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, INTEL MEDIA GRAPHICS ACC 500, BLUETOOTH, WEB CAM, 8”WIDE (UWXGA, TFT COLOUR DISPLAY), VISTA HOME PREMIUM, 3 HRS, 620 GRAMS, WI-FI, NOISE CANCELLATION HEADPHONE, DISPLAY LAN ADAPTOR, 1 YR. INTL WARRANTY


SAMSUNG NB NP-NC10 (BLACK & BLUE) RS. 25000.00 + 4% TAX

Inter Atom Processor 1.60 GHz, 512 KB 1 GB DDR2 160 GB Sata HDD 5400 rpm Wireless LAN 802.11b/g 10/100/1000 mbps 10.2" WSVGA 3 in 1 media card reader NO Window XP Home 1.3 MP Web Cam Bluetooth 2.0 Intel GMA 950 (INT. Graphic) 1.19 Kg / Carry Pouch


ASUS EEEPC 1002HA "Shine Black" RS. 25000.00 + 4% TAX

"10" 1024x600 (WSVGA)" Intel Atom "1 GB DDR II" 160G "Hi-Definition Audio ( Dolby Certificated) " "1.3 M Pixel" "802.11 b/g/ n + BT" 3 MMC/ SD "2-cell Li-Polymer (5 hr)" Battery, adapter, Support DVD, Manual, Quick Use Guide, Sleeve, Antenna "Windows XP" "1.06 kg with 2 Cell" "1 Year / 6 Month Battery" , Carry Pouch


ASUS EEEPC 900HA-160G Black RS. 18900.00 + 4% TAX

"8.9""1024x600 (WSVGA)" Intel Atom "1 GB DDR II" 160G Hi-Definition Audio CODEC "0.3 M Pixel" "802.11 b/g" 3 4 in 1 "4 Cell " Battery, adapter, Support DVD, Manual, Quick Use Guide, Sleeve "Windows XP" "1.45 kg with 4 Cell" "1 Year / 6 Month Battery" Carry Pouch


ASUS EEEPC S101H-Black Shine Black RS. 28500.00 + 4% TAX

"10.2"" 1024x600 (LED)" Intel Atom "1 GB DDR II" 160G Hi-Definition Audio CODEC "0.3 M Pixel" "802.11 b/g/ n + BT" 3 "4 in 1 Card Reader" "2-cell Li-Polymer (5 hr)" "Protection Bag,
Pouch for Adaptor, Gift Box and Manual Pack, Mouse" "Windows XP (ENG)" "1.06 kg with 2 Cell" "1 Year / 6 Month Battery" , Carry Pouch


ACER ASPIRE 1 (BLACK) RS.21750.00 + 4% TAX

Intel Atom Processor (1.6 GHz / 1MB L2 Cache/ 533 Mhz FSB), 1 GB RAM, 160 GB HDD, 10.1" Wide screen, Bluetooth 3 USB Ports, speakers, Gigabit LAN, Card Reader, Web Camera, Windows XP Home Edition, 6 Cell battery with 6 hours backup, 1 Year International Warranty, Carry Pouch , Weight: 1kg


ACER ASPIRE 1 (BLUE) RS.20500.00 + 4% TAX

Intel Atom Processor (1.6 GHz / 1MB L2 Cache/ 533 Mhz FSB), 1 GB RAM, 120 GB HDD, 8.9'' Wide screen, Bluetooth 3 USB Ports, speakers, Gigabit LAN, Card Reader, Web Camera, Windows XP Home Edition, 3 Cell battery with 2.5 hours backup, 1 Year International Warranty, Carry Pouch, Weight: 1.4 Kg

M/S. WEBNET CONSULTANTS PVT. LTD
D-20, LOWER GROUND FLOOR, SAKET
NEW DELHI - 110017
TEL: 26569652, 28866090 , 65287682, 41671485
MOBILE: 9810416030
EMAIL: [email protected]
            [email protected]

Have a look, and decide for yourself..

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

Those are fairly overpriced. I went to Nehru Place and the BenQ U101 was available for 22.5k inclusive of taxes.

 

[Hitterman]

Thank you for the resources guys. I will be going through each model on heir respective websites.