Low Price Asus Eee PC T91MT-PU17-BK 8.9-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Black)


Not Perfect - But Really Meets My Needs

First, let me get this out of the way: I bought the T91MT because I didn't want an iPad.

In addition to the T91MT, I own an iPhone and a HP TouchSmart TX2. I am sold on touch computing, and find the Tablet concept fabulous and essential. I teach, and I use the TX2 and a projector as a substitute for a smartboard, so I knew that the tablet is for me. Unfortunately, the TX2 weighs in at around 5 pounds which lead me to looking for a smaller tablet. I wanted something lightweight, portable, and handy for movies and such on the run.

I waited until the iPad specifics came out, and I was intrigued but sorely disappointed. What disappointed me was the idea of a large iPod touch or iPhone. Don't get me wrong, the iPhone is a great phone, but it is a lousy tablet. I cannot check ebooks out from the library, I can't access my Zune Marketplace, and I can't tweak or customize it at all. At times, it feels like I am "borrowing" my iPhone from Apple because I can't customize it. That is why the T91MT and full-blown Windows 7 was so intriguing. The Asus Netbook has been surprisingly nice.

The Good:
It is small, light, and very comfortable.
I can check out EPub Library Books, stream Netflix, and listen to Zune.
I can ink in Evernote and keep all my notes together on all of my machines.
I can tweak, customize, and install anything I want.
The Screen size is perfect.
By disabling non-essential services, Aero effect, using 16-bit color, and disabling bluetooth I get nearly 6.25 hours of battery.
Kindle App works great (would love to see inking).
Two USB ports and SD card slots are a major plus.

The So-So:
The machine must be upgraded to 2GB of RAM (I have done that).
The SSD drive needs substantial tweaking to ensure performance.
The Windows Install needs to be slimmed down a whole bunch before it fully usable.
90% of the included software is not needed/actually makes the experience worse (by fully customizing the machine, it can nearly keep up with my TX2).
The T101MT is coming soon, and it is bigger but faster - personal difference.
Bluetooth is available (I just don't use it)

The Bad:
Palm rejection is non-existent (especially after uninstalling bloat) in OneNote and Evernote.
Upgrading the hard drive is possible but very scary
32GB SSD is small, must have 1 or 2 FAST SD cards for IE and Firefox Cache, downloads, media storage, and Skype Portable.
I am afraid of keyboard build - it seems flimsy.
Processor is underclocked, and it undervolts automatically when in tablet mode (there is a trick to get around this though).
Fingerprints

This machine is not an iPad and that is a good thing. For the comparable iPad, you will spend much more and get much less, and you will have no customization ability. My T91MT is running as fast as my iPhone can, and I have the same (and more) software installed on both. Yes, it is a half pound heavier and the battery will last 2.5 hours less, but I am more than happy with my choice.



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Acer AO532h-2588 10.1-Inch Onyx Blue Netbook - Up To 8 Hours Of Battery Life


Little Bombshell

What a great little machine!

PROS:
Small and lightweight
Well built
Looks nice
Amazing power for the price
Does everything a netbook should

CONS:
Comes pre-loaded with junk
Touch pad is a little awkward
It won't make me a sandwich

I'm really struggling to find anything against this little netbook. Sure, it's not a power-house - but who in their right mind would expect that for $299? Even so, I was just doing some work with Word 97, Powerpoint 97 and Firefox all running - the Powerpoint file was huge with lots of images inside - and it ran just fine. It struggled a little switching back and forth between the aps quickly, but not enough to be a problem. Adding another 1GB RAM would probably help with that.

Really, for the price, this netbook is a stunner!
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HP Mini 210-1085NR 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 9.75 Hours Of Battery Life

Great Netbook

I shopped around looking for deals and at different models for about 2-3 months. Did lots of research on features and performance, and was overwhelmed at how man of these netbooks have the exact same internals as all the others. I finally went with the HP Mini 210-1055NR because it has the full glass over the entire screen and bezel that makes it look so much better than the 110 or similar dells. This just creates such a more aesthetically pleasing look to the entire netbook. It also had a little better specs than all the other clones that were budget priced all over the web (Acers, Dells, HP 110s) and with the extra RAM I bought for it, and the easy access panel that allows you to remove the entire bottom cover of the netbook, the upgrade was simple and performance is great!

I recommend this to anyone looking at getting a netbook for either easy writing or surfing. I haven't played with HPs linux instant on software that comes preinstalled, but Windows 7 starter works just fine, despite previously hearing bad things about its limitations, I with it and am happy I chose it over the severely outdated XP.

One thing that is crucial to do is remove as much of the bloatware that HP installs by default on their new systems. You will see a significant performance boost and less harddrive space taken up by clearing off all the trial games and software that come with your new HP.
Read More Reviews HP Mini 210-1085NR 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 9.75 Hours of Battery Life

Toshiba Mini NB205-N325WH 10.1-Inch Frost White Netbook - 9 Hours Of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter)

Great But Takes Some Fiddling Around

With a good Windows XP desktop and a Vista laptop, why would I need a Windows 7 Starter netbook? Took a month of research to convince me to try one. After 10 days with the Toshiba NB205-N325BL, it has become a household pet, second in use only to the desktop.

However, its touchpad sensitivity drove me nuts with the cursor hopping all over the place and even costing me a couple lost e-mails before I could complete them for sending. Because I added a mouse anyway, the first solution was to disable the touchpad (FN+F9).

The second and current solution is to disable only the touchpad tapping function (Windows Control Function, Advanced Feature Settings, Pointer Speed and Tapping Settings, Disable Tapping).

The other main negative is the feeble tinny speaker. However, headphones provide excellent stereo sound.

The NB205, like all netbooks, also needs a case for it and its power cord, and an optional mouse. I bought a Targus case that included a wired optical USB laptop mouse.

You'll also want a compact slightly elevated stand (I got a Belkin with USB fan but don't use the fan) and something heat resistant like a ceramic coaster on which to set the small rectangular box (which gets rather warm) that's part of the power cord.

The NB205 set up flawlessly with my home wireless network. The NB205 seemed a little slow on line, so I replaced the 1GB 533 MHz with a Kingston 2GB DDR2 667 MHz. Runs a bit faster now. Not sure if the slight boost slightly curtails battery time, which remains excellent, i.e., can use the NB205 all day on line without recharging it.

The overall look and feel, the screen, and the keyboard exude quality. The screen is sharp with excellent color and doesn't need to dim as often or severely as many larger laptop screens do.

Printed information is mostly quick setup and safety. The operating manual is accessed only on line via the red My Toshiba symbol at the bottom of the screen. The NB205 is so much fun and mostly intuitive that I never bothered with the operating manual until I got fed up with the touchpad's spastic cursor.

The NB205 is also an excellent way to read electronic books. The same books from Amazon and elsewhere are simultaneously available on all three of my computers as well as the Kimble 2.

Printing is simple by just taking the NB205 to a printer and using a USB cord. (I've tried networking printers before but that is more trouble than benefit.)

The built-in camera and Skype have me trying videophone contact. Another bonus feature.

The NB205 is a great tool and toy within the current state of the art. For example, I would have given it five stars if it didn't have the touchpad errant cursor, if it had good stereo sound, if it didn't need a mouse for optimum navigation, if the battery and charging cord weren't so warm that they need something smooth and heat resistant beneath them, and if I didn't need to spend another $70 to double the memory to 2GB.

Toshiba's 2010 models have just come out. I suspect they will have much the same benefits and issues that I've mentioned. Either 2009 or 2010, from what I've experienced so far, such netbooks will be favorites for years to come.
Read More Reviews Toshiba Mini NB205-N325WH 10.1-Inch Frost White Netbook - 9 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter)

Purchase HP Pavilion DV6-2170US 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)

I love this laptop its extreamly fast and does it all I cant say enough about it I'm a Toshiba girl at heart my first laptop was a Toshiba and served me very well so I was a little nervous about getting this but the deciding factor for my husband was the HDMI port which would allow us to view media on out HD flat screen the deciding factor from out computer nerd friend was the i3 processor which to me was like Huh? But I trusted him and brought this laptop I gambled and boy did I win I absolutly love this laptop its light and sexy not a eye sore and so functional. Also the battary life isnt bad either it last 4 hours and that even while I'm burning dvds and surfing the web or watching youtube videos. I actually brought mine fro, officemax because they have it cheaper and the shipping was free 2 day as opposed to 2 to 4 weeks on amazon. This laptop is nothing short of amazing and super fast in everyway the only con is the sound and that can be fixed with speakers or headphones it you need to be blown away.The keyboard is perfect not to big not to small meaning its not too tightly pushed together and thats always a plus for me I love my Toshiba but that was one thing I hated the keyboard was aweful. Listen do youself a favor and buy this laptop its an HP and thats obviously a good thing another great thing about HPs is the customer help line when I first got this I wasnt able to go wireless in my home network so I called the Hp number and a wonderful woman was able to remotely fix the problem I didnt have to do a thing which was awesome because I have never seen the mouse moving on my computer and witnessed someone actually taking over my screen from god knows where and just fixing whatever was wrong with it. Again this laptop is amazing and I would suggest it to anyone also if you have a old laptop and want to transfer files I suggest the Belkin Easy Transfer Cables I got one while I was ordering this laptop and it made moving my files flawless and easy it copied everything I wanted even my desktops are identical now and all I did was click a button. I'm a happy camper!!!!
Read more reviews and buy HP Pavilion DV6 2170US 15.6 Inch Black Laptop on sale today! - HP Pavilion DV6 2170US 15.6 Inch Black Laptop

Gateway DX4831-03 Desktop (Black)

The "new" fast

I've read the reviews on the iCore chips wanting a reasonably priced desktop that takes advantage of new technology. My previous desktop was adequate but slow in performance. My first issue is I didn't want to spend a lot of money since computer prices are cheap right now. In addition, computers change too quickly to justify thousands of dollar price tags. This computer runs smooth, fast and has plenty of memory. It comes with 8GB DDR3 and 1 TB HHD with gives me adequate space for my photography. The blue ray player is a plus. Finally, I matched the Gateway with a LG Flatron W2353V monitor and it is sweet. Great buy below the cost of more well-known brands.



Read More Reviews Gateway DX4831-03 Desktop (Black)

HP Mini 210-1050NR 10.1-Inch Silver Netbook - 9.75 Hours Of Battery Life

Slow start, but strong finish

I must say I was a bit disappointed with my HP mini purchase.

Cons:
1.) Skype installation defaulted to external mic, and it was frustrating to figure out.

Pros:
1.) great keyboard, easy to type.
2.) Easy memory upgrade to 2gb. It made my mini super-fast!
3.) Nice/compact design

I am happy with it now after initial installation hiccups and memory upgrade. It's a good little machine.


Read More Reviews HP Mini 210-1050NR 10.1-Inch Silver Netbook - 9.75 Hours of Battery Life

Cavalry Storage CAUE Series 320 GB USB External Hard Drive CAUE37320

Works flawlessly on XP box.

I would have given this 5 stars had I not attempted to use this forst on a Vista box. My 2nd computer is set up in my shop exclusively for photo and video projects. It's not connected to the internet, so I periodically take it home to update Windows (Vista). When I got the Cavalry device, my most recent update was about two weeks old. The brand new Dell running on Vista just refuses to recognize this unit. I was about to send it back, when I decided to try it on my older Gateway XP box at home. Of course, it worked flawlessly... It was immediately recognized by XP.

If I knew for certain that Vista was the culprit, I'd give this unit 5 stars.

For what it's worth, I like the on/off switch. Some of my older drives never power down unless I pull the plug. Some newer drives recognise when the computer is calling for them and power on/off accordingly. Too slowly for my Vista box however. I prefer the control of powering on and off myself.

For the price, you can't go wrong with this unit - at least on an XP box.
Read More Reviews Cavalry Storage CAUE Series 320 GB USB External Hard Drive CAUE37320

Samsung NC10-13GB 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - Up To 6 Hours Of Battery Life Sale

Fine computer but difficult to upgrade

I have used my blue Samsung NC-10 for a few months now, and I like it very much. However, as warned by other reviewers, opening the plastic cover on the bottom to upgrade the RAM from one Gig to two was hair-raising. Very difficult and scary.

I had to apply a lot of pressure to begin to get the cover off, and then it stuck, half-way off. I could not get it back on, and I had to pry really hard to finish removal. I felt sure that I had broken my new computer! However, the cover did come off, I did upgrade the RAM, and so far the RAM cover seems un-damaged.

By the way, the reviewer who warned that Amazon was recommending the wrong RAM upgrade seems to have been correct. I went to the Crucial web site and ordered what Crucial recommended for the Samsung NC-10, and that has worked fine. This is NOT the RAM recommended by Amazon.

I also noticed a thread with an ongoing debate as to which RAM is correct. So, good luck!

If you want an external optical drive, I CANNOT recommend the Lite On DVD/CD rewritable drive, model eSAU208. I plan to review it elsewhere, but I note here that the software which Lite On provides will NOT install on the Samsung NC-10. I had to use software from another drive I bought for a different computer. The Lite On drive sometimes is not recognized by the computer, and it vibrates and rattles as it works. Not horrible, but not good either.

The NC-10 itself is a pleasure to use. Rarely crashes, boots quickly, and the keyboard is fine. I have large hands, and I like to type on this computer. The screen is beautiful. The case does show fingerprints.

Overall, except for the awful RAM cover, I love this computer.
Read More Reviews Samsung NC10-13GB 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - Up to 6 Hours of Battery Life

Asus Eee PC 1201N-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Intel Atom 330/2GB/250GB/W7HP Netbook Computer (Black)

Very powerful for a netbook

This is my first netbook, bought to replace the 10 lb monster laptop I used to carry around (including all the required peripherals). I was waiting for a certain amount of performance before I bit the bullet, having had firsthand experience with some friends netbooks, older generations with smaller screens. The performance of those left a bad taste in my mouth and I didn't want to sacrifice that much for mobility. After reading reviews and comparisons, the choice was between the HP Mini 311 and this one. I chose the 1201n because gaming and hd video playback was important to me.

The only real thing that bugged me is something that most people wouldn't really care about. I use a 5.0 ghz network at home on my dual band N router, and while this netbook can pick up wireless N signals, it can only pick up 2.4ghz ones. I'm already rectifying that by buying a dual band concurrent router, which will help the other devices around the house out as well. I've only been able to test one game out so far on it, Torchlight. It isn't a demanding game, but it did play well. When I get an external dvd drive I'll be able to test it out on other games. It plays HD video really well, youtube HD plays flawlessly, and the speakers don't sound bad at all. When I do use the track pad I only use the multibutton thing for right clicks anyways. You can also turn the track pad off with a press of a button above the keyboard. I normally use a mouse anyways.

Another review was talking about the extra heat and hot air coming from the left side. I don't mind that at all. My old laptop had heat vents on both sides, so if you were using a mouse its like your hand had a personal heater. This way it would only bother you if you were left handed I guess. I might look into a cooler eventually, but I doubt it will be necessary even when playing other games. Anyways, I'm satisfied with the purchase. I even upgraded the ram to 4gb. Do note that the 8gb max ram is theoretical at this point, because according to reviews on newegg, people are having a hard time getting the ram to recognize it all. It may be a firmware issue, it may be a typo, I don't know. 4gigs works fine for sure though. Also note that this is a 32 bit OS so you'll only have 3.25 gigs actually available. You also need to disable boot boost in bios (F2) before it will recognize the upgrade.

Pros
Ion Graphics
very manageable power cords
hdmi port
dual core processor
nice keyboard, not too difficult to adjust to
Battery life isn't amazing, but it is very manageable
Screen is nice

Cons
Finger/wrist print magnet
Hard drive partitioned weird
Price? (High end for a netbook, but it shows I guess)

Read More Reviews Asus Eee PC 1201N-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Intel Atom 330/2GB/250GB/W7HP Netbook Computer (Black)