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General discussion

Choosing a netbook

by Cessna4152 Jun 11, 2009 6:55AM PDT

I've been trying to figure out wich netbook is right for me and I'm totally lost. I was hoping for some help.

My budget is probably $250-300. I want long battery life, built in webcam, and a keyboard that won't give me hand cramps. I don't really feel like I get anything for using Windows so I was thinking of going with Linux.

I hadn't decided on a SSD or HDD. What are the pros and cons of those? Obviously HDD holds a lot more so then why would I want SSD?

Anyone have any recomendations? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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Hit the reviews.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Jun 11, 2009 7:02AM PDT

I own the Acer model you see all over with the 6 cell (?) battery. It's quite nice but we did add a Logitech V450 Nanon mouse and have ZERO issues about no DVDRW drive (we have the net, network, USB DVDRW, memory sticks and what else?)

SSD are great for the sellers (more profit there.) HDD is the last part I see fail when people drop their laptop so call me unconvinced. As to Windows I went with the XP offering since I can demo my software (yes I author some titles) on it.

The cnet reviews are accurate so I'll stop here.
Bob

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Dell Inspiron 15N laptop
by diazed129 Jun 11, 2009 1:00PM PDT

I have a Dell Inspiron 15N laptop, it is in your budget for $299, it's portable and functional.

Intel Celeron 585 (1MB cache/2.16GHz/667Mhz FSB)

Ubuntu Desktop Edition version 8.10

Jet Black

1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service

Glossy, widescreen 15.6 inch display (1366x76Cool

2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz

160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD

8X CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)

Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card

4-cell battery

High Definition Audio 2.0

Integrated 10/100 Network Card

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Nice choice.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Jun 11, 2009 1:09PM PDT

We have an all too similar machine in the home and it's no slouch. That battery time is a little low but this machine is used to replace an older desktop so it's still faster than the old beast.
Bob

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