As you walk around town you can't help but notice a horde of people using tiny book-sized laptops. They are using them for surfing the Interwebs, typing up OO.o documents, and e-mailing clients. 'Netbooks', 'ultra-portables', 'mini-laptops', whatever you call them, they seem to be here to stay.
It all started with the Asus Eee PC, followed quick by MCI Wind, the Cloud Book, and a whole slew of other netbook offerings. Just yesterday (9/4/08) Dell released a netbook. Recently, Acer entered the fray with its Acer Aspire One models. They offer two different styles, one with XP and one with Linux Linpus, with two different color options, white and sapphire blue. Let's see if the Aspire One is the leader of the pack or if it is just another lemming.
Here are the specs of the reviewed model:
Built In Devices: Wi-fi antenna, LAN port, stereo speakers, 3 USB ports, VGA output, 1 SD slot, 15-in-1 slot, mic input, headset output, built-in mic, built-in Web cam
Width: 9.8 inches
Depth: 6.7 inches
Height: 1.1 inches
Weight: 2.19lbs (with battery), 3lbs (with cord)
Color: Sapphire Blue
Processor: Intel Atom N270, 1.6GHz
RAM: 512 MB (1.5 GB max)
Hard Disk: 8GB SSD
Display: 1024 * 600; widescreen; 18-bit color; LED backlit
GPU: Intel GMA 950; Technology 3.0
Battery: 3-cell; 3hrs (Mfr estimate)
Operating System: Linux Linpus Lite
Software: OO.o 2.3, Acer Aspire One Mail, IM-client, games, Firefox, Media Manager
Price: $324.99 (at Micro Center)
Pros:
Small design
Nice layout
Good OS
Decent Battery
Cons:
Glare
Mouse problems
Cramped Keyboard
Overall –
While there are some problems with the layout and mouse of this device, the overall usability of it prevails. If you are shopping for a netbook, give this one a test drive at your local stores.
The Body –
When you first pull Aspire One out of the box you are captivated by the beauty of the actual casing. With rounded edges, a ocean-blue color, chrome (both red and silver) highlights, and a shiny gleam; this netbook appears sexy. Quickly, though, you will realize that fingerprints show up very noticeably and distract from the otherwise attractive casing. While this casing is nice, the gloss on it serves as a mirror which, in a well-lit room, causes light to reflect into your eyes.
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