Netbook choice?

[The Astroman]

Hey all!
I started college recently, and I need a netbook with which I can take notes.
My main criteria are:

- Battery Life
- Comfortable keyboard / touchpad
- Connectivity: BT and WiFi
- Power
- Sturdiness

I was looking at the Toshiba NB205-N310 and the Asus EEE 1005HA, both which feature more than 9 hours of maximum battery life, which is excellent.

The Toshiba's keyboard looks more comfortable to type on (which is important, as its main use will be to take notes). Its touchpad isn't too good though (apparently).

The Asus has a bit more battery life, is cheaper, looks better (battery is flush with the body), HOWEVER, its keyboard doesn't look as good to type on (no the "island type" keys).

I haven't really looked at other brands and models as the above seem like the ones with the most battery life, which is really important.

Any recommendations, comments?

 

[kimsland]

Here's a small benchmark review of those two: http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/toshiba-mini-nb-205.aspx?mode=benchmarks&cids=1885,pa

 

[The_Other_One]

I played with a Toshiba netbook recently and was very impressed by how they used the space. Especially the touch pad in comparison to my little Acer. Still, for the price, I don't think you can beat the Acer D150 like I have. Performance should be the same (seeing as they essentially use the same hardware ) and battery is the 6-cell one (I get over 5 hours easy). Typing isn't bad on this little thing if that's what you're worried about. I find it difficult if I'm trying to use it in my lap or something, but it's very easy to use on a desk.

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-AOD150-1920-10-1-Inch-Red-Netbook/dp/B001QFZFSK/

I see you want bluetooth too... Costco apparently has a D150 or D250 with a case and external DVD drive and build in bluetooth for $400. Though at that price, unless you really wanted the DVD drive, the Toshiba is probably a better machine.

I'd suggest going out to some computer stores and trying some out. Specs are one thing, usability is another.

 

[The Astroman]

D150 looks good, but it's lacking battery life.

The reason I'm out to buy a netbook is that my current laptop, despite my recent purchase of a high capacity 7800mAh battery, doesn't last longer than 3 hours with goodies enabled (WiFi, decent screen brightness, etc.) with Windows 7 installed.

Furthermore, it's heavy, bulky, not particularly attractive, and I constantly have to find special seats next to power outlets in the auditoriums, which aren't necessarily well placed sound-wise. All of this is really frustrating, and definitely justifies the purchase of a netbook.

9 hours is really dream-like specs right now. I would really go for the EEE if it weren't for my concerns with the ergonomics of the keyboard.

Bluetooth is a must so I can use my iPhone to tether its internet connection wirelessly to my netbook, and have full access to the internet everywhere I go. Optical drive is useless, and I will replace the hard drive for a solid-state drive sometime.

Main drawbacks:
NB-205: Touchpad (?)
EEE: Keyboard

I think I really should go and try them out in a shop as the only reason I haven't fallen for the EEE is the fear its keyboard won't please me. Only way to find out is try it. Otherwise, it's better in every other aspect.

 

[radiotoday]

I think in between ur choice Toshiba NB205-N310 is better,because i used it. Wish ur best of luck......

 

[Irishwhistle]

I'd recommend the MSI Wind U100.

It's got Bluetooth and WiFi, the keyboard and touchpad are real comfortable, it's pretty well-built, the CPU can be overclocked to 2.0GHz really easily and it's got a 9-cell battery. It's one of the best netbooks, I know I like mine. Should be perfect for you.

 

[The_Other_One]

Lacking battery life? The darn thing lasts 6 hours. How is that not long enough? Plus I've seen even larger batteries for these Acer's. As for the size and weight; yes the D150 is one of the larger 10" machines, but it's a far stetch from "bulky". Plus, you realize weight you're seeing for the other netbooks is probably the batteryless or 3-cell weight and not the extended battery weight. I'm not sure what you're seeing for the Acer, but it's far from "heavy".

Oh well, it's still up to you, and the Toshiba is probably your best bet. I know I liked the layout and such better than the Acer, but I could get the Acer with the 6-cell battery for much less.