Collected Wisdom
The Netbook Sites You Need to Know
Everyone's got a few web sites they like to regularly visit. These are the first places I go when I want to know what's happening in the netbook universe. They're not in any particular order.
Naturally, there are a few others like Gizmodo, Engadget and the like but they're really generaiist blog/news sites so they're usually my second port of call.
Review Central
Sony Vaio W - close but no cigar
Sony's VAIO W series netbook is a well made, attractive notebook with a sensational display and great performance. It's not perfect but will suit the vast majority of netbook users.
Stop by ITWire for the full review.
Review Central
Asus Eee PC 1005P has show and go
Almost singlehandedly, Asus created the modern version of the netbook category with their groundbreaking Eee PC. While the first Eee PC was a very basic system that could best be described as adequate when it comes to mobile computing the latest generation of hardware, like the Eee PC 1005P Seashell, have moved ahead in leaps and bounds to deliver a desktop-like computing experience at a reasonable, although not budget, price.
Read the full review over at ITWire
Review Central
Handii Go Generation Tablet - just misses
A few months ago the tablet PC was a dead duck. But then Apple announced the iPad and all of a sudden the category become hot and sexy again. The Handii Tablet, running Windows 7 Professional, tries to pull back some of Apple’s momentum, addressing many of the iPad’s shortcomings but missing on some key features.
Jump over to ITWire for the full review
Review Central
HP's Mini 5102 is close to ideal
In a market where the specification and performance of netbooks is largely undifferentiated it’s great to see HP do something a little different. The new Mini 5102 runs most of the usual netbook kit but ups the ante in a couple of important areas.
Pop over to ITWire for the full review
Review Central, Features
Cool Bananas Hard Cover Netbook Case
Cases - they're one of the essential accessories for netbook owners. Many manufacturers include a neoprene or similar sleeve but serious travellers need something a little more substantial. The Cool Bananas Hard Cover Netbook Case, distributed by GearZap offers protection and good looks at an affordable price.
The 10-inch Hard Cover was a snug fit for our Dell Inspiron. There's an elasticised strap to hold the computer in place that can be adjusted. That prevents the netbook from slipping out accidentally when you open the case.
A mesh compartment on one half of the clamshell
is handy for holding a few bits and pieces but the case is such a tight fit that we could close the case with the Dell's power supply in the bag. Given that the current crop of netbooks can get through most of a day without a trip to the power outlet this isn't a big deal if you're looking for a case to get you through the work day rather than a road trip.
The Hard Cover's construction is very solid. The moulded outer case is very solid and the zips aren't flimsy. The removeable shoulder strap clips onto a pair of rings that are securely fastened to the case. The clips are robust and can stand up easily to the weight of a netbook.
The Cool Bananas Hard Cover Netbook Case, distributed by GearZap, is a great case that's well suited for use through the working day. It's well made, easy to carry and offers excellent protection. It's available from www.gearzap.com for £20.95.
Review Central, Features
Cool Bananas Hard Cover Netbook Case
Cases - they're one of the essential accessories for netbook owners. Many manufacturers include a neoprene or similar sleeve but serious travellers need something a little more substantial. The Cool Bananas Hard Cover Netbook Case, distributed by GearZap offers protection and good looks at an affordable price.
The 10-inch Hard Cover was a snug fit for our Dell Inspiron. There's an elasticised strap to hold the computer in place that can be adjusted. That prevents the netbook from slipping out accidentally when you open the case.
A mesh compartment on one half of the clamshell
is handy for holding a few bits and pieces but the case is such a tight fit that we could close the case with the Dell's power supply in the bag. Given that the current crop of netbooks can get through most of a day without a trip to the power outlet this isn't a big deal if you're looking for a case to get you through the work day rather than a road trip.
The Hard Cover's construction is very solid. The moulded outer case is very solid and the zips aren't flimsy. The removeable shoulder strap clips onto a pair of rings that are securely fastened to the case. The clips are robust and can stand up easily to the weight of a netbook.
The Cool Bananas Hard Cover Netbook Case, distributed by GearZap, is a great case that's well suited for use through the working day. It's well made, easy to carry and offers excellent protection. It's available from www.gearzap.com for £20.95.