Sony VAIO W Netbook?

[vitadellajan]

I want to get a netbook for my work and would like to surf on the internet when I'm on public transports, but I don't know much about netbooks, I wonder if you guys could have any recommendations to me please? Which one should I choose? Sony? Samsung? Fujitsu? And where can I buy it for a good price?

[ThisIsNot]

Well, I would stay away from Sony's netbooks. They are expensive and don't offer anything over the competition other than some slight visual enhancements (ie they look nice).

The Asus Eee PC 1005HA has been the number one netbook for a while. It is thin, lasts all day on a single charge, and looks nice. The only downside to the 1005HA is that it packs generic hardware. Pretty much every netbook out there has either an Intel Atom N270 or Atom N280 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, and the Intel GMA 950 IGP (integrated graphics). You can find decent prices for the 1005HA pretty much everywhere. I would look at Amazon.com if you want fast shipping and don't want to pay taxes (unless you live in one of the few states that has an Amazon distribution center).

The HP Mini 311 is getting a lot of buzz lately as it is the first netbook out running the Nvidia ION platform. The ION platform uses either an Intel Atom N270 or N280 processor but it comes with Nvidia's ION graphics. The ION is essentially an GeForce 9400, nothing really special about it except that it can playback full 1080p videos without problems. I also heard that the 13" screen is nice. It starts at $399 from HP's website, that would be the best place to purchase it.

I have the HP Mini 110XP. It is essentially the 10" screen version of the Mini 311. The 110XP uses either an Atom N270 or N280 processor, offers up to 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, and uses the Intel GMA 950 IGP. It stands out as the 10" screen can be configured with a resolution of 1366X768 (most 10" netbooks have screen resolutions that are much less than that) and it comes with the Broadcom Crystal HD accelerator. This can be used to playback 1080p videos as well. It's starting price is a lot lower than that of the Mini 311 as you can now purchase one for about $350 with all the specs I mentioned (along with a 6-cell batter) from HP's website.

I suggest that you visit physical stores such as Best Buy to see which netbook is right for you. I would stay away from Samsung and Sony though. Their netbooks are nice but they are more expensive than others and they pack the same generic hardware as every other $250 model out there (except that Sony is charging $500 for their netbook and Samsung models usually go for $400-$450). Then, after visiting the stores, go online and start price hunting. Companies such as Lenovo and HP often sell their netbooks for better prices online especially if you are a high school student, college student, or government employee.

[ThisIsNot]

No need to go to Yahoo whenever it is obvious that the Sony Vaio W is about $100-$200 higher than the competition while not offering anything above them.

Originally Posted by vitadellajan

I want to get a netbook for my work and would like to surf on the internet when I'm on public transports...I wonder if you guys could have any recommendations

First recommendation is to see if there is an internet connection on the public transports you use. Some smaller subway lines offer me free internet access but most larger train lines don't. Buses, taxis and planes don't. That means you would need some type of paid wide area network card for access.

Most people on trains I ride use a smartphone for access. It's much smaller and easier to handle when hanging from a strap. Once in a while I see small computers used by those who get a seat on uncrowded trains. You would still have to contend with balancing your bag and computer on your lap while dealing with elbow bumps as you type. I buy a reserved train ticket if I have to work with the computer on longer one to four hour trips but most of my train time is under an hour and in general seating.

That said, I use a smaller sized, older Asus 901 or more often an iPod Touch with noise canceling audio-technica headphones for privacy. I am looking at moving to a Blackberry or iPhone in a couple of months. Maybe.

[ThisIsNot]

Stop registering and posting about that stupid website. Spammer be gone.

[Chris]

Spam deleted and banned

[RonaldDoyle]

Where can I buy it for a good price?