Netbook computers have seen a surge in popularity over the last year. With low prices (often under $400 per computer) netbooks promise convenience and economy at the expense of higher end components. Cheap netbooks are easy enough to find by searching the Sunday paper, but finding the best cheap netbooks while not sacrificing usability requires some additional research to know exactly what kind of netbook to buy.
Two of the most popular and highly rated cheap netbooks are the Acer Aspire One and the Samsung NC-10. Each sells for under $400, but each also has it's own pros and cons that a potential buyer should consider before investing in one:
Acer Aspire One Model AOD150-1165 Netbook Computer
Specifications: 1.6Ghz processor, up to 8 hours battery life, 160GB hard drive, 1GB Ram, Wi-Fi, built in webcam, 10.1 inch screen
A solid, popular, but relatively cheap netbook computer, the Aspire One is the best selling Netbook computer on Amazon at the time of the writing of this article. A fast, fairly roomy hard drive gives it plenty of space for most applications and movies.
Acer Aspire One Pros:
- Currently sells for around $320
- Highly efficient processor helps extend battery life to 8 hours under normal use
- Windows XP Service Pack 3
Acer Aspire One Cons:
- No built in Bluetooth
- Finish is very prone to fingerprints and marks
Samsung NC-10 Netbook Computer
Specifications: 1.6Ghz processor, 160GB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1GB RAM, built in webcam, 10.2 inch screen
Samsung is often overlooked for their computers but they do make some very good devices with exquisite displays and design. Also one of the top netbook sellers, the NC-10 is almost identical to the Aspire One with some interesting additions that may make the price difference worth while.
Samsung NC-10 Pros:
- Currently Sells for around $365
- Up to 8 hours battery life under ideal conditions
- Hard drive and memory are easily upgradable for most users
- Windows XP Service Pack 3
- Built in Bluetooth makes it easy to use a wireless Bluetooth mouse
Samsung NC-10 Cons:
- Small screen and touchpad
Conclusions When Comparing These Two Cheap Netbook Computers:
When comparing these two cheap netbooks one notices that they are very similar in terms of features and hardware. Both netbook computers have very high ratings on sites such as Amazon and Best Buy, but the Samsung appears to have a much higher degree of satisfaction with the most 4 and 5 star ratings.
The addition of Bluetooth and the apparent ease of upgrading the hard drive and memory make the Samsung worth the additional $40, but remember that neither model includes a CD/DVD drive and that battery life is a very individual thing, varying widely from person to person. In general, either of these cheap netbook computers would be a recommended purchase, with a slight edge given to the Samsung NC-10.
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